--The Sabres confirmed that owner B. Thomas Golisano, who purchased the team in 2003, is listening to offers for the team. A report in the Toronto Star said Jim Balsillie, who failed in bids to buy Pittsburgh and Nashville, talked with Golisano in December.

"From time to time, we receive inquiries about the possible sale of our franchise," managing partner Larry Quinn wrote on Sabres.com. "Although it is not uncommon to receive inquiries, it is the policy of our organization not to comment on them. However, we want to reiterate to all Sabres fans and our community that we have not and will not discuss the relocation of our franchise."

--The Sabres, who have taken a beating in the signings department the last few seasons with the departures of Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Jay McKee (among others), are achieving their goals this off-season. They wanted to sign their three top college players -- Boston College's Nathan Gerbe, the University of Denver's Chris Butler and Michigan State's Tim Kennedy -- and they have Gerbe and Butler under contract. They are talking with Kennedy.

QUOTE TO NOTE
"He's about possibilities. Let's face it, people will look at him, and it creates a lot of hope for a lot of people. I don't think he minds being in some cases the poster boy for creating hope. That's a wonderful thing to be associated with." -- Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier, on the signing of 5-foot-5 prospect Nathan Gerbe.

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