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Former Sabres forward Tim Kennedy grows up, looks for a new team

Ray Emery, Tim Kennedy

Buffalo Sabres’ Tim Kennedy, right, reacts after a goal by teammate Tyler Ennis, not shown, against Philadelphia Flyers’ Ray Emery, left, in the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

AP

The weird, wild and disappointing summer for former Sabres forward Tim Kennedy plods along quietly, much to his dismay. After winning a million dollar award in arbitration from the Buffalo Sabres, Kennedy was waived and had his contract bought out making him an unrestricted free agent. If you haven’t been paying attention this off-season, being a free agent of any kind hasn’t been an easy job and for the young Kennedy, it’s been frustrating especially after such a bizarre situation with the Sabres as Bucky Gleason of The Buffalo News details.

For what it’s worth, Kennedy no longer harbors resentment toward the Sabres. Yes, he was hurt and confused after they waived him and bought out a $1 million award he received in arbitration. Their decision to send him packing knocked him for a pretty good loop.

Once the shock and frustration subsided, he plowed forward without wasting time and energy on what couldn’t be undone. He had his reasons for taking them to arbitration, which was within his rights. His refusal to back down from the Sabres is part of what makes him a good player. But their response also was within their rights, no matter how classless it appeared.

“I’m not mad at them,” Kennedy said. “I’m 24 years old. I’m a professional athlete, and I have to act like one. .‚.‚. Maybe it was the right call and maybe it wasn’t the right call. I made the choice to go, and I live with that choice.”

Those are pretty mature words from Kennedy which means he’s at least got a good head on his shoulders. As for who might be looking at Kennedy, there is certainly interest in the former Michigan State product and Buffalo native.

Kennedy said five teams are interested, although he wouldn’t reveal which ones. Toronto figures to be in the mix along with Columbus, Los Angeles, Phoenix and possibly Atlanta. All are looking for good, young forwards to fill their needs for the right price. He’s looking for the right fit.

You can probably cut Toronto off that list presumably after they signed fellow arbitration victim Clarke MacArthur yesterday to a one-year contract. As for the other teams mentioned there, they all certainly could use the depth that Kennedy would provide to them, but what you could reasonably expect to get out of Kennedy on the ice is still relatively unknown considering last year was his first real shot at considerable minutes on the ice. Kennedy finished last year with 10 goals and 16 assists in 78 games with the Sabres.