Buffalo Sabres Player Names And What They Mean

If you've ever wondered what kinds of origins the names of hockey players have, you're in the wrong place. Anagrams are the closest thing we'll offer and Dirk Hoag from the great Nashville Predators blog, On The Forecheck, used them to create new nicknames for the players on his club.

After throwing up some names from the Buffalo Sabres roster, I discovered anagrams that don't quite throw out nicknames but rather something about the person's importance, past or state with the team. I'll do my best to explain each and hopefully, you'll appreciate my hard work.

You may be surprised at how accurate some of these are.

Forwards

Tim Connolly: Con Tin Molly

A con as in he's fooled people into thinking he's a less talented player because of his injuries. Tin is metallic; an obvious reference to his health problems. Molly, a girl's name, seems to be poking fun at his inability to stay fit in the past. A bit cruel there.

Matt Ellis: Sat Me Till

Ellis has been a healthy scratch numerous times this season.

Tyler Ennis: Enter In Sly

The 20-year-old scored a goal in his only game with the Sabres. That's what I call a sly entrance.

Paul Gaustad: A Lad Tag Up Us

He is a lad (young man) and he does tag up defensively for the most part with his teammates.

Nathan Gerbe: A Bang Nether

Another youngster who made an impact or a bang with two points in two games with Buffalo. Nether means physically lower or smaller and as we all know, Gerbe is 5' 6".

Mike Grier: Mike Re Rig

This one was tougher but rig is another way of saying accommodate and Grier does just that on this team.

Jochen Hecht: None Found

Patrick Kaleta: Attack Rap Like

Kaleta does hit people hard and rap means smash or hammer.

Tim Kennedy: Mind Ken Yet?

More of a question about his spot on the roster.

Adam Mair: I Am Drama

Sometimes you love him, other moments you hate him.

Mark Mancari: Crank Aim Arm

Three words that can place emphasis on a shot and Mancari owns a great one.

Jason Pominville: Ninja Movie Polls

Unable to find one that matches any description of Pominville's so I grabbed a ridiculous choice.

Derek Roy: Key Order

Drafted by the club and a top offensive producer. Makes sense.

Drew Stafford: Forwards Deft

A forward who has it in him to be skillful (deft). I was anticipating the word enigma to be included but this will do.

Raffi Torres: Fear First Or

Torres' fearless style of play makes him a threat to the opposition. They should fear him.

Thomas Vanek: Have Sank Tom

Vanek's goal-scoring troubles?

Defensemen

Chris Butler: Butlers Rich

Most NHL players are but Butler's big contract hasn't arrived yet. He'll be a restricted free agent in 2012.

Toni Lydman: Dominantly

Solid as a rock with his defensive work.

Steve Montador: A Voted Monster

His impact can be a real boost or a disappointment.

Tyler Myers: Rely My Rest

The rest of the defense does rely on him for a big play usually.

Craig Rivet: I Carve Grit

A gritty blue liner and I guess you could say it's carved into him.

Andrej Sekera: Area Ends Jerk

Sekera frequently uses his skating to get out of trouble and it won't work every time. I wouldn't call him a jerk though.

Henrik Tallinder: Trainer Held Link

As Myers' linemate, he has taught and assisted him I imagine.

Goaltenders

Jhonas Enroth: Another Johns

Who knows? Another goalie?

Patrick Lalime: A Impact Killer

He's been shaky in his last few starts.

Ryan Miller: Rarely Limn

Limn is a way of saying imitate and not many goalies can imitate Miller.

With the exception of a few (Hecht and Pominville especially), we were able to find appropriate descriptions for the most part. Which one was your favorite or least favorite? Maybe you have better ones to offer? Let us know.