The Sabres were moderate players at the deadline but did nothing to shakeup the core of the team, which is a good thing (I think).  Anyway, let's take a look at what the Sabres did at the deadline.

The day began with plenty of uncertainty.  The Sabres sat in 10th place and despite Darcy's public statement that the team would be buyers, we were all skeptical.  We learned quickly that the goal was to push to the playoffs when they re-signed Tim Connolly to a two year $9 million extension.

There is no question that Connolly is a dynamic player but there are questions about his health.  If he stays healthy, he will be a bargain at $4.5 per season.

After signing Connolly, anything else the Sabres could do would be anti-climatic but that didn't mean they were done.  They acquired Mikael Tellqvist to help the goalie situation with Miller out.  They also unloaded Ales Kotalik and added Dominic Moore from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Mikael Tellqvist

Mikael Tellqvist

Phoenix Coyotes

Height: 6-0

Weight: 189

Born: Sep 19, 1979

He has decent stats in limited opportunities but beyond that, I know little about him.  Luckily we have some help from Travis at Five for Howling to help us understand the player we are getting.

Well, he's a pretty good backup goalie that should have gotten more starts here than he did. WHen he's in he plays well and the team in front of him likes him a lot so they try that much harder to play well. I don't know that he's an everyday goalie, but he's a solid backup. Kinda sorry we didn't keep him, but I think he wanted more starts and he wasn't going to get them here.

Dominic Moore

Dominic Moore

#19 / Center / Toronto Maple Leafs

Height: 6-0

Weight: 188

Born: Aug 03, 1980

One thing I know about Dominic Moore is that he gives 100% all the time.  That is something we didn't get from Ales Kotalik despite all of his talent.  It also helps that he is Center and the Sabres have struggled taking face-offs all season.  Pension Plan Puppets has helped us get a better look at Dominic Moore.

One thing you will never say about Dominic Moore is that he giving less than 100%. His speed will fit in well with the Sabres while his time with Jacques Lemaire's Wild has given him a good defensive grounding. And his hands aren't bad either.

 

In short, you will probably enjoy the time with him from now until July 1st when he takes off to chase the money. Don't get too attached.

Comparing the Stats

After it's all said and done...the Sabres would have to be declared winners at the trade deadline.  Just the signing of Connolly put the Sabres over the top but the additions of Tellqvist and Moore help out as well.  A second round pick for Moore seems a bit high but it was the pick that they received for Kotalik which softens the blow.

We'll know a lot more about the deals in April but for tonight they look good.