Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Mair remains with team after clearing waivers

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November 11

Buffalo News

"Adam Mair believes he can help the Buffalo Sabres. He still has the chance. Mair remains in Buffalo after the other 29 NHL teams failed to claim him off waivers Tuesday. The Sabres had the option of sending the 30-year-old to Portland of the American Hockey League, but they decided to keep him in Buffalo for now. "It's just status quo," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He'll stay." Mair practiced with his longtime mates in Amherst Pepsi Center, filling the role of 13th forward. He's expected to be a healthy scratch for the seventh time in nine games tonight when the Edmonton Oilers visit HSBC Arena. "Nothing has changed as far as my approach to the game, my approach to the team and the guys," Mair ..."

Sabres move forward without Paille

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October 21

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Sabres have played the Boston Bruins 245 times during the regular season, most of any opponent. They have met eight times in the playoffs, producing some of the more memorable moments in Sabres history. But until Tuesday, the 39-year-old rivals had never made a trade of players under contract. Daniel Paille changed that. The Sabres, faced with a logjam at left wing, sent Paille to the Bruins in exchange for two draft picks. The Sabres will receive Boston's third-round selection in the 2010 entry draft and a conditional fourth-round pick next June. Paille set a career high with 19 goals two seasons ago but has slid down the depth chart since. He dipped to 12 goals last year, and ..."

Vanek practices but is doubtful for weekend

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October 16

Buffalo News

"Bad news: It looks doubtful the Sabres' winger plays tonight against the New York Islanders and his status is probably the same for Saturday's game against Atlanta. Vanek skated as normal with linemates Derek Roy and Drew Stafford through the team's 40-minute workout in the Amherst Pepsi Center. He looked OK to most observers but not to the one who counted the most. "A trained eye saw differently," said coach Lindy Ruff. "He was getting through practice pretty good but to be fullbore he's a little bit of a long shot." Vanek was hurt in the second period of Tuesday's 6-2 win over Detroit. The Sabres have called the injury only an upper-body ailment but it's believed to be to Vanek's ribs. ..."

Vanek could return by weekend

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October 15

Buffalo News

"Sabres winger Thomas Vanek could be back in the lineup this weekend after making drastic improvement Wednesday with an upper-body injury that initially was expected to sideline him for several weeks. Coach Lindy Ruff wasn't getting his hopes too high about his top goal scorer being available against the New York Islanders on Friday night but hinted that the veteran winger could be ready for the Atlanta Thrashers on Saturday. Both games will be played at HSBC Arena. "Actually, it's good news," Ruff said after practice Wednesday. "He's doing remarkably well, which is good. I don't think it will be a very long period of time. I wouldn't even rule him out maybe for a game on the weekend for as ..."

Injured Vanek could be lost for weeks

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October 14

Buffalo News

"It was a big win and a big loss all at once Tuesday for the Buffalo Sabres. Thomas Vanek left for good with 7:14 to play in the second period after scoring his second goal in the 6-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Coach Lindy Ruff revealed Vanek will miss several weeks with an undisclosed upper body injury. Vanek slid hard into the end boards after scoring the goal on Derek Roy's third assist in a 4½-minute span, but Ruff said the injury actually occurred before that play. Television shots of Vanek on the bench before the shift showed Vanek grimacing while moving his neck/shoulder area. Vanek's shoulder was not in a sling when he left the locker room about 40 minutes after the game ..."

Sabres, Coyotes share rare bond of bankruptcy

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October 8

Buffalo News

"Henrik Tallinder was a typical rookie, happy to be in the NHL and possessing a mind filled with questions. The best place to go for answers was to the veterans, but the defenseman noticed they were occasionally preoccupied. Even a 23-year-old newcomer could tell why. Mixed in with power-play meetings were bankruptcy updates. In addition to game plans, the 2002-03 Buffalo Sabres had to discuss which prospective owner might buy the team. Some guys had their minds split on faceoffs and court dates, wondering whether a judge would permit their bonuses to be paid. It certainly wasn't how Tallinder had pictured professional sports, but it's how things were on the bankrupt Sabres team being run ..."

