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'"(Ballard) is a well-gifted, all-around defenseman," Avalanche vice president of player personnel Michel Goulet said. "He skates extremely well and is expected to be one of the top defensemen in college hockey as a junior this season and was highly regarded by our scouting staff."' … [Read more...] about Avs trade Reinprecht, pick up defenseman Ballard

In a move designed partly to balance their budget for the coming season, the Calgary Flames traded centre Chris Drury and left winger Steve Begin to the Buffalo Sabres yesterday for defenceman Rhett Warrener and centre Steven Reinprecht. The move was precipitated by the Flames inability to sign Drury, 26, to a contract extension. Drury, who was earning $2.5-million, was seeking … [Read more...] about Budget a factor in trade with Sabres

'Drury is the key to the deal for the Sabres as he is projected to be among their top two centers, along with Daniel Briere. A restricted free agent, Drury must agree to a new contract before joining the Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Chris Drury; Reinprecht sent to Calgary

'Drury, 26, has 108 goals and 167 assists in 394 games over five seasons with Colorado and Calgary. The former Hobey Baker Award winner has 26 goals, including 11 game-winners, and 24 assists in 80 playoff games and helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 2001. In Begin, Buffalo gets a physical third- or fourth-line center. He had just three goals and an assist in 50 games … [Read more...] about Sabres get C Drury from Flames in three-team deal

'Drury, 26, played in 80 games for the Flames last season, posting 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points. Drury also cashed in five times on the power play while recording a shorthanded goal.' … [Read more...] about Flames send Drury to Buffalo

'"In adding Rhett and Steve to our hockey club, we believe we have taken another step toward creating the identity we seek for the Calgary Flames," said Sutter. "Both players have Western Canadian roots and are in the 26-29 year old age group which I consider to be the most important on your club. Rhett is a big strong defenseman who is a key fit to … [Read more...] about Flames acquire forward Steve Reinprecht and defencemen Rhett Warrener

The Buffalo Sabres acquired forwards Chris Drury and Steve Begin from the Calgary Flames in exchange for defenseman Rhett Warrener and Steve Reinprecht who the Sabres acquired earlier in the day for prospect Keith Ballard (Buffalo’s 2002 first round draft choice). … [Read more...] about Sabres Acquire Chris Drury From Flames

'There's no assurance Kariya would want to come to Buffalo, but everyone said that about Drew Bledsoe as well. Along with being a premier player, Paul Kariya is a likeable, charismatic athlete who would be a symbol that the Sabres care about the fans and about winning.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Need To Make A Splash

'"My family and I have loved Edmonton," Marchant said. "We're certainly going to miss it. The people there have been very gracious to us. My three children were born there. It's home to us, more so than Buffalo is now, but the writing is obviously on the wall that it's time for us to move on."' … [Read more...] about Oilers say you're free to go

'Six years ago, he seemed to have positioned himself as the NHL's next great coach. Six years later, he's still waiting for his second shot.' … [Read more...] about 'Why me?' Nolan once asked, but not any more

'Regier said the Sabres will be concentrating on landing a top-six forward more than anything else. A popular name frequently mentioned around town is Buffalonian Todd Marchant, whose contract with the Edmonton Oilers is up.' … [Read more...] about Free-agent floodgates swing open

'According to sources, Adelphia's options include putting the games on Empire and continuing the homegrown regional sports network for a year to see how things would work as cable's relationship with the sports industry changes locally and nationally. Another option would be to make a deal with a regional sports network such as YES or MSG by paying them the same … [Read more...] about Sabres keep TV deal, Adelphia deciding where to show games

'All were offered 10-percent pay raises.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Make Qualifying Offers To 14 Players

'''It takes a lot of things to be successful on the power play,'' Delmore said. ''You have to have forwards in front of the net and good passes. The power play is a five-man unit that has to work hard.''' … [Read more...] about Sabres hope Delmore's play stays offensive

'The Sabres can keep the players by matching any offer from another NHL team.' … [Read more...] about Sabres make qualifying offers to 14 players