VANCOUVER -- Zack Kassian wants to prove his worth to two teams tonight. The Vancouver forward, acquired from Buffalo on Monday, is eager to showcase his skills for the team that got rid of him and the team that wanted him.
"I have something to prove to the Sabres and Vancouver," Kassian said today in Rogers Arena. "As a young player in this league, you have to make a name for yourself."
Kassian was shocked to be part of General Manager Darcy Regier's deal that brought center Cody Hodgson to Buffalo.
"Hockey's a business," Kassian said. "If he feels that was the right move, Darcy, so be it. I think I'm a young player. I still have a lot to prove. I'm just looking forward to getting the opportunity."
Another player innvolved in the trade who is getting a chance is defenseman Alexander Sulzer. The Sabres will be without Robyn Regehr, who is listed as day-to-day with an injury to his hip area, so Sulzer will make his Buffalo debut.
Sulzer will be paired with fellow German Christian Ehrhoff. The other defense partners will be Jordan Leopold and Tyler Myers, and Andrej Sekera and Mike Weber.
Forward Marcus Foligno has joined the Sabres on a recall from Rochester. With Regehr out, Buffalo had no extra skaters. The presence of Foligno provides insurance for any late scratches, though coach Lindy Ruff did not rule out the possibility of Foligno playing tonight.
---John Vogl
Zack Kassian
Cody Hodgson
Lindy Ruff
