from Bucky Gleason of the Buffalo News,.

The word coming from Camp Pegula offered this frightening possibility: Regier surviving the season. Ken Sawyer, one of Pegula’s top advisors, has told people he believes Regier is a “hockey genius.” It’s enough to question Sawyer’s credibility, especially after Regier signed a contract extension for missing the playoffs.

At some point, usually when their bank accounts are full but dreams are unfulfilled, players start searching for a title anywhere they can find one. Miller, Thomas Vanek and Jason Pominville each have one full season on their contracts before they’re eligible for unrestricted free agency.

Miller will turn 33 this summer. Pominville turns 31 in November while Vanek turns 30 next January. They’re not the innocent, energetic kids who emerged during the 2005-06 season and climbed aboard a playoff ride to remember. All three have been superb in a miserable season. All three could help a playoff team.

It would be painful, but the Sabres should consider trading them in a lost season and maximize their return. It beats losing them for nothing or getting less back next season. For now, they remain valuable assets.

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