Sabres Acquire Regehr, Kotalik from Flames for Butler, Byron

The Buffalo Sabres announced on Saturday that they have acquired defenseman Robyn Regehr, right wing Ales Kotalik, and Calgary's second round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft in exchange for defenseman Chris Butler and center Paul Byron. The Flames had asked Regehr on Thursday to waive his no-movement clause to facilitate a trade to the Sabres and the deal was completed two days later. In 79 games last season with the Flames, Regehr had two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. Kotalik appeared in 26 games last season with Calgary, scoring four goals and two assists for six points. He also played in 25 games with Abbotsford of the AHL, scoring six goals and 16 assists for 22 points. In 49 games last season with the Sabres, Butler had two goals and seven assists for nine points, while Byron had one goal and one assist in eight games. He also appeared in 67 games with Portland of the AHL, scoring 26 goals and 27 assists for 53 points. Not a bad move for the Sabres, as they get a quality shutdown defenseman in Regehr. He also has good size, plays with some grit, and has some leadership skills, so he should be a good fit for the Sabres. Buffalo will likely hope that re-acquiring Kotalik will help him improve his offensive game by playing in familiar surroundings. As for the Flames, they get a puck-moving defenseman in Butler who will bring some depth to their blueline. Byron brings some two-way skill and offensive upside to the team, but will likely play a fourth line role next season. The Flames also trimmed some salary from their payroll by shipping out Regehr and Kotalik, which they promptly used to sign left wing Alex Tanguay to a five-year contract extension worth $17.5 million.