[SabresKings3623]

Buffalo Sabres Fire Darcy Regier;
Former Captain Lafontaine Named New GM


Pat Lafontaine, former Buffalo Sabres captain


A week before the start of the new NHL season, the Buffalo Sabres fired General Manager Darcy Regier, after he failed to adequately improve the Sabres mediocre roster during the offseason. The team desperately needs a culture/personnel change and Regier, who is known for his conservative approach, would not have gotten the job done. So, the Sabres turned to former captain Pat Lafontaine as their new general manager. Lafontaine had this to say during the press conference: "It is an honor for me to return to the Sabres organization, and I am very thankful for this opportunity. I've followed the Sabres all along, and I realize that the roster has some areas where it's lacking, and I understand that some players desperately need a change of scenery. I intend to make the necessary moves to improve this team. Missing the playoffs the last two years is unacceptable, and the current roster has showed that they cannot get the job done. Yes, there are some very talented players on the roster, but they need a supporting cast. Our ultimate goal as an organization is to not only make the playoffs, but win the Stanley Cup. We're hoping we can build a real dynasty team, not just through the draft, but through trades and free-agency. I look forward to this season, and truly hope that we can re-build the Sabres, and make the playoffs this season." Lafontaine is focused on rebuilding the Buffalo Sabres, and winning the Stanley Cup. This should be a very interesting season, and hopefully we see the Sabres regain their form from '05-'06 and '06-'07. It is going to take a lot of work on Lafontaine's part, as well as the players, to make that a possibility. - AP



Current Sabres Roster

Forwards

Thomas Vanek-Tim Connolly-Drew Stafford
Clarke MacArthur-Derek Roy-Jason Pominville
Tim Kennedy-Paul Gaustad-Patrick Kaleta
Dan Paille-Adam Mair-Jochen Hecht

Defenseman

Chris Butler-Craig Rivet
Andrej Sekera-Toni Lydman
Henrik Tallinder-Steve Montador

Goaltenders

Ryan Miller
Patrick Lalime






Buffalo Sabres Top Prospects


Tyler Myers - Defense



Jhonas Enroth - Goalie



Nathan Gerbe - Left Wing



Tim Kennedy - Center



Mike Weber - Defenseman



Tyler Ennis - Left Wing



Marc Andre Gragnani - Defenseman



Philip Gogulla - Left Wing





Dynasty Settings

Xbox360
All-Star Difficulty
8 Minute Period Length
Rosters updated as of 7/28/09