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Saturday, June 30, 2001
In the end, though, Sabres might want Andreychuk
Associated Press
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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Dave Andreychuk's days might be over in
Buffalo, while Rob Ray likely will return to play for the Sabres.
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| Ray |
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| Andreychuk |
Agent Roland Thompson, who represents both players, said the
Sabres informed him Saturday night that they won't pick up
Andreychuk's $1.1 million one-year option by the midnight deadline,
allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.
As for Ray, the Sabres career penalty minutes leader, Thompson
said a deal is in the works.
"Some things may happen soon. ... I'm saying (Ray) will be a
Sabre for a while," Thompson said, refusing to say whether the
Sabres will re-sign Ray before or after the deadline.
Both players completed the final year of their respective
contracts and were eligible to become unrestricted free agents Sunday.
The Sabres were not available for comment as they were busy
deciding a bigger issue: Whether to re-sign or trade goalie Dominik
Hasek, who was also eligible to become an unrestricted free agent
after the signing deadline.
While Andreychuk, who wants to play for at least one more
season, will seek interest from other teams, Thompson said the
Sabres haven't ruled out signing him at a later date.
"It doesn't mean it's closed (in Buffalo). Bottom line, I think
the Sabres are going to need some time," Thompson said. "I don't
think David's out of their plans, but at this stage they just can't
do anything because of the whole Dom scene and what that may
translate into in terms of numbers of bodies."
Andreychuk, who originally broke into the NHL with the Sabres,
completed his 19th NHL season after re-signing with Buffalo as a
free agent last summer. Despite limited playing time, the
power-play specialist had 20 goals and 33 points in 74 games.
Andreychuk's 572 career goals rank him third among NHL left
wings.
Ray is a fan favorite in Buffalo because of his charitable works
off the ice and rugged play on it. His 2,897 career penalty minutes
are the most accumulated with one team.
Ray has spent his entire 12-year career with the Sabres.
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