2002-03 record: 27-37-10-8, 72 points, 5th, Northeast Division Offseason arrivals: Owner Tom Golisano Offseason departures: None

The Sabres used the fifth pick in the June 21 NHL draft on Austrian left wing Thomas Vanek, who won an NCAA championship last spring at HSBC Arena. "I love the rink, won a championship there already," he said. "Hopefully, there's more to come. So I am real happy I am in Buffalo." Coach Lindy Ruff was pleased with the pick, considering Vanek could be ready to make the jump to the NHL. "He's more mature than some other players, so he's a year closer," Ruff said
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