Darcy Regier has faced similar circumstances numerous times, so the Buffalo Sabres' general manager wasn't fretting Monday over decisions that can be made later. For better or worse, his tenure in the big chair has been marked by patience — for not overreacting or, in some cases, not reacting at all.

Regier could be pressed into making a tough call in the near future, with help from coach

Lindy Ruff. The Sabres will need to make room for gritty forward Adam Mair, who appeared to be

inching closer to full-time duty Monday after offseason hip surgery.

Mair showed no signs of wear during two 45-minute practices in HSBC Arena. He remains on

the injured list until further notice and will likely watch Thursday's game against the

Phoenix Coyotes. Given the offseason makeover that calls for more bite in their game, common

sense suggests the Sabres want him back in the lineup sooner than later.

And that's when it could get sticky.

"We've had situations like this in the past," Regier said. "They have a way of sorting

themselves out. Right now, we don't have a decision. If everyone stays healthy, we will have a

decision. We know the scenarios and the possibilities. I think we'll be OK."

The scenarios are many, the possibilities endless. For now, the Sabres can file the dilemma

in the Good Problem category. Rookies Tyler Myers and Tim Kennedy have played well since

training camp to earn spots on the team. Simply, there is no simple move when the time comes.

The Sabres had five full lines, including defenseman-forward Nathan Paetsch, during their

special-teams practice in the morning. Mike Grier missed the afternoon workout with a sore

leg, but with Paetsch switching back to defense it gave the Sabres eight players at the blue

line.

All told, they had 24 players participating. The roster limit is 23.

Someone is going somewhere when Mair returns.

"It's crazy. It's not easy," Ruff said. "You like the fact that you had young players play

as well as they have. At the same time, it raises awareness with some players where, "Man, I

better have my game going.'"

Do they dump a defenseman? Do they waive a veteran? Get walloped on a trade just to make

room? Take the easy route and ship out a rookie? For now, they're willing to wait for the

situation to unravel. There's no telling exactly how it will shake out.

"The prevailing factor is going to be around winning," Regier said. "What's going to help

you win? It's not going to be about convenience at the risk of losing a game. It's about doing

what we need to do to put us in position to win games."

Here's a look at which players could be affected:

Kennedy. The rookie from South Buffalo would not need to clear waivers to

reach Portland. It would be an easy move, but not necessarily the right one. He played well in

camp and the opener. Two miscues cost him ice time in the third period, but Ruff likes his

puck skills and tenacity. And remember what Regier said about "convenience."

Matt Ellis. He has been consistent on the fourth line, but he could be sent

down to the AHL. The Sabres passed him through waivers without problems last season before he

came back and played well. He's a gritty two-way player and team-first guy who fits their

current system, which is a big plus for him.

Henrik Tallinder or Toni Lydman. Joined at the hip in terms of

contract and pending unrestricted free agency, Buffalo could decide to waive one of them.

Tallinder seems the better candidate. If another team made a claim, his salary comes off the

books. Clearing waivers would mean being on the hook for the full salary for either. Lydman is

expected back in the lineup Thursday.

Daniel Paille. The former first-round pick was a healthy scratch for the

opener, which was not a good sign after a summer of trade speculation. He's only 25, makes

$1.35 million and is a restricted free agent. The Sabres could try getting him to Portland,

but it comes with the risk of another team grabbing him.

Paetsch. His dual work at forward and defense works for him and against him.

He hasn't been able to crack the top four lines or top three defense pairings with regularity.

However, he's capable of playing anywhere and can save the Sabres a roster move in a pinch.

Clarke MacArthur. The left winger gives the Sabres some skill on the second

line, but he lacks the physical edge they desire. He's too good for the AHL, not consistent

enough so far for the NHL. They could take a chance and ship him to Portland.

Myers. Technically, the Sabres could send him back to junior. It's

unfathomable. He's already one of their better defenseman and will only improve as the season

goes along.