Decisions, decisions
Forward Adam Mair and defenseman Toni Lydman were practicing with the Sabres this morning at HSBC Arena after missing the season opener with injuries. If both are healthy, the Sabres will be forced to make some difficult decisions to make room for one of them.
Buffalo had 24 players at practice, one over the roster limit. If Mair is cleared to play, coach Lindy Ruff and the hockey department would need to trim their roster before Thursday's game against Phoenix. If Lydman is ready, it would mean carrying eight defensemen including defenseman-forward Nathan Paetsch. Rookie Tyler Myers isn't going anywhere based on how he played in his NHL debut.
Regardless, trimming the roster is easier said than done. Tim Kennedy has a two-way contract and could be sent to Portland without worrying about him being claimed off waivers. That's the easy move, but it's not necessarily the best one. He played well enough in the opener to stick around, so sending him down would not make the Sabres any better.
Do they waive Matt Ellis to make room? Do they make the bold move and waive one of their veteran D-men, such as Henrik Tallinder or Lydman? Both make more than $3 million per season. How about Clarke MacArthur? There have been rumors for months that they're tried to trade Daniel Paille but don't want to give up a prospect in the process.
Eventually, something will need to give.
--- Bucky Gleason
