NHL
Regier: Max will rebound
The Buffalo Sabres are still searching for a defenseman, but they made it clear one guy they are dangling for a blue-liner is due to rebound (and score on the rebound).
Maxim Afinogenov is the most well-known name on the Sabres’ trade block, but he’s coming off the worst season of his career. The speedy right winger had just 10 goals and 18 assists during a 56-game season slowed by a slight groin tear.
The 28-year-old came out of the lockout as one of the most potent players in Buffalo, recording 134 points in 133 games. General Manager Darcy Regier’s sales pitch projects him to return to that 2005 to ’07 form.
“He’s not going to score 10 goals next year,” Regier said. “Whether it’s here or not, he’s here right now, he certainly is going to get back on track. He’s a young player. There’s no reason not to. He’s an outstanding player.”
Another forward coming off a down year, center Tim Connolly, is said to be recovering well from hip surgery. The Sabres are still counting on him to be the No. 2 center behind Derek Roy.
“We think we’re OK down the middle when you look at it,” Regier said. “That’s a short-term statement, and we’ll look at it longer term, but right now Tim’s doing well.”
