Archives for 2002

'Smehlik, 32, will receive $2.5 million this season, an increase from his $1.65 million deal last year with Buffalo. But that is the only part of the agreement that is guaranteed. The Thrashers have one-season options for the next two years at the same salary.' … [Read more...] about Smehlik to shore up defense, teach young guys

'While no NHL club was mentioned, Powers believes the group was interested in bringing the financially-troubled Buffalo Sabres to town. The NHL recently took over day-to-day operations of the Sabres pending the possible sale of the franchise to an owner committed to keeping the team in the Queen City. The group in contact with Hamilton had indicated territorial … [Read more...] about Pricetag of $75m kills city's NHL dream

'The Atlanta Thrashers, trying to address a glaring weakness on defense, signed free agent Richard Smehlik on Wednesday.' … [Read more...] about Thrashers sign free agent defenseman

'"We are very pleased to have added a player with Richard's experience to our lineup," Atlanta general manager Don Waddell said. "He is a proven veteran who will provide us with leadership and stabilizing presence on our blue line."' … [Read more...] about Thrashers sign free agent D Smehlik

Thursday, October 10th vs. NY Islanders … [Read more...] about Sabres Schedule Announced

'Picture a Buffalo Destroyers game: loud music, games, giveaways, cheerleaders and fan promotions - and that's all before you reach your seat. Hamister, who owns the arena football team, thinks the same technique can work for Sabres hockey.' … [Read more...] about Hamister's star rises as Sabres suitor

'City officials held serious talks as recently as 11 days ago to discuss the possibility of a National Hockey League team moving temporarily to Copps Coliseum...While no specific NHL team was identified, Powers believes the group was interested in bringing the financially-troubled Buffalo Sabres to town. "There appeared to be an urgency to the situation. I think it … [Read more...] about NHL team pondered a brief move to Copps

Although terms have not been finalized, Smehlik is expected to get a one-year contract with an option for a second season. He made $1.65 million last season with Buffalo. … [Read more...] about Thrashers close to deal with Smehlik

'In recent seasons, Lever had come under fire from Sabres fans over the team's poor power play.' … [Read more...] about Life after Lever

'Sabres defenseman Jason Woolley and forward Erik Rasmussen made it clear they want out of Buffalo, but they aren't alone. Winger Vaclav Varada told the team he would like to play elsewhere next season.' … [Read more...] about Bright lights of Broadway put Rangers GM Sather on hot seat

'The Dallas Stars and the Buffalo No Stars. That's what the NHL has become minus a salary cap.' … [Read more...] about NHL salaries run away from Sabres

'Ray is the best PR a reeling franchise has right now. He's also a key figure in a locker room that's been staggered by the Adelphia meltdown.' … [Read more...] about Sabres were razor-sharp in signing Ray

'Ray's signing doesn't help the Sabres on the ice. He had five points last year - along with 200 penalty minutes. But it helps the team immensely in the community. At a time when the Sabres are struggling to stay in town, when their credibility is in question, they need a player like Ray on their roster. One that the fans love and identify with. One that cares … [Read more...] about Hasek's gone, but Ray remains

'Now that Ray's new contract has been agreed upon, he can fully concentrate on his other major summer event. Aug. 24, he will marry Juliean Wigdorski from Grand Island.' … [Read more...] about Ray comes back to Sabres for an encore

'"(Bettman) encouraged me to continue along with a possible offer for the Sabres," DuRoss said.' … [Read more...] about P-Bruins' DuRoss stays in running for Sabres