News: The Blue Jackets have informed Rivet that they won't be re-signing him, the Columbus Dispatch reports.
Analysis: The veteran will be an unrestricted free agent as of July 1, but retirement is a distinct possibility.
News: With Jan Hejda suspended for two games, Rivet will step into the Blue Jackets lineup, Columbus Dispatch writer Aaron Portzline reports.
Analysis: With only one point and a minus-4 rating in 11 appearances this year, it's unlikely that Rivet will be much of a fantasy option.
News: Rivet, playing in his first game for the Blue Jackets on Friday, scored a goal in a 4-3 loss to the Flames.
Analysis: The Jackets aren't looking for him to provide anything more than a veteran presence, so the goal is a nice bonus. Don't expect too many more of them from Rivet though.
News: The Blue Jackets claimed Rivet off waivers from the Sabres on Saturday, Yahoo! Sports reports.
Analysis: Rivet may benefit from a change of scenery considering how his season in Buffalo has gone. He's been scratched for the last 18 games but could add some experience to the Jackets' young blue line.
News: Rivet was placed on re-entry waivers by the Sabres on Friday, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: The Sabres don't really have any use for Rivet any longer and are hoping that somebody claims him before noon Saturday. If not, Rivet will likely be stored in the AHL or have his contract bought out.
News: Rivet cleared waivers Thursday, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis: Previous speculation was that Buffalo probably didn't have any use for Rivet at this point, so it's not clear whether the team plans on storing him in the AHL or buying out his contract.
News: Rivet was placed on waivers Wednesday, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The article suggests that Buffalo has zero interest in bringing Rivet back to the NHL level, so a buyout could be forthcoming if that is the case and Rivet clears waivers.
News: With Tyler Myers healthy for Buffalo, it appears that Rivet will return to being a healthy scratch Saturday night, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: Rivet returned from almost a month on the shelf December 21 and earned a goal and an assist in his first game back. Since then he has been relatively ineffective and his absence won't impact the Sabres much on the ice.
News: After sitting out as a healthy scratch for the previous 11 games, Rivet returned to the Buffalo lineup Tuesday and had a goal and an assist.
Analysis: It was a nice night for Rivet, but the fact he played just 12:54 proves that the Buffalo coaching staff has no confidence in him. Even if he manages to stay in the lineup, he won't have any fantasy value.
News: Rivet will once again be a healthy scratch on Wednesday night, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: This will be the fifth time this season that Rivet, the team captain, will be a healthy scratch. He was a minus-4 in the last two games for the Sabres.
News: Rivet, who has been a healthy scratch the last several games, will slot back in Friday against the Kings, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: It was inevitable that Buffalo's captain would get another chance, but the team was on hot streak while he was out with the flu following some poor play, but with the Sabres losing Wednesday and Chris Butler making a costly mistake, Rivet will move into Butler's spot.
News: Rivet (food poisoning) will likely return to the lineup this weekend, according to the Buffalo News.
Analysis: The Sabres play back-to-back games at home Friday and Saturday although it is unclear which day he will return. Head coach Lindy Ruff said, "I would anticipate him playing this weekend, he's worked extremely hard through his virus and hopefully he's ready to be a factor in the games." The Sabres' captain only has one point in 12 games this season.
Rivet Taking High Road as He Continues to Sit for Sabres
News: Rivet has fully recovered from food poisoning, but will remain sidelined so long as the Sabres continue to play well, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: One thing is for sure; Rivet won't rock the boat or sulk. He's been around long enough to know that coach Lindy Ruff needs to stick with what's been working for his squad.
News: Rivet (food poisoning) will not play in Saturday's game against Washington, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: He's getting better and the team finally determined what was ailing him, but coach Lindy Ruff said Rivet needs full practices with the team and "has a ways to go" before he would be considered for a spot back in the lineup. The Sabres have enough healthy and capable defensemen where this isn't a huge problem in the short term.
News: Rivet continues to suffer from the flu and will not travel with the Sabres for Wednesday's game at New Jersey, WGR 550 reports.
Analysis: It's been an awful season so far for Rivet, between this bug, shoulder problems, a throat contusion, and some healthy scratches. It's little wonder he has a measly one point so far.
News: Rivet did not practice Monday due to a case of the flu, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: His availability for Wednesday night's game against the Devils isn't in jeopardy just yet, but we should know more about his chances of playing in the next 48 hours if he's able to get back on the ice for a practice or two.
News: Rivet will return to the lineup Wednesday after being a healthy scratch recently, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: His role on the crowded Buffalo blue line isn't one that will lead to much in the way of fantasy production, so look for help elsewhere if you're in need of a warm body on the backend.
News: Rivet was a healthy scratch for the Sabres in Friday night's 4-3 overtime loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Buffalo is carrying eight defensemen, and Rivet has been the poorest of all of them, but he is the team captain. It should be interesting to see if there is any fall-out from this.
News: Rivet (shoulder) made it back into the Buffalo lineup earlier than expected in the team's loss to the Flyers on Tuesday.
