'The Sabres blue line situation is a little more cut and dry compared to the ambiguity of the forward ranks. Barring injury, the defensive sweaters are already stitched and packed for the October 4th season opener in Carolina. With Rory Fitzpatrick gone to Vancouver via free agency, it is assumed that 2005-06 Amerks MVP Nathan Paetsch will graduate to the role of 7th defenseman on the Sabres roster.'