Trying To Make Sense of Buffalo’s Deadline Deals

Looking back at the deadline dealings, it’s difficult to say if the Buffalo Sabres accomplished what they needed to. Bringing in Mikael Tellqvist leads one to believe that Buffalo will ensure Ryan Miller’s health is 100% before bringing him back to the lineup. With Patrick Lalime playing well in his absence but not getting the support from the offense needed to win a couple crucial games recently, it led me to believe that Buffalo would make a pitch to bring in some offense to help boost their chances down the stretch here.

Not so.

The Sabres played it relatively conservative only acquiring Dominic Moore on offense in exchange for a second round draft pick. Moore is having the best season of his NHL career and Buffalo bit hard. Certainly not known for his goal scoring prior to this season, Moore is more (zing) of a staple in the face-off circle, certainly an area that has plagued Buffalo this season.

The Sabres also parted ways with Ales Kotalik on deadline day, acquiring a second round draft pick from Edmonton. While this season is a far cry from the 62 point performance he put up in 2005-2006, he is among the very best in the league in shootout. He’s contributed to 7 shootout victories this season, which is currently tied for 3rd in the NHL. For a team that is 2nd in the league in games that have gone to shootouts, one would think that you’d like to keep a player like Kotalik in the lineup.

I also question the choice to not move Max last Wednesday. Granted, he seems like a totally different player since his return but the Max we’ve come to know over the past decade is prone to severe slumping and poor decision making on the ice. Certainly his history makes him a liability down the stretch here and it’s almost imminent that he’ll walk this summer makes me wonder: why not try and get something for him?

As a fan, I find it difficult to pinpoint the strategy for the final month of play for the Buffalo Sabres. Ruff came out and said Moore is nothing more than a rental player unless he proves himself as a valuable asset to the team. I’m sorry, but I just don’t see it happening.

This whole ordeal leads me to believe that Buffalo is poised to have a pretty big off-season. The defensive core isn’t getting any younger and with veterans like Spacek and Numminen’s future in question, I would hope that Buffalo would consider bringing in a younger defenseman with experience ::coughcoughJayBouwmeester:: with some offensive upside as Buffalo’s goal output from the blue line is horrendous. Also, does Buffalo dare to be bold and give Marian Gaborik a home at a reduced cost? Obviously it’s pure speculation and certainly a liability with Connolly in the lineup, but a healthy Marian Gaborik with decent support is a 80-90 point player. Hey, just something to think about, folks.

It’s going to be interesting to see what transpires over the next month. I hope that whatever the strategy may be, it brings post season hockey to Buffalo this spring.

schrembs@saucerpass.com
twitter: @saucerpass

Some Other Articles That You May Enjoy:
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Fantasy Implications Of Trade Deadline Day
Penguins Win Fifth-Straight Game
The Capitals: Trade Deadline Winners?
January 31: The Day The Leafs Changed?

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