The newest member of the Buffalo Sabres is Steve Bernier, formerly of the San Jose Sharks. There is one thing that is certain and that is that it will be much colder in Buffalo than it was in San Jose. Bernier was on the radar of a couple of teams and he ended up with the Sabres. He comes to Buffalo with big expectations because he will always be associated with Brian Campbell. It is unfair to put those type of expectations on Bernier but he will be asked to step into the lineup immediately.
Bernier seems to be a really good fit in Buffalo as a young power forward. At 22 years old Bernier has already played parts of three seasons in the NHL and he has 42 goals and 39 assists for 81 points in 160 games played. Bernier comes to Buffalo at a time that injuries have plagued the forwards. Max Afinogenov has been out since the Winter Classic on January 1 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Tim Connolly can not play in back to back games, Michael Ryan is out at least three weeks and the latest victim to reach the sidelines is February captain Jochen Hecht.
It's too early to predict where Bernier will fit in with the Sabres because we have not yet reached the deadline but he adds some size and grit to what many consider to be a small lineup. I don't have the particulars of the contract signed by Bernier but I assume he is signed beyond this season and if not he'll be restricted unlike Campbell. Stay tuned for more updates regarding the last hour of trade deadline coverage.