It would certainly be a very nice start... now if only Darcy had one more fleece job up his sleeve! It might actually save his job...

This is going to be an interview of sorts in the eyes of new management, I hope he seizes the moment and makes a positive statement.

We should send him flowers with a note reminding him that Quinn is gone and not looking over his shoulder... just in case he forgot...

He's not gone yet however, so I hope Buffalo has a few places to get a rub and a tug cause he's gonna need it lol

I didn't get a corporate memo or anything, but I certainly know how to speculate, so don't take my observations to heart. I think the current mgmt team will work with the new owners as advisers.

I'm feeling something like:

Connolly, prospect and a 2nd for Brad Boyes and a midranged prospect.

- C Brad Richards, Dallas: He turned down what sources say was a “fair market” extension from the Stars, but has declared he wants to stay. There is some talk Richards wants a long-term deal in the eight-year range if he’s going to stay. Nobody wants to give out those deals with the CBA expiring in 16 months. The Kings, Rangers and Sabres are in hot pursuit with Los Angeles GM Dean Lombardi under pressure to add scoring . The asking price is huge: The word is Dallas GM Joe Nieuwendyk wanted two roster players and a draft pick from New York to open the negotiations. Nothing may happen and a major issue is the Stars can’t get Richards to tell them whether he’s willing to waive his no-movement clause.

- LW David Booth and C Stephen Weiss, Florida: There was some discussion Sunday they might go as a package deal. GM Dale Tallon is in total rebuild mode. Weiss has a no-movent clause, but he’d likely waive it. This option might be attractive to Buffalo GM Darcy Regier, with the blessing of new owner Terry Pegula to spend money.

The Preds are looking for help with Marcel Goc injured. GM David Poile has called about Hemsky, Buffalo’s Thomas Vanek and Toronto’s Clarke MacArthur.

Trade deadline day is always an interesting one to say the least. This one especially for Buffalo Sabres fans. For years now, we have seen very little to nothing done as the day comes and goes.

Players of recent deadline moves who have been brought in by Darcy Regier include: Raffi Torres, Steve Bernier, Dominic Moore, and Dainius Zubrus. Not exactly the kind of players that set your team over the top for a strong playoff push.

But this year just seems different. Regier has had the financial restraints cut loose, and has said any move they make will be for a player to stick around long term...as in longer than 20 games.

If Regier is serious about making a statement to the fans and new owner Terry Pegula, there are several options out there for him to consider.

J.M. Liles from the Colorado Avalanche is a good option. A strong defenseman with some offensive awareness. His salary is roughly $4.25 million per year, with one year left on his contract. Liles would bolster a defense that could use a bit more fire power from the point without sacrificing defense.

A giant splash would be trying to land center Brad Richards from the Dallas Stars. Though the asking price from the Stars seems to be very steep, Richards is the type of center Buffalo has needed for about five seasons. Richards would be an investment in the teams future. He is the type of player who would make a winger like Thomas Vanek flourish, and become the 40 goal player they have hoped for.

Another idea could be Atlanta Thrasher young blueliner Zach Bogosian. It has been rumored Bogosian said he will not be in Atlanta next season, and he and the coaches have had a difference in opinions this season. While he has struggled in his third year, Bogosian is the type of player that a team can guarantee a future with. He has captain capabilities. Something Buffalo has lacked for seasons.

A bit less money with a few more years in age is the option of a player like Atlanta Thrashers defenseman Ron Hainsey. Hainsey is a veteran presence and has some offensive skill. He skates well, and can lug the puck up the ice. His contract is rather high, but its something Regier and the Sabres could handle under their salary cap.

Coming back to the forwards; a speedy high scoring winger like Ales Hemsky could also suit the Sabres needs for lack of fire power. The Edmonton Oilers are not going to let Hemsky go for free though. Regier would have to be creative in his trade proposal with the Oilers to land him. Hensky has speed and a nose for the net. Something the Sabres are in desperate need of.

But the simple fact is, Regier has to make a move. A bold move. A decisive move, which shows the fans of Buffalo just how serious he is as the general manager of a new Buffalo Sabres regime.