Darcy Regier is desperately seeking a rear guard or two in order to support his Vezina goaltender. In Buffalo, the team is built from the net out. We all know about the virtuosity of Ryan Miller. Were it not for Miller, the Sabres don't make the Playoffs in 09/10.
Buffalo need a puck moving Dman who can QB the PP. With Captain Craig Rivet on the pine (shoulder) until after Halloween, the Buffalo blueline will lack leadership and grit. Tyler Myers will start the season as Buffalo's #1 Dman, a remarkable feat considering he's heading into only his second NHL season.
Chris Butler's game resembled a yard sale at times during the 09/10 campaign, however, Regier and Ruff like his progress. Steve Montador is serviceable and will add stability. Who knows what the future holds for vets Tallinder and Lydman? when they are on, they play well. When they are "off', they create more turnovers than Pepperidge Farms. They cannot be counted on to play 20+ minutes of error free hockey, hence, its timme to look for help outside the 716 area code. There's a strong possibility that one or both will be packing their Bekins truck and leaving the banks of Lake Erie for greener pastures elsewhere.
Suddenly, the Buffalo blueline is paper thin. Regier has been actively working his contacts and doing his dilligence to bolster his problem area.
Don't be surprised if Darcy works a deal with Stan Bowman in Chicago for Brian Campbell. Prospects Gragnani and Brennan are no where near ready to play the point on the PP in the NHL right now. Soup's fat contract is an eye popper, to be sure. Can Buffalo fit Soup into their cap? Yes, they can. They'd likely subtract Lydman and Tallinder in order to do so. They'd then promote Mike Weber to Buffalo. The Sabres will have to part with a top prospect in order to grab #51.
If Campbell stays in chicago or lands elsewhere, look for Regier to phone Colorado and ask for John Michael Liles.
Tomas Kaberle will not be skating in Blue and Gold next season. Neither will Sheldon Souray. I'm hearing Kaberle will land in Boston and Souray will replace Rob blake in San Jose.
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