Sulzer re-signs, Chewy goes to Europe, Regier waits on the trade market to open, and is Parise worth it

The Sabres have re-signed Alex Sulzer to a one year $725,000 contract. I like getting him back given how nicely he meshed with fellow German Christian Ehrhoff following his deadline acquisition from Vancouver.

The interesting piece to this is that it would appear to create a logjam of NHL defensemen with seven defensemen not named Brayden McNabb or TJ Brennan signed to contracts for next season.

It will be interesting to see if guys like Jordan Leopold, Andrej Sekera, or Mike Weber gets moved this summer to create a roster spot for McNabb.

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Paul "Chewy" Szczechura has signed to play with Prague's KHL team for the 2012-13 season per Kevin Oklonzija of the Rochester D&C.

While this news won't hugely impact the Sabres' ability to make the playoffs in 12-13, this isn't good news for the Amerks who need a talent infusion. Plus, it further dents the Sabres center depth that was less than stellar to begin with.

Although, the Sabres/Amerks do have Kevin Sundher turning pro next season and that should help a bit.

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Darcy Regier wants to upgrade the Sabres center position. He also knows that the trade market is the most likely route to get the player that would fill that need.

So, he has to sit back and wait for the trade market to open up once the playoffs end and the NHL Entry Draft rolls around on June 22/23.

While the trade deadline and the opening of Free Agency on July 1st get all the attention, the week before the draft starts the time of year where NHL teams really are built.

Remember, the Flyers shocked the hockey world on June 23rd last year when they dealt both Jeff Carter and Mike Richards ahead of Free Agency.

I can't wait to see if Regier does his heavy off season lifting before Free Agency as opposed to last season.

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Justin Bourne puts out the case why Zach Parise will defy the odds and be a 28yo Free Agent that is worth $6 to $7 million per year.

Will he be Daniel Briere or will he be Chris Drury?

I love Parise and I wouldn't mind if he replaced Thomas Vanek as the highest paid forward on the Sabres this off season.

But, I doubt that Regier goes that route this summer. I just hope that Parise doesn't go the Scott Gomez route and leaves NJ for the NY Rangers in Free Agency.

If he doesn't re-sign with the Devils, I'd like to see him return home and sign with the Minnesota Wild.