‘While July 1 is the date on paper, let’s be a tad more realistic. As the deadline draws nearer the likelihood increases that Buffalo’s co-captains-in- limbo will be inclined to see what the market holds. If the Sabres haven’t wrapped up either player by, say, the end of next week, why wouldn’t Drury and Briere ride it out to the deadline, if only for curiosity’s sake?’