REGEHR HEADS TO BUFFALO
The Buffalo Sabres acquired defenseman Robyn Regehr, winger Ales Kotalik and a second-round draft pick in 2012 from the Calgary Flames for defenseman Chris Butler and center Paul Byron.
What does it give the Buffalo Sabres
In Regehr, the Sabres land a quality shutdown defenseman. He fills a major hole along the Buffalo blueline, and is likely to be paired with Tyler Myers on the first defense unit. Kotalik was a salary dump for Calgary, so the Sabres hope a return to his original club will help get him going again. If not, he was necessary to get Regehr on board. The second rounder is a bonus.
What does it give the Calgary Flames
Butler is a puck-moving defenseman, something Calgary can use, so he'll help off-set the loss of Regehr. Byron is a diminutive center with some skill and minor-pro experience. He's also played a little in the NHL, so far, and so he should provide some depth up front. The Flames lost a top defender in Regehr, but they did unload a contract (Kotalik) they no longer wanted.
Fantasy impact