Analysis: He was eased back in, skating just 14:43 in the loss. Rivet is definitely a top-six defenseman, but his presence does create a logjam of healthy blueliners. When Shaone Morrisonn returns, which will be soon, the Sabres will have eight healthy defensemen to work with.
News: Rivet (shoulder) made it through Monday's practice without too much difficulty but is unlikely to play in Tuesday's game against the Flyers, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: He suffered a stinger Friday night and while it's not a serious concern, Rivet did have offseason surgery to the same wing in the offseason and he's looking at more of a weekend return to action. If the Sabres do follow through with that plan, Mike Weber will continue to be in the lineup in Rivet's stead.
News: Rivet suffered a shoulder injury in Buffalo's loss to Ottawa on Friday and will miss Saturday's contest in New Jersey, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Rivet, who has just one point in eight games so far, will be replaced by Mike Weber on the blue line. Rivet is being called day-to-day.
News: Rivet (throat) practiced fully for the Sabres on Tuesday, according to WGR550.com.
Analysis: Rivet's role on the ice may be reduced this season, due to his age, but also due to the emergence of Tyler Myers as a budding superstar. That role seems to suit Rivet, however, as the Sabres have a young corps of defensemen that he can show the ropes, the way he did with Myers last year.
Rivet Practices, Hopeful to Return for Sabres Opener
News: Rivet (throat contusion) returned to the practice ice for Buffalo, and insists he will be ready to go for next week's season opener, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Rivet is one of the unquestioned leaders of the Sabres, but from a fantasy perspective, there are plenty of better options on the blue line than the veteran defender.
News: Rivet (throat contusion) worked out on an exercise bike Monday, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Head coach Lindy Ruff said that Rivet's throat remains sore but is hoping the captain can be back on the ice in a day or two.
News: Rivet will miss the next several days with a throat contusion, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Rivet left Friday's practice early for unknown reasons, prompting some to speculate that he may have aggravated his previous shoulder injury. That's not the case, however, and the Sabres are just being cautious before letting him return to the ice. "We don't even really know exactly how it happened," Ruff said. "He saw a specialist [Friday] night and they said two days of rest before he starts exercising again.
News: Rivet (shoulder) appears ready to go when the Sabres open camp on Saturday, according to WGR 550 in Buffalo.
Analysis: When Rivet first went under the knife this summer, it was thought that he would not be ready for the start of the season, much less be ready for camp. It looks like he is back and ready to go, but keep in mind that Rivet's offensive numbers dipped severely last season, and there is no reason to expect a bounce-back season from the aging blueliner.
News: Buffalo Sabres captain Craig Rivet likely will have surgery to repair a nagging left shoulder injury that may force him to miss the start of next season. General manager Darcy Regier said Thursday the defenseman will get a second medical opinion early next week before deciding whether to have the operation. Regier added that the operation "is likely," and would lead to Rivet missing between four and six months.
Analysis: Rivet first mentioned the likelihood of an operation after cleaning out his locker on Wednesday. Rivet wore a brace while playing with the injury throughout this season. It perhaps is a big reason why he produced just one goal and 15 points in 78 games. Then again, Rivet hasn't been a top offensive player throughout his career. Rivet is nothing more than a late-round, injury-risk Fantasy flier on Draft Day 2010. He has low-end Fantasy appeal when healthy.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet returned to action Saturday after missing two straight games with an illness.
Analysis: The veteran blueliner has one goal and 15 points in 77 games, giving him marginal Fantasy appeal. He will head into 2010-11 as just a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet did not play in Thursday's game against the Bruins due to an illness. He has missed two straight games.
Analysis: Buffalo has locked up a playoff spot, so rushing Rivet back is not a priority. The veteran blueliner has one goal and 15 points in 76 games, giving him marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy. He could be used as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet was scratched from Tuesday's game against the Rangers because of an illness. He is day to day.
Analysis: Buffalo has locked up a playoff spot, so rushing Rivet back is not a priority. The veteran blueliner has one goal and 15 points in 76 games. His offensive game has been weak since landing in Buffalo last season, so Rivet has marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy. He could be used as a flier in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: The Sabres' official web site reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet left practice early Monday due to sickness. “He wasn’t feeling well,” coach Lindy Ruff said. “We had a couple players battling a little bit of flu-like symptoms so he was one of them and just didn’t feel well. We sent him home.”
Analysis: Rivet has managed just 15 points in 76 games this season and was even benched for his lack of productivity in February. He might not miss much time if any in Week 25 (April 5-11) but only has minimal value when healthy anyway.
News:The Sports Xchange reports D Craig Rivet, the Sabres' captain, was benched and played just 8:58 on Tuesday against the Bruins. He was minus-1 and hasn't been a plus player since Jan. 21.
Analysis: The Sabres haven't had a lot of success as a team lately, so it seems coach Lindy Ruff is trying to send a message by benching the team's captain. The Sabres are hoping it works for both the team and Rivet, who has just four points since Dec. 1. Rivet has marginal Fantasy appeal until further notice.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet scored his first goal of the season on Thursday against the Kings. Rivet scored 67 seconds into the third period to snap a 55-game drought. It was also his first point in seven games.
