Date: June 25, 2001
Source: the Buffalo Sabres
Author: Press Release
URL: http://www.sabres.com/newsabres6.25.01.html

Two Newest Sabres Introduced to The Buffalo Media and The Fans

Buffalo, NY - The two newest Sabres were introduced to the Buffalo media on Monday afternoon. Tim Connolly, a native of Syracuse, NY, was taken by the New York Islanders with their first pick (fifth overall) in the 1999 Entry Draft. Taylor Pyatt was the Isles' second pick (eighth overall) in that same draft. Connolly, 20, is projected to be a good-to-very-good player in the NHL now and for many years to come. Pyatt, who already played 78 games for New York last year, doesn't turn 20 until August, and is a prototype power forward.

During this afternoon's press conference, Tim Connolly mentioned that while he enjoyed his time on the Island, as it gave him the opportunity to get a lot of ice time and find his game, he relishes the fact that he is now moving to a contending team, and it "should be a lot of fun". He added that he admired the Sabres as a "team you hate to play against, but a team you'd love to play for".

Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said that left wing was a position the team has been looking to improve, and they feel they have done that with the addition of Pyatt. "I'm hoping to develop into a physical player and score some goals", is how the 19-year old summed up his game.

General Manager Darcy Regier added that this trade "was not about rebuilding. We have a core of players, and with the addition of these two young men, we have a group that will grow together as a team".