JohnC

I don't know how long he intends to play in Russia or how long our rights to would have lasted if exercised. But regardless his value in a trade or part of a trade is not something to be bothered about. I liked him as a player but his value as a trade asset was minimal and his departure as a player had an inconsequential impact on the roster. Player movements are part of the landscape in the NHL and happen to every team. In the end the player did what was right for himself and the organization did what was right for itself.

I doubt it. From what it was reported due to the tax law in Russia Pilut could be making nearly twice as much in Russia than he would playing in the NHL. And it is more likely that he will be given a lot more playing time in the Russian league than he would as at best a third pairing defenseman with the Sabres. I like Pilut a lot. He is a good skater and a smart player but he is not better than Joki who has a similar style of game. In a backhanded way losing a solid to good player like Pilut and not having it more than marginally affecting the unit is a sign that that unit has accumulated a good group of blueliners. A few years ago this unit was bereft a talent. Now it has a solid to good core. That's progress.

Has Paul Hamilton called Rochester American games and done some Niagara College Hockey games? I wish him well and hope he finds himself back in the business very soon. In my view he's a no frills reporter who is solid at what he does. He seemed able to be critical without being personally harsh. In general he was meat and potato type performer who was usually fair. I wouldn't mind seeing him doing Sabre hockey games as an analyst or as a substitute game caller.