Well, Sabres fans can’t say Darcy didn’t sign anybody. But, he really has yet to make a major impact in free agency. On the bright side, he didn’t just sign Bob Corkum.
The Sabres signed Rob Nidermayer to a one-year deal today. According to TSN, the deal is worth $1 million for the 2010-11 season.
I am a big fan of the website, Icethetics. It is run very well and always has new information about what uniforms are being worn throughout hockey, not just the NHL. Chris, the guy who runs the site, has had some info about a new Sabres uniform for next season.
Larry Quinn stated on a local radio show last year that there would be two new uniforms this season, including a new third jersey to celebrate the team’s 40th season. Chris over at Icethetics put together a concept based on what he has been told the new uniform will look like, here is the link to his story.
I think he is pretty close to accurate based on his description. But, being a hockey nerd and knowing that the city of Buffalo is fanatic about its history (why else wouldn’t Bass Pro be built), I think the sweater will hearken back to an earlier era of Buffalo pucks. Going off what Chris has on his site, I think the Buffalo script will be similar to the script that adorned the old Bisons jerseys in the 1960s. Plus, I don’t know if putting an extra logo on the front makes any sense, I like having the number underneath the script, it leaves room on the right breast for a 40th anniversary patch. Here is my try at the possible third jersey:
The dearth of trades leading up to the beginning of free agency, Thursday at noon, has been somewhat surprising.
Ten days ago rumors were rampant that players like Tomas Kaberle, Jason Spezza and others would be moved on or before the draft. At the very worst they wouldn’t last past June 30. But, there have only been a few “major” deals. Vancouver acquiring Keith Ballard and Victor Oreskovich for a first-round pick, Steve Bernier and Michael Grabner is probably the biggest – followed closely by Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell for Denis Wideman and a pair of picks. Aside from Dustin Byfuglien, the Chicago-Atlanta trade was heavy on numbers but weak on talent.
Either way, the only moves that have been made have been to clear cap space rather than acquire talent. Most of the fringe acquisitions have been smart, but have lacked the pop that all the rumors have predicted. Continue reading
Patrick Kaleta’s HITS Foundation is pleased to announce its 1st annual golf tournament to be held Sunday, August 8 2010 at Holland Hills Country Club (10438 Holland Glenwood Rd. Holland, NY 14080).
Registration for this event is going on right now. It is slated to be a shotgun start at noon and will play in a four-man scramble format. There are still openings for golfers of all skill levels. The cost is $500 per foursome which will include 18 holes of golf, lunch, dinner, and drinks. To register for this event, please visit http://www.hitsfoundation.org or email cw.hitsfoundation@gmail.com for further information. All proceeds will directly benefit the HITS Foundation.
The HITS Foundation (Helping Individuals To Smile) has been recently established to provide opportunities within the Western New York community for children and adults to participate in activities that otherwise would not be available to them. In doing this they are aiming to elevate the participants’ quality of life.
For more information, contact Chris Wasik at: cw.hitsfoundation@gmail.com or visit the HITS Foundation website.
Size, again, was the focus of the Sabres’ draft, they took nine players all tipping the scales at 175 pounds or higher and none shorter than 6′.
Three of their first four picks were right handed defensemen, the weakest part of the team’s prospect pool. In all, Buffalo took six forwards; two each at center, left and right wing. Here is a list of each the Sabres’ picks:
We are a few months removed from the final Sabres game of the season and there hasn’t been too much action at One Seymour H. Knox III Plaza. However, there have been grumblings.
For starters, Mike Grier voiced his desire to stay in Buffalo for the 2010-11 season. Darcy Regier responded in kind with a one-year $1.4 million contract. The Sabres still have seven unrestricted free agents (including Raffi Torres) and three restricted free agents on the roster entering tonight’s draft.
I don’t expect all eight contracts to be renewed, particularly Torres, Adam Mair and Patrick Lalime. In addition, I feel that Mark Mancari doesn’t have a spot in the Sabres’ organization anymore, mainly because he has mulled in the minors without being able to crack the NHL lineup for too long.
So, assuming the team resigns Pat Kaleta, Tim Kennedy, Matt Ellis and Cody McCormick there will be 13 NHL caliber forwards and six (seven counting Marc-Andre Gragnani) defensemen. Now, there is also a chance the Ellis and McCormick are not resigned in favor of different UFA signings or promotions from within the organization. Either way, there will be holes that need to be filled with the big club heading into next season.
First, let me give props to the NHL for doing such a good job with this year’s annual award show.
Jay Mohr was hysterical as the host, the presenters were all pretty good, except Jamie Kennedy mispronounced the Vezina Trophy, and the performances were solid as well. All-in-all, I thought it was a huge success, especially compared to years past when the show was dryer than my mother’s cooking. It was particularly funny when Duncan Keith complained that they were trying to send him off by cuing the music, while Alex Ovechkin just waited until they turned his mic back on.
My only real disappointment was that Ryan Miller didn’t win the Messier Leadership Award. I wasn’t too torn up because it is a fake award so it didn’t really matter. But, I feel that Miller truly shows the meaning of a true leader and deserved the victory. Although, Sidney Crosby does have so many of those attributes as well. Continue reading
Two in the Box 