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

Sabres trade Michael Peca to the Islanders

Almost at mid-Sunday afternoon, the Sabres GM Darcy Regier finally parted company with former Sabres captain Michael Peca when Regier and Mike Milbury agreed on a deal that Regier felt was equal value.

Josh Mora alerted the Empire Sports Network that something was going on when the New York Islanders told their media to stick around after the NHL ended its entry draft.

That's when the announcement was made that Peca was traded to the New York Islanders for 20 year-old center Tim Connolly (click here for bio) and 19 year-old left wing Taylor Pyatt (click here for bio).

As the NHL Entry Draft was approaching, the Islanders were prominently mentioned as a bartering partner with the Sabres – and Connolly was the center of attraction for Buffalo. As the draft got closer, it was reported that Connolly was being taken off the drawing board. The Islanders made a trade with Ottawa for Yashin.

Sunday – Regier pulled the trigger and pried Connolly from Milbury, ending the Sabres career of Michael Peca. For Peca, it ends a year that saw him hold out for a full season after saying that he will no longer play for the Sabres after failing to reach a contract agreement before the beginning of last season.

Connolly, 6' 186 pounds made his debut two years ago and in those two seasons scored 24 goals, 51 assists and 75 points in 163 games. Connolly was the Islanders 1st round (and 5th overall) in the 1999 draft and immediately stepped in at the NHL level.

Many say that he has an excellent shot from long-range and is a superior stickhandle. He is also a good passer.

While he stands 6 feet, he experienced difficulty skating through the neutral zone, but he is still young enough to continue to fill out his frame.

Connolly, who is from Syracuse, NY, has family living in Buffalo.

In Pyatt, the Sabres acquired a big forward who stand 6'4" and weighs 220 pounds. He played in 78 games for the Islanders last season scoring 4 goals and 14 assists for 18 points.