Hockey... a few changes in the works

Satan gone?  It appears he may be.  There has been speculation about him over the past several years but this year things may actually happen.  With the new cap, it may be just to much money for the Sabres to keep him.  It's unlikely they will just let him walk, but I've seen several reports of a possible trade in the next few days.  I have mixed feelings, I've seen him float a whole lot, I've seen him skate away from plays, and I've seen him score!  I've not seen him score that much needed goal in a long time.  When the Sabres have an already commanding lead he has put the puck in the net several times, but not when they were in dire need of goal.  He has stated he will not comment, but be professional and wait and see what happens.  I think I will take that course as well.  If he is gone, I need to know what management has done to replace him before I comment. Can anyone say, Bob freakin Corkum!?!?  

The Friday deadline is fast approaching and you can visit any site that carries hockey and see changes amongst many, if not all, teams.  I need to get a notepad handy so I can keep track!  If you'd like a quick glance of what has been happening visit TSN's Transaction Log.    

Since Empire Sports Network is gone, 75 of the Sabres games will now be seen on MSG.  Rick Jeanneret and Jim Lorenz will still do the calls.  The games are said to be carried in Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.  In Buffalo, the Sabres will have priority over the Rangers and the Mets.  It remains to be seen how it will work in Rochester & Syracuse if there is a conflict.  

Under the new CBA, only players making less than $75,000 will be able to get a call up from the minor league without having to clear waivers on the way back down.  The old 'time in the NHL' rule is still in play as well.  This rule was designed to keep teams from signing a player at millions and being able to call them up and send them down at will.  This could hurt the minor teams as players may decide to go to Europe to play so they can make a bit more money.  Ryan Miller, Derek Roy, and Thomas Vanek are exempt from this waiver because they are still on their entry-level deals.  

Larry Quinn has indicated the Sabres are seriously considering returning to their blue and gold.  NHL rules require teams to notify the league of changes a year in advance so it would not be until at least the 2006-2007 season, if at all.

This years schedule is expected to be out next Wed.