Finally, the big right handed shot RW the Sedins have always needed

This move is curious by the Sabres.  Bernier was a guy I expected them to try and keep in the fold due to his size and relatively reasonable salary, so to let him go and get nobody in return doesn’t make sense.  Given their need for D-men you’d have thought that they would have at least tried to get a warm body, although maybe Vancouver threatened to extend an offer sheet...who knows.

The only way this makes sense is if Buffalo is going to try to extend an offer sheet themselves and needed a third round pick in next year’s draft to supplement the third rounder they might lose if they get the guy.  Unlikely, though.

Follow-up to my previous thought: is the third round pick for 2009 Buffalo’s original pick, that they traded to LA at the draft to move to move up to get Meyers?  If so, given the rule that you have to use your own draft picks in offers to RFAs, then this may be a case of Buffalo re-acquiring its own pick so they can make an offer.  Again seems unlikely, but if it is in fact used this way then this trade starts to make more sense. If not, then color me confused.

I’m a bit confused, too—other than their desire to free up a wee bit of cap space, I haven’t got any idea why they’d trade Bernier. 

Bfloblog is confused, too.  Dave’s post title is simple “WTF?” and proposes this:

The ONLY thing this can mean is that Darcy’s going to turn around and use these picks in another move….. right?

They sold Bernier in Buffalo as a good young player to grow along with their core - that was how they justified trading away Campbell.  He had a fabulous first game, but it aften takes trades a full training camp to really get used to their new teammates, so I figured he’d be very solid for them this season.

WTF, indeed.

Some words from Bernier today, speaking on the media conference call:

“When I got the call I was shocked.  Right now the only thing I am thinking about is getting in shape and having a chance to improve myself with the Vancouver Canucks.

“I didn’t see this coming. I got traded last year in February. I thought I was going to stay there (Buffalo) for a little while. It took me by surprise but it’s part of the job. I’m going to Vancouver and it’s tough not to be happy.

“Sometimes you get down and sometimes you get up,” he said. “What I am going to try and do is always be at the same level, always play at the highest level I can play.

“Maybe I was up and down too much. I want to change that and be a very effective player for 82 games.”