SabreSpace

'Novotny, 17, was the captain of the Czech Republic Under-18 national team and many scouts like his puck skills. But The Hockey News quoted critics as saying "I watch the game and wonder where he is," and "I don't know if he can be any more than a third-liner."' … [Read more...] about Sabres take Novotny No. 1

'Barring a trade, the Buffalo Sabres are seriously considering spending $9 million to retain All-Star goalie Dominik Hasek's rights for one more season. What is uncertain is whether the Sabres will keep the six-time Vezina Trophy-winner or trade him in order to get some value in return.' … [Read more...] about Sabres haven't ruled out re-signing Hasek

'Scouts question his consistency, but Novotny is a hard worker who excels on faceoffs.' … [Read more...] about Sabres take C Novotny with 22nd pick

'And by virtue of the fact that Peca and Hasek could be dealt for the right price this weekend, the Sabres could be a candidate to, at the very least, improve its draft situation.' … [Read more...] about Rumor has it: draft day could be a deal day

'Asked if he thought the Buffalo Sabres were a Cup contender Hasek said "no comment."' … [Read more...] about Sabre through the heart

'Considering he's 20, he's a much more proven commodity than the 18-year-olds.' … [Read more...] about Zigomanis an option

'In the days leading up to today's NHL draft, the talk concerning the Buffalo Sabres hasn't been about who they'll select, but who they'll trade.' … [Read more...] about Draft day suspense builds for Sabres

'Unless a blockbuster deal arises, it's likely Hasek's future with the Sabres won't be determined until June 30, the deadline for the Sabres to pick up the one-year option on the All-Star goalie's contract before he's eligible to become an unrestricted free agent.' … [Read more...] about Sabres still mulling over Hasek's future

'The Sabres own six picks this weekend, including two of the top 32 overall. It has the 22nd pick in the first round and three more in the second. But the Sabres' quantity and quality of choices could change quickly if they can successfully shop their two most valuable wares: goaltender Dominik Hasek and unsigned restricted free agent center Michael Peca.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' shopping could include some selling

'The guessing is that Hasek would play for less money next season to stay in Buffalo. That may well be true but, in the larger picture, how would that play at NHLPA headquarters?' … [Read more...] about Sabres' off season focuses on the Dominator

'Maybe we've been spoiled by The Dominator's greatness, but the general managers who vote for the honor might have been enamored more with his statistics than his play. His 2.11 goals-against average and league-leading 11 shutouts couldn't be ignored, but the Sabres' team defense was the biggest factor in his success this season.' … [Read more...] about Vezina doesn't guarantee Hasek's return to Buffalo

'Accepting a sign-and-trade to a top contender would be a nice way for Hasek to say thanks for nine great years with Buffalo and make a final contribution to the team that gave him the opportunity to become a superstar.' … [Read more...] about Hasek should go if he wishes

'Two NHL executives, attending last night's NHL awards ceremony at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, insisted the Sabres are shopping the all-star and don't plan to pick up the $9-million US option on his contract.' … [Read more...] about Sabres trying to trade Dominator

'"I want to play for a great team. I want to play for a team that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup," he said. "I want to play in the Olympics, I want to play in the NHL. I hope it's going to happen; if it won't be possible, maybe I won't play hockey anymore. But I want to play hockey and I hope we find a solution before July 1."' … [Read more...] about Hasek wins Vezina, but where will he put it?

'The Buffalo Sabres netminder garnered 85 points in voting. Philadelphia Flyers rookie Cechmanek had 65 and New Jersey's Martin Brodeur's earned 42. Brodeur finished runner-up to Hasek in 1997 and 1998.' … [Read more...] about Hail Hasek