Devs get defensive with Peters

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September 25

New York Post

"Trying to keep pace with a trend in the Atlantic Division, the Devils have signed enforcer Andrew Peters to a two-year contract, The Post has learned. The former Sabre was invited to Devils camp as an unrestricted free agent on a tryout basis and earned a contract with his performance in training camp. Peters joins Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond as the Devils' top pugilists, although there may only be room for one in most lineups, such as the one that fell 2-1 in overtime to the Flyers last night, when Peters played. Matt Carle scored on the power play in the first on Martin Brodeur, and Devils' prospect Matt Halischuk tied the game in the third on Ray Emery, with both goalies going the ..."

Thrashers add Afinogenov for tryout

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September 17

Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"The Thrashers will bring Maxim Afinogenov, who played in Buffalo last season, into training camp for a pro tryout. He is expected to arrive Thursday night. Afinogenov was injured much of last season, but the 6-foot-1, 191-pound Russian forward led the Sabres in scoring in 2005-06 with 73 points. "He's a high-end guy, a skill guy," Thrashers general manager Don Waddell said. "It doesn't hurt. We'll see what happens.""

Sabres sign Stafford to two-year deal for $3.8 million

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September 14

Buffalo News

"Like most people in sports, Lindy Ruff loves projecting what players can achieve. The Buffalo Sabres coach observes the talent, sees the potential and puts a number on a guy. Some folks see Drew Stafford as a future 30-goal scorer. The right winger has good size at 6-foot-2, 216 pounds. He has skill. He's also improving, as last season's career-best 20 goals and 25 assists can attest. But before Ruff predicts perennial 30-goal seasons from his newly signed winger, he wants to see one such season. "You've got to get there first," the coach said Sunday in HSBC Arena. "We project a lot in our business because it's what we like to do. Nobody ever projects down. We all project up. "I think he ..."

Sabres, Stafford stuck in contract stalemate

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September 12

Buffalo News

"Buffalo Sabres training camp starts Saturday morning, and the biggest question is will Drew Stafford be in attendance? The answer is a resounding "I don't know." Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier and Neil Sheehy, Stafford's agent, had identical responses today regarding whether the restricted free agent would be signed before the Sabres take the ice in HSBC Arena. "I don't know yet," Regier said. Sheehy, by phone, answered: "I'm always hopeful, but I don't know." The sides were scheduled to chat in hopes of clearing the biggest obstacle: How much is the 23-year-old right winger worth? "It's always money," Regier said. "Every one of these situations has always come down to money. 'Not ..."

Battle for Sabre jobs begins today

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September 12

Buffalo News

"There obviously are a number of players who are locks to make the Buffalo Sabres. Top goal scorer Thomas Vanek isn't going anywhere. A rough September by captain Craig Rivet would mean nothing. An even cooler month by goaltender Ryan Miller would have no impact on his status. But as folks in Sabreland know all too well, the team has missed the playoffs the past two seasons. The pressure is there to improve. If some of the regulars who have been around fail to take those steps, they could find themselves out of a job. The competition begins today when the Sabres open training camp for the 2009-10 season. "We've missed the playoffs two years in a row, and if somebody takes your spot, they ..."

Peters assumes his time with Sabres is done

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August 22

Buffalo News

"Andrew Peters knows there's still a place for enforcers in the NHL. He also knows Buffalo isn't one of those places. The Sabres' designated tough guy for the last five seasons has resigned himself to the fact he won't be back for a sixth. "I don't even know if there's been a discussion with Buffalo and my agent at all," Peters said by phone Monday. "I know that there wasn't up until July 1, and I don't think there has been one since. "It's unfortunate, but I've enjoyed my time here. I've loved my time here. I've been through good times and bad, with successful teams and not-so-much. I've made some lifelong friends and played with some unbelievable guys. If that's what I come out of hockey ..."

Report: Veteran defenseman Numminen retires

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August 5

NHL.com

"According to reports in Finland, veteran Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen is retiring after 20 NHL seasons. The 41-year-old defenseman was selected with the 29th pick of the 1986 Entry Draft and went on to play 1,372 regular-season games with the Winnipeg Jets, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and Sabres. He scored 117 goals and 520 assists and scored an additional 9 goals and 14 assists in 82 Stanley Cup Playoff games. Last season Numminen skated in 57 games for the Sabres, after playing in only one game in 2007-08. A heart problem was discovered prior to the '07-08 season and Numminen missed the majority of the season after undergoing open-heart surgery."