Analysis: There is not a lot of good things to say about Rivet since he landed in Buffalo last season. Here was a guy that Buffalo was counting on to be a heavy contributor on offense, but he has only 36 points (three goals) in his first 111 games with the team. Rivet is still a good defensive presence, but he has marginal Fantasy appeal until he plays better offensively on a more regular basis.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Canadiens after missing two games with an ankle and knee injury. He had no points in 18:26 of ice time and finished at plus-1. He has no points in five games.
Analysis: Rivet was a surprise dress for Thursday's game since it didn't appear he was quite ready. The Sabres expect a lot from Rivet when he is in the lineup, but he just hasn't had a breakout run with Buffalo since joining them last season. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet (leg) practiced fully Wednesday, but is doubtful for Thursday return vs. Montreal. "I'm happy with the way things are progressing now, and I'm hoping I can be back soon," said Rivet. "The way it felt when I went into the boards, I felt it could be a lot worse. I thought I did a lot more damage than I did."
Analysis: Rivet has yet to score in 22 games this season. He does have eight assists, but has still failed to fill the role of elite puck-moving defenseman that Buffalo hoped he would take over after losing Brian Campbell a few seasons back. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Buffalo D Craig Rivet remained sidelined on Monday at Toronto due to injuries to his ankle and knee. He remains questionable for Thursday against Montreal.
Analysis: Rivet has yet to score in 22 games this season. He does have eight assists, but has still failed to fill the role of elite puck-moving defenseman that Buffalo hoped he would take over after losing Brian Campbell a few seasons back. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: NHL.com reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet suffered a knee and ankle injury on Friday against Philadelphia but is not expected to be out for too long. Rivet was hurt with 3:22 left to go when he slid feet first into the boards.
Analysis: Rivet has yet to score in 22 games this season. He does have eight assists, but has still failed to fill the role of elite puck-moving defenseman that Buffalo hoped he would take over after losing Brian Campbell a few seasons back. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy. Rivet is a small injury risk for Fantasy Week 9 (Nov. 30-Dec. 6).
News: Buffalo's Craig Rivet and Philadelphia's Dan Carcillo went at each other twice within a nine-minute span in the second period on Friday and received 5-minute fighting majors both times. Carcillo was given a 10-minute misconduct penalty after the second fight. Rivet was helped off the ice with 3:22 left in the third period after being hit by Philadelphia's Arron Asham. He had no points in 11:58 of ice time and finished at plus-1.
Analysis: Rivet has yet to score in 22 games this season. He does have eight assists, but has still failed to fill the role of elite puck-moving defenseman that Buffalo hoped he would take over after losing Brian Campbell a few seasons back. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Buffalo D Craig Rivet was able to play on Saturday against the Canadiens despite leaving three minutes into the third period Friday against the Maple Leafs after being struck in the right cheek by Boyd Devereaux's weak shot from the high slot. Rivet got into a fight with Tom Kostopoulos in the game and failed to record an offensive stat.
Analysis: Rivet is not having a great season with the Sabres and has only one point in his last nine games which was a scored goal. Injuries have certainly been a factor in his poor season but he should only be considered a low-end option when healthy.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet left three minutes into the third period Friday against the Maple Leafs after being struck in the right cheek by Boyd Devereaux's weak shot from the high slot. Rivet didn't have a point in 17:39 of ice time and finished at plus-2.
Analysis: Rivet has one goal and no assists in his last eight games. Rivet hasn't exactly had a banner season in his first year with the Sabres. Injuries have contributed to his woes, but the fact he isn't being aggressive on the offensive end is also an issue. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet scored a power-play goal and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Panthers. Rivet notched his second goal as he beat Tomas Vokoun with a snap shot with 14 seconds left in the first. It was Rivet's first point in seven games.
Analysis: Rivet hasn't exactly had a banner season in his first year with the Sabres. Injuries have contributed to his woes, but the fact he isn't being aggressive on the offensive end is also an issue. Rivet remains a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet had a season-high three assists during Friday's game against the Sharks. Rivet has totaled one goal and nine assists in his last 13 games.
Analysis: Rivet had a tough first half as he was adjusting to his new home and had to battle a few injury woes. He has started to come around in the new year and provide the offensive presence Buffalo has been looking for on their blue line. Rivet can be a viable Fantasy defenseman, but just don't expect high-end production on a regular basis.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet scored his first goal of the season and finished at plus-1 during Monday's 3-2 loss to the Ducks. Rivet's goal ended a 65-game drought dating back to Jan. 12, 2008, when he scored for the San Jose Sharks against Toronto's Vesa Toskala. Rivet, who also totaled 12 penalty minutes Monday, has 46 goals in 777 NHL regular-season games.
Analysis: Rivet has one goal and four assists in his last five games and is finally getting his offense going for the Sabres. He has been largely a disappointing Fantasy option in 2008-09, and while injuries have attributed to the problem, so has just all-around poor play. Rivet could be in line for a strong second half, but remains a low-end Fantasy option for the time being.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet assisted twice in Tuesday's 10-2 rout of the Oilers.
