Who do you think will be the biggest movers and shakers this year?? On the Buffalo front, I heard a rumor today on WGR about Connolly and two prospects to Calgary for Adrian Aucoin and two prospects. I don't know how I feel about that, with Vanek out I think the Sabres will need Connolly's points to help keep them afloat, and Connolly's definately a gamer come playoff time. Also if it does happen, it just proves that Darcy Regier has always had a boner for Aucoin. Remember when that whole Peca fiasco played out like 8 years ago, and supposedly Aucoin was gonna sign with the Sabres, but backed out because supposedly Peca got in his ear about how shitty the franchise was? If Regier plotted for 8 years a way to finally get this guy he better produce.

in my opinion, that rumor makes no sense - if anything, the sabres should be trading defensive depth for center help, not the other way around. barring a big collapse, they'll be in a position to make the playoffs again, much of that due to the scoring depth provided by a healthy connolly.

also swapping prospects for prospects with no names attached makes it sound completely made up.

Agreed, on all counts. I too would be suprised, they are more in the hunt than they were last year at this time, and I think it'd be somewhat silly to sacrifice the offensive production of a healthier Connolly. That's why this is for rumors, some are horseshit, some have merit though. I also heard that the Sabres are discussing with the Avalanche for Jordan Leopold, to me, something seems sketchy about that as well. Oh well, I'm sure we'll hear many more whoppers between now and the 4th.

Is the "rumor mill" ever accurate at deadline time? How many people predicted we would trade for Zubrus two years ago? I think the answer is zero.

I like the rumors that have the Sabres trading for Bouwmeester. Really, I wouldn't mind dealing any of our offensive prospects for him: Stafford, Gerbe, Paille, whatever. Bouwmeester would be a huge addition. That said, it'll never happen.

jay bouwmeester fuck YES. One can dream.

why trade away the future for a UFA? its not like Buffalo with Bouwmeester would become a cup contender.

True. It's not a deal the Sabres should do if there weren't an agreement in place with Bouwmeester. We wouldn't want to get Campbelled like the Sharks.

If we trade Connolly for Aucoin I would flip out. What a horrible trade even with two prospects. As we have seen Tim Connolly in our lineup makes us a completely different team.

I think anyone mentioning Stafford in a deal is insane, guy is finally coming into the power forward he was meant to be, it would be stupid to get rid of him, especially with Vanek out.

Agreed. But I am the one guy that was a foot and a half off of the Stafford Bandwagon before the Renaissance.

I heard they were gonna trade Miller and sign
Ray Emery

on a serious note what are the thoughts on bringing in Nik Antropov or Michael Nylander? might take a hit with mike coming in but i think it would be worth it for a run at the playoffs. bring in a real veteran to settle some of these guys down.

no and no

My dad is all about Antropov too hahah. Ryan Smyth should be on the market if Avalanche keep losing. I think he has a year on his deal but I would love him here more than anything.

he has NTC and will not wavie it to come east. plus he has 3 years left on his deal.