By Buffalo, NY
Joyce Kryszak – Fallout from Adelphia continues. Buffalo Sabre defenseman Richard Smehliks's agent announced Thursday he doesn't plan to return next season.
Smehlik and three other players are eligible to become free agents on July 1.
The Buffalo Sabres did pick up the options on defenseman Jay McKee and center Curtis Brown.
But speculation about the team's future in Buffalo continues as potential new owners are sought.
Another upstate businessman has announced he's exploring the possibility of forming a group to purchase the Buffalo Sabres.
Frank DuRoss of Utica owns the American Hockey League Providence Bruins. He also co-owns the pro soccer league Rochester Rhinos and Major League Lacrosse Rochester Rattlers.
DuRoss had investigated buying the Sabres before the Rigas family took the team over in 1998.