Sports

Sabres left dealing with more turmoil after Miller traded, LaFontaine's resignation

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Former Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller collects his thoughts during a news conference as he talked about his years with the NHL hockey team, Friday, Feb. 28, 2014, in Buffalo, N.Y. Miller and Steve Ott were traded to the St. Louis Blues Friday night for goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 third-round pick. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert) (The Associated Press)

In this Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014, photo, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller reaches out with his glove to stop the puck during an NHL hockey game against the Carolina Hurricanes in Buffalo, N.Y. The Sabres traded Miller and captain Steve Ott to the St. Louis Blues on Friday, Feb. 28, for goalie Jaroslav Halak, forward Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 third-round pick. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert) (The Associated Press)

Sabres forward Drew Stafford recalls having witnessed plenty of turmoil during his eight seasons in Buffalo.

Following Stafford's rookie season in 2007, the Sabres lost co-captains Chris Drury and Danny Briere to free agency. Last year, long-time coach Lindy Ruff was fired.

Stafford regards what happened during a 24-hour stretch this past weekend as the topper. On Friday, goalie Ryan Miller was traded to St. Louis. A day later, Pat LaFontaine resigned as president of hockey operations.

Stafford shook his head in disbelief, questioning how much more adversity might be in store for the NHL's worst team.

LaFontaine's departure marks the latest setback for a franchise that's had difficulty establishing a winning course in the three years since Terry Pegula bought the team and vowed to build an immediate contender.