Analysis: Rivet has a paltry nine points this season after managing 35 in 2007-08. He has dropped from being a solid low-end Fantasy defenseman to being barely worth using in any leagues.
News: The Buffalo News r eported on Wednesday that Sabres D Craig Rivet left practice after taking a stick or puck to the face but he was able to play through the pain and contributed an assist against the Lightning the same night.
Analysis: Obviously the eye injury isn't too bad as Rivet was able to play on the same day that he got injured. He should be able to get better over the All-Star break but remains only a low-end option anyways.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet left practice Wednesday after taking a stick or puck to the face.
Analysis: Rivet has battled the injury bug a little too much this season for Fantasy owners' lking and he doesn't have a goal this season. Consider Rivet a low-end Fantasy option until he gets back on track.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet has managed no points in three games since returning from a shoulder injury that kept him out 11 contests. He hasn't even taken a shot in that span. Rivet hasn't managed a point in 11 games dating back to Nov. 19.
Analysis: Rivet has battled the injury bug for the last two months, but his offensive woes began before was before that. He still doesn't have a goal this season and hasn't provided Buffalo with the offensive lift they were looking for when they traded for the veteran defenseman. Consider Rivet a low-end Fantasy option until he gets back on track.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet returned to the lineup Tuesday against the Senators after missing 11 games with a shoulder injury. He didn't have a point in 19:34 of ice time and finished at plus-1. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Rivet doesn't have a point in nine straight games. He still doesn't have a goal this season and hasn't provided Buffalo with the offensive lift they were looking for when they traded for the veteran defenseman. Consider Rivet a low-end Fantasy option until he gets back on track.
News: Sabres captain Craig Rivet is ready to return after missing nearly a month with a shoulder injury, but forward Maxim Afinogenov is out indefinitely after hurting his groin last weekend. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said after practice Monday that he expects Rivet back in the lineup on Tuesday, when Buffalo hosts Ottawa. Afinogenov was hurt after being checked by Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara in a 4-2 win at Boston on Saturday.
Analysis: Acquired in an offseason trade with San Jose, Rivet has missed 11 straight games since getting hurt during a 3-2 loss at Montreal on Nov. 29. Before the injury, Rivet didn't have a point in eight straight games. He still doesn't have a goal this season and hasn't provided Buffalo with the offensive lift they were looking for when they traded for the veteran defenseman. Consider Rivet a low-end Fantasy option until he gets back on track.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet (upper body) has been upgraded to day to day.
Analysis: Rivet can be a 30-point guy, but he has just five assists this season in 21 games. When he does return, don't jump to grab him off the wire.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres D Craig Rivet revealed today is out least two weeks with a shoulder injury. “It’s something that I tried to play with and it was really limiting what I could do on the ice,” Rivet said. “It’s really affecting my game so we took a different game plan. The pain issue, you can get through. But when it starts making it that much more difficult on the ice, you have to take a step back. We’re going to try to rehabilitate it.”
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He only recently returned from an upper-body injury that kept him out two games and he may have suffered a setback. Rivet has not been the offensive spark Buffalo was looking for and he remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Sabres played without captain Craig Rivet Saturday against the Devils because of an upper-body injury. He is questionable heading into Wednesday in the rematch.
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He only recently returned from an upper-body injury that kept him out two games and it appears he might have suffered a setback. Rivet has not been the offensive spark Buffalo was looking for and he remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: The Sabres played without captain Craig Rivet Friday against the Maple Leafs because of an upper-body injury. He is questionable heading into Saturday against the Devils.
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He only recently returned from an upper-body injury that kept him out two games and it appears he might have suffered a setback. Rivet has not been the offensive spark Buffalo was looking for and he remains a low-end Fantasy option when healthy.
News: Buffalo D Craig Rivet returned to the Sabres from an upper body injury Saturday against the Lightning. He ended up with a minus-one rating for the game and did not have a point. He had 21 minutes of ice time after missing two games.
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He has no goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 18 games. He has not provided much of an offensive spark this season, but injuries have really held him back. Rivet is primarily a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet missed his second successive game Thursday against the Panthers because of an upper-body injury. He is listed as day-to-day. The Sabres' next game is at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He has no goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 18 games. He has not provided much of an offensive spark this season, but injuries have really held him back. Rivet is primarily a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Buffalo Sabres captain Craig Rivet was held out of Monday's game against Nashville because of an upper body injury. The defenseman was on the ice when the Sabres skated Monday morning, then scratched later in the afternoon. The Sabres, who next play on Thursday night at Florida, said he is day-to-day.
Analysis: Rivet, obtained in a trade with San Jose this offseason, missed five games earlier in the year after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery. He has no goals, five assists and a minus-7 rating in 18 games. He has not provided much of an offensive spark this season, but injuries have really held him back. Rivet is primarily a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet tallied an assist and finished at plus-2 in 22:16 of ice time Wednesday against the Bruins. Rivet has no goal and two assists in seven games since returning from a knee injury.
