The Buffalo Sabres are not remaining quiet this off-season, at least not early on in the process. They re-signed Mike Grier to another one-year contract ensuring that history would not repeat itself. In 2006 Mike Grier was offered a contract by the Sabres but he decided to leave town and eventually signed with the San Jose Sharks.
Grier has obviously decided the Sabres are headed in the right direction because in 2006 he left because he did not feel management was committed to winning. If Mike Grier likes the direction of the team, maybe we should too.
Grier does not bring a whole lot to the team offensively but he brings a commitment to winning and strong work ethic. Grier is great player to fill a third or fourth line role while mentoring some of the Sabres young players like Tyler Ennis, Tim Kennedy and Nathan Gerbe.
This signing is a great sign for the Sabres as they get ready for the 2010-2011 season. Not only do they retain the services of a work-horse veteran player, they are making strides in proving they are committed to putting a winner on the ice. In years past they would have waited until July 1 before making any moves but this season they have acted early and retained Grier.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Tallinder and Lydman now that Grier was signed.