Buffalo, NY ~ The Buffalo Sabres made a tranasaction late Saturday night that saw winger Dean McAmmond traded to the west coast, as he is now a member of the Los Angeles Kings. Coming back to the Sabres is veteran winger Richard Park, recently drafted prospect Marc Staal, and a 5th round draft pick next year. Park, who played on the right side for LA last year, will switch to the left side, and both him and Avery will battle it out in training camp to see who takes over the 3rd line sot vacated by McAmmond. Staal will more than likely return to his junior club to develop, but gives the Sabres a second stout defenseman in their prospect basket, the first being Jack Johnson. the trade obviously weakens the left side, but rumor has it that the coaching staff is looking at switching first line left wing Mike York to the right side, and moving second line right winger Jochen Hecht to the top spot on the left side.
The Sabres still seem to have a good amount of depth in all areas, however they are very green on the back end. UFA signee Marc Bergiven, along with veterans James Patrick and Jay McKee are the only players to have played a full three season in the pros. Look for all three to get a lot of ice time paired with a fellow youngster.