Sabres add Morrisson to D, buyout Kennedy

While most of the talk continues to center around Kovalchuk, the Sabres made a couple of interesting roster moves the other day. First, teflon GM Darcy Regier signed former Cap Shaone Morrisson to a two-year deal worth $2.075 million-per-season.

The 27 year-old original Boston '01 first round pick adds size to the Buffalo blueline. Listed at 6-4, 215, he'll be looked upon to help shoulder the burden with Henrik Tallinder now in Jersey while Jordan Leopold is an adequate replacement for Hostess cupcake Toni Lydman. As our resident Buffalo blogger says, 'Have fun with that guy Anaheim.'

Meanwhile, Morrisson proved to be a steady influence for the Caps the past five seasons getting into 374 games (74.8 average) while compiling nine goals, 53 assists and 405 penalty minutes along with a plus-26 rating. Solid but unspectacular numbers for the physical defensive blueliner whose 163 hits paced all Washington defensemen- ranking second to Alex Ovechkin (185) in '09-10. The Vancouver native also blocked 104 shots, placing behind club leader Jeff Schultz (129), Tom Poti (121) and ex-Cap Brian Pothier (107-Wsh/Car).

He'll turn 28 two days before Christmas. Overall, it looks like a solid signing by Regier, who added a character player to a Buffalo corps which prominently features Tyler Myers, Andrej Sekera along with vets Craig Rivet and Steve Montador. Including extra Chris Butler, all seven Sabre D are signed. With the exceptions of Rivet (35) and Montador (30), every other blueliner is under 30 including Leopold (29), who will be a key to how good it performs.

If there's a drawback, injuries have caused Morrisson to decline in games played. Since he took part in a career high 80 in '05-06, it's dwindled little by little each year spiraling below 70 last season.

Morr Risson For Concern

Year        GP
'05-06     80
'06-07     78
'07-08     76
'08-09     72
'09-10     68 

On the plus-side, in six-plus seasons with Boston and Washington, he's never finished a minus even posting a plus-10 his rookie year split with the B's and Caps in which a deadline trade sent Sergei Gonchar to Beantown pre-lockout. Overall, he's 10-60-70 with a plus-36 in 418 career games.

Kennedy Bought Out In a startling move, Regier opted not to accept the arbitrator's $1 million reward, placing Tim Kennedy on waivers and then buying him out. A tad curious considering that the 24 year-old made the club and performed admirably as a rookie, posting 10 goals and 16 helpers for 26 points along with 50 penalty minutes, a power play goal and three game-winners in 78 contests.

The Buffalo native was used primarily in a checking role under Lindy Ruff, providing a lift when the club needed it. Interestingly enough, Kennedy fared alright in his first playoff series going 1-2-3 with four PIM and a plus-three rating in six games.

Instead of paying him a difference of $200,000 (seriously), Regier bought him out for $333 K. On why he made the decision, the Buffalo executive explained:

“The only thing I would say to the fans is that our objective hasn’t changed here. It's about building the very best team, a championship team. That's the goal, that’s what we do, that's why we do it. ... That's why we make tough decisions like this. It is a tough decision. I know it hits home, I know it's personal to our fan base; I know it's personal to South Buffalo. And it’s unfortunate in that regard."

What objective might that be???

Sabres reach terms with Kaleta

While there's been plenty of noise over Ilya Kovalchuk, the Devils and the NHL, the Sabres have had their usual quiet summer. They watched Henrik Tallinder depart for Newark and replaced him with Jordan Leopold. While Tallinder's loss might hurt, no one will miss Toni Lydman, who was the weakest link on the Buffalo blueline. The Finn moved to Anaheim where they'll soon discover just how soft he is.

With little happening in Western New York other than one-time Devil Rob Niedermayer becoming Adam Mair's replacement, teflon GM Darcy Regier actually got something done for a change today- re-signing gritty forward Patrick Kaleta. In reaching agreement (2 yrs, $1.815 million) with the 24 year-old pest who established new career bests in goals (10) and points (15) while adding 89 penalty minutes over 55 contests, the club avoided arbitration. A tedious process even the hometown kid wanted to avoid.

"I was never a big fan of arbitration, going in there and pleading cases," a pleased Kaleta told the Canadian Press. "So I'm happy to get it over and done with and not have to worry about it."

For a player selected in the '04 sixth round (176th overall), the former Peterborough OHL product hasn't fared too badly, evolving into a third line energy type that drives opponents nuts. He loves to throw the weight around albeit sometimes after a player releases the puck, wreaking havoc and of course plenty of enemies. One such rival was ex-Ranger Paul Mara, who one night snapped after another borderline hit, getting himself tossed while Kaleta and his Buffalo 'mates got the last laugh on the scoreboard. That's his style. To agitate. He always seems to get the better of the Rangers, victimizing them with his first career two-goal game in a Sabre win at MSG on 12/12/09.

