BUFFALO -- The Rochester Americans want to help save the Buffalo Sabres.

The minor league hockey team's owner Steve Donner says he's interested in using his business connections to help form a group to buy the NHL team. The American Hockey League Americans have had a long affiliation with the Sabres.

Donner said that during the past two weeks he has had discussions with Buffalo businessman Mark Hamister -- whom he referred to as the "catalyst" of bringing an ownership group together.

Hamister is chairman and founder of the Buffalo-based National Health Care Affiliates and owns the Arena Football League Buffalo Destroyers.

Hamister's spokesman said Hamister isn't working with Donner and that he had no further comment.

The Sabres have been in limbo for the past two months following the meltdown of team owner John Rigas' fortune, which was tied to the debt-ridden Adelphia Communication company.