Darcy Regier, a native of Saskatchewan, surely has nothing against July 1. It is, after

all, Canada Day, a chance for those from north of the border to celebrate the founding of

their beloved country.

But as far as shopping on July 1, Regier hates it. The Buffalo Sabres general manager sees

inflated prices and deals that run too long, so he prefers to stay out of the way until the holiday rush is over.

Expect the same this week.

The NHL free agency period starts at noon Wednesday, and the festive season is once again

sure to raise eyebrows and player salaries. Just don't expect the Sabres to gift-wrap a big-

name player for the folks who watch games in HSBC Arena. Regier hinted again Monday that if

the Sabres change their roster before September, it will be through trades rather than

big-ticket signings.

"Regardless of what happens in the next week or two weeks, we're going to work to see if we

can improve the hockey club," Regier said. "It doesn't have to all come through unrestricted

signings or free agent signings. It can come through trades. I just think there will be more

work over the course of the summer this year than probably in the past."

Regier just isn't sure when that work will start. There are a number of names on the

trading block and various deals were discussed in Montreal during draft weekend. But aside

from superstar defenseman Chris Pronger going from Anaheim to Philadelphia, there were no

trades of consequence. Until someone breaks the ice, teams are hesitant to deal for fear of

getting robbed.

"I don't think the market has been established yet. There is a real feeling-out period of

what's the true value of something," Regier said. "It's tough to move players right now, for a

couple reasons. One is July 1 is free agency, and some teams are sitting back, hoping to get a

player in free agency. [The second reason is] the asking price for players that are under

contract is still too high - in the event that you can even move those players - and it's not

established.

"If it breaks through, I think it will be after July 1, and maybe it will be a week or two

weeks after July 1."

Trades are expected to take a hiatus for the next few days as GMs concentrate on the free

agent frenzy. The agent for defenseman Jaroslav Spacek, the Sabres' highest-profile

unrestricted player, contacted Regier on Monday about a deal. But the GM still expects Spacek

to test the market before possibly coming back to Buffalo.

Monday was also the deadline to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents. Regier

said the standard offer of a 10 percent raise, which entitles the team to retain the players'

rights or receive compensation should they sign elsewhere, was given to most of the Sabres'

RFAs. That group includes Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur, Patrick Kaleta, Andrej Sekera, Mark

Mancari and Marek Zagrapan, who signed to play in Russia.

Regier, while refusing to divulge names, said a couple of minor-league players did not

receive qualifying offers. That group includes forward Dylan Hunter and defensemen Michael

Funk and Mike Card, who have combined to play 13 NHL games.

"I think most of these players want to get into the restricted period and see what might be

out there," Regier said.

* * *

The Sabres' annual youth street hockey festival will return Aug. 23 on the roads

surrounding HSBC Arena. The deadline to register is Aug. 7 and can be done only online at

Sabres.com.

The coed teams consist of five players, with a $100 entry fee. Teams are guaranteed at

least three games, and each player receives a hat and T-shirt. There are six age divisions:

micron (ages 5-6); mite (7-8); squirt (9-10); pee-wee (11-12); bantam (13-14); and midget

(15-17).

Players in the micron and mite divisions must wear helmets. All participants are

responsible for their own sticks, gloves and goaltender equipment. For more information, call

855-4144.