NHL Rumors: Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, Pete DeBoer and Mike Babcock

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Sabres defenseman asks a for a trade

TSN: Darren Dreger says that Buffalo Sabres 29-year old pending free agent defenseman Zach Bogosian has asked for a trade, and he’s not the only Sabres defenseman who could be available.

“…. sources say that he officially requested a trade from the Buffalo Sabres. It’s going to be interesting, with a cap hit of just over $5.1 million, whether of not there will be any takers at this point. The Buffalo Sabres have been trying to move a defenceman for quite some time, in addition to Bogosian you might look at Marco Scandella or Colin Miller’s name also out there.”

John Vogl: When asked about Zach Bogosian‘s reported trade request, Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill offered up a “No comment.”

Bill Hoppe of Buffalo Hockey Beat: Bogosian had offseason hip surgery and has only played in 10 games this year. He came back on November 24th.

With Rasmus Dahlin‘s return last night, Bogosian was made a healthy scratch.

The Sabres are currently carrying eight defensemen on their roster and played seven last night.

Panthers healthy scratch Matheson

TSN: Pierre LeBrun said the Florida Panthers scratched defenseman Mike Matheson in an effort to get him going and may not be looking to trade him.

” I think it disappointed him, here’s a player making just under $5 million a year, only in the second year of his deal but Joel Quenneville wanted to light a fire under Matheson, that’s what’s going on here and why he was scratched for Thursday night’s game. It’s not about Florida trying to move him, the Panthers just want to try and get him going.”

DeBoer and Babcock won’t rush into anything

TSN: Recently fired head coaches Pete DeBoer and Mike Keenan may be looking to take some time off and decompress before jumping into their next coaching gig according to Pierre LeBrun.

” got another year on his deal for $3 million and I don’t think he wants to rush in to looking at offers. Same for Mike Babcock, I think there are teams interested in talking to him, but his plan is to take the rest of the year off. Babcock’s name came up when Pete DeBoer got fired, and again I think San Jose wants to give Bob Boughner the rest of the year.”