Ruff is content with standing pat

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July 11

Buffalo News

"Folks in Sabreland have been worriedly and angrily wringing their hands the last couple of weeks. They've watched teams throughout the NHL make changes to their rosters and can't figure out why the Buffalo Sabres are sticking with what they have. Lindy Ruff, however, isn't worried. "I like what we have here as a team, and these guys can continue to grow," the coach said Friday. Ruff closed the Sabres' development camp at Niagara University with a steadfast endorsement of his players and the organization. The Sabres, as of now, are sticking with the core of players who failed to make the postseason the past two years. Ruff has no problem with that. "I'm OK going in," said Ruff, whose team ..."

Sabres expect to avoid holiday shopping

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June 30

Buffalo News

"Darcy Regier, a native of Saskatchewan, surely has nothing against July 1. It is, after all, Canada Day, a chance for those from north of the border to celebrate the founding of their beloved country. But as far as shopping on July 1, Regier hates it. The Buffalo Sabres general manager sees inflated prices and deals that run too long, so he prefers to stay out of the way until the holiday rush is over. Expect the same this week. The NHL free agency period starts at noon Wednesday, and the festive season is once again sure to raise eyebrows and player salaries. Just don't expect the Sabres to gift-wrap a big- name player for the folks who watch games in HSBC Arena. Regier hinted again ..."

Sabres sign Myers to 3-year contract

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May 11

Buffalo News

"Tyler Myers is one of the hottest prospects in junior hockey. He's also one step closer to the NHL. Myers, the Buffalo Sabres' top pick in the 2008 draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team today. The 6-foot-8 defenseman was taken 12th overall. Myers, a smooth-skating 19-year-old, capped a great week with the deal. The Houston native and Calgary resident was named Most Valuable Player of the Western Hockey League playoffs Saturday for putting up five goals and 20 points in 22 games. Myers led his Kelowna Rockets to the WHL title over the Calgary Hitmen and put them in the Memorial Cup. He had nine goals and 33 assists in 58 regular-season games for the Rockets this ..."

Sabres' Tellqvist signs to play in Russia

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May 4

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Sabres acquired Mikael Tellqvist at the trade deadline as a short-term insurance policy. Turns out that's exactly what he was. The goaltender's career in Buffalo lasted just six games, as the pending unrestricted free agent has signed to play with Ak Bars of Russia's KHL. A report out of Sweden said Tellqvist signed for about $1.3 million, up from this season's NHL salary of $800,000."

Scratch Ruff from Oilers' coach search

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April 19

Edmonton Sun

"Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Darcy Regier aren't going anywhere. The team announced on its website yesterday that both will be back for next season despite the Sabres missing the playoffs for a second straight year. The decision came less than a week after Buffalo completed its regular season by finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference for a second straight season."

Afinogenov is going to move on

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April 14

Buffalo News

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"Maxim Afinogenov, the most senior Sabre, confirmed what was obvious to anyone paying attention this season: His career in Buffalo is over. "It's probably better for me to move on and [go] somewhere else," Afinogenov said. "The last two years have gone nowhere. . . . It was a long time, 10 years. I had some bumps and I had some good times. Everyone was nice and the fans were real good." Afinogenov had just six goals and 14 assists in 48 games this season. He said he's mulling a spot with Russia at the Worlds."

Quinn vows 'top-to-bottom' review

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April 12

Buffalo News

"Buffalo Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn said Saturday that he will scrutinize every part of the organization before deciding whether major changes will be made during the offseason. Quinn met with reporters briefly after the Sabres put the finishing touches on a 6-1 victory over the Boston Bruins in HSBC Arena. Quinn would not say whether General Manager Darcy Regier or coach Lindy Ruff would be retained or fired after the Sabres missed the playoffs for the second straight season. "It's probably going to be the most thorough top-to-bottom evaluation ever done here," Quinn said. "We're going to do it and it's going to involve a lot of people. When it's done, we'll have a pretty good idea ..."

Curtain may fall on Numminen today

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April 11

Buffalo News

"Teppo Numminen couldn't say for sure if today might be his last National Hockey League game. But 21 years and 1,371 games after his debut with the old Winnipeg Jets, it's very possible the 40-year-old defense-man will take the ice for the final time when the Sabres host Boston in HSBC Arena. "A lot of things have happened the last couple of years and you've got to step back and gather your thoughts, talk with your family and see where you want to go," Numminen said Friday following an optional skate in the Amherst Pepsi Center. "You need more time to put it all together and make those decisions." Numminen has played 56 games this year in a bounceback season after heart surgery in September ..."

