Archives for June 26, 2011

'"Buffalo is coming into, probably as close as you can to an ideal situation, in my opinion. Even they would have had a challenge three years ago, in terms of the situation that was in place then. I believe that the three years that the three years of hard work, investment, and dedication that Curt Styres has put in to the city bodes well. Hopefully, there will be success … [Read more...] about Amerks president Lewis Staats reflects on sale

'"It took a little longer than we were hoping, but it's done and real positive for us," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said at the NHL entry draft. "With the history that he has and the age he's at, years ahead to play, I think he can really do a lot for our younger defensemen. ... The fact that his size, the fact that he's a left shot, I think it fits very … [Read more...] about Regehr likes what he sees in Sabres

'"I was very ecstatic. I was a Sabres fan ever since I can remember liking hockey," Lepkowski said by phone. "It definitely makes it a lot more special being drafted by Buffalo. I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."' … [Read more...] about Sabres draft the big Lepkowski

'“It’s not just veteran leadership, it’s size and experience,” Regier said. “ ... With the history he has and the age he’s at with years ahead to play, I think he can really do a lot for our younger defensemen.”' … [Read more...] about Regehr accepts trade to Sabres

'“They said how much they real­ly enjoyed the city, the people, raising a family in Buffalo,” says Regehr, who, with wife Kristina, has one young son and another child due next month. “These are guys that I trust. There’s no reason for them to lie. They didn’t say anything bad whatsoever. That says a lot."' … [Read more...] about Regehr leaves behind 12 memorable years in Calgary

'In Regehr, Feaster realizes the Flames gave up a shutdown defencemen other teams simply hate to play against. He also surrendered his assistant captain and one of the heaviest hitters in the league.' … [Read more...] about Flames net much-needed salary cap relief

'“He’s a terrific person,” Regier told reporters in St. Paul. “A good player. Unfortunately, these are decisions you have to make . . . because of what you think are the needs. And Calgary was insistent on him being part of the deal. Chris Butler is an outstanding young man with, I think, tremendous upside in the league. Very good puck-mover, very good … [Read more...] about Butler, Byron on cusp of making impact in NHL: GMs

'Ridding themselves of Regehr's $4.02-million cap hit and Kotalik's $3-million gives the Flames some breathing room heading into free agency.' … [Read more...] about Flames trade Regehr, sign Tanguay

'"That was a big part of it," Regehr said of the persistence of the Sabres group, which clearly pegged Regehr as a key part of moving forward. "It's really flattering to anyone when someone is pursuing you like that. I warned them about northern Saskatchewan, the bugs and that. Terry said he had a place on the lake in the Adirondacks and the bugs are pretty bad, too. He seems … [Read more...] about Persistence sold Regehr on Sabres

'“Chris Butler is going to play for us right now. He can step into the lineup and move up the depth chart,” Feaster said. “We view him as a fifth defenceman right now but we think he has greater potential than that. He’s a responsible guy, more of a defensive defenceman.”' … [Read more...] about Flames’ Butler set to serve

'“I’m a little nervous. A little anxiety setting in,” said the 22-year-old in the hours following the news. “It’s a pretty big surprise -- I’ve never been traded before -- but I’m definitely looking forward to being in the Calgary organization."' … [Read more...] about Trade surprises new Flames prospect

'According to Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, “My conversations with (Regehr) were terrific. It was never about, ‘I don’t want to come to Buffalo.’ He said, ‘Buffalo is an option.’ He talked to a number of players - Jordan Leopold, who played in Calgary with him - Rhett Warrener, others. This is maybe the secret of Buffalo. From the … [Read more...] about Flames trade Regehr, sign Tanguay

'Navin, who has signed a national letter of intent to play college hockey for the University of Wisconsin, was taken with the 197th overall pick in the draft.' … [Read more...] about Waupaca’s Brad Navin taken by Buffalo Sabres in seventh round of NHL Draft

'Butler, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, spent the last three seasons with the Buffalo Sabres accumulating five goals and 31 assists along with 66 penalty minutes in 155 games. He was originally drafted by Buffalo in the 4th round (96th overall) in the 2005 NHL Draft.' … [Read more...] about Flames acquire Chris Butler & Paul Byron

'"My strongest attribute is my ability to help with the transition game," he told CalgaryFlames.com. "My skating ability is also to my advantage ... when I see an opportunity, I try to jump up into the rush."' … [Read more...] about Adding firepower on the blueline