As tough and seemingly premature as it is, Buffalo Sabres general manager Darcy Regier now has to turn his full attention to improving a team that won their division but bowed out of the playoffs after just six games.
A few heads may roll because of the Sabres postseason offensive implosion. Tim Connolly and Derek Roy were exceedingly underwhelming and one or both could be dealt, along with chronic underachiever Drew Stafford.
The organization will try to add at least one forward via free agency and/or trade and possibly a defenseman to quarterback the power play. But before Regier puts his focus elsewhere, he must first figure out what to do with his own free agents.
Buffalo has eight unrestricted free agents heading into the summer. Here is a list of them and a quick evaluation of each player’s chances of returning.
Sabres Free Agents: Who’ll be back? – continue reading…
The Buffalo lost their third consecutive games, falling in Atlanta 4-3 in front of a crowd that literally had more Sabres fans than for the home team.
Jim Slater broke a 3-3 tie at 13:16 of the third period on a shot by Niclas Bergfors that was directed off Slater’s leg past Patrick Lalime.
Buffalo played a horrible first period, particularly in the first period as they fell behind 3-1. Ryan Miller was pulled after allowing three goals on Atlanta’s first five shots.
Sabres drop third straight at Atlanta – continue reading…
While the rest of his teammates enjoy an off day on Monday, Ryan Miller will be busy in the morning. Among other media appearances Miller is slated to appear on the “Today” show at 8:30am on NBC. While there I’m certain host Matt Lauer will ask Miller about his Olympic experience and his out from the closet hottie girlfriend. That’s what happens when you become a real celebrity.
Unfortunately Lauer won’t ask him how it’s going to feel to be in possession of the Vezina trophy when the NHL season is over.
Or about that Patrick Kaleta guy.
Kaleta continues to win the hearts of Buffalo Sabres fans. The gritty but growingly skillful forward scored his ninth goal of the year 2:38 into overtime to give the Sabres a 2-1 win in New York over the Rangers.
Miller, Kaleta lift Sabres over Rangers in OT – continue reading…
According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Buffalo Sabres have waived forward Adam Mair from the hockey team.
Mair has played in only three games for Buffalo this year in trying to bounce back from a hip surgery. He was held scoreless in those games, with no penalty minutes and a minus-one rating.
For his career, Mair has played 432 games for the Sabres that’s spanned since 2002. During that time, he’s accumulated 29 goals and 62 points while spending 628 minutes in the penalty box.
We’ll certainly have more on this developing situation throughout the day.
**UPDATE**- John Vogl of the Buffalo News reports that Adam Mair is at practice today, working as a spare on the team’s fourth line. If no team claims Mair off waiver by noon on Tuesday, he could be assigned to AHL Portland.
