Archives for June 25, 2001

'Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said that while he's had discussions with a number of teams — including St. Louis — interested in trading for Hasek, a deal is not imminent.'

'Buffalo gets a pair of promising young forwards – Mark Connolly and Tyler Pyatt – from the Islanders in exchange for Peca, a proven leader who is widely considered one of the top checking centers in the NHL.'

'Buffalo goaltender Dominik Hasek, however, was not traded despite consistent speculation he could end up with the St. Louis Blues. And he still might.'

'After a year-long standoff with Buffalo Sabres management, Michael Peca finally got the trade he had been demanding. Headed downstate to play for the New York Islanders, Peca leaves behind a legacy of grit and leadership – and of holding his ground at any cost.'

'Regier's voice cracked and his eyes welled while reflecting on the 430-day affair. His speech wavered as he expressed his appreciation to the rest of the Sabres' front office, and again when he discussed the human element of a business decision.'

'Oh, yeah. The Buffalo Sabres drafted some more players on Sunday.'

'The Rigas family, thrilled the organization had succeeded in obtaining "value" for Peca, broke out two $3 bottles of cold duck stored in the wine cellar for just this occasion. They also are pondering a freeze in cable rates . . . through July 1.'

'"I'm just happy now that I can move on and my family can look forward to moving on as well. I wish the Sabres organization well, I thank them and the city of Buffalo and the fans for everything I was able to enjoy in my five years playing here."'

'So the Islanders in two days traded five younger players for two stars who are both 27 and are both former captains with recent histories of bitterness and idleness because of contract disputes.'

'Yesterday's deal cost the Islanders two of their best young players, center Tim Connolly and left wing Taylor Pyatt, both of their high first-round picks from the 1999 draft.'