Around The Division: Looking At What The Senators’ Rivals Have Done So Far

BUFFALO SABRES

Mar 5, 2013; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman

(7) skates with the puck during the third period against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Prudential Center. Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the New Jersey Devils 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

The Sabres missed the playoffs, finishing last in the Northeast Division with 48 points.

OUT:  Andrej Sekera (traded to Carolina) Mark Mancari (signed in St. Louis), Adam Pardy (signed in Winnipeg), Nathan Gerbe (bought out), Jochen Hecht (UFA)

IN:  Henrik Tallinder (from New Jersey), Jamie McBain (from Carolina)

ARE THEY BETTER TODAY THAN THE END OF THE SEASON?  The jury is still out.  With Mikhail Grigorenko ready to step up and the potential for Rasmus Ristolainen to jump right in, they could be better.  However, there are still questions surrounding Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller and where they will be playing next season, and if they are traded, what the return will be.   They will still be in tough to make the playoffs.