NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres – Carrier, Kane And More
Evander Kane and Linus Ullmark of the Buffalo Sabres
Paul Hamilton expects Carrier or backup goalie taken…

Paul Hamilton: notes that Vegas has sent the message of either you leave us William Carrier or we take one of your unprotected goalies. Carrier was left off the protect list so it appears a backup netminder Linus Ullmark will not be taken from the Buffalo Sabres roster.

Mike Harrington Of The Buffalo News: The Sabres may hope to lose a big contract in the expansion draft – Zach Bogosian, Matt Moulson or Josh Gorges – but it’s unlikely.

The belief is Carrier was left unprotected to protect Linus Ullmark. Yes, Carrier has speed and physical ability but has not shown much finish yet. Buffalo GM Jason Botterill believes that Ullmark is the future for the Sabres. It’s believed that Vegas GM George McPhee wants Ullmark and that Botterill has told McPhee he wants to keep him. Add another team to the potential deal list.

Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat:  Buffalo dangled Matt Moulson and Zach Bogosian in the expansion draft in the hope that Las Vegas would take a big contract off their hands. William Carrier surprised many but again a deal seems in place. Buffalo astonished some when Tyler Ennis was protected. However, many feel that Phil Housely can resurrect the career of Ennis.

Kane and able once again for Sabres? 

Bucky Gleason Of The Buffalo News: Kane is coming off a 28 goal season in which he played 70 games. Does Buffalo sell high in his contract year or do they entertain the thought of an extension. It is the old hockey adage. If a team is offering more than what the GM thinks he is worth then do the deal!

Mike Harrington Of The Buffalo News:  It is clear that Evander Kane can score goals but can he stay out of trouble. That is the question. Harrington notes this and more with the addition of Kane hoping to stay in Buffalo and isn’t worrying about the rumors.

“Do I worry about the rumors? No. The funny part about rumors is that if you don’t know something is going on, then nobody else does,”  Kane told the Vancouver Province at a golf tournament honoring the Vancouver Giants’ 2007 Memorial Cup championship.

“I have an agent (Don Meehan) who is knowledgeable and tapped in. He gives me updates when I need updates. I’d like to think I’m well informed when I need to be. … I’m getting prepared to start another NHL season. Hopefully it’s in Buffalo.”

also mentions that it does not seem like Jason Botterill is interested in an extension. Also, Phil Housely did mention Kane once in his press conference. Reports seem to indicate that a trade may come now or at the trade deadline. That is unless Kane puts together a huge season.