Down the QEW

Toronto trades Dominic Moore to Buffalo for Carolina's 2009 2nd round pick.

Motivation: After Moore and Brian Burke could not get any closer on a contract extension, Dominic was held out of Tuesday's game and the writing was on the wall. Moore has had an outstanding year in Toronto with more ice-time and responsibility. Setting career highs already with 41 points in 64 games, Moore was looking for a big pay raise but Burke wasn't willing to commit to paying him 2nd-liner salary. In the end, Burke held out as long as possible and shipped Moore 90 minutes south to division rival Buffalo. The 2nd round pick is astonishing considering Moore was a waiver pick up a year ago.

Fantasy Outlook:

Dominic Moore: The move to Buffalo is not a good one for Moore owners. Trying to prove he can be a 2nd line centre, he now slots behind Tim Connolly and Derick Roy on the depth chart. Moore will notch a few points down the stretch but will be more valuable to the Sabres as a checking line centre and face-off specialist. Look for him to finish the year with around 48 points. As a pending UFA, he will have to sign somewhere and try to prove himself again. Would not be surprised to see him return to Toronto for a more modest salary. A late round pick or waiver pick-up next season.

Marks' Take: Moore priced himself out of Toronto and was shipped down the road. He will fit in nicely in Buffalo by replacing Kotaliks' speed with grit and consistency. Look for Moore be a character player helping the Sabres reach their goal of the playoffs. He will add the odd point but his production will fall.