Sabres defenseman Henrik Tallinder is ready to put the team's last two seasons behind him and help his team jump back into post-season play, reports the Buffalo News.
Tallinder had a frustrating year last season and even suggested it might be best for all parties if he were to be traded.
The Sabres looked for a suitor, but came up empty and Tallinder's set on improving his play and his team's chances this year.
"It's the draft and the trade deadline where most of the trades happen," Tallinder told the News. "I was looking at it but I wasn't surprised either, really. I'm not surprised. It's hard to trade. I can't focus on what's happened or what's going to happen. I have to worry about my play and how I'm going to approach the season."
Tallinder is entering the final year of his contract, which pays him $3.25 million. He's played in just one pre-season game and plans on getting himself back into coach Lindy Ruff's good books.
"No one wants to go through where we were last season again, both for myself or the team," he said. "We want to be better. This is my job. I love it here. I want to perform better. That's what it's all about for me."
Files from:
Buffalo News
[ From the Editor ]
Tallinder's high salary probably prevented a trade from happening, but that might have been a good thing for the Sabres. The veteran defenseman is poised to rebound this year and that could strongly benefit the Sabres, who will be hard pressed to make the playoffs in a continuously challenging Eastern Conference. -- David Pagnotta
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