SabreSpace

'"(The Sabres) said it's there, but you don't have to take it if you don't want to," he said. "But it didn't take me very long to decide. I said, 'Yes, I'm going.' The reason you play is to win."' … [Read more...] about Arms buildup continues

Briere, Phoenix's leading goal scorer last year with 32, was fourth on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 46 points in 68 games. Ironically, Gratton is the big center the team was seeking to feed Amonte. He has scored 15 goals and has 44 points in 66 games this year. … [Read more...] about Coyotes deal Amonte, Briere

Having the chance to compete for a Stanley Cup in 1999 and (now) going to a contender, I do not think that is an opportunity that you can refuse. Every player wants to have that chance in his career, said Ray in a conference call. … [Read more...] about Its Ray Day in Ottawa

But in terms of a message, it is significant. It sends a message, a good message, to the supporters of the team and, more importantly, to the dressing room. It sends a message to potential playoff opponents. … [Read more...] about Sens get Rayser sharp for playoffs

It is a good thing, Neil said of the trade for Ray yesterday. Any time you can add toughness like that, it just makes everyone else play tougher. He adds a physical presence. When you have a couple of guys doing that, the other team is looking over their shoulder that much more. It keeps them on their heels. … [Read more...] about Neil welcomes latest addition to tough-guy corps

Ryan was a skilled if slender forward with offensive skill. But the Stars believe they have several talented forwards in their pipeline, particularly in Europe. … [Read more...] about Stars make deals, bolster depth

In exchange for Barnes, the Stars traded minor-league prospect Mike Ryan and a second-round pick in the 2003 draft. … [Read more...] about Stars gain depth with trades

Muckler wanted Brad May, but was told by the Phoenix Coyotes he would not be dealt. … [Read more...] about Ray immediately calls out Domi after deal to Ottawa

'The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Briere has 70 goals, 76 assists and 146 penalty minutes in 266 career NHL games, all with Phoenix over six seasons.' … [Read more...] about Coyotes Get Center Chris Gratton From Sabres for Daniel Briere

``Obviously Chris was a good player for us, but what we do is kind of roll it back here a little bit,'' general manager Darcy Regier said. ``(Briere's) a couple of years younger. He's certainly a different type of player and I think it's a good fit for us considering where we'd like to go. ... He's got upside.'' … [Read more...] about Sabres acquire Briere in dealing Gratton to Coyotes

Regier said the Sabres could make further deals before the NHL's trading deadline Tuesday.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trade three veterans

'Gratton, 27, joins his fourth team in a 10-year career after he was taken third overall in the 1993 draft by Tampa Bay. He ranked second in scoring on last-place Buffalo with 15 goals and 29 assists in 66 games and was fourth with 86 penalty minutes.' … [Read more...] about Coyotes get C Gratton from Sabres for C Briere

'''It's a cold, harsh, stark reality of where we are as a franchise,'' Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. ''But it's an opportunity to reaccelerate the building process for what will amount to focus on not only next season, but even more so, beyond a new collective bargaining agreement.'' Regier said he consulted … [Read more...] about Sabres trade two veterans

'``It's something you play for ever since you were a little kid, to lift that cup over your head,'' Barnes said. ``I'm looking forward to being part of it, to be part of another chance for a Cup.''' … [Read more...] about Stars get C Barnes, D Odelein in separate deals

'Barnes, 33, had 11 goals and 21 assists as Buffalo's captain this season. In four-plus seasons with the Sabres, he had 67 goals and 105 assists.' … [Read more...] about NHL's Stars Get Odelein From Chicago, Stu Barnes From Buffalo