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Originally Posted by Phanuthier
Again he didn't ask to be traded, in fact he seemed reluctant to waive his NMC - and Buffalo even flew their owner in to try and convince Regehr to waive his NMC. Regehr declined at first, but from all reports ended up accepting the trade and was pretty pissed off at how the rumour was leaked to the media forcing his hand to accept the trade. Where that leak came from, I don't know, but it did seem a little bush league to me.
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It wasn't just the owner, Pegula, but coach Lindy Ruff (Alberta boy) and GM Darcy Regier went out to Sask., too, to convince Regehr how much he was wanted in Buffalo. Expenses probably were on Pegula's dime.
The whole proceedings didn't suprise me at all. Mike Robataille, Sabres in studio analyst, belongs to my gym. He's very willing to talk and offer opinions. He told me that the previous season (to this trade) that Ryan Miller frequently bitched after games. Adding toughness, esp. on defense, was going to be a top priority, ostensibly to take that away as an excuse for Miller. Obviously, it didn't work out like they would've hoped, but the owner can't be blamed for opening his wallet to address needs.