‘They acknowledged the Sabres could have been more proactive in attempting to re-sign both a year ago and didn’t foresee Briere handcuffing their payroll when he received a one-year $5 million contract in arbitration last summer. As free agency approached, Quinn and Regier said signing Drury became the team’s top priority because of his leadership skills and because it would be too expensive to sign both.’
Sabres attempt to move forward minus Drury, Briere
Source: AP