BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo Sabres were one of the most active teams at the deadline. Unfortunately for them, it was not because they were gearing up for a playoff run. It was actually because they were unloading their veteran players left and right. The Sabres made a total of five deals at the deadline, and we here at The Buffalo News have decided to break them down.
Wed, 3/14
To Buffalo: RW Patrick Kaleta
To Detroit: NYI 3rd Rd 2007, BUF 6th Rd 2007
The Sabres picked up a kid in Kaleta who loves to hit people. Apparently someone forgot to tell him he’s a winger, and not a middle linebacker. Kaleta may never be more than a 3rd or 4th line role player, so a 3rd and a 6th might be a bit overpayment. However, with the energy this kid brings to the table, night in and night out, he should be with the club for a long time.
Sat, 3/17
To Buffalo: OTT 5th Rd 2007
To Colorado: D Glen Wesley
The Sabres had signed Wesley in the off-season as a UFA to bring experience and leadership to the club for the playoff run. Things did not work out well for the Sabres, but Wesley should bring the same to the Colorado Avalanche who are very much in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. Wesley played well while he was n a Sabres uniform, playing 22 games and recording a goal and an assist. He was a respectable -3 on a bad team. Having never won a cup in his professional career, Wesley was more than willing to accept the trade for one last shot at Lord Stanley’s Cup. The Sabres organization wishes him well.
Sat, 3/17
To Buffalo: PHL 3rd Rd 2007
To Nashville: RW Scott Mellanby
The Buffalo Sabres acquired Mellanby about a month ago for youngster Brandon Bochenksi. that was back when the Sabres felt they could mount a run and grab one of the last spots. A month later and a lot of losses later, they wasted Bochenksi on a 3rd rounder. All in all, a 3rd rounder for Mellanby is a good return, but if you look at what they originally gave up for it, not so much. Mellanby had played well for the Sabres, but should bring a good veteran presence to the Predators in their quest for the cup.
Sat, 3/17
To Buffalo: G Ondrej Pavelec, ANH 4th Rd 2007
To Anaheim: G Alexander Auld
The Sabres were not really looking to deal Auld at the deadline unless a deal came up that was too good to pass up. with Ryan Miller in net, Auld was not really needed, but remained a very good 1B option. However, the chance to pick up a promising goalie prospect in Pavelec and a 4th in the draft was worth losing Auld. Adam Dennis will be called up to replace Auld as Miller's backup. The Sabres will probably look to sign a veteran backup in the off-season, and sign Pavelec to contract and let him earn some experience in Rochester of the OTHML.
Sat, 3/17
To Buffalo: ATL 3rd Rd 2007, NJ 4th Rd 2007, PIT 4th Rd 2007
To Nashville: LW Martin Gelinas
The final trade the Sabres made was the trade everyone expected. Winger Martin Gelinas was shipped out to Nashville for 3 picks in the 2007 draft. The Sabres now have a lot of picks in the upcoming draft, and will look to re-stock their prospect depth, or use the extra picks to move up in the draft. It was rumored that the Flames were the leaders to acquire Gelinas, but it appears Nashville made this offer at the last minute, as it was the last deal of the deadline day.
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It look as though the Sabres were able to get some value for their older roster players. It will remain to be seen if they can do anything to improve their chances for next season, or if they will be in the same boat come this time next year.