MVN - Most Valuable Network

Sabres Do Some Dealing, Acquire Rivet

Earlier in the day, GM Darcy Regier announced the team had traded winger Steve “Big Bear” Bernier to Vancouver in exchange for a 3rd round 2009 and 2nd round 2010 draft pick.  At the time, the trade appeared very odd.  Many people expected Maxim Afinogenov to be moved, but few suspected Bernier.

Well, now it all makes a little more sense.  The Sabres took that 2nd round 2010 pick, packaged it with their own 2009 2nd round pick, and acquired veteran defenseman Craig Rivet from the San Jose Sharks.

Hockeybuzz.com is also speculating that the Sabres may not be done yet.  I’ll give you more complete coverage when more information becomes available.

Free Agent Update: Kalinin Signs With Rangers

The Buffalo Sabres have finally taken their first casualty of the free agent period.  Defenseman Dmitri Kalinin has left for the Big Apple to re-unite with Chris Drury, signing a 1-year deal with the New York Rangers.  The money aspect of the deal was not released.

Now, will the Sabres come through and sign a blue-liner of their own?  Stay tuned.

Free Agent Update: Sabres Talk to Smith

So maybe the Sabres aren’t done after all…

WGR550 in Buffalo is reporting that Art Breeze, agent for former Edmonton and Philadelphia captain Jason Smith, was contacted by the Sabres, and expects more talks on Thursday.

Breeze also commented that the Sabres had not fielded a firm offer, and talks on Thursday would most likely revolve around adjudicating the seriousness of the Sabres in signing Smith.

Supposedly, Smith has a 9-point list of items he will use to decide where to sign.

Smith would address the Sabres need for a hard-hitting, stay at home, veteran presence on the blue line.  The current corps of defensemen that are legitimate NHL skaters includes Henrik Tallinder, Toni Lydman, Jaro Spacek, Nathan Paestch, and farm hands Andrej Sekera and Mike Weber.  Teppo Numminen and Nolan Pratt are both unrestricted, but may re-sign with the Sabres.  Dmitri Kalinin, however, appears to be done skating in the blue and gold.

That is a fairly young group of defensemen there, so a grizzled veteran like Smith would be a solid move for Buffalo.  He brings locker room presence and a strong defensive game to the table.  I sincerely hope the Sabres make this happen.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Free Agent Update: Orpik Off the Market

TSN is reporting that unrestricted free agent defenseman Brooks Orpik has re-signed with the Penguins.  The terms of the contract are reportedly 6 years and $22.5M.

I am infuriated.  Orpik made it known in 2000 when he was drafted that he wanted to play in Buffalo.  He’s a local guy, and his brother is one of our prospects.  So what this tells me is that the front office never made a play at Orpik, because those numbers are surprisingly affordable.  Orpik is good value at $3.75M/year.

Darcy Regier told the media today that he is still looking at defensemen and is hopeful something will get done.  If I know the Sabres, nothing will get done, and this Orpik signing is indicative of their unwillingness to sign players via free agency.

Keep it here to see if Darcy surprises all of us and makes a move.