Darcy Regier spoke with the media after the NHL Draft in Newark.
Here are some of the out-takes:
* Regier was asked if he will be okay beginning the 2013-14 season with Vanek and Miller in the roster. Regier answered "Yes. Absolutely."
I see Vanek staying and I see Miller leaving for the season begins.
* Regier identified and found another right handed D in McBain. Regier likes to play with 3 left D and 3 right D.
* Regier says that he is not going to offer Amerks goalie (UFA) David Leggio a contract. Right now. Is a Miller trade pending? Regier's advice to Leggio: Be patient. You may get a contract. Keep an eye on Leggio as he will not be waiting around for his phone to ring.
As it turns out, the Carolina Hurricanes have been keeping a close eye on former Sabres D Andrej Sekera. The Canes went to the draft prepared to traded the 5th overall pick for the 8th overall pick so that they could get Sekera from the Sabres. They respect his game and were willing to trade back to get him.
“We’re really pleased to get Sekera,” said Jim Rutherford, the team’s president and general manager. “He’s a real defensive defenseman. He’s a shutdown guy. He can kill penalties and really play in all situations.”
Sekera was Buffalo's 3rd round pick in 2004 out of Owen Sound. Sekera has compiled 92 points (17G, 75A) in 339 career games with the Sabres,
His unique selling proposition his his ability to eat big minutes like he did when he skated 21:12 TOI of ice time per game in 2013.
“We feel very comfortable with him in our top four,” Rutherford said.
“He can play top-four minutes.”
Rutherford has been searching high and low for a top four D at the top of the list. Sekera was their primary target so they closed the deal for him at the draft.
“We kept watching him closer and closer, and then we eventually got to today,” Rutherford said. Sekera could pair with Tim Gleason on the Canes blue line.
The Sabres got pick #32 from the Canes that they used to draft winger TJ Compher. They also took possession of D Jamie McBain, who was was selected by Carolina in the second round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. In 206 career games with the Canes, McBain lit the lamp 19 times and he added 56 assists (75 points). He scored 1 goal in 40 games with the Canes this season and found himself parked in the press box.
“I think Jamie will turn his game around next year, but unfortunately he didn’t come to camp last year ready to play,” Rutherford said. “He wasn’t in good shape, and because of that, he didn’t have a good year and he got in the coach’s doghouse. I really didn’t see that he was going to get himself out of it. I wish him well. He’s a good guy.”
Thanks, canes.com
“As it’s turned out, we got to stay at five, get the player we wanted and also get the defenseman that we, when we came here to this draft, were hoping to get,” Rutherford said.
* McNabb- is recovering from injury and will push hard to earn the 7th D job
* Ristolainen- may play with Sabres this season. He's ready for the NHL at age 18.
The Sabres invested the 159th pick in the draft on West Seneca native, Sean Malone. Nice player, with an honest two-way game. The center will be heading to Harvard.
With the 52nd overall pick in the NHL Entry Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have made Justin Bailey's dreams come true. Buffalo boys Pat Kane, Pat Kaleta and Tim Kennedy will have to look over their shoulders in the years to come. Here comes Justin Bailey!
The Williamsville native grew up a devout Sabres fan. He's now a Buffalo Sabres.
Bailey, a 6'3 190 lb. winger, told me Friday that he compares his game to that of Eric Staal and David Backes.
Join the Discussion:
»