‘"The trade was a big surprise,"’ he said. "I was very happy in San Jose, but sometimes good things happen when you don’t expect them so I hope this is going to be one of those situations. I was sad to leave a winning team and to leave my friends behind in San Jose, but it’s something I cannot control. Trades are part of hockey and now my focus is on helping Buffalo. Missing the playoffs is extra motivation for next season. The last time I missed the playoffs was my first season in Moncton."’