LGS FAN BLOG
Fan Blog: Finally, A Move Is Made!!!
By LGS Staff, LetsGoSabres.com

Most Sabres fans (knowing our management team) thought that after signing Patrick Lalime, Darcy and the gang were finished dealing for the off-season. I was beginning to become one of those people. It seemed as though our defense would be very suspect and young for the 2008-2009 season. Then came the news that a trade had come, bringing in veteran defenseman, Craig Rivet from the San Jose Sharks for second round picks in 2009 and 2010.
At the age of 33, Rivet is still playing his best hockey. Last season he recorded a season high 35 points in 74 games. With 5 goals and 30 assists he lead the Sharks defensemen in points (besides Brian Campbell who was only on the team for a month and a half). Now it is obvious that he cannot replace the services of Brian Campbell, but he will replace a much needed leader on defense. Not only is Rivet a leader, he is also a complete defenseman who can protect the net and his teammates.
Along with the acquisition of Rivet, the Sabres made another deal with the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks dealt a third and second round pick in 2009 for our RFA, Steve Bernier. Bernier was with the club for a month and a half (as part of the Brian Campbell deal) and was thought to be part of the team’s long term plans.

MY ANALYSIS:
This is a shining example of how successful our management team can be. They did what they needed to do and acquired a solid veteran defenseman. If Darcy and the gang can just become a bit more active in the FA market in the coming years, then we can become a definite cup contender.

WHAT IS LEFT?
It seems that the voids at defense have been filled, but what else can the team do to improve in the off-season? It is thought by many that the team could use more depth at center and the enforcer position. Remaining in the FA market at center, is one player who I think the team could really benefit from having. Brendan Morrison is probably the best center left out there. Some will argue that we already have a 2nd line center in Tim Connolly, but with his lack of durability, his services are in question. Morrison on the other hand, has player six full (the whole 82 games) seasons in his career. With 25 points in 39 games last season, and 51 points in 82 games the year before that, Morrison is a solid 2nd liner. Now for the enforcers. The best out there who the Sabres have available to them, is Donald Brashear. This guy is arguably the best fighter/enforcer in the league. Personally, I had hoped the team would try to acquire Gorges Laraque, but the Canadians signed him on day two of free agency. Brashear is the next best thing with 16 seasons in the NHL under his belt, he has the veteran leadership we really need on the front end. Brasher had 8 points in 80 games last year for the Capitals but his points don’t tell the real story of the true enforcer Brashear really is. Well, with a signing or not to end the off-season. I still really think that the Sabres can and will be very competitive in the post season. My prediction is that we will finish 5th or 6th in the conference at the end of the year. How we will fare in the playoffs, I’m not sure, but we will find out, when the season starts in October. LETS GO BUFFALO!!!