Analysis: The Sabres acquired Rivet in the offseason from San Jose in hopes he would help fill the void created by the departure of Brian Campbell. Rivet has never been an elite scorer and never managed more than eight goals in a season, but he has always had solid passing skills. Those haven't really been on display early in 2008-09, so Rivet remains nothing more than a low-end Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet returned to the lineup Monday against the Devils after missing five games with a knee injury. He didn't have a point in 16:49 of ice time and took one shot on net. He did spent two minutes in the penalty box.
Analysis: Rivet doesn't have a goal in his first seven games, but does have three assists, a plus-1 rating and 31 penalty minutes. Rivet is good for about 25-35 points and also racks up a lot of penalty minutes. Consider him a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: NHL.com reports injured Sabres defenseman Craig Rivet, who recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, returned to the ice Thursday for the team's morning skate. Rivet was expected to be sidelined at least two weeks following the Oct. 22 procedure, but he claimed to be "definitely ahead of schedule." "It's going to be slow but each day has been getting better and better," Rivet said. "I'm feeling pretty good. Just with the skate (Thursday), it wasn't real hard, but a real solid first day and I'll be looking to improve on that (Friday)."
Analysis: If you remember, Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson had the same surgery earlier this season and was back on the ice less than two weeks later. Rivet was a key addition in the offseason from San Jose. He doesn't have a goal in his first six games, but does have three assists, a plus-1 rating and 29 penalty minutes. Rivet is good for about 25-35 points and also racks up a lot of penalty minutes. Consider him a decent No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy. He is still an injury-risk start at this time for Fantasy Week 5 (Nov. 3-9).
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet will miss at least two weeks after having arthroscopic knee surgery. General manager Darcy Regier announced the injury Wednesday, shortly before the Sabres (5-0-1) opened practice to prepare for a two-game road trip that opens at Minnesota on Thursday. Regier did not say which knee Rivet hurt or when the injury happened, and he did not provide details of the surgery.
Analysis: Rivet had an assist and logged more than 20 minutes of ice time in a 3-2 shootout win over Boston on Tuesday. Rivet has three assists in six games this season and should get close to his career high of 35 points this season if he can avoid prolonged absences. He remains a solid starting blue-liner in most Fantasy formats right now.
News: Sabres D Craig Rivet, who had a career-high 30 assists last season, has two already this season in just five games.
Analysis: Rivet was traded by the Sharks in the offseason, but he joins a team that should put up a decent amount of points. He should get close to 35 points again, so continue to think of him as a low-end starting Fantasy defenseman in all formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres D Craig Rivet was caught totally by surprise in getting traded by the Sharks in July, and it took his several weeks to get over the disappointment. "I'm not going to lie, I wasn't happy about being moved," Rivet told a writer in Buffalo. "It wasn't the point of me going to Buffalo... I was leaving a place that I really enjoyed. I had a great setup, and now that's done. Now, I have to start over."
Analysis: Fantasy owners sure hope Rivet can get over his unhappiness about being traded since he is coming off a career-season with 35 points. The Sabres are in need of a quality offensive blue liner since Brian Campbell is no longer around. Consider Rivet a nice sleeper option in the middle rounds of most drafts as a low-end starting Fantasy defenseman.
News: The San Jose Sharks traded veteran D Craig Rivet to the Buffalo Sabres on Friday for two second-round draft choices. The Sharks also gave up a seventh-round pick in 2010 along with Rivet, the longtime Montreal defenseman who joined the Sharks in a trade late in the 2006-07 season. San Jose gets a second-round draft choice in each of the last two drafts.
Analysis: Rivet signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Sharks last summer and had five goals and 35 points as a dependable performer on San Jose's defense. He will likely be the top defenseman in Buffalo and could be a nice sleeper option in the middle rounds of most drafts as a low-end starting Fantasy defenseman.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet (upper body) did not play in Sunday's regular-season finale against the Stars. He missed the final five games and remains questionable for the first round of the playoffs.
Analysis: Rivet doesn't have a goal since Jan. 12 and has only two assists in his last nine games. He hasn't had as big of offensive role since the arrival of Brian Campbell and dropped to being a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy. His Fantasy value should stay the same heading into the 2008-09 season unless Campbell leaves for greener pastures.
News: The Sharks were still without RW Jonathan Cheechoo (head), D Craig Rivet (upper body) and rookie RW Devin Setoguchi (soreness) for Thursday's game against the Kings. They are all questionable for Sunday's season finale against the Stars.
Analysis: Rivet has now missed the last four games and could sit Sunday as he rests up for the playoffs. He doesn't have a goal since Jan. 12 and has only two assists in his last nine games. He hasn't had as big of offensive role since the arrival of Brian Campbell and should be treated as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: The Sharks were still without RW Jonathan Cheechoo (head), D Craig Rivet (upper body) and rookie RW Devin Setoguchi (soreness) for Tuesday's game against the Kings. They are all questionable for Thursday's rematch against the Kings.
