Not an upgrade, they’re ECHL players and will probably play in Jacksonville. The Amerks have a lot of defensemen, perhaps Poolman asked for a trade to get more playing time.
Because Marty is filling in for Ray, and Kaleta works in the Sabres organization as a youth hockey ambassador, and coaches the Jr Sabres U13 team. So he’s available and on the payroll.
The problem with them winning is then they’ll act like things are better and nothing needs to change. Then after a couple of wins they’ll go into another slump. Rinse and repeat.