Archives for July 2008

'WGR has learned that the agent for former Edmonton and Philadelphia captain Jason Smith had very preliminary discussions with Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, and that he anticipates talking to Buffalo again Thursday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres talk to Smith

'“They called my agent and asked what we were looking for,” Orpik said. “That was the only time we heard from them. They never came close to making a contract offer. They were way on the outside, to be honest.”' … [Read more...] about Orpik says Sabres not a factor

'Miller couldn’t handle playing 76 times, and the team and the one-time All-Star suffered. The Sabres needed another proven backup as free agency opened; someone with a strong track record who could play about 20 games to ease the burden on Miller.' … [Read more...] about Sabres add goaltending depth win with signing of Lalime

'Regier appeared unfazed by the 8-year, $56.8 million deal headed to his former defenseman, Brian Campbell. “Since he wasn’t with us, good for Brian," Regier said. "I think the market caught a lot of people yesterday. It surprises me every year, this market place. I suspect that there will be a number of players on the market before their contracts are up, … [Read more...] about Regier: ”Still Working” on D

'“We are looking both short-term needs and we’re looking long-term because we’ve got a number of players that we want to sign and we want to keep here,” he said. “Players that are big contributors now to our hockey club and there are also players down the road... It’s a combination of the short-term picture, the immediate needs and then the … [Read more...] about Sabres searching for blueliners

'One player that fans were hoping for was East Amherst native Brooks Orpik. Regier said the Sabres are interested in Orpik but he believes the hometown product will receive more than the Sabres are willing to offer; especially after the excessive deals blueliners were getting yesterday.' … [Read more...] about Regier hopeful Sabres can still address needs in free agency

'"We're still working and have been on the phone this morning and will continue to work," Regier said Wednesday, a day after signing Patrick Lalime to a two-year, $2 million contract to back up starter Ryan Miller. "We're still exploring, really looking for a defenseman, so I remain hopeful."' … [Read more...] about Buffalo Sabres still in the market for defenseman

'What is the biggest thing you have learned since signing with the Buffalo Sabres? "I guess how to work hard everyday. They gave us a speech today about how hard guys in the NHL work just to stay there, how hard it is to get there and how important it is to maintain that work ethic throughout your career. That’s huge."' … [Read more...] about Your Sabres delivered: Nathan Gerbe

'And with new players for our minor league team, can we be expecting a few former Americans to be moving up to the permanent Sabres roster? Perhaps. My top picks are heavy hitter (and Buffalo native) Pat Kaleta and speedy forward Clarke MacArthur.' … [Read more...] about What&#8217s ahead for the Sabres

'“There’s some guys that are of an interest. They’re not a high priority right now,” Regier said. “But I think we’ll certainly look at guys that we know are in the trade market and kind of weigh the cost of that versus the cost of free agency, which often involves maybe more dollars and term.”' … [Read more...] about No blue-line specials for Sabres

'The Sabres’ major need was defense. One day into free agency, it looks like they missed the boat. You make the call.' … [Read more...] about It&#8217s time Sabres netted a big fish

'The soon-to-be 34-year-old has spent nine seasons in the NHL posting a 191-148-43 record over 397 games with Pittsburgh, Ottawa, St. Louis and Chicago. In 41 career playoff games, all with Ottawa, Lalime went 21-20 record while sporting a very respectable 1.77 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.' … [Read more...] about Backup signed

'We are only in the first few days of summer and free agency has just begun. General manager Darcy Regier has some work to do and some moves to make. Even now Sabres fans should definitely be excited about the team this upcoming season as there is plenty of young talent on the current roster that will try to rebound from a disappointing campaign in 2007-08.' … [Read more...] about Moving forward

'Miller, 27, would likely command a lucrative long-term deal. Henrik Lundqvist, about two years younger than Miller and comparable in past performance, signed a six-year, $41.25 million contract extension with the Rangers in the winter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres open talks to re-sign Miller

'A player like Paul Gaustad - a big, rugged and versatile forward - is a rare breed in the NHL.' … [Read more...] about Gaustad inks $9.2 million deal with Sabres