Buffalo, NY - The deadline came and passed today n the OTHL, and the Sabres did not make a move for a star defenseman like they had so hoped to acquire. However, the Sabres did make a move for a defenseman, and a solid one at that. The Sabres picked up soon to be UFA Craig Rivet from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for prospect Norm Milley.
"Rivet was avialable all last month, however we wanted to try and make an acquisition for a top 4 defenseman. When the price for those players were astronimcally high, and we could not find a deal, we considered Rivet, however Edmonton still had a high asking price, considering Rivet will test the topen market. With about 2 minutes before the deadline we made an offer to Edmonton, and i guess they prefered to move Rivet rather than risk loosing him for nothing, and the deal happened. We feel the price of prospect Norn Milley is a worth while risk. So far, Milley has not developed as we had hoped in the Buffalo system, and for that reason felt it was something we could afford to give up in exchange for Rivet. We wish Milley the best of luck in Edmonton. In Rivet, we get a solid #5 defenseman. He will push James Patrick down to the #6 spot, and leave Tallinder as our reserve defenseman. this will also allow hearalded prospect Steve Eminger to finish the season down in Rochester, unless of course we get hit by injuries. But we feel we have 8 solid players who can play on our blueline. Of course, we feel Emigner would be best served to gain some more experience down with the Amerks rather than sitting the bench here in Buffalo. The deal, although not a blockbuster, defeintly helsp us in shooting for a playoff spot, and doing some damage once we get there." said GM Jason Fisher at the press conference held shortly after the 12 noon deadline.
The Sabres New lines, switched as of pracice this mornign by coach Lindy Ruff, may look like this at their next game.
Morrow-Briere-Gaborik
McAmmond-Drury-Hecht
York-Peca-Maltby
Avery-Scatchard-Mair
Lidstrom-McKee
Morris-Patrick
Hill-Rivet
Giguere