An inside source was able to provide me with the some of the  detailsthat went down within the Sabres war room....here are trades that ALMOST went down for the Sabres:

-- Tomas Kaberle for Connolly and a 3rd round

Reason it didn't happen: Burke was about to call the commish when he realized that with Connolly's medical insurance, his cap hit was over $7 million a year

--Kris Versteeg for Gerbe and a 3rd rounder

Reason it didn't: With an upcoming trip to Disneyland, Gerbe didn't fit the requirements to ride the rollercoasters. And Patrick Kane would feel guilty being blacked out stumbling around Kiddie Land.

--Patrick Kane for Ennis and 1st rounder:

Reason it didn't happen: Was conditional pending approval the Buffalo Cab Drivers Union...and despite the pull from South Buffalo was defeated 70-30 %.

--Drew Stafford and the rights to Marek Zagrapan for a future 1st round draft pick

Reason it didn't happen: When phoned in and asked who the trade was with Darcy replied "Come on Gary throw me a bone here...give us one free one next year or give us our previous ones back...I'VE CALLED ALL 32 TEAMS NO ONE WILL TAKE THEM!"

-- Alex Semin for our Derek Roy and a 3rd round

Reason it didn't happen: Kabanov was taken 3 picks prior to our third round selection. No other Russians had filed for the NHL draft.

--Chris Neil for Craig Rivet:

Reason it didn't happen: When mentioned to Lindy, he stood on his chair and started yelling across the room to Bryan Murray "HOW DARE YOU GO AFTER OUR F*^KING CAPTAIN". Chris Drury stood up and started applauding.

Alex Kotalik for a James Patrick:

Reason it didn't happen: Because even if the entire roster were to be injured...Lindy knew he had a better option to play in their own zone with James

-- Marian Hossa for Connolly:

Reason it didn't happen: When asked if he would accept the trade Hossa replied "I only go to teams that will play in the finals the following year." Then promply declined the trade.