BUFFALO – The Sabres’ trade with the St. Louis Blues is official: goalie Ryan Miller and captain Steve Ott are gone.
In return, the Sabres acquired goalie Jaroslav Halak, forwards Chris Stewart and William Carrier, a first-round pick in 2015 and another conditional pick.
Miller and Ott will talk to the media during the first intermission tonight. General manager Tim Murray will speak after the second period.
Update: Here are some quotes from an emotional Miller and Ott:
Miller on his gratefulness:
“I’m just thankful to everybody in Buffalo – friends, fans, the organization (from) top down, management over the years that believed in me. Terry and Kim (Pegula) and coming in and doing a great job and continuing the tradition of this being a great organization. I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do here.”
Miller on going to the Blues, a Stanley Cup contender:
“I am very excited for an opportunity to have a new adventure, to have a new opportunity. I have a strong sense that they have a very special team. They work hard. I’ve gotten to know some of those guys with the USA program. Competing against some of those guys you get to know them and they have a very strong, competitive spirit.”
Ott on going to the Blues:
“My dream and my biggest goal to be a hockey player is to have an opportunity and just to have a chance at the Stanley Cup. I feel they have a great team.”
Miller on his favorite memory, the run to the 2006 Eastern Conference final:
“I think it kind of caught everybody in town by surprise a little bit, so there was that extra kind of energy there. It was just nice to see where things were turning back for this organization where we really thought this organization deserved to be.”
Miller on playing in Buffalo:
“You’re not just an athlete here. I’ve always felt like people have taken the time to talk to me on a personal level and always appreciated it. I’m really going to miss this part of the world.”