Sabres looking to deal for Toughness
Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier has been working the phones the past week and a trade will be coming.Noted for his conservative style, Regier doesn’t like making pre-deadline deals but this season will be an exception. Reigier and the Sabres are likely to move defencemen Richard Smehlik and forward Chris Gratton to Calgary in exchange for defencemen and former Sabre Bob Boughner, disgruntled forward Marc Savard, and a mid-round draft pick.
This trade makes sense for both teams. The Flames would hate to give up Boughner, but are looking to deal Savard and would be eager to add a big centerman to their lineup (The Sabres moved Gratton up to their first line when they played Calgary a week ago to show him off). From the Sabers’ side, they just plain need a trade. Boughner would add some much needed blueline toughness, and Savard can be a very productive player.
Look for this deal to happen relatively soon, with a timeframe of a couple of weeks.