Just got back from the Sabres' news conference about Ville Leino. Some info:
*The Sabres envision Leino as a center on their team. Although he played left wing for the Flyers, he was a center for his life before that.
*The signing is the last big-name deal for the Sabres, who are now in the 10 percent summertime bonus of the salary cap.
*The Sabres feel the 27-year-old is just reaching his prime and has a lot of upside still. They're not sure if he's a first-line center, but they are willing to find out.
*Leino has a knack for holding on to the puck, which coach Lindy Ruff benefits a team that has its defensemen join the rush.
---John Vogl
Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff
Ville Leino
