 |
| Copyright Getty Images |
Henrik Tallinder is headed back to Buffalo. The 34-year old defenseman was reacquired by the Sabres. Prior to signing with New Jersey, he spent his first seven seasons with the team that drafted him in the second round (’97). It will be his second stint with the Sabres, who only parted with former 2010 seventh round pick Riley Boychuk.
“We are excited to have Henrik back in the mix on our blue line,” Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier said in a statement of the veteran who is set to earn $3.5 million in the final year of a four-year contract the Devils gave him. “His experience will be invaluable not only in adding more stability to our back end, but also in the development of some of our younger defencemen.”
While the explanation seems sensible, it’s a bit perplexing. Clearly, the Sabres are in full rebuild mode. They’ve gone from competing under new owner Terry Pegula to sellers. In the past year, Paul Gaustad, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, Jordan Leopold, Robyn Regehr and Andrej Sekera have all exited stage left while Ville Leino remains. One of those oops long term contracts that’s become all too common. He’s signed through 2016-17 and still owed $18 million. At least they added Jamie McBain. The Sabres are also on the hook for six more years of Tyler Myers. The former Calder winner who’s gone backwards makes $5.5 million-per-year through 2018-19. He played his best with Tallinder before he left. Maybe he’ll regain his confidence.
The Devils couldn’t wait to unload him. With a glut on the blueline that included Anton Volchenkov, GM Lou Lamoriello knew he had to get rid of one. It was easier to move Tallinder because his contract expires next summer. Volchenkov is signed through ’15-16 and is paid an average of $4.25 million. Not even Regier would take that contract. By subtracting Tallinder, they save money which can be used to re-sign key restricted Adam Henrique. With a little over seven million left, it allows Lamoriello to concentrate on getting Henrique locked up. Third center Jacob Josefson also must be re-upped.
Having re-signed Peter Harrold, the Devils currently boast six defensemen on the roster. Mark Fayne, Andy Greene, Adam Larsson, Bryce Salvador and Volchenkov. Marek Zidlicky is unrestricted. They might explore their options with prospects Jon Merrill, Eric Gelinas and Aexander Urbom. All should have opportunities to make the club.
hasan4978
Derek
Battle Of Hudson 
Glad for Tallinder, he didn't deserve to be stuck in purgatory here. Glad for us we don't have to deal with the D merry-go-round again. I probably have to eat crow for complaining about it so much last year if Tallinder had so little value now, on an expiring deal, clearly we couldn't move anyone last year even if we'd wanted to.
LikeLike
Another clown move from a clown GM and owner in Western New York…nothing to see here
LikeLike