Buffalo Sabres: Darcy Regier And Lindy Ruff Have Tough Decisions To Make

It was all fun and games last night at the HSBC Arena in downtown Buffalo, as the Sabres sliced and diced a young Philadelphia Flyers squad to the tune of a 9-3 victory. The game was Buffalo's last of the preseason and improved their record to 4-2.

Now it's time to get back to work. Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff have some tough decisions to make on who straps up for the Blue and Gold and who gets sent down to the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. The Sabres can have no more than 23 players on the final roster.

Players such as Miller, Myers, Roy, Pominville, Vanek, Kaleta, and Gaustad are safe from the blade of course, but there are a number of guys on the bubble. Young guns Tyler Ennis and Nathan Gerbe have made a serious case to why they should make the opening night roster. So let's get started!

Drew Stafford

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BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 29: Drew Stafford #21 of the Buffalo Sabres reacts after scoring on a penalty shot in the second period against the Pittsburgh Penguins at HSBC Arena on December 29, 2009 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Now one might look at this and say, "C'mon, of course Stafford is going to make the team." However that was not really the case entering training camp.

The former first round draft pick Stafford has had his shares of ups and downs. Last season was the worst of Stafford's career as the power forward only scored 34 points. On most nights he looked frustrated and tired and he also lacked confidence the entire season.

This preseason an entirely different Drew Stafford has shown up. During the offseason he changed up his workouts and corrected his mental outlook. It certainly has paid off as Stafford has looked more confident, stronger, and faster. He finished the preseason with nine points, good enough for second in the NHL behind Phil Kessel and teammate Derek Roy.

Stafford has not only shown that he belongs on the Buffalo Sabres, but that he deserves a spot on the top two lines.

Matt Ellis

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Matt Ellis #37 of the Buffalo Sabres skates with the puck during the game against the Boston Bruins at HSBC Arena on November 20, 2009 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Matt Ellis has been with the Sabres for two seasons. Ellis gives everything he has got on absolutely every shift and has been a good fourth line player. Even though he is not huge in stature, Ellis throws the body and occasionally chips in a goal here and there.

However, with the addition of veteran center Rob Niedermayer, things do not look to good for Ellis. With players such as Paul Gaustad, Mike Grier, and Patrick Kaleta definitely making the team, there is just simply no room for Ellis.

So it's off to Portland, Maine for the pesky grinder.

Tyler Ennis

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BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Tyler Ennis #63 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at HSBC Arena on September 25, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

When Tyler Ennis was called up to Buffalo last year, he immediately became a hit. With his blazing speed, excellent work ethic, and crafty hands, it's easy to see why Ennis is already a fan favorite in the Queen City.

If last year's regular season's performance wasn't enough to get his name penciled in Ruff's starting lineup, then his playoff performance certainly was. Ennis was easily Buffalo's best forward in their six-game series loss to the rival Boston Bruins. The shifty Ennis had four points on one goal and three assists in the series while blasting 20 shots on goal.

Ennis will without a doubt make the Sabres this season and should see action on the top two lines before too long. Also, don't be surprised if the AHL Rookie of the Year is in the running for the Calder Trophy this season.

Cody McCormick

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CHICAGO - MARCH 08: Ben Eager #55 of the Chicago Blackhawks fights with Cody McCormick #11 of the Colorado Avalanche during the first period at the United Center on March 8, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Over the summer Cody McCormick signed a one-way, one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres. This was not only a reward for the grit that the heavy hitting forward showed during the playoffs, but also a hint to Sabres Nation that McCormick would most likely be making the club.

The reason Buffalo did not offer Adam Mair a contract was because they had McCormick waiting in the wings. McCormick is younger than Mair and is better in every category as well. Should he make the team, which he certainly should, McCormick will have a big impact on the Sabres.

Look for McCormick to team up with pivot Paul Gaustad and maniac Patrick Kaleta to form and extremely tough yet talented fourth line.

Nathan Gerbe

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BUFFALO, NY - SEPTEMBER 28: Nathan Gerbe #42 of the Buffalo Sabres jumps to avoid the puck as Niklas Backstrom #32 the Minnesota Wild makes the save with Kim Johnsson #5 watching on September 28, 2008 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. Minnesota won 2-1

This is probably the toughest decision that Regier and company have on their tables. Should the diminutive Gerbe be in the starting lineup for Sabres, sit in the press box, or be sent down to the Portland Pirates?

Gerbe has made a stong case to stay with the team this year. He played admirably in the playoffs against Boston and has been red hot in the preseason. His play, I believe, is one of the main reasons that prospect Zack Kassian was sent back to juniors.

Gerbe has speed, quick hands, and a lethal shot, but is there a spot where he fits on the Sabres? Yes there is, but sadly maybe not this season.

He may make the club as the extra forward, but I do not see him in the starting lineup for the Sabres come Friday in Ottawa against the Senators. With Roy and Ennis in the lineup there is a need for more size. In my opinion Cody McCormick takes Gerbe's spot.

I may be wrong but Gerbe at least starts the season in the minors.

Chris Butler

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BUFFALO, NY - JANUARY 29: Chris Butler #34 of the Buffalo Sabres skates ahead of Milan Lucic #17 of the Boston Bruins at HSBC Arena on January 29, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Like it or not the NHL is a business so this might not go the way I believe it will.

With that said, Chris Butler should not, I repeat, SHOULD NOT make the Buffalo Sabres. Last season Butler suffered a severe sophomore slump after what was a promising and successful rookie campaign. In 59 games last season the young defenseman was a dreadful -15 on a team full of mainly plus players. 

Not much has changed this preseason as Butler has looked unprepared and lost for most of his shifts.

Chris Butler will still most likely have a successful NHL career, but for now Butler needs to go hone his skills in Portland.

Mike Weber

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BUFFALO, NY - OCTOBER 30: Mike Weber #4 of the Buffalo Sabres eyes the play during the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning on October 30, 2008 at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

The past two Buffalo Sabres training camps have ended with Mike Weber being the last player cut. This year will be a different story for the Pittsburgh, PA native.

Weber has good size and a significant mean streak. The defenseman has had a good camp and preseason and should get his chance to start the year in Western New York. However, Weber makes less money than Butler so this is tough decision for management to make.

In the end though, I believe that Mike Weber and his big frame will make the Buffalo Sabres and start the year in the press box.

Hope you enjoyed it. Leave comments on who you think should or should not make the Sabres for their 40th anniversary season!