Spacek doesn't want to leave Buffalo

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April 10

Buffalo News

"Jaroslav Spacek remembers his first year in Buffalo. It was far from joyous. He felt underused and out of place, something he doesn't want to experience again. It's a reason the Sabres have a chance of keeping him. The Sabres' top-scoring defenseman becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer after finishing a three-year, $10 million contract. The 34-year-old will be sure to attract attention after topping 40 points this season. "I'm still young," he said Thursday. "I'm not done yet. My destiny is to win the [Stanley] Cup. I hope I will be around the team that wants to win, and that's what I'm looking for." Spacek also wants to make sure he's with a team that is going to use him. He was ..."

Tellqvist in line for second start in goal

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March 25

Buffalo News

"Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller continued to make progress with his balky left ankle but he's not expected to be ready for to-night's matchup against the Florida Panthers. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff will likely give newcomer Mikael Tellqvist his second start since joining the Sabres in a trade. Tellqvist was informed before practice Tuesday that he would start in goal tonight if Miller was unavailable. Backup Patrick Lalime made sure to give Tellqvist more time during a 50-minute workout in which they shared one crease while Miller continued testing his ankle in the other. "You always want to play well for your teammates," Tellqvist said. "If you play well for your teammates, you're also ..."

Oilers staying mum on swaps

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March 4

Edmonton Journal

"The Edmonton Oilers management team entered the cone of silence before today's NHL trade deadline. No loose lips. No daily press briefings. So, we're not sure who or where they're looking to get a forward who might be able to score a goal. They only have two forwards (Ales Hemsky and Erik Cole) with more than 15 goals. HERE'S AN EDUCATED GUESS WHERE THEY'RE LOOKING: 1. Winger/centre Chris Higgins in Montreal. He was once untouchable, thought to be the next captain if Saku Koivu left. They wouldn't give him up to get Marian Hossa last season, apparently. His star has dimmed after an injury-plagued season. His Group 2 (restricted) contract ends in July. He's only making $1.75 million. He's ..."

Deadline sellers unlikely to see big returns

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March 4

Toronto Star

"More and more, today's trade deadline appears to be a prelude to that which lies ahead. To a significant degree, much of what we'll see today – or don't see today – is the direct result of 30 clubs trying to forecast the future in terms of where the industry is heading and, in particular, where the salary cap may be headed. In fact, there were moves yesterday that were indicators of what teams are thinking. Nicklas Backstrom signed a new contract to be the starting goaltender with the Minnesota Wild, and the salary was significant, an average of $6 million per season."

GMs go down to the wire

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March 4

Toronto Star

"Coffee brewed, scouting charts laid out, and lists of wants and needs neatly organized, the general managers of the NHL's 30 teams will meet in boardrooms across North America this morning prior to the trade deadline. Around them will be their confidantes, assistants and scouting directors ready to dial phones, buzz the BlackBerrys, text the messages and e the mail. Reputations will be carved, saviours will be anointed, nerves will be frayed, and regrets – there'll be a few. If things begin as normal, the morning will go slowly from a public perspective: Perhaps a few fourth liners, or fifth defender for some low-round picks as selling GMs try to talk up the price to the buyers. Behind ..."

Marty shuffling off to Buffalo?

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March 4

Camden Courier-Post

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm in Clearwater, FL right now covering the Phillies spring training. Anyway, I'm still keeping my hockey ears peeled and I heard last night the Flyers are looking into moving Marty Biron back to the Sabres as a salary dump. It makes sense for a few reasons. The most notable is that Biron makes 3.5 mill and that would clear a big portion of salary space for the Flyers to land a quality defenseman like Tomas Kaberle, Derek Morris, Filip Kuba or …. Jay Bouwmeester. I still think the Flyers are hot after JayBo and that Jacques Martin was in Philly twice last week because he wanted a good long look at Joffrey Lupul, Matt Carle, Randy Jones and Braydon Coburn. If ..."

Sabres could draw interest

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March 3

Buffalo News

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"Other pending free agents who should draw interest at the deadline are Connolly, Kotalik and Jaroslav Spacek. Veteran defenseman Henrik Tallinder, who is signed through 2009-2010, also figures to be attractive to teams. "I don't like to think about anything I can't personally control," Kotalik said. "I'm sure [General Manager] Darcy [Regier] is going to do the best for our organization. "For me, I've been here for a long time. I see an opportunity to play in the playoffs with this team this year and I would love to stay and compete. Not just get to the playoffs but to make a run with this group." Ruff annually tries to stay out of trade chatter and he took that road again Monday. "I'm not ..."

