Buffalo Sabres Tread Deadline Day Is Here ,What Will Darcy Do? My Five Ideas

Trade deadline day is always an interesting one to say the least. This one especially for Buffalo Sabres fans. For years now, we have seen very little to nothing done as the day comes and goes.

Players of recent deadline moves who have been brought in by Darcy Regier include: Raffi Torres, Steve Bernier, Dominic Moore, and Dainius Zubrus. Not exactly the kind of players that set your team over the top for a strong playoff push.

But this year just seems different. Regier has had the financial restraints cut loose, and has said any move they make will be for a player to stick around long term…as in longer than 20 games.

If Regier is serious about making a statement to the fans and new owner Terry Pegula, there are several options out there for him to consider.

J.M. Liles from the Colorado Avalanche is a good option. A strong defenseman with some offensive awareness. His salary is roughly $4.25 million per year, with one year left on his contract. Liles would bolster a defense that could use a bit more fire power from the point without sacrificing defense.

A giant splash would be trying to land center Brad Richards from the Dallas Stars. Though the asking price from the Stars seems to be very steep, Richards is the type of center Buffalo has needed for about five seasons. Richards would be an investment in the teams future. He is the type of player who would make a winger like Thomas Vanek flourish, and become the 40 goal player they have hoped for.

Another idea could be Atlanta Thrasher young blueliner Zach Bogosian. It has been rumored Bogosian said he will not be in Atlanta next season, and he and the coaches have had a difference in opinions this season. While he has struggled in his third year, Bogosian is the type of player that a team can guarantee a future with. He has captain capabilities. Something Buffalo has lacked for seasons.

A bit less money with a few more years in age is the option of a player like Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey. Hainsey is a veteran presence and has some offensive skill. He skates well, and can lug the puck up the ice. His contract is rather high, but its something Regier and the Sabres could handle under their salary cap.

Coming back to the forwards; a speedy high scoring winger like Ales Hemsky could also suit the Sabres needs for lack of fire power. The Edmonton Oilers are not going to let Hemsky go for free though. Regier would have to be creative in his trade proposal with the Oilers to land him. Hensky has speed and a nose for the net. Something the Sabres are in desperate need of.

But the simple fact is, Regier has to make a move. A bold move. A decisive move, which shows the fans of Buffalo just how serious he is as the general manager of a new Buffalo Sabres regime.

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