Analysis: Rivet has now missed the last three games. He doesn't have a goal since Jan. 12 and has only two assists in his last nine games. He hasn't had as big of offensive role since the arrival of Brian Campbell and should be treated as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: The Sharks rested several key players against Phoenix Sunday, giving the night off to RW Jonathan Cheechoo (head), D Craig Rivet (upper body) and rookie RW Devin Setoguchi (soreness) to heal minor injuries. They are all questionable for Tuesday against the Kings.
Analysis: Rivet has now missed the last two games. He doesn't have a goal since Jan. 12 and has only two assists in his last nine games. He hasn't had as big of offensive role since the arrival of Brian Campbell and should be treated as a No. 4 or No. 5 Fantasy defenseman when healthy.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet tallied an assist and plus-1 rating during Monday's game against the Islanders. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box for cross-checking. He now has an assist in three of his last four games.
Analysis: Rivet has 24 assists on the season with 11 in his last 20 games. He has been one of the most improved Sharks defenseman since the calendar year turned to 2008. He has emerged as a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman in regular formats, and is even worth a look in leagues that reward heavily for PIM.
News: With the two assists Craig Rivet picked up in Saturday's 3-2 shootout win over Chicago, the Sharks defenseman now has assists in five of the last six games.
Analysis: Rivet, who has five goals and 21 assists, is a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman that might be good for pick-up in leagues that reward points by blue-liners handsomely.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet extended his assist streak to four games Tuesday when he helped out in a 3-0 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Analysis: Rivet has nine of his 19 points this season in January and still has one more game to add to that total. He is a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman that might be good for pick-up in leagues that reward points by blue-liners handsomely.
News: After going without a point in three straight games, Sharks D Craig Rivet contributed with an assist in each of the last two games. Rivet is without a goal in five games now, but has been involved more in the San Jose offensive scheme recently.
Analysis: Rivet might not continue at a very high pace, but he is good for helpers and a goal every so often. He is a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman that might be good for pick-up in leagues that reward points by defensemen handsomely.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet scored his fourth goal in his last six games Saturday as San Jose handed Toronto a 3-2 defeat.
Analysis: Rivet only has five goals on the season, but four have come since Dec. 29. His fine play of late has contributed to the Sharks winning seven of their last eight games, and he is now only three goals behind his career high of eight. You have to imagine he won't continue this pace, but if he does score another couple in Fantasy Week 16 (Jan. 14-20), you might want to seriously consider grabbing him in leagues that reward points by defensemen handsomely.
News: Defenseman Craig Rivet of the Sharks connected on a slap shot from the right side of the blue line with 6:06 remaining in the second period of San Jose's 3-2 loss to the Flames on Thursday night. It was Rivet's third goal of the season and his second in his last three games.
Analysis: It appears Rivet won't be suspended for last week's cross-check to Los Angeles' Ladislav Nagy's throat, so be sure to start him in Fantasy Week 14 (Jan. 7-13) as the Kings have three games and he is playing well offensively lately.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet could face a suspension after he was ejected with 2:40 left in the third period of Wednesday night's game against the Kings for cross-checking Los Angeles' Ladislav Nagy in the throat. Rivet was given an attempt-to-injure penalty, which carries an automatic review.
Analysis: Rivet is tied for second on the Sharks with 13 assists this season, which make him a very nice option in leagues that really reward points from defensemen. The Sharks have only three games next week, so if Rivet is suspended for one, you might want to look elsewhere at the D position for someone who plays at least three games.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet tallied an assist and finished at minus-1 during Saturday's game against the Stars. Rivet now has an assist in three straight games. He was also hit with four penalties -- fighting, instigator, game misconduct and cross-checking -- for a total of 19 penalty minutes Saturday.
Analysis: Rivet almost had as many penalty minutes Saturday as he did all season coming into the game (25). He will likely be suspended one game for instigating a fight, but the former Canadiens defenseman is finally showing life on the ice. He remains a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy defenseman at this time.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet returned to the lineup Saturday against the Kings after missing the two previous games with a leg injury. He did not record a point and finished at even in 20:11 of ice time.
Analysis: Rivet has managed more than 30 points just once in his first 12 NHL seasons. He is a decent No. 3 Fantasy defender and someone to use as a low-end Fantasy flier in leagues that reward for penalty minutes when healthy.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet missed a second consecutive game with a leg injury on Saturday against the Ducks. Rivet has two points -- both assists -- in his last six games and is still looking for his first goal.
Analysis: Rivet has managed more than 30 points just once in his first 12 NHL seasons. He is a decent No. 3 Fantasy defender and someone to use as a low-end Fantasy flier in leagues that reward for penalty minutes when healthy. He is day to day and an injury-risk start for Fantasy Week 8 (Nov. 19-25).
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet picked up an assist Friday against the Ducks and now has an assist in consecutive games. He has nine on the season. Rivet played for 24:18 Friday and finished at even.
Analysis: Rivet has managed more than 30 points just once in his first 12 NHL seasons. He is a decent No. 3 Fantasy defender and someone to use as a low-end Fantasy flier in leagues that reward for penalty minutes.
