Sabres Add veteran blueliner Jackman on eve of all-star game

The Sabres made an interesting move today by trading for veteran Thrashers journeyman bluliner Richard Jackman. This gives the team 7 legitimate defensemen and some good insurance in the event of a another horrid run of injuries. Jay Bouwmeester has taken a long time to get close to 100%, while both Hannan and Berard went down during that time.

Pitt has apparently been patrolling the phones looking for a solid veteran offensive D-man to flesh out his 3rd pairing and play on the 2nd unit PP. Rumours were he came very close to landing Modry, but wasnt prepared to outbid the Ducks for his services. Jackman has had an up-and-down carrer to date, and has gone from good numbers to almost being an AHL'er to consistent minutes through different seasons. That said, although his numbers haven't been spectacular, expect him to be the type of guy Pitt was after, a solid 3rd pairing blueliner with decent offensive skils and a bit of jam to go with it.

The cost wasn't overly high for a guy who fits the bill so well. Carolina's 3rd round pick, veteran grinder Grant Marshall (who has seen his minutes reduced to under 5 a game) and $500K. It appears to be more of a short term move for the team with Hainsey and Suter on the way, but for the moment, he should be a respectable addition.

Jackman was not available for an interview at the time.

This does put the Sabres a good million over the cap, so expect somebody to be moved. Lips are locked tight as to who that may be.

Stay tuned!

That's all...for now

Buffalo Bill
Hockey Editor for The Buffalo News
 

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