Trade winds are swirling

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March 3

Toronto Star

"An interesting note from the NHL trade deadline front: exactly 25 deals were completed in each of the last three deadline days. That number is expected to be surpassed tomorrow, when this season's deadline arrives. With Leafs GM Brian Burke leading the way, several NHL GMs have been frank about their trade prospects. Several players– Bill Guerin, Derek Morris, Nik Antropov and others – are on the trade block. There are also teams such as Ottawa, in the midst of a disappointing season, which will have to purge certain players in order to help with next season's budget. Here's a look at what's brewing around the NHL leading up to tomorrow's 3 p.m. (EST) deadline:"

Deadline provides good theatre

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March 2

Globe and Mail

columnist Eric Duhatschek

"This is how the sands can shift in the ridiculously close NHL standings, with the trading deadline less than 72 hours away: At the all-star break, during the final week of January, it looked as though the only bona fide seller in the Western Conference would be the 15th-place St. Louis Blues, a team undermined for much of the season by injuries, limited scoring and so-so goaltending. The Blues featured at least one tradable commodity - left winger/centre Keith Tkachuk - who would be of some interest to a contender. Every week, a new version of the Tkachuk to the Boston Bruins rumour made the rounds. In the meantime, the Blues quietly chipped away at the gap between them and eighth place. ..."

Afinogenov says he’s been ready to go

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March 1

Buffalo News

"Maxim Afinogenov doesn’t see the point of sitting in the press box. He was there again Saturday night, dressed in his black suit rather than the Blue and Gold of the Buffalo Sabres. He knows the trade deadline is Wednesday. He figures if he isn’t going to play for the Sabres, he may as well play for someone else. “I want to play, definitely,” Afinogenov told The Buffalo News on Saturday. “I want to help the team, but if they’re not using me, it’s probably no point for me to be here. “Anything can happen. We’ll see. If they don’t want to use me here, they’re probably going to move me. I don’t know what’s going to happen right now.” Afinogenov missed his 24th straight game when the Sabres ..."

Guerin expected to be traded to contender today

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March 1

Newsday

"As exciting as the Islanders' 2-0 shutout of Buffalo was last night at the Coliseum, the greater drama occurred moments before faceoff when captain Bill Guerin was not on the bench after skating during warm-ups. That was the first tip-off of a trade expected to be announced today. A source close to Guerin, who recently agreed to waive his no-trade clause for a deal sending him to an Eastern Conference playoff contender, said the Islanders had a deal in place that awaited only his approval. The source called his no-show a "precautionary scratch" and indicated he will make his decision this morning. Another source with ties to Guerin indicated only that the team is not Boston or the Devils. ..."

Connolly waits to find out his fate

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February 28

Buffalo News

"Tim Connolly is playing against his old team tonight. Who knows? Maybe the next time he plays, the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders might both be his old teams. The Sabres will play their final game before the trade deadline when they visit Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale. General Manager Darcy Regier has made a deal at the deadline each of the past five seasons, so it’s quite possible at least one person in Blue and Gold will be playing his final game for the Sabres. Most observers are keeping their eyes on Connolly. The gifted, oft-injured playmaker will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The sides have been discussing a contract extension. If talks prove futile — or if juicy ..."

D-Day looms

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February 28

Edmonton Journal

"Trade deadline day, in the words of Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, is a mixed bag -- "an awful day, an exciting day, a day full of magic, also a day full of very poor decision making." While we've basically had a league-wide roster freeze for the last five months because of salary cap issues with teams, the trade deadline is the one day where GMs actually try to appease (a) braying fans, (b) players who are looking for a jolt, and (c) coaches who can't transplant hands on Shean Donovan or get a heart that beats for Tyler Arnason. You always get some strange trade ideas on Internet sites -- like Edmonton Oilers unrestricted free agent Erik Cole and a fourth-round draft to ..."

NHL teams have stars in their eyes

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February 26

Buffalo News

"The NHL trade deadline is next Wednesday, and nobody is quite sure what to expect in the days ahead. Six teams were within nine points of fourth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference heading into Wednesday night. Eight points separated fifth-place Vancouver and 13th-place St. Louis in the West. Buy, sell or flip a coin? So many teams, so many players, so many possibilities. Several superstars are almost certain to change addresses, and several more are capable of pushing teams into contention. Here are a few items worth watching leading into Wednesday while pondering trade rumors du jour. STAR GAZING Jay Bouwmeester, D, Florida. General Manager Jacques Martin didn't rule out trading ..."