In '09-10, he added offense to his resume improving on a four-goal, five assist '08-09 by hitting double digits in goals for the first time in the NHL. Despite his antics, he's an effective hockey player who should improve. Something that will make Sabre fans happy.

"I had to look at it in a way that the team wanted me to play here next year no matter what," Kaleta added in a piece on the official Buffalo Sabres site. "I'm proud of what I've accomplished so far personally as a hockey player in Buffalo. Hopefully it's only a small portion of what I can do."

Now, if only Regier would open the wallet to further bolster a club that finished atop the Northeast before a disappointing first round ouster at the hands of bitter rival Boston. And by that, we don't mean bringing back Patrick Lalime. As our resident Buffalo lurker might say, don't get your hopes up.

July 1 Eve Musings

In less than six hours- well at least on the East coast, July 1 will finally arrive. What should be expected? By now, you know the drill. Expect the unexpected. Some mad team will overpay Dan Hamhuis, who at least won't have the dubious distinction of being Wade Redden. Best "first passer in the game" my ass. I hate you Slats! Tell ya one thing. Tinman better be off the roster this Fall. No ifs, ands or buts.

Mean time, those can toss darts on possible destinations for Ilya Kovalchuk. Picture logos involving the Devils, Leafs, Flames (yes, since they waived Dawes and bought out Ally), Kings along with half the KHL. No Rangers cause they're quite limited and must give bumps up to Marc Staal and Dan Girardi while searching for a backup goalie. Johan Hedberg is our wish. If Derek Stepan is signed, that also could be an encouraging sign for Wisconsin teammate Ryan McDonagh, who the club acquired a year ago today in the Scott Gomez deal. That would also mean taking our senile GM at his word along with Tort about giving kids a shot instead of following NYR tradition.

What will Lou Lamoriello decide? He's locked up David Clarkson for three more years at an average cap hit of 2.67 million. A good investment on the gritty do everything right wing. Tho the price could be classified overpayment. Clarkie must stay healthy which means less fights and continued increased offensive improvement. The real dilemma for the Devils is who they want back? Kovalchuk or D anchor Paul Martin? One won't cost a fortune but the other likely will be in the same market as Hamhuis, who's hoping someone gives him $5 million. Good luck buddy. If I'm Lou, I re-sign Martin and possibly target another D who can clear the crease. Defense has been an issue in recent playoff ousters. Perhaps it's time for the Devil architect to revamp a blueline that too often gets pushed around in primetime. We'll see what he's got up his sleeve.

The Devs bid adieu to Jay Pandolfo, who asked to be bought out so he could start fresh. The popular checking/PK forward had a superb career in New Jersey, helping the club win two Stanley Cups. That included a more prominent role in their most recent during '03 when Pando teamed with John Madden and Jamie Langenbrunner to form a dominant checking line that not only limited the opposition but also scored big goals that Spring. While it's true he's not what he once was, it's still sad to see a loyal teammate leave the only team he's known. Best of luck Jay.

What will the Islanders do? After surprisingly letting go of Sean Bergenheim, perhaps Garth Snow will look for more offense to help support John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. They did tender '09-10 revelation Matt Moulson along with Rob Schremp. Both again will be keys to the Islanders' success. However, much hinges on Tavares' improvement and whether Nino Niederreiter and D prospects Calvin de Haan and Travis Harmonic are ready. Captain Doug Weight returns along with youngsters Frans Nielsen, Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau. How much change will we see? Another scorer certainly couldn't hurt along with a bruising D to help protect the front of the net. Martin Biron likely departs with his former team Buffalo figuring to be in the mix. That could force Snow to go get another goalie. Especially with the continued uncertainty of Rick DiPietro. Possible targets are Alex Auld, Chris Mason and Patrick Lalime.

Meanwhile in Western New York, Darcy Regier is under the gun to re-sign Henrik Tallinder. Toni Lydman clearly was the weakest link and replaceable, which means Slats should be knocking down his door any minute. Are the Sabres bringing back Matt Ellis along with gritty vet Adam Mair? I probably would. Maybe Buffalo gets Ellis done and decides to go younger. Given what they saw from Tyler Ennis, figure the mini-dynamo to be a regular this Fall. Does Drew Stafford need a change? Can the Sabres contend with Derek Roy and Tim Connolly leading the charge? If Regier were smart, he'd get help for Thomas Vanek. And no. Not Raffi Torres. If they really wanted to cure their problems, they'd sign long-time killer Kovalchuk. But that's not in their budget and would tie up too much space. Perhaps someone under the radar like disappointment Patrick O' Sullivan might work. The 25 year-old went from a potential 30 goalscorer to being bought out by Phoenix after they acquired him from Edmonton for Jim Vandermeer. At 25, he's still young enough to turn it around. His career high in goals is 22 along with 53 points and 82 games- all achieved with LA in '07-08. Instead of building off it, he plummeted to 37 and 34 points respectively. He was due $2.925 million this season. Buyer beware.

