The Sabres have sent eight players to Portland today. Those players are Mark Mancari, Nathan Gerbe, Tim Kennedy, Mathieu Darche, Dylan Hunter, Marek Zagrapan, Chris Butler, and Mike Funk.
With the claiming of Matt Ellis, it was pretty much certain that Gerbe and Kennedy were not going to crack the lineup. But both have shown amazing promise and a little experience in the AHL can only make them better. Gerbe finished the preseason with two goals and impressed a lot of people in the organization. Kennedy did not record a point this preseason but his solid play made him a contender for a position on the team.
With these players sent down the Sabres roster has basically been finalized. There are 24 players on the roster, one more has to be sent down and that is going to be the final defenseman left. The battle for the seventh defenseman spot is most likely between Nathan Paestch and Mike Weber. Weber will probably be the odd man out because of the fact that he can be sent down to the minors without fear of being claimed. But, Paestch has not really impressed anyone as of late and has not made many stand out plays this preseason to somewhat warrant another go at the seventh defenseman position. If Paestch was sent down, I don't think that there would be a claimer for him because of the fact that his play as of late has not been all that great.
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