from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

A playoff spot was probably a little unrealistic this season for a rebuilding Buffalo Sabres team that’s definitely improving in many areas, just not in the standings.

So as the Feb. 29 trade deadline approaches, the Sabres will once again announce themselves as sellers.

"The approach is the same. We’re in 29th place. I do stress that we think we’ve improved greatly everywhere but in the standings," Sabres general manager Tim Murray said over the phone this week.

"This is the process. If I can acquire younger assets or future assets for some of our veterans, especially veterans on expiring contracts, I’m going to pursue that for sure."

That means pending unrestricted free agents will be in play, topped by the likes of winger Jamie McGinn, who could have value to a contender. Defenseman Mike Weber is a pending UFA who can add depth and toughness to a contending lineup....

But the biggest name I’ve heard from other teams that the Sabres would listen on is Tyler Ennis, who still has three more seasons left on his contract at a $4.6 million salary-cap hit.

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