Is Darcy Regier a Genius When It Comes to Trades?
When you break down the trades that Darcy Regier has made during his career as Sabres GM, you may think he is one of the leagues best; acquiring such players among the likes of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury. In particular however, the last five significant trades that Regier has made have been no doubters for the Sabres, as they have been the clear cut winners in all of them. (I didn’t include the Jordan Leopold and Robyn Regehr trades, because we won’t know how these turn out for a few years). Here is an analysis of these trades.
Andrej Sekera to Carolina for Jamie McBain and a 2nd round pick. For the most part, this trade was unexpected. Sekera, who had spent his entire career with the Sabres, was a solid Dman, but nothing more than that. In return, the Sabres get a relatively young player in McBain, who still has lots of offensive potential. The second round pick was also a big plus for the Sabres, who were able to select a much needed, young winger in J.T. Compher. Result: Win for the Sabres
Jason Pominville to Minnesota for Johan Larsson, Matt Hackett, 1st and 2nd round pick. Almost every Sabres fan knew that Pominville would be dealt at the deadline. He was past his prime and his lack of leadership as Sabres captain really started to show. The Sabres got a ton in return for Pominville. A 1st and 2nd round pick were key for the rebuild, and two solid prospects that will impact the team in the coming years. Result: Definite win for the Sabres
Derek Roy to Dallas for Steve Ott and Adam Pardy. We all know how this trade panned out for both teams. Derek Roy lasted only half the season with the Stars, making very little impact. On the other hand, the Sabres may have found their future captain in Steve Ott. One of their best players this past season, Ott was up to his agitating ways throughout the duration of the season, to go along with playing significant time on special teams and chipping in often offensively. Pardy was okay during his season with the Sabres, but it was Ott who was the main piece to this trade. Result: Definite win for the Sabres
Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani to Vancouver for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer. This was one of the most intriguing trades in recent NHL history. Zack Kassian has yet to pan out as an NHL player while Gragnani is out of the NHL. For the Sabres, Cody Hodgson still has lots of potential and has had some solid seasons in the NHL, but needs to improve defensively. Alexander Sulzer was a nice surprise in this trade as he has proven to be a solid top 5 Dman. Result: Win for the Sabres
Paul Gaustad and a 4th round pick to Nashville for a 1st round pick. It really was a trade deadline day miracle that Regier was able to salvage a 1st rounder for Paul Gaustad. With Buffalo, Gaustad was a solid 3rd liner, who was one of the leagues best at faceoff’s. He was loved by all the fans, and off the ice was an all around great guy. He has yet to make any sort of impact with the Preds, as he has been injured for most of his time in Nashville. Result: Win for the Sabres
Take these last five trades as proof that Darcy Regier is a genius when it comes to trading. He has done it throughout his career as Sabres GM. With an interesting season ahead for the Sabres, what moves may Regier make next?