News:Derek Roy opened the scoring Saturday with a power-play marker against Edmonton. The Oilers pulled away late to take a 7-2 win.
Analysis: In 12 games after being acquired from Dallas, Derek Roy logged a disappointing three goals and three assists. Fantasy owners who drafted him hoping that he'd return to his point-per-game days were frustrated this season.
News:Derek Roy netted his sixth goal of the season in Thursday's loss to the Stars.
Analysis: His goal was the only offense Vancouver could muster Thursday night. Derek Roy only has four points through eight games since joining the Canucks, but three of those points have come in the past three games, which coincides with his promotion to second-line duty alongside Ryan Kesler. As long as he's skating with a talented player like Kesler, Roy has a chance to be a steady source of points.
News:Derek Roy picked up a goal and an assist in Monday's win over the Predators.
Analysis:Derek Roy played right wing on the second line, with Ryan Kesler and Jannik Hansen assuming the other two spots. Moving up from a less-talented third line should pay dividends for Roy down the stretch.
News:Derek Roy got an assist in 17:54 of ice-time in his Canucks debut Thursday night.
Analysis:Derek Roy's efforts on defense helped shut down a previously hot Oilers squad. "We tried to limit their odd-man rushes and the penalty kill did a great job as well,'' Roy said. ''We know they are an offensive powerhouse and they like to generate stuff off turnovers so we did a good job not turning it over and making sure we were back-checking too."
News:Derek Roy is expected to center the Canucks' third line, the Vancouver Province reports.
Analysis: He's expected to be flanked by Chris Higgins and Jannik Hansen once the Canucks are healthy. Derek Roy, who has 22 points in 30 games this season, should remain a solid source of scoring on his new squad.
News: The Stars have traded Derek Roy to the Canucks for a second-round draft pick and Kevin Connauton, TSN.ca reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy, who is in the final year of his contract, notched 22 points in 30 games in his first season with the Stars after coming over from Buffalo this past summer. He should provide the Canucks' attack with a nice spark for the team's stretch drive.
News:Derek Roy had two assists against the Wild on Monday.
Analysis:Derek Roy has done well in his first season in Dallas after leaving the sinking ship in Buffalo. He only has four goals, but he has 20 points in 27 games and is a plus-6 so far.
News:Derek Roy posted a goal and an assist in Saturday's 5-2 win over Colorado. He left the game briefly after taking a puck off his foot late in the first, but returned to start the second period.
Analysis: He skated almost 13 minutes in the second and third frames combined, so there should be no ill effects of the ding to his foot.
News:Derek Roy (groin) had an assist Thursday while playing 19:14 against the Kings.
Analysis: After a three-point effort against the Blues on Sunday, Derek Roy was given a maintenance day for the minor injury Tuesday. He doesn't appear likely to miss any additional time in the near future with the injury.
News:Derek Roy received a maintenance day Tuesday to rest his bothered groin, Stars Inside Edge reports.
Analysis: There is no need to worry, as this was pre-planned. Derek Roy will be back on the ice Wednesday and will play Thursday against the Kings.
News:Derek Roy scored a goal and two assists in Sunday's 4-1 win over the Blues.
Analysis: That's two multi-point efforts in the last three games for Derek Roy, who picked up two points against Columbus this past Tuesday.
News:Derek Roy scored his first goal since Feb. 6 -- and just his second of the year -- and added an assist in Tuesday's OT win over Columbus.
Analysis:Derek Roy had been stone-cold recently, picking up just two points (assists both) in his last six games, but he came out strong in this one, firing six shots on goal -- his second-highest total of the year.
News:Derek Roy (maintenance day) did not practice Tuesday, Dallas Stars Inside Edge reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy has nine points in 11 games this season. Fantasy owners should not be concerned, as Roy is expected to play Thursday against Vancouver.