Again, who wants Gerber?

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February 26

Ottawa Sun

"The Senators are getting ready to decide Martin Gerber's fate. GM Bryan Murray told Sun Media yesterday he'll likely put the veteran goaltender on re-entry waivers in the next 48 hours to see if anybody is willing to take a chance on the 34-year-old Gerber. Sent to the club's AHL affiliate in Binghamton last month, Gerber, who is in the final year of a contract paying him $3.7 million (all terms US) this season, could be brought in by a playoff-bound team as insurance. Before Murray can put Gerber on re-entry waivers, the GM has to clear a roster spot, which means a player on a two-way contract would have to be sent down for a day. Should Gerber get picked up, the team that claims him and ..."

Connolly deal can’t be dismissed

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February 25

Buffalo News

columnist Bucky Gleason

"In terms of truth, I’d rather swallow whatever drivel A-Rod is selling than the garble generated near the NHL trade deadline. The only thing planted between an overage of gossip and a shortage of substance is an exaggeration of facts. But every now and again, a juicy hockey rumor actually makes sense. That brings us to the latest “Tim Connolly is headed for [insert team]” chatter making the rounds in recent weeks. This one had the pending unrestricted free agent going to Columbus, where the Blue Jackets have been clamoring for a center of Connolly’s ilk. And why not? Connolly alongside Rick Nash would be frightening with the big winger manning the left side and the right-handed center ..."

Jackets looking to be savvy first-time buyers

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February 25

Columbus Dispatch

"The NHL trade deadline is one week from today, and the Blue Jackets will be buyers for the first time in franchise history. "I believe we have a good chance to get in (the Stanley Cup playoffs) this season," general manager Scott Howson said. "We're not subtracting from our roster, I can tell you that." Between now and 3 p.m. Wednesday, myriad variables are at play. But the Blue Jackets' priority remains adding a center. Buffalo's Tim Connolly -- highly skilled but highly prone to injury -- keeps popping up in the NHL rumor mill. The Sabres are in the playoff picture, but word is the club would rather get something in return for Connolly than let him leave as an unrestricted free agent ..."

All or nothing

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February 22

Toronto Sun

"Will the desperate Habs finally sever ties with Kovalev? Will the Panthers send big Bouwmeester packing to beef up their forward ranks? And what about Pronger, Havlat, Gaborik, Tkachuk... With the NHL trade deadline only 10 days away, Sun Media's Bruce Garrioch breaks down what each club needs -- and who's up for grabs as teams look to play let's make a deal. --- FLORIDA PANTHERS Needs: The Panthers have to decide what they're going to do with D Jay Bouwmeester, who won't be back next season. The club needs scoring up front and there's no question it would be able to fetch that in a trade. GM Jacques Martin could be the biggest player at the deadline. Who's available: D Jay Bouwmeester, D ..."

Hasty moves at trade deadline won’t benefit Sabres

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February 8

Buffalo News

columnist Bucky Gleason

"Less than a month away, with the Buffalo Sabres equipped for one playoff round but not much more, resisting the temptation is difficult. The NHL trade deadline is March 4, and For Sale signs are dangling from the necks of several players who are capable of pushing the Sabres into the second round, maybe deeper. The Sabres have enough assets to make a significant trade and improve their chances in the playoffs. It’s true, but ask yourself: Where is all this really going? The standard isn’t advancing in the playoffs this season. It’s winning the Stanley Cup. They’re not good enough this year, and it’s not going to change after the deadline. Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier will keep ..."

Sabres want to re-sign Connolly

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February 8

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Sabres' plan had been to deal with their unrestricted free agents after the season but General Manager Darcy Regier said here Saturday the team is interested in starting talks right now on a new deal with red-hot center Tim Connolly. Connolly, who has spent the bulk of his three-year, $8.7 million contract on the injured list, has been Buffalo's best forward for the past three weeks after returning from a broken rib. He entered Saturday with 19 points in 19 games this season. "He is a special case," Regier said between periods at Scotiabank Place. "He's someone we're going to look at before the [trade] deadline, not from a trade standpoint but from the standpoint of seeing if ..."

For Sale sign on Sabres?

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December 8

Globe and Mail

"The Buffalo Sabres were denying Monday morning a report coming out in a Buffalo-area hockey magazine this week says that Tom Golisano is seeking a buyer for the Buffalo Sabres. The report in Western New York Hockey magazine, which cites an unnamed source, says that talks are in the exploratory stage. It goes on to say that Golisano is listening to offers and prices are being discussed. The source claims that there is a group with NHL expertise involved in the discussions. In a statement released Monday, Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn said: "We are not in negotiations to sell the team and as we have stated in the past, we will never entertain discussions to move the team out of ..."

Larry Quinn denies report that Sabres are looking for a buyer

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December 8

TSN.ca

"Buffalo Sabres minority owner Larry Quinn denied a report on Monday saying majority owner Tom Golisano is looking to sell the NHL club. A story to be released in Western New York Hockey magazine later this week says - citing an unnamed source - that talks are in the exploratory stage and that Golisano is listening to offers. The story adds that Quinn is actively looking to find a buyer, and that Research in Motion co-founder Jim Balsillie has been approached. "Absolutely not," Quinn told TSN on Monday. "We're not selling the team, we're not moving the team to Hamilton, there is absolutely nothing going on." Balsillie has been pursuing an NHL franchise for some time, coming up empty in ..."

Put Wild on speed dial

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December 7

Buffalo News

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"Minnesota is scouring rosters for available forwards — you know any teams that have them? — and is willing to cough up a defenseman in return. The Wild is so thin up front that defenseman Brent Burns has been playing forward for the past month. “The caution always is, as soon as you eliminate depth in one area, all of a sudden you’re looking to fix another problem,” GM Doug Risebrough told the Minneapolis Star Tribune. “But we will have to see.” Risebrough can start by dialing area code 7-1-6. Most likely to be sent packing: Kim Johnsson, Marek Zidlicky and Marc-Andre Bergeron. Johnsson is making $5.25 million and is signed through next year. Same goes for Zidlicky, who is pocketing $3.5 ..."

Toronto Not The Only Rumor Out There

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November 18

Central Maine Sports Blog

"Rumors floating around the Cumberland County Civic Center after Burke's resignation, were many. It is no secret the Brian Burke was unhappy flying coast to coast to see his family. Burke was born in Rhode Island, played for the Maine Mariners in the AHL, went to Harvard was GM for the Hartford Whalers and all of his children live on the east coast. His son Patrick is a scout for the Philadelphia Flyers. Some had Burke discussing a coaching position for Coach Dineen, if and when Burke becomes General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Toronto Globe and Mail is reporting internal preparations are being made to offer Burke the GM job. Other sources at the Cumberland County Civic Center ..."

Ruff in line for shot at Olympics

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October 20

Buffalo News

"Lindy Ruff’s resume is impressive. More than 400 victories. Four conference finals appearances. One trip to the Stanley Cup. A Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year. His reputation around the league is solid. What’s missing, however, is international acclaim. There’s a chance that could be coming. Hockey Canada put together its management team for the 2010 Olympics over the weekend, and its next step is selecting a coaching staff. Though that likely won’t happen until summer, several reports say Ruff is on a short list to be behind the bench. “It’d be just a terrific honor,” Ruff said this weekend. “It’s a great event, and it’d be great to be part of something of that magnitude. ..."

Sabres to hire Dineen to coach in Portland

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August 5

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Sabres this afternoon plan to name Kevin Dineen as their American Hockey League head coach in Portland, giving the 19-year NHL veteran the responsibility of developing a fresh group of prospects while allowing him to stay with the same team. A news conference has been scheduled for 2 p. m. today in Portland, where the announcement will be made. Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier would neither confirm or deny Dineen’s hiring, but several sources confirmed Monday that an agreement had been reached. Dineen has been the top candidate for the job since July 24, when former Rochester Americans coach Randy Cunneyworth left the organization to become an assistant coach with the ..."

Team signs Gaustad, opens Miller talks

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July 1

Buffalo News

"Ryan Miller and Paul Gaustad just returned from a 10- day European vacation. They went their separate ways after getting back in the States, but it appears they could be reuniting long term with the Buffalo Sabres. Gaustad signed a four-year, $9.2 million contract Monday, the same day General Manager Darcy Regier announced he has begun preliminary discussions with Miller's agent about an extension for the goaltender."

Sabres Trade Rumors