'Teams were allowed to protect 18 skaters and two goaltenders. The Sabres had 29 players eligible for the waiver draft, but they exposed only one who spent time with them last season: center Chris Taylor. The others left unprotected were forwards Christian Matte, Francois Methot and Darren Van Oene, defensemen Rory Fitzpatrick, Doug Houda, Mike Hurlbut and Mario Larocque and goaltender Tom Askey.'