SabreSpace

'"We didn't get offers that we felt would address our needs or make our hockey club better," Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier said.' … [Read more...] about Stay-at-home defenseman

'The Sabres were willing to trade the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Gratton, wonderfully skilled and dominant when willing, for a 5-10, 178-pound Daniel Briere in a swap of centers and draft picks. Briere plays bigger than Gratton around the net. He's stronger mentally. He's also more consistent and cheaper and, at 25, two years younger.' … [Read more...] about Regier's moves a sign of the times

'"I'm not looking at is as a bad thing or a downgrade by leaving Phoenix and going to Buffalo," Briere said Tuesday afternoon before leaving Arizona. "I look at it as something fun."' … [Read more...] about Briere sees the sunny side of moving up north

Carolina has won three straight. … [Read more...] about Sabres vs. Hurricanes

'"I've been through a lot of things, but I've never been this nervous," Ray said. "I really am, just getting here and not knowing how I'm going to be accepted. So let's just get the first one out of the way and keep going."' … [Read more...] about Ray nervous in his new environment

'Botterill rejoined the Sabres late Tuesday afternoon and will give them the NHL standard 18 skaters for tonight’s home game with the Carolina Hurricanes.' … [Read more...] about Sabres call Botterill back from Amerks

'"I think they're dumbfounded," Ray said of his former Sabres teammates. "They couldn't believe it when I told them I had been traded. But Stu? That's nuts, and then (Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier) said he wasn't done."' … [Read more...] about The hammer falls

'Earlier this season he was approached by Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier about playing elsewhere.' … [Read more...] about Deal leaves Ray feeling snowed under

'Allowing Regier to oversee the self-necessitated restructuring of the Sabres is like letting John Rigas do the patchwork at Adelphia. Or Robert Wickenheiser steer the course at St. Bonaventure. It's Regier's mess. He created it. And only his departure will wash away the stigma.' … [Read more...] about Regier's deals come too late for Sabres

'"(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