The Buffalo Sabres are 26-26-11. They are seven points out of an Eastern wild card berth.
Shockingly, Sabres GM Tim Murray did not make a trade on Wednesday. Murray's phone likely rattled, hummed, pinged and buzzed nonstop for weeks leading up to the NHL trade deadline.
In the end, Murray made one AHL trade. That being forward Dan Catenacci for defenseman Mat Bodie.
Understandably, Sabres fans are less than thrilled about Murray's inactivity at the NHL trade deadline.
Why?
Why Murray's demands too high for those competing teams who wanted to add rental players? Did Murray over value his rentals and roster players?
A disappointed, crestfallen Murray met with media minutes after the 3 pm. EDT NHL trade deadline.
"I think there's a part of the fans base here that thinks we're going in the right direction. Then I think there's a part of the fan base that wants to see it done quicker. I understand that, but nothing good in life comes quickly", Murray said.
It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Murray would trade away his pending unrestricted free agent defensemen Dmitry Kulikov, Cody Franson. Captain Brian Gionta was an intriguing trade target for NHL clubs. Backup goalie Anders Nilsson was also a possibility to be traded.
Murray called the silence on NHL Trade Deadline Day 2017 a "small speed bump" in his rebuilding plan.
Murray said that he and his scouting and coaching staffs will stay the course.
Murray said that this trade deadline was the most uneventful one that he has been around. It was quiet. Too quiet.
Murray said that he received calls on all of his UFAs. Murray said many teams called to inquire on Kulikov but it appears they were scared away by his ailing back.
Murray received calls on Franson but the offers were not worthy.
Murray said he also answered the phones for inquiries on Gionta.
Evander Kane, he of the 21 even strength goals since December 3, will remain with the Sabres. Might Tim Murray trade Kane before the Las Vegas expansion draft? Perhaps Kane will be dealt at the NHL Draft. Perhaps Murray will negotiate a long term extension with Kane's agent to keep the sniper in Buffalo gear for the next 5-7 years.
In his post deadline presser, Murray said that he had a couple of teams call on Evander Kane. Murray said he wasn't actively shopping Kane but was willing to listen. Murray said he didn't like the offers that he heard. Thus, no deal.
Murray also said that he will be protecting Robin Lehner in teh NHL Expansion Draft.