Sabres send down Gerbe, Kennedy
With one week before the start of the regular season, the Buffalo Sabres are closer to their roster limit of 23 after optioning eight players to the minors today, including rookies Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy.
The Sabres sent forwards Mark Mancari, Mathieu Darche, Dylan Hunter, Marek Zagrapan, Gerbe and Kennedy, and defensemen Chris Butler and Michael Funk to Portland of the American Hockey League. Mancari and Darche have to clear waivers and could be claimed by another team.
The moves leave the Sabres with 25 players, including injured center Paul Gaustad, who could be placed on injured reserve and not count against the roster. One roster move left to be made likely will include a defenseman. The Sabres have eight, and coach Lindy Ruff is not in favor of keeping that many.
Meanwhile, Gaustad was visiting a doctor today regarding his right thumb, which was operated on Tuesday. Original estimates had him missing at least three to four weeks, but Gaustad said he could be out six weeks.
