In what amounted to a big day, the Sabres signed Matt Moulson who returns. They also acquired Josh Gorges and signed Brian Gionta.

It’s not often the Sabres are proactive on the first day of the free agency. For once, they have a GM who isn’t afraid to roll the dice. Tim Murray not only acquired vet defenseman Josh Gorges in a trade with rival Montreal but also was able to sign Matt Moulson and add another former Canadien Brian Gionta to the fold.

First, Buffalo sent a 2016 second round pick to Montreal in exchange for Gorges. The 29-year old defensive defenseman waived his no-trade clause and accepted a move to the Sabres rather than go to Toronto. He admitted on TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy coverage that he just couldn’t play for the Leafs after being on the Canadien side of one of the most historic rivalries. Instead, he chose Buffalo where he felt they can still improve.

Gorges is signed for four years and will earn $3.9 million per season. In 66 games for the Habs, he had a goal and 13 assists. He certainly should help the Sabres. He’s a heart and soul type who will do anything to help his team win.

The fun continued for Western New York with Moulson deciding to return to Buffalo for five years $25 million. The gritty forward was originally acquired by the Sabres on Oct. 27 last year with a first round pick and second round pick from the Islanders for Thomas Vanek. In 44 games with Buffalo, Moulson tallied 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points before being dealt at the deadline to Minnesota for Torrey Mitchell, second round picks in 2014 and 2016.

After spending 20 games with the Wild posting six goals and seven assists and tallying a goal and two helpers in 10 postseason contests, the 30-year old Moulson is a Sabre again. I can’t imagine how Islander fans must feel. GM Garth Snow gambled and lost. At least he was able to reroute Vanek to the Canadiens for Sebastian Collberg and a conditional second.

Murray wasn’t done adding vet Gionta for three years, $12.75 million. The 35-year old from Rochester finally comes home after spending part one of his career with the Devils and part two with the Canadiens where he captained them the last three seasons. The Habs advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before falling to the Rangers. After posting 18 goals and 22 assists in 81 games, Gionta registered a goal and six assists during the postseason in 17 games.

It looks like this could be his final stop for the mighty mite. Gionta has overachieved after being taken in the third round by the Devils in the ’98 Draft. In 776 career games, he’s posted 249 goals and 236 assists for 485 points. Gionta won a Cup in New Jersey notching a goal and eight assists in ’03. Generously listed at 5-7, 176 he’s never backed down despite his smallish frame. Gionta has tremendous character and will be a team leader on a rebuilding Buffalo club.

Overall, the Sabres had a great day adding valuable character guys who bring experience. This is easily one of the best days Buffalo has had in quite some time. Maybe we’ll even get a cameo from Brian on the happenings. Stay tuned.