Sabres Sign UFA C Cody McCormick
August 1st, 2009 | by Vance |In another unheralded move, the Sabres have signed former Avalanche 4th liner Cody McCormick to a 1 year deal, worth $550,000. In 55 games last season with Colorado he potted 1 goal and 11 assists, with a solid 92 PIMs and 115 hits.
For those pining for a return of Andrew Peters, all 2 of you, it seems that this move has finally closed the door on his return to the Sabres. I believe McCormick signed a 2-way deal, meaning he will probably spend some time in Portland with the glut of 3rd and 4th liners that make up the Sabres roster.
But once again, the GMDR is addressing the lack of “grit” that characterized this franchise for the past 5 years. The Kassian draft pick, the signing of Montador, and now McCormick, all possess one similar, and redeeming quality, foiled knuckles.
By DJ on Aug 2, 2009
Personally, I like this move. CM is a gritty player who just increased the undersized Sabres’ toughness quotient a great deal. The kid plays hard every shift and is not shy about who he drops the gloves with. That being said , he won’t last long in a conference with Orr, Godard, Brashear, Laraque etc if he is used as the primary enforcer. I guess I am one of the 2 fans waiting for the Peters signing ! Not that I think he is the best enforcer … but at this point he’s the only real option.
IMO you give Montador a little too much credit as far as his pugilistic skills go. He’s willing, but he really isn’t a very good fighter ….
Anyway, for 550K, it’s a good move. Is it a 2-way deal ? Has that come out yet ?
By andrew on Aug 3, 2009
I like the fact that Buffalo is adding some grit and toughness for once and i dont think theres a difference between Mcormick and Peters other then age and skating ability, but we are still and underachieved franchise with a very very patient GM. Rather Golisano is the factor behind that i dont know but thats what i think. Montador is gona be a solid 3d liner D but you already know Buff is gona try and hype him up for more then he is. We have made no moves this year significant for any playoff contention. I hope Im wrong but some of our guys need to start playing consistantly for once. Its a long season but many of these players are in there 4-6th year since coming up from Rochester! O well just got to enjoy the sport i guess as long as the Leafs dont destroy us with their powerhouse line-up
By CPE on Aug 4, 2009
I am one who wants Petey back. I think he was under used last year. We now have zero legit enforcers. Montador cant fight (TAYLOR PYATT beat him a few years ago) McCormick, Mair and Rivet are middleweights at best. Kaleta is a lightweight and Gaustad is too valuable to hang out in the penalty box. In our division, which boasts Orr, Thornton, Laraque and Neil i dont think the name Cody McCormick is going to strike fear in anyone’s hearts. Enforcing is an invaluable part of the game..if it was dead, like some say, then 6 out of the top 8 playoff teams in the Eastern Conf. wouldn’t have one. If Ruff would use Peters like SUCCESFUL teams use their enforcers (Read – Anaheim, Philly, Rangers, Washington, Pittsburg…etc.) I don’t think the toughness of the Sabres would be questioned. Crap signing IMO
By Bubba on Aug 6, 2009
Personally I like Aaron Downey (still a UFA), but McCormick is willing to fight anybody and has wins against Godard and Jared Boll. So not bad…Bye bye Peters.