News:Derek Roy assisted on two of the three goals Dallas scored in Friday's win over Anaheim, giving him four points in three games since his return from a groin injury.
Analysis:Derek Roy was brought in to create goals for the Stars and he's been steady since shaking off a nagging groin injury with a goal and three helpers along with nine shots on goal. He's eating up power-play time and figures to continue the near point-per-game pace he is on this season.
News: The Stars activated Derek Roy (groin) from injured reserve Monday.
Analysis:Derek Roy missed five games with a groin injury, but he will be back on the ice Monday night. Roy has played in just four games this season, but he was able to conjure up two assists and a plus-2 rating in his brief stint. Don't be surprised to see him line up with the Stars' second line Monday night.
News:Derek Roy (groin) will play Monday against the Avalanche, Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: The groin injury has cost Derek Roy five games, but he'll make his return against Colorado. There's a chance he's eased back into action, but Roy should be available for close to his normal workload Monday.
News:Derek Roy (groin) will not play in Friday's game against the Coyotes, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' team website reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy seems to be getting close to a return to action but will not be ready on Friday. He has totaled two assists over four games played this season. Keep an eye on his status as he works his way back to the ice.
News:Derek Roy (groin) will sit out Saturday against the Coyotes, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy had already been ruled out for Friday's home tilt against the Coyotes, and with no days of rest in between, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan was quick to rule him out for the rematch the next day in Arizona. Gulutzan said Roy could return Monday against the Avalanche, but that would likely depend on his participation in that morning's skate session. The Stars called up Antoine Roussel on Thursday, so they'll have some reinforcement at the forward spot if Roy is forced to miss further game action.
News:Derek Roy (groin) skated Tuesday, but remains questionable to return Friday against the Coyotes, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy was placed on injured reserve Monday and has been out of the lineup since Jan. 24. The team had the initial hope that Roy would be back in action in a couple of days, and while his skating is at least a step in the right direction, a return next week is looking like a slightly more distinct possibility at the moment.
News: The Stars placed Derek Roy (groin) on IR on Monday, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official website reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy has two points in four games so far for Dallas, but has been battling a groin injury that has kept him out of the lineup since Jan 24. The move clears a roster spot for center Jamie Benn to make his season debut Monday against the Blue Jackets after sitting out the first five games over a contract dispute.
Stars' Roy (Groin) Out Monday, Likely Tuesday As Well
News:Derek Roy (groin) did not travel with the Stars and is unlikely to play Monday against the Blue Jackets or Tuesday against the Red Wings, the Dallas Stars Inside Edge reports.
Analysis: The Stars expect to have Jamie Benn available for the first time this season in both games, which would help lessen the impact of Derek Roy's loss. Once he returns to the ice, Roy figures to center the second line.
News:Derek Roy (groin) is questionable for Monday's game against the Blue Jackets.
Analysis:Derek Roy missed Saturday's game with a groin injury, so make sure to check back closer to Monday's game to confirm his status.
News:Derek Roy missed Saturday's game with a "nagging groin" and is being listed as day-to-day according to the Stars' website.
Analysis: The good news here is that it's not Derek Roy's shoulder that is the problem. His status for Monday's game likely won't be known until following the morning skate on game day.
News:Derek Roy (groin) will miss Saturday's game against the Blues, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: The extent of Derek Roy's injury isn't immediately clear, so consider him day-to-day until there's an update on the situation. In the meantime, the Stars could be hard-pressed to generate offense against St. Louis with Jamie Benn and Jaromir Jagr also out Saturday.
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) has been cleared to play, Mark Stepneski of the Stars' official site reports.
Analysis: After undergoing shoulder surgery in July, it looked like Derek Roy would miss the start of the season, but with the lockout pushing into January, that won't be the case. The 29-year-old center didn't post spectacular numbers in his final two years with Buffalo, and he'll look to turn things around with a fresh start in Dallas.
Stars' Roy (Shoulder) Could Join AHL Team For Workouts
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) is nearly 100 percent recovered from surgery and is expected to join the AHL Texas Stars for workouts, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy plans to take part in intense practices with Texas, but has no plans to play in games. Still, the quality of the workouts should adequately prepare Roy for a return to NHL action if and when the lockout comes to a close. "I'm looking forward to it," said Roy, in regards to practicing with Texas. "First, I get to test the shoulder and get to push my workouts. Second, I get to see some of the guys who I might be playing with up here and get to know them a little better."
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) is on track to return to the Stars' lineup in November as he is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, according to NHL.com.
Analysis:Derek Roy said he will begin skating in three to four weeks and continue to focus on rehabbing his shoulder. He will still miss at least nine regular season games at this point but the Stars would prefer him to be completely healthy. Roy will be counted on to up his 44 point production last year with Buffalo in an effort to replace the production of Mike Ribeiro.
News:Derek Roy will be out until November after undergoing shoulder surgery, the Dallas Morning News reports.
Analysis: It means he's expected to miss at least nine games. There's a lot of time between now and November and so this prognosis should certainly be double-checked closer to the season, but for now it seems reasonable to consider Derek Roy questionable for Dallas' Nov. 1 game against the Rangers.
News: The Stars have acquired Derek Roy from Buffalo in exchange for Steve Ott and Adam Pardy, the team's official site reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy is coming off a sub-par year with Buffalo in which he recorded 17 goals and 44 points in 80 games, but he's a skilled player who will have a chance to bounce back with the Stars, who were looking to replace the offensive production of Mike Ribeiro.
News: Sabres' GM Darcy Regier expects Derek Roy to return next season, reports The Buffalo News. Roy is entering the final year of a six-year contract signed in the summer of 2007.
Analysis:Derek Roy struggled to just 44 points in 80 games and was the subject of trade rumours for much of the 2011-12 season. A return to previous levels isn't out of the question, but ice time down the middle will be harder to come by with the late-season emergence of Tyler Ennis and the club's acquisition of Cody Hodgson.
News:Derek Roy told the media that the torn quad he suffered in December 2010 affected his underwhelming 2011-12 campaign, according to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
Analysis:Derek Roy played in 80 of Buffalo's 82 games, so it's hard to see this as anything other than an excuse. He had 44 points (17 G, 27 A), which is simply not enough from the top-line center of a team that had Stanley Cup aspirations in September.
News:Derek Roy scored twice Tuesday, including the overtime winner in a 6-5 victory over Toronto, ending a seven-game goal drought.
Analysis: The goals could not have come at a better time for Derek Roy, who has certainly had his share of disappointments this season. Roy finished off the remarkable comeback win with his second power-play goal of the evening. Those whp spent a mid-round pick on Roy have to be wondering where these goals have been all season.
News: Though he dealt with migraines Friday night, Derek Roy will play Saturday against the Leafs, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Good news for the Sabres, who are clawing for a playoff spot, as they will be without the services of big blueliner Tyler Myers on Saturday.
News:Derek Roy is expected to suit up for Friday's home date with the Penguins, reports Sabres.com. He had sat out practice Wednesday with an illness.
Analysis:Derek Roy still sees a great deal of ice time (19:16 per game), but his offensive numbers have taken a severe downturn this season. He has just 41 points in 75 games, but will be there if you need him Friday.
News:Derek Roy missed Wednesday's practice due to what seems to be an illness, The Buffalo News reports.
"Derek wasn't feeling well," coach Lindy Ruff said. "He may have a touch of the flu."
Analysis: The Sabres are off until Friday following Tuesday's big win over Washington, so Derek Roy has some time to rest up if he hopes to not miss any action.
News:Derek Roy notched two assists in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Montreal after sitting out the morning skate.
Analysis:Derek Roy has three points in the last three games and has struggled to consistently produce this season. Perhaps Buffalo is on to something with Roy skating alongside Cody Hodgson, so that is a situation to monitor in the season's final stretch.
News:Derek Roy was absent from Wednesday's morning skate, Mike Harrington of The Buffao News reports.
Analysis: Coach Lindy Ruff likes to give the vets maintenance days, and that would appear that's all this is. If it does turn out to be more than that, keep posted here for further updates.
News:Derek Roy's goal in Saturday's shootout loss to the Panthers was his first tally in nine games and just his 15th of the season.
Analysis: This was the third streak of at least nine games without a goal this season for Derek Roy, who has a disappointing 39 points in 70 games. He usually heats up toward the end of the season, but with just three points in the month of March, even that seems like a lost cause.
News: With two assists in Tuesday's win over the Islanders, Derek Roy has seven points in the last four games.
Analysis: Five of those seven points have come in the last two games for the pesky center, as Derek Roy appears to be playing much more consistently. He can be a productive player when on his game and pure frustration to own while struggling.
News:Derek Roy had two goals and an assist and was plus-4 in Sunday's win over the Penguins.
Analysis: The previously scuffling Derek Roy is starting to show some signs of life of late, as Sunday's effort gives him five points over his last three games.
News:Derek Roy has two goals in the team's last 12 games, marking the longest slump of his career in Buffalo.
Analysis: It's not even close. This has been the worst stretch for Derek Roy as a professional. Whether it's the trade rumors, the inconsistent line combinations of Lindy Ruff, none of this should be an excuse for a guy in the prime of his career.
News:Derek Roy snapped a seven-game goal slump with his 10th of the season in Saturday's SO win over the Islanders.
Analysis: He was minus-6 in those seven games. It would be an understatement to say he has been a disappointment this season. He has just 26 points in 50 games and has heard his name whispered in trade rumors. He's talented but he's not providing his fantasy owners with any value right now. Park him on the pine.
News:Derek Roy went minus-7 over the team's recent five-game road trip, had no points over the final four games, and got demoted to the fourth line for the first two periods Saturday because coach Lindy Ruff was furious when Roy didn't lay out to block Tobias Enstrom's shot while killing a penalty Thursday in Winnipeg, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: After putting up 35 points in 35 games last season, Derek Roy's game is out to lunch as he has just 25 points in 46 games for 2011-12. Those are terrible numbers for a guy that's supposed to be the team's No. 1 center. Ruff's patience seems to be wearing thin, as Roy's ice time is down almost a minute from the last two seasons, and his PPTOI is down 1:06 from last season. If the Sabres become sellers, Roy seems like one of the top candidates to be traded. Perhaps there's a buy-low opportunity in here somewhere. He's a better player than this.
News: According to Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News Derek Roy (upper body) is back in for Friday's game against the Leafs.
Analysis:Derek Roy, who missed his second straight game Tuesday night, is off to a spotty start with 24 points in 40 games, but he is capable of embarking on a hot streak at some point, assuming he can stay healthy.
News:Derek Roy missed his second straight game Tuesday night, as he's still dealing with an upper body injury.
Analysis: The good news was that he skated in the pregame warm-up, but he wasn't able to give it a go. Look for him to try and get back on the ice Friday night against the Maple Leafs.
Sabres' Roy Will Be Gametime Decision Tuesday Night
News:Derek Roy (upper body) will skate in warm-ups and whether or not he goes will depend on how he feels afterward, according to Bill Hoppe of MSG .
Analysis: Nagging injuries all season long have severely dampened high expectations many had for Derek Roy before the season. With his health still a huge question mark, look for other options.
News:Derek Roy (upper body) was on the ice in a non-contact jersey Monday, Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis:Derek Roy looks iffy for Tuesday's game against the Leafs at this point.
News: Coach Lindy Ruff says Derek Roy is out "more than days" with an upper body injury, according to John Vogl of The Buffalo News.
Analysis: That certainly rules Derek Roy out for at least Saturday's game against Winnipeg, and the slumping Sabres are already thin at center even when Roy is in the lineup. Not a good development, even as disappointing as Roy has been all season.
News:Derek Roy has been ice cold for the Sabres, with one goal in the last 15 games.
Analysis: Look no further for answers as to why the offense in Buffalo has slowed to an absolute halt. Patience is running thin with fans and Derek Roy owners. alike. He's a streaky player, but this is getting old.
News:Derek Roy grabbed a goal and an assist in Monday's shootout win over Montreal, giving him 10 points in the last six games.
Analysis:Derek Roy has been performing well the last week as he has been seeing his name on the scoresheet quite often. He is a dynamic talent and is on pace for a strong season with 14 points in 17 games.
News:Derek Roy had a goal and added two assists in Buffalo's 5-1 win over Ottawa on Friday night.
Analysis: He finished the night with a plus-3 rating and was also named the game's first star. It was Derek Roy's second straight game with three points.
News:Derek Roy scored twice and added an assist in Tuesday night's win over Winnipeg.
Analysis:Derek Roy was clutch, tying the game up with just over six minutes left in a wild game. He seems to be over the couple of nagging injuries he battled through to start the season.
News:Derek Roy was the best Sabres skater on the ice Saturday night against the Senators. He scored a goal during regulation and then drove home the winner in the shootout.
Analysis: The window on his buy-low is closing quickly. He has points in back-to-back games and is finally showing the spark we've come to know him for.
News:Derek Roy, who has no points in five games, moved to the blue line on the top power play unit during Tuesday's practice. He worked the point alongside defenseman Tyler Myers, with holdovers Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Brad Boyes up front, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: If you're looking to buy low on Derek Roy, who has just four points in 10 games after putting up 35 in 35 last season, this could be a good trigger. He has some rust that might even continue for a while after missing most of last season, but he's simply not a "four points in 10 games" type of player.
News: Coach Lindy Ruff changed his power-play units for Tuesday's game against the lightning, with Derek Roy not a part of either group, The Buffalo News reports. "Right now there's not a lot going on there," Ruff said. "[Roy has] struggled a little bit."
Analysis:Derek Roy has just four points in eight games and his overall ice time is down from years past, as he clearly is shaking some rust from missing 47 games last season and most of the playoffs. It may actually be a good time to buy low, as the move off the power play seems only temporary, and he's still the team's best center by a good margin, so once he does get back to speed he'll have a prominent role.
News:Derek Roy (leg) assisted on two of Buffalo's three goals in Tuesday's win in Montreal.
Analysis: A bad leg, a bad shoulder, yet Derek Roy continues to be produce for Buffalo. Still, keep an eye on his health.
News:Derek Roy is battling an unspecified leg injury he says is unrelated to his torn quadriceps from last season, according to WGR550.com.
Analysis:Derek Roy has been a modest two points through four games, certainly not alarming but the team has noticed his second line is just a little off. Assuming Roy's ailments to start the season are minor, he could be a good buy-low candidate because the team has a loaded top six and Roy is probably the best center on the team when healthy by a pretty good margin, so the power play time will always be there. Still, note that he might receive a tad less ice time for a game or two while he heals what ails him.
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) scored for the first time this season in Friday night's loss to Carolina.
Analysis: Coach Lindy Ruff said Derek Roy wasn't himself in the first two games of the season because of lingering shoulder issues. Looks like Roy is feeling better, but with a back-to-back game on Saturday night that shoulder will get put to the test.
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) is playing but coach Lindy Ruff thinks his winger is still not completely healthy, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: It's going to take time for Derek Roy to get back comfortable. After missing a huge chunk of last season with a quad injury and a getting limited practice time because of his shoulder strain it's to be expected. That said, Ruff is sticking with a second line of Roy, Nathan Gerbe and Drew Stafford for now, and that line has plenty of buy-