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Regier Names Chad Cassidy Amerks Coach, Offers Updates On Miller/Vanek Trade, Gerbe Buyout, More

In between the second and third period f yesterday’s prospect scrimmage, Sabres GM Darcy Regier held a press conference offering some updates on what he’s done since free agency began, and he started by confirming what most had suspected: that Chad Cassidy would be the Rochester Americans next head coach.

Cassidy, who has followed Ron Rolston from job to job as an assistant, finally gets his chance to coach a professional team. Cassidy, like Rolston before him, is know as a teacher of young men, and now sheds the interim head coach tag he received when he took over for the departed Rolston at the beginning of last season.Regier also confirmed that Chris Taylor would be one of Cassidy’s assistants, and that they would be probably bringing in at least one more.

The next topic was regarding the buyout of Nathan Gerbe, which surprised many because it came just days after Regier said that the team wasn’t planning on using any buyouts. However, Regier indicating (without saying as much) that Gerbe was displeased with the opportunity he was getting on the third and fourth line, but the team wasn’t interested in giving him the kind of ice time he was looking for – even considering sending him to Rochester at some point. The buyout seemed like Regier’s way of giving #42 the opportunity to find the ice time he desired elsewhere, while at the same time opening up space on the roster for guys like Corey Tropp and Brian Flynn.

The conversation then moved to trades, namely those involving Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek. Regier said that the team is fielding calls, but stressed that the lowering salary cap was impeding many team’s ability to trade for the highly priced players. “Any discussion that I have now involves taking back money, moving money…money plays a very big role,” said the GM. He also mentioned that the longer we go in to the summer without moving either player, the more likely they’ll be in blue and gold come opening day.

Regier also touched on the trade that brought Henrik Tallinder, beginning by throwing out typical line of “bringing in veteran depth at the position,” etc, etc. Then when asked if the Myers situation was a big factor in making the trade, Regier responded, “Well I hope it is. We didn’t go into this, reacquiring Hank, as he’s known, specifically for Tyler, but I think it can help.”

As for free agency, Darcy touched on the fact that the team still looking at players still out there, but, “just lightly.”

The presser closed with Regier talking about how quiet the trade market is, and how things aren’t likely to change over the summer as teams have their rosters basically set, which I’m sure will please many Sabres fans. </sarcasm> If you want to watch the video of Regier’s presser, check it out here.

What are your thoughts on Regier comments regarding trades both in and out, the Gerbe buyout, or the Amerks coaching situation?

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