'Thursday, in a bid to prop up the Sabres, New York State forgave a US$25-million loan linked to construction of the HSBC Arena. Joel Giambra, the elected head of Erie County, which includes Buffalo, said covenants prevent a buyer from moving the Sabres out of his city. "The Sabres are here to kick the ass of the Maple Leafs for a long time to come," Mr. Giambra said.'