So, what else is going on? Well, it looks like you can forget Evgeni Nabokov donning Halloween Flyers black and orange after they re-signed Michael Leighton for two years, $3.1 million. With Brian Boucher still around and prospect Johan Backlund waiting in the wings, the Flyers are all set. Likely destinations for Nabby are Washington or Atlanta. We think he'd prefer to play on a Cup contender, teaming with fellow Russians Alexander Ovechkin and Alex Semin. It would make sense. ... The Pens blueline could have a different look much of their corps on the market including vet anchor Sergei Gonchar. He showed some signs of slowing down last year and was nicked up. Committing long-term would be a mistake. The Pens also acquired Hamhuis' rights from rival Philly but the likelihood of it getting done are about the same chance you have of steering Megan Fox away from former 90210 star Brian Austin Green. She couldn't do better? ... In other news, the Preds acquired Sergei Kostitsyn from the Habs for Dan Ellis and Dustin Boyd. A deal that seems logical for both sides. Nashville needed scoring while Montreal a vet goalie who could help Carey Price. They still must sign Ellis. ... The Oilers let go of vet Ethan Moreau, who was quickly scooped up by Columbus, who'll assume the final year of a four-year contract at a cap hit of $2 million. The aging vet is a nice locker room presence who can serve as a fourth line energy guy. After a nice Oiler career, he moves to Ohio. ... Also of note, Mike Van Ryn announces that he will skip another season while Ottawa buys out Jonathan Cheechoo. In related news, crickets could be heard at their homes. ...

Finally, Rod Brind'Amour calls it a career moving into the Candy Canes' front office. Congrats to the classy 21-year vet pivot on an outstanding career that saw him finish with 452 goals and 732 assists for 1,184 points in 1,484 games. A tremendous worker who got the most out of his talent, developing into a two-way second line scoring pivot who finished his career with 28 shorthanded goals, winning consecutive Selkes in '05-06 and '06-07. Best remembered for the Keith Primeau deal, Brindy sure did well for himself in Raleigh helping turn Carolina into a Cup champ. While probably not a Hall Of Famer, he was easy to admire. Kudos to No.17. ... Meanwhile, Mike Modano just can't seem to make up his mind. A day after Dallas denied one more year for Mr. Star, they re-signed Krys Barch and Francis Wathier. Ouch. Maybe Modano will return to St. Paul where it all started. That'd be fitting. Personally, I feel he should retire a Star. Him in any other jersey wouldn't look right. No.9 will always forever be a Minnesota North Star/Dallas Star.

S.S. Sabres Sinking

A few weeks ago, the view from the top of the Northeast Division was clear. It was similar to being on a cruise ship for the Buffalo Sabres, wining and dining with the best foods, drinks, and dancing. It was a 5 star event, and the Sabres were starting to garner attention around the NHL.

After all, the Sabres boasted a Veniza trophy candidate in Ryan Miller, a top rookie defenseman named Tyler Myers, and one of the best coaches in the NHL, Lindy Ruff. Plus, the Sabres have a lot of young forwards on the roster, and in the system. In addition, you just had to think Thomas Vanek would break out and return to his 40 goal form. The lead in the division was 10+ points. The feeling of 2005-2006 was starting to creep back into the Sabres fans' consciousness.

Could this be a magical year in the Queen City?

Fast forward to tonight, February 10th, 2010. The Sabres did not take well to California, perhaps the inclement weather disappointed them in losses to Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose. Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow last week in Pennsylvania, perhaps the Sabres did as well. Miller is showing wear. Thomas has become 'Thomas Vanish'. Patrick Lalime is well....Lalime. Getting shutout at...the Blue Jackets?!! And couple that with the Ottawa Senators ripping off 12 wins in their last 13 games and just like magic, the Sabres and Senators are tied with 72 points to lead the 'NorthLeast' division.

What is a Sabres fan to make of this? Is the magic gone? Is this a slump? Is Ryan Miller worn out? Is the defense showing more holes then a pound of swiss cheese? Should the Sabres have stepped up to the plate for Ilya Kovalchuk? So many questions...so little answers...

As for now, the Olympic break cannot come here soon enough for the Sabres, and not just for the team, but for the fans as well. Will GM Darcy Regier 'go for it', or stick with the plan and let the young players like Tyler Ennis, Chris Butler, and Zach Kassian develop, just to name a few?

The right answer cannot be given, but a decision better be made soon, because the Sabres 2009-2010 ship has hit the iceberg.