News: D Craig Rivet has been designated as an alternate captain, along with C Joe Thornton and RW Mike Grier. The departed Scott Hannan (Colorado) was an alternate captain last year.
Analysis: Rivet came aboard via a trade-deadline deal with Montreal last February, and he quickly assumed a leadership role. He remains a solid Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues, especially those which reward PIM.
News: Craig Rivet was scoreless with a plus-1 rating in Tuesday's preseason game, but at least he managed to keep his nose clean in his contest.
Analysis: In his only other action of the preseason, he was scoreless and racked up 15 penalty minutes. He remains a solid Fantasy defenseman in deeper leagues, especially those which reward PIM.
News: The San Jose Sharks have re-signed Ds Rob Davison and Craig Rivet. Davison inked a one-year contract, while the veteran Rivet signed a four-year deal to remain in the Bay Area.
Analysis: Davison is not worthy of Fantasy consideration at this time, but Rivet is a solid middle- to late-round pick on Draft Day in all formats heading into 2007-08.
News: C Joe Pavelski (foot) and D Craig Rivet (groin) each were able to play on Sunday against the Kings after sitting out Friday's game.
Analysis: Pavelski picked up an assist, while Rivet had a pair of helpers. Each is a solid play for Fantasy Week 27 (April 2-8) in all larger leagues.
News: Sharks D Craig Rivet, who has six points and a plus-5 rating in 13 games since joining the club in a trade with Montreal, sat out Friday's game against Phoenix with a minor groin injury.
Analysis: Rivet, who can be an unrestricted free agent after the season, has seven goals, 15 assists and 63 penalty minutes this season as a quietly dependable presence. He is still only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues when healthy.
News: New defenseman Craig Rivet scored the Sharks' only goal Friday, sending a shot from the point past Jean-Sebastien Giguere to get San Jose within a goal with 16:05 to play. Rivet was making his debut for San Jose after being acquired from Montreal on Feb. 25. His arrival had been delayed because of visa issues and he had been injured prior to the trade. "It's been a month since I've played. I haven't had a lot of time to practice with the team either," Rivet said. "It was nice to get the first game in."
Analysis: Rivet, who can be an unrestricted free agent after the season, has 11 years of NHL experience with the Canadiens, who drafted him in 1992. He has six goals, 10 assists and 57 penalty minutes in 54 games this season as a quietly dependable presence on Montreal's blue line - and that's exactly what the Sharks need heading into their final 20 games. He is still only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues.
News: The San Jose Sharks acquired D Craig Rivet from the Montreal Canadiens on Sunday for Josh Gorges and a first-round pick in 2008. The Sharks also pick up a fifth-round draft selection. "I've been in Montreal a long time and have a lot of roots here," Rivet said. "But at the same time, I saw the writing on the wall, and was thinking a trade might be good. I'm just looking to go there and be a solid piece to their puzzle."
Analysis: Rivet, who can be an unrestricted free agent after the season, has 11 years of NHL experience with the Canadiens, who drafted him in 1992. He has six goals, 10 assists and 57 penalty minutes in 54 games this season as a quietly dependable presence on Montreal's blue line - and that's exactly what the Sharks need heading into their final 20 games. Rivet will not join the team before Monday's game against the Ducks due to immigration issues, but look for him to be suited up by Wednesday in Nashville. He is still only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy leagues.
News: TSN.ca reports Rivet (pneumonia) had X-rays on his chest over the weekend to determine whether or not he has any residue left over after battling pneumonia.
Analysis: Coach Guy Carbonneau said the tests did not reveal anything serious, but the defenseman is still experiencing fatigue. Keep him reserved in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Canadiens D Craig Rivet (illness) did not play Saturday against the Hurricanes.
Analysis: Keep Rivet reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove he is well in consecutive contests.
News: Canadiens D Craig Rivet (pneumonia), F Alex Kovalev (elbow) and F Mike Johnson (flu) all missed the New Jersey game Wednesday. Johnson and Rivet are expected to return on the weekend.
Analysis: Keep Rivet reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove he is well in consecutive contests.
News: Defenseman Craig Rivet is expected to remain sidelined Wednesday for the Canadiens as he recovers from pneumonia that has caused him to miss the past three contests.
Analysis: Keep Rivet reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until he can officially return and prove he is well in consecutive contests.
News: The Montreal Canadiens placed defenseman Craig Rivet on the injured list Saturday because of pneumonia. Rivet will be able to return to the lineup on Wednesday, when the Canadiens play the Devils in New Jersey, but he is likely to be out longer. He missed his second game on Saturday night when the Canadiens hosted the Ottawa Senators. The move is retroactive to Tuesday.
Analysis: Rivet is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until the defenseman can officially return and prove he is well.
News: Craig Rivet was a late scratch for Thursday's game against the Senators due to an illness.
Analysis: Rivet is considered day to day. Keep him reserved in all larger Fantasy leagues until the defenseman can officially return and prove he is well.
News: Canadiens defenseman Craig Rivet was a healthy scratch on Tuesday against the Canucks for the first time this season, breaking a streak of 153 consecutive games played. He was replaced by Janne Niinimaa.
Analysis: Rivet is only worth a look in the largest of Fantasy formats right now.
News: Christopher Higgins, Guillaume Latendresse and Craig Rivet scored goal for the Canadiens in Thursday's game against the Flyers.
Analysis: Despite the goal, Rivet is decent No. 4 or 5 Fantasy option in larger leagues.
News: Craig Rivet (foot) was scoreless in Tuesday's game against the Flames with two shot on goal.
Analysis: Rivet, scoreless this season, has missed only two games over the past four years. He's worth using in larger Fantasy leagues now that he is healthy.
News: The Canadiens lost two defensemen in Saturday's defeat. Craig Rivet hurt his foot blocking a shot while Mathieu Dandenault injured his thigh on a check. "We're confident that Craig will able to play Tuesday," Montreal coach Guy Carbonneau said. "Mathieu's case seems more worrying to us. He could have to skip (Tuesday's game)."
Analysis: Rivet, scoreless this season, has missed only two games over the last four years. He's worth using in larger leagues when he is healthy. Mark Streit, the captain of Switzerland's national team, is likely to see his first action of the year in place of either Rivet or Dandenault.
News: Craig Rivet (hip) was able to suit up on Thursday against Toronto. He had an assist in 21:38 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Rivet back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: Craig Rivet (hip) was back in the lineup for Tuesday's game at N.Y. Islanders. He was scoreless with a minus-1 rating in 21:13 of ice time.
Analysis: It appears safe to get Rivet back into the active Fantasy lineup in all daily leagues.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports Craig Rivet suffered a hip injury in the third period of Monday's game against the Capitals.
Analysis: Rivet is considered day to day. When healthy, he has Fantasy value only in larger leagues.
News: Craig Rivet picked up two assists and a plus-1 rating with no shots on goal in Monday's game at Philadelphia in 24:48 of ice time.
Analysis: Rivet had just one point over the past eight games, so don't get too excited about his performance on Monday.
News: Craig Rivet has posted four goals and a career-high 21 assists already through 56 games at the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Rivet needs just one point to break a tie for a career-high of 25 points. He has emerged as a useful Fantasy defenseman in larger leagues, especially those which reward penalty minutes.
News: Craig Rivet has only one goal in January, but he finished with nine assists and 19 PIM for the month.
Analysis: Rivet is worth starting as a No. 3 defenseman in most Fantasy leagues despite his low scoring totals.
News: Craig Rivet picked up an assist and a plus-1 rating in Saturday's game at Minnesota. He also had two shots on goal in 22:17 of ice time.
Analysis: Rivet ended a three-game scoreless stretch with the assist. He has not scored a goal in 14 games since Nov. 10 at Pittsburgh. He is only worth using in larger Fantasy leagues.
News: Craig Rivet (back) was in the lineup for Wednesday's Game 1 at Boston. He was scoreless in 18:00 of ice time.
Analysis: Rivet is not a useful player in postseason leagues.
News: The Montreal Gazette reports Craig Rivet is probable for Wednesday's Game 1 at Boston.
Analysis: Rivet left Saturday's game with a sore back but he was able to practice on Monday.
News: Craig Rivet (foot) was in the lineup for Thursday's game. He was scoreless in 14:07 of ice time.
Analysis: Rivet is not worth using in most Fantasy leagues.
News: Craig Rivet missed Thursday's game against N.Y. Islanders due to a bruised foot. He was struck in practice on Monday by a shut from Pierre Dagenais.
Analysis: Rivet remains day to day. When healthy, he has no Fantasy appeal.
News: Rivet was pleased with the results of his Wednesday examination. According to the Montreal Gazette, Tom Graham, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Baltimore, told the defenseman he will have to play with pain for a little longer but will not be risking further injury by playing. Rivet's rehabilitation program might take up to a year, however, meaning he might produce limited Fantasy numbers for the remainder of the season.
Analysis:
News: Rivet's wrist might not allow him to play the whole season. According to the Montreal Gazette, he admits that the pain in his surgically-repaired left wrist has not improved. "I want some assurance that I can't do any further damage," he said. Rivet is soliciting opinions on the wrist, and he is a very risky Fantasy player for the remainder of the season due to his health status.
Analysis:
News: Rivet left Tuesday's game with a wrist injury, and will be re-examined on Thursday. The injury is reportedly related to a chronic ailment, but shouldn't be more than a day-to-day issue. Reserve Rivet if he's on your squad.
Analysis:
News: Rivet underwent shoulder surgery on Monday to repair cartilage damage. He will be sidelined until at least late March, and possibly for the remainder of the regular season. Rivet isn't worth holding onto at this point.
Analysis:
News: Rivet underwent an MRI on a bruised shoulder this week, and he may not play in either of Montreal's games Friday or Saturday. The test was inconclusive, although he admitted he may require surgery if the pain doesn't subside soon. He's probably not worth holding onto at this point.
Analysis:
News: Rivet remains unsigned and away from the Habs training camp. The deal is no where near close either, and the Habs will not let him come into camp until he signs.
Analysis:
