Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – Now that the NHL Trade Deadline has passed, teams can start moving forward.
Defenseman Robert Hagg was the only player that got dealt by the Buffalo Sabres, and head coach Don Granato says the team can now continue with their goals for the season.
“Today, we officially are a team," Granato said following Tuesday's practice. "There’s nobody leaving from that room, and there is a real silver lining to that. Now we can put our stamp on what this team is and wants to be, and could become through the course of the next 19 games.”
Craig Anderson admitted he wouldn’t have minded a trade to Florida, because that’s his home and the Panthers have a good chance at the Stanley Cup.
“I’m 50-50 on it," Anderson said on Tuesday. "I would’ve been able to go home and potentially do something deep into the playoffs, but also I’m glad to be here as well, to be part of this growth that we’re having right now.”
Anderson has always been made to be felt wanted by the Sabres.
“At the end of the day, the Buffalo Sabres want me as their goaltender right now, and that emotionally is reassuring and something to be excited about,” he said.
The 40-year-old says he has no idea if he’s going to play next year, because that will have to be a family decision. He did say it’s nice to know that the Sabres could have an interest.
Anderson will start in goal on Wednesday night when the Sabres host the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Mark Pysyk was another player that could’ve been moved to a playoff team as a depth player. However, he remains with the team as the 3 p.m. ET deadline passed.
“The uncertainty of moving parts is gone, and I’m definitely excited to be here the rest of the way," Pysyk said following Tuesday's practice.
“I was open to anything, whether it was staying here or moving, but I think I’m pleased with how it went, because the last couple of months have been a lot of fun. We’re a fun group to be around, and I’m glad I get to spend, at least, another 19 games here.”
Rasmus Dahlin took an elbow to the nose during Tuesday's session and was bleeding. The good news is he didn’t miss too much practice before he returned.
Casey Fitzgerald returned to practice from an upper-body injury, but Granato said they’re going to take it slow with him. He will not play on Wednesday.
After practice, Jeff Skinner participated in "Bald for Bucks" to benefit Roswell Park. He seemed to have a lot of fun with it.
Tuesday’s lines:
Forwards:
Skinner – Thompson – Tuch
Girgensons – Eakin – Okposo
Asplund – Mittelstadt – Olofsson
Krebs – Cozens – Hinostroza
Defense:
Dahlin – Jokiharju
Miller – Pysyk
Samuelsson – Bryson
Butcher – Fitzgerald
