The Sabres' Day on March 4th

1 of 7

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 21: (L to R) Sabers owner Thomas B. Golisano, Don Luce, Thomas Vanek, Jim Benning, general manager Darcy Regier and head coach Lindy Ruff of the Buffalo Sabres pose for a portrait on stage during the 2003 NHL Entry Draft at the Gaylo

Today, March 4th at 3:00 P.M. was the NHL's trade deadline.

Thomas Vanek (above, pictured with management) returns to the lineup tonight against Montreal, alongside some major deals changing some of his teammates for the remainder of the season.

Let's take a look at what trades and resignings management made, or did not make, this year.

A resigning?

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 28: Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Islanders on February 28, 2009 at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The Isles defeated the Sabres 2-0. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Buffalo resigned C Tim Connolly to a two year, nine million dollar deal. Provided he stays healthy, this was better than a blockbuster trade for a huge offensive superstar rental. However, if he does not stay healthy, then this raise will all be for naught.

Trade No. 1

OTTAWA - OCTOBER 17: Goaltender Mikael Tellqvist #32 of the Phoenix Coyotes warms up prior to the game against the Ottawa Senators on October 17, 2008 at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The Senators defeated the Coyotes 6-2. (Photo by Ph

The Sabres dealt a fourth round draft pick to Phoenix early in the day and received goaltender Mikael Tellqvist in exchange.

Tellqvist is 7-5-1 with a .907 save percentage and 2.86 GAA, an improvement over Patrick Lalime (2-9-2, .903, 2.91 GAA). Hopefully the Sabres can earn some wins with him in net, something they have not been able to do in front of Lalime. This is especially important with no time table provided for Miller's return.

Trade No. 2

UNIONDALE, NY - FEBRUARY 26: Dominic Moore #19of the Toronto Maple Leafs in action against The New York Islanders during their game at the Nassau Coliseum on February 26, 2009 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

The Sabres sent a second round pick to Toronto for center Dominic Moore. Buffalo hopes that Moore can add some secondary scoring as well as a physical presence, standing at 6'0" and 188 lbs. This move basically adds depth down the center in case Derek Roy, Paul Gaustad or Tim Connolly goes down.

Trade No. 3

BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY: Ales Kotalik #12 of the Buffalo Sabres looks to make a pass play during their NHL game against the Ottawa Senators on January 6, 2009 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres defeated the Senators 4-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart

In a very last minute trade effort, the Sabres moved soon to be UFA Ales Kotalik to Edmonton in exchange for a second round draft pick.

I am personally glad that Buffalo made this move, but I am not happy that it was for a draft pick. That was a seller's move, and Darcy Regier said Buffalo was buying.

This move makes me feel melancholy about what the front office thinks Buffalo can accomplish in the off season. The Sabres could have used more depth at the blue line in exchange for Kotalik.

But what about...

BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Andrej Sekera #44, Drew Stafford #21, Derek Roy #9, Jaroslav Spacek #6 and Maxim Afinogenov #61 of the Buffalo Sabres celebrate Stafford's goal in the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 28, 2008 at HSBC Ar

So, what about soon to be free agents Maxim Afinogenov, Jaroslav Spacek, Teppo Numminen, Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur, Andrej Sekera, Patrick Kaleta, and Andrew Peters?

Well, Lord willing Buffalo resigns Spacek, Stafford, Sekera, and Kaleta. Numminen will most likely retire. MacArthur might walk away, as will Peters most likely.

Maxim Afinogenov is the subject of the most talk, and who know what will happen with him. I guess it depends on what happens with him after he returns

All and all, I think this trade deadline was better than ones in the recent past, and I'd give it a grade of B. The plusses go to the Moore and Tellqvist transactions, and a Minus for the Kotalik sell. Also, a minus for the many free-agents left floating out in limbo.

Hopefully this will gear the Sabres for a fruitful Cup run.

Begin Slideshow