Archives for February 26, 2008

‘Q: Did you have any idea a trade was coming? “No, that’s why I said I was surprised. I woke up going into the same routine I used to do, go eat breakfast, and Doug Wilson said ‘I need to talk to you.’ I was surprised but at the same time stuff happens for something and I hope it’s going to be good.”‘

‘For a team that’s screaming for leadership, I don’t see how getting a 22-year-old forward is going to help. It took Campbell years to become a leader on this squad and when he finally accepted that role, he proceeds to be traded for a young power forward that has been regressing and not progressing since his short but successful rookie campaign in 2005-06.’

‘While doing research on Bernier, I searched the San Jose Sharks message boards to see what fans out in San Jose thought of him. They affectionately call him “Bernie” and the overall impression seems to be that he has not lived up to his potential, but he does have a lot of potential. A few fans even suggested that the change of scenery and, more specifically, the shift to Buffalo would help Bernier a lot.’

‘”Frustration, a little bit,” Campbell said holding back the tears on numerous occasions. “I’ve got a lot of people and friends here. I would’ve liked to have gotten it done, but it didn’t happen.”‘

‘The 22-year-old Bernier (6-foot-2, 225 lbs.) has 23 points (13+10) and 62 PIMs in 59 games for the Sharks this season. For his career, Bernier has 81 points (42+39) in 160 games. Twelve of Bernier’s 42 career goals have been scored on the power play. Bernier has also scored seven points (1+6) in 22 playoff games with San Jose over the past two seasons.’

‘Not only is Bernier a talented big man who goes 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, but he’s also an active hitter on the forecheck, leading the Sharks with 127 hits this season. That physical style should be appreciated in Buffalo and Bernier should be able to fit in with Buffalo’s group of young forwards. It may take a couple more seasons, but Bernier is a potential 30-goal scorer.’

‘The Sabres are life and death to make the playoffs in the East, but at least avoided losing a vital asset for nothing, as happened with free agents such as Daniel Briere and Chris Drury when general manager Darcy Regier dithered at the deadline and in the days leading to July free agency.’

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‘Campbell’s a pretty darn good Plan B, and it’s hard to imagine he couldn’t be acquired in exchange for Andrej “Uh Oh” Meszaros and a draft pick, and/or a prospect of Brian Lee’s ilk.’

‘Even though Golisano has taken a low profile with the hockey team, Sabres faithful are pointing the finger at him. One fan lamented in a letter to the Buffalo News that Golisano and management have made the club “the farm team for the rest of the NHL teams who have competent management.”‘