‘"He’s accepted his role as a fourth-line centre," Ruff said at HSBC Arena as the Sabres prepared for the 2009-10 NHL season. "If it’s 30 seconds or eight minutes of ice time, he’s not asking for anything more. Usually players want more. If they have a little bit of success, they want to be a third-liner. Matt is special in a sense that he takes whatever role is given to him and he’ll be a soldier in that role for you."’