I caught a whiff of an interesting rumour earlier today that I'd like to fly up the @SabresBuzz flag pole. As it was told to me, the Sabres, among several other teams, are interested in acquiring one of the nastiest, crankiest S.O.B's in the NHL to play against.
He's a wide-bodied centre man, who is capable of, playing Lindy Ruff's ideal style of play: holding onto pucks and cycling deep in enemy territory; creating time and space for his linies. He's capable of scoring 20 goals and adding 20+ assists per season. Not quite #1 centre material, but the kind of guy you want on the ice with the likes of Vanek and Pominville. He wins face-offs with equal parts dexterity and smack. In fact, he was rated #14 in the entire NHL last season in faceoff win percentage. He's a heart and soul player, who would tackle and fight the zamboni if his coach directed him to. He's intense, skilled, and he plays a 200 foot, heavy brand of hockey.
Ladies and gentleman: Steve Ott
Ott has two years remaining on his contract in Dallas. No no-trade or no movement clauses. He's a $2.95 million cap hit, which by today's standards, is a steal. Whats more, he's 29 years of age and has played a ton of meaningful NHL hockey games to this point in his career.
When the Stars traded centre Mike Ribeiro at the NHL Draft, it sent a spitball around the NHL that the Stars are looking to build their team around its best players, Loui Eriksonn and Jamie Benn.
Imagine Ott providing protection and pucks for Ennis, Hodgson, Gerbe, Stafford, Ennis, Vanek, Pominville, et al.
Hell, imagine Ott chirping Lucic, Spezza, Lupul, Subban and the rest of the Northeast division.
Were I Darcy Regier, I'd offer Roy and Sekera for Ott. Luke Adam may be a chip that Buffalo that Buffalo would want to throw into the deal.
Regier said on Monday that just because he had drafted 5 centres in the 2012 draft, it doesn't mean that he would pass up the opportunity to add veteran pivot.
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