The Buffalo Sabres: Darcy Regier’s Next Steps

—They could be players in the free agent market, spending heavily on a big time player such as Hossa, Zetterberg, Gionta, Madden, McDonald, Cole or Gaborik, or even a restricted free agent such as Upshall, Staal, Kopitar or Kessel, as they could use another big time scorer or center man to help the attack. 

However, as most Sabres fans know, despite these shiny names, the Sabres don’t always find the glossy names the most appealing when walking the free agency path. 

The best way this would work would be if a team like LA, Minnesota, St. Louis or Edmonton was out of the playoffs by the deadline and the Sabres traded for a player such as Kopitar, Gaborik, McDonald or Cole.

—Their last option would be to stash the money for the 2010 free agency class, which, if looking at it now, is even stronger, both in RFA and UFA, than the 2009 class, and could be what many teams are already planning for. 

It will be clear to Sabres fans what the plan is by the trade deadline of this season and the middle of next July. Now, just like every other major sport, there is never a down time.

 Sources:

http://www.nhlnumbers.com/

http://sabres.nhl.com/

http://www.sabresprospects.com/

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/sabresnhl/index.html

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