KevinJames

Buffalo, NY • United States • 23 Years Old • Male

Rob Niedermayer: Solid Pickup For Buffalo

Darcy Regier may have surprised many fans with this signing. Rob Niedermayer has agreed to a one year, one million dollar contract with the Buffalo Sabres.

Niedermayer has been in the league for 16 seasons, and is playing for Buffalo in this next one. Although he has a career plus/minus of -115, Niedermayer brings in more grit and experience to the team. He has 450 points in 1,082 career games.

Niedermayer certainly has postseason experience and won the Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks during the 2006-2007 season.

Out of all of the rumors going around, this one was kept quiet. Niedermayer has played for four teams, his last was New Jersey this past season where he collected 22 points in 71 games. He will likely play on the third or fourth line, but it is still a solid pickup for Regier and the Sabres.

Some may argue that Niedermayer is washed up and may not produce like he has in the past. He is 35 years of age, but will still be able to make a solid impact with the team.

He may not come close to his career season, which he had back in 1995. That year, he totaled 61 points in 82 games, while collecting 23 power play points and six game winning goals.

I wouldn't expect much more than 20 points from the 16 year NHL veteran this year, but he brings a lot with him.

He is not a 40 goal scorer, or the power play quarterback that the Sabres need. He may be an upgrade over Adam Mair, who may not return to the Sabres as he is an unrestricted free agent.

Niedermayer brings experience, leadership, and grit to the Sabres. He will fit in with Paul Gaustad and Patrick Kaleta.

Before fans begin to disapprove of the move, let's see what he can do for the Sabres. It is only a one year contract. If things don't work out, he won't be in town for long. Overall, he is a solid pickup for Buffalo. He may not be exactly who the team needs, but he could help.

For more Sabres news and information, be sure to check out http://sabreshockeycentral.com/

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