We’re Still Waiting, Darcy

It’s been a few years since General manager Darcy Regier has made a significant move to improve the Sabres. The offseason has just started, and I am already tired of waiting for Regier to do something. It’s just not going to happen.

There were plenty of positive thoughts and opportunities, but none of them have or will come through. Tomas Kaberle has been the biggest rumor in Buffalo, but apparently the deal fell through. Even though Regier still has a chance to acquire Kaberle, it’s not likely.

Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman are both on their way out as well, meaning Buffalo will have to fill two spots on defense already. Even if the Sabres bring up Marc-Andre Gragnani, it still leaves an open spot.

The Sabres lost a chance to acquire Nathan Horton from the Florida Panthers. Boston got him by giving away two draft picks and Dennis Wideman, who scored 30 points and went -14 last season. Why couldn’t the Sabres at least match that offer?

Not only did the Sabres not get Horton, but now he has become a divisional rival. The Bruins will now have Marc Savard, Nathan Horton, and the 2nd pick in the draft in the lineup this year, significantly improving the team.

Buffalo fans are now sitting and waiting for Regier to do something. This Sabres team needs a change. Players need to go. The management needs changing. You don’t even see owner Tom Golisano at the games anymore.

When the Sabres re-acquired Mike Grier, Grier said he was excited to be back because the team was headed in the right direction. Take another look.

Regier hasn’t brought in a solid player since his Briere/Drury days. Then he lost them both, along with Brian Campbell. Since then, what has he done?

Steve Bernier, Dainius Zubrus, Dominic Moore, Raffi Torres, and Craig Rivet have been the biggest moves for Regier over the past few years. Look at what all the other teams around the NHL are doing. Philadelphia was able to get Chris Pronger, Boston got Horton, and Toronto got Phaneuf.

Buffalo has a few key players locked up that are holding the team together. Ryan Miller, Tyler Myers, and Thomas Vanek are the team right now. The Sabres finished 4th in the league last season in goals against. If Lindy Ruff is going to “roll four lines”, the Buffalo is going to need some solid players to do that effectively.

Tim Connolly, Drew Stafford, and Derek Roy have all been mentioned in the possibility of being traded, but it’s not probable. Instead, Regier is letting two solid defensemen go, along with the backup goaltender, but that part is understood.

Regier has numerous options and opportunities, but he needs a different approach for the Summer. This is hopefully his final year as general manager. He’ll be on his way out if he continues to be his usual self.

The fans are waiting on you, Darcy. Make something happen!

Kevin Freiheit
Kevin Freiheit
I founded Buffalo Hockey Central in 2008 and have poured hours and hours into this site. Luckily, we have a great team of writers and designers who have helped keep this up and running despite a ton of out-of-pocket costs. We do this because we enjoy it, and we're desperate to see the Sabres win the Cup someday, but they have to make the playoffs first.
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