I am SO sorry for not writing for so long! But in my defense, I've been busy writing for Bleacher Report and with my job and such, plus news has been scarce at best.

But now! There's much to discuss.

Like the fact that Martin Biron is now a member of the NY Islanders! Wow. The most amazing thing is that he went so cheap (1 year, $1.4 mil). I really expected him to go faster and for more money, but I suppose it's better than not having a job at all, which is the other possibility. And with Dipietro's constant injuries, the Islanders could really use another goalie.

The most amusing thing to me? Two former Sabres goalies are now playing on the Islanders: Biron & Roloson. They played together here, and now they're together once more.

What else... Hossa's supposedly nursing a shoulder injury that could keep him out for a while. Yikes! With all the money Chicago's paying him... I mean... come on. That's not a good sign.

Also.. I was listening to my hockey songs (153!) on the bus to work today and I realized I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss hockey. Like, I knew I missed it.. but I realized just how much. September 17th is the Sabres' first pre-season game. Training camp begins shortly before that. Regular season, October 3rd for us, but the 2nd for others.

I realized as of late that I really have grown to love the Penguins and Blackhawks more and more. I mean, I liked them all season, but it's only now that I realize to what extent. I'm going to a game in Pittsburgh this season - to see Mellon Arena before it closes - and I am no longer certain if I want a Malkin jersey. I love him, but I also really like Letang... so I'm just not sure which to get!

Oh, and I'm going to Pittsburgh for a week from August 1st-8th, so I may not post until I get back unless something major happens. We'll just have to wait and see.

So.. here's some videos to enjoy :)

Free Agency Frenzy

Well, we've survived 2 and a half days of free agency thus far. The first day was CRAZY... yesterday, not so much.

Since free agency began, there have been 61 signings (as reported on TSN.ca/nhl, as of 2:08.) 20 of those signings were re-signings - and a whopping 41 have seen the relocation of players.

The Marian Hossa deal... just... wow. 12 years is a LONG time (Hossa will be 42 when it ends!) People are bashing Blackhawks management for not thinking enough, because Toews and several other prominent players will be free agents come next summer - and I agree, it'll be tough for them to fit everyone in. I love the Hawks, but let's be honest... I don't like Hossa.

I'm going to miss Spacek so much. It's so sad that he's going to be in Montreal now, and we'll have to see him a lot. He wanted a multi-year and stupid Regier was only offering him one-year. We are going to lose so many guys this year because Regier isn't willing to give multi-year deals.

Oh, and on that note... MONTREAL went insane. They signed Spacek, Hal Gill (who will be missed in Pittsburgh!), and Mike Camalleri, losing Mike Komisarek to the Leafs. Wowww. Word has it they also signed Mathieu Darche, but I haven't heard anything else about it (terms, etc.)

I'm also depressed to hear that Martin Havlat is going to Minnesota. ILY, Martin. He's promised the whole story through his Twitter, because a few weeks ago he said that Chicago was the only team he was even thinking about signing with. Now, he's saying Minnesota is great and he feels appreciated there. More to the story?

Oh, and let me just say... the idea of Avery and Brashear on the same team is kind of scary :O

What else will happen? More trades? Where will Heatley end up? Let's just wait and see!

Shameless promotion of my profile on Bleacher Report: http://bleacherreport.com/users/126501-melissa-kania. Check it out, read my articles and what-not.

OH AND GUESS WHAT? THE SABRES ACTUALLY SIGNED SOMEONE.

After Darcy said that trade would be the only way we'd acquire anyone this year, he signed Steve Montador. He's a fighter, and his first game in the NHL was IN BUFFALO. How insanely funny is that?

Here's a video of Steve fighting his future teammate Craig Rivet on February 2, 2009.