Archives for March 13, 2001

'Audette was having his best season, ranking 15th in the league in scoring before Tuesday's games. He had 32 goals, 39 assists and 71 points — all career highs.'

'The Buffalo Sabres made two deadline deals, neither of which involved holdout center Michael Peca. The Sabres bolstered their offense, acquiring veteran goal scorers Donald Audette and Steve Heinze, in separate deals shortly before Tuesday afternoon's NHL trade deadline.'

'He was making $1.32 million this season and was offered a contract that would pay him $2.8 million over two years. The club and Heinze's agent broke off contract talks on Monday. Heinze can become an unrestricted free agent after the season.'

'Trying to help a slumbering offense, the Buffalo Sabres acquired a pair of right wings on Tuesday, welcoming back Donald Audette and obtaining Steve Heinze before the trade deadline.'

'A league source said Monday night that Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier had no intentions of trading Peca until the summer because he doesn't believe he can get top value for the 26-year-old center and didn't want to be pressured into a deal.'

'But Peca's agent Don Meehan told the National Post yesterday the Sabres are refusing to return calls to interested teams. "This is personal," said Meehan. "They want to teach this player a lesson. Sooner or later you run out of time." Sabres GM Darcy Regier refused comment.'

'Vaclav Varada, who suffered a concussion when he was crunched by Tampa Bay defenceman Grant Ledyard on Feb. 25, hopes to return to the Sabres' lineup Wednesday night against the visiting New York Rangers.'