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Sabres Central

What's up with Peca?
By Willrus
November 26, 2000

As every Buffalo Sabres fan knows, the captain Mike Peca has asked for a trade due to lack of contract movement. Although I don't think the Sabres will trade Peca anytime soon, a few possible trades have surfaced. It is said that as many as 14 teams have inquired about the Sabres captain, with the leading teams being the Ducks, Wings, Canes, Isles, Canadians, and Flames.

Looking at the Ducks roster, it looks like they don't have much to offer the team. They do have young defenseman Vitaly Vishnevski but he is probably untouchable. The Ducks just acquired young centerman Sami Pahlsson from the Bruins, so it is unlikely they will look to Peca.

The Wings are another team that has been mentioned but probably would not have what the Sabres are looking for in a trade. Defenseman Yuri Fischer would interest the Sabres management, but the Wingers would be wise to keep him.

Rod Brindamour is reportedly on the block and the Canes MIGHT have called the Sabres offering him up for Peca. I have only heard the Canes mentioned as a trade partner but not any specific players on that team. It only makes sense with all the rumors regarding Brindamour that they could have tried to trade him for Peca. Sami Kapanen is another possibility.

Another rumor floating around is the chance that the Sabres might ship Peca to the Isles for the oft injured defenseman Kenny Jonsson. Don't expect the Sabres to bite on him, but the Isles do have many young assets that could interest the Sabres.

A lot of steam has been passed about a deal with the Montreal club. One deal had Brian Savage and Martin Rucinsky for centermen Michael Peca and Curtis Brown. This trade idea is pure fantasy. Not only will the team give Peca to a rival but will also throw in Brown! Ha! Will never happen. A more realistic idea was Peca for Andre Markov and a few first round picks. Don't look for the captain in a Montreal uniform ever.

In my opinion, the most likely trade partner at this point would be the Calgary Flames. Every year rumors spark among these teams so it is known that Regier likes a few players with the Flames. Rumors are swirling in Calgary because the team is off to a horrible start. They could offer up the free agent defenseman Derek Morris who would be a welcome addition to any NHL blueline. He adds a good amount of offensive ability, character and has age on his side. Derek Morris is after a 2.5 million dollar a year contract, so another player would have to be added in to balance the contracts (Peca wants 3.5 mill.). Jarome Iginla would be a great fit in Buffalo, but he probably won't be traded. A slumping Bure is another possibility, but the Sabres already have a slumping Satan, which is basically the same player.

Of all the teams mentioned, I feel Calgary is the most realistic place that Peca would go that could benefit both sides. Derek Morris plus a player for Peca is a trade that the Sabres would at least consider in my opinion. Please keep in mind I don't want the team to trade the captain but a few viewers wanted me to talk about some different scenarios. Don't expect Peca to go anywhere for the time being, but watch around the Christmas season.

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