Archives for 2001

'In the days leading up to today's NHL draft, the talk concerning the Buffalo Sabres hasn't been about who they'll select, but who they'll trade.' … [Read more...] about Draft day suspense builds for Sabres

'Unless a blockbuster deal arises, it's likely Hasek's future with the Sabres won't be determined until June 30, the deadline for the Sabres to pick up the one-year option on the All-Star goalie's contract before he's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Sabres still mulling over Hasek's future

'The Sabres own six picks this weekend, including two of the top 32 overall. It has the 22nd pick in the first round and three more in the second. But the Sabres' quantity and quality of choices could change quickly if they can successfully shop their two most valuable wares: goaltender Dominik Hasek and unsigned restricted free agent center Michael Peca.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' shopping could include some selling

'The guessing is that Hasek would play for less money next season to stay in Buffalo. That may well be true but, in the larger picture, how would that play at NHLPA headquarters?' … [Read more...] about Sabres' off season focuses on the Dominator

'Maybe we've been spoiled by The Dominator's greatness, but the general managers who vote for the honor might have been enamored more with his statistics than his play. His 2.11 goals-against average and league-leading 11 shutouts couldn't be ignored, but the Sabres' team defense was the biggest factor in his success this season.' … [Read more...] about Vezina doesn't guarantee Hasek's return to Buffalo

'Accepting a sign-and-trade to a top contender would be a nice way for Hasek to say thanks for nine great years with Buffalo and make a final contribution to the team that gave him the opportunity to become a superstar.' … [Read more...] about Hasek should go if he wishes

'Two NHL executives, attending last night's NHL awards ceremony at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, insisted the Sabres are shopping the all-star and don't plan to pick up the $9-million US option on his contract.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trying to trade Dominator

'"I want to play for a great team. I want to play for a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup," he said. "I want to play in the Olympics, I want to play in the NHL. I hope it's going to happen; if it won't be possible, maybe I won't play hockey anymore. But I want to play hockey and I hope we find a solution before July 1."' … [Read more...] about Hasek wins Vezina, but where will he put it?

'The Buffalo Sabres netminder garnered 85 points in voting. Philadelphia Flyers rookie Cechmanek had 65 and New Jersey's Martin Brodeur's earned 42. Brodeur finished runner-up to Hasek in 1997 and 1998.' … [Read more...] about Hail Hasek

'[Matt] Kinch, 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, was originally taken in the fifth round of the 1999 NHL draft by the Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Rangers sign WHL's top-scoring defenseman

'"I'll coach as long as I'm happy coaching," he said. "I really enjoy the job. I don't know how long that will be, but I hope it lasts a long time."' … [Read more...] about Despite great success, Ruff's cup only half full

'The 21-year-old Heisten was selected by the Sabres with the 20th pick in the 1999 draft, but Buffalo didn't sign him, making him a free agent.' … [Read more...] about Heisten signs with Rangers

'Who would you blame? This one was booted at every level, so you have four choices. Close your eyes and take your pick.' … [Read more...] about There's plenty of blame for why Zigomanis deal came undone

'One of the more amusing aspects of the parting shots made by retired Sabre Doug Gilmour about Empire's "Hockey Hotline" and co-hosts Mike Robitaille and Brian Blessing is the popularity of that program with Sabres owner John Rigas.' … [Read more...] about Rome and Dickerson home in on new locations

'Barring an arbitrator's ruling, former Buffalo Sabres draft choice Michael Zigomanis is about to become fair game for the rest of the National Hockey League. Three prospects, including Zigomanis, will re-enter this month's NHL draft after the league failed Thursday to reach a compromise with the NHL Players' Association to validate their disputed … [Read more...] about Zigomanis may go back in draft pool