Archives for March 11, 2003

'"I think they're dumbfounded," Ray said of his former Sabres teammates. "They couldn't believe it when I told them I had been traded. But Stu? That's nuts, and then (Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier) said he wasn't done."' … [Read more...] about The hammer falls

'Earlier this season he was approached by Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier about playing elsewhere.' … [Read more...] about Deal leaves Ray feeling snowed under

'Allowing Regier to oversee the self-necessitated restructuring of the Sabres is like letting John Rigas do the patchwork at Adelphia. Or Robert Wickenheiser steer the course at St. Bonaventure. It's Regier's mess. He created it. And only his departure will wash away the stigma.' … [Read more...] about Regier's deals come too late for Sabres

'"(The Sabres) said it's there, but you don't have to take it if you don't want to," he said. "But it didn't take me very long to decide. I said, 'Yes, I'm going.' The reason you play is to win."' … [Read more...] about Arms buildup continues

Briere, Phoenix's leading goal scorer last year with 32, was fourth on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 46 points in 68 games. Ironically, Gratton is the big center the team was seeking to feed Amonte. He has scored 15 goals and has 44 points in 66 games this year. … [Read more...] about Coyotes deal Amonte, Briere

Having the chance to compete for a Stanley Cup in 1999 and (now) going to a contender, I do not think that is an opportunity that you can refuse. Every player wants to have that chance in his career, said Ray in a conference call. … [Read more...] about Its Ray Day in Ottawa

But in terms of a message, it is significant. It sends a message, a good message, to the supporters of the team and, more importantly, to the dressing room. It sends a message to potential playoff opponents. … [Read more...] about Sens get Rayser sharp for playoffs

It is a good thing, Neil said of the trade for Ray yesterday. Any time you can add toughness like that, it just makes everyone else play tougher. He adds a physical presence. When you have a couple of guys doing that, the other team is looking over their shoulder that much more. It keeps them on their heels. … [Read more...] about Neil welcomes latest addition to tough-guy corps

Ryan was a skilled if slender forward with offensive skill. But the Stars believe they have several talented forwards in their pipeline, particularly in Europe. … [Read more...] about Stars make deals, bolster depth

In exchange for Barnes, the Stars traded minor-league prospect Mike Ryan and a second-round pick in the 2003 draft. … [Read more...] about Stars gain depth with trades

Muckler wanted Brad May, but was told by the Phoenix Coyotes he would not be dealt. … [Read more...] about Ray immediately calls out Domi after deal to Ottawa

'The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Briere has 70 goals, 76 assists and 146 penalty minutes in 266 career NHL games, all with Phoenix over six seasons.' … [Read more...] about Coyotes Get Center Chris Gratton From Sabres for Daniel Briere

``Obviously Chris was a good player for us, but what we do is kind of roll it back here a little bit,'' general manager Darcy Regier said. ``(Briere's) a couple of years younger. He's certainly a different type of player and I think it's a good fit for us considering where we'd like to go. ... He's got upside.'' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Briere in dealing Gratton to Coyotes

Regier said the Sabres could make further deals before the NHL's trading deadline Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trade three veterans

'Gratton, 27, joins his fourth team in a 10-year career after he was taken third overall in the 1993 draft by Tampa Bay. He ranked second in scoring on last-place Buffalo with 15 goals and 29 assists in 66 games and was fourth with 86 penalty minutes.' … [Read more...] about Coyotes get C Gratton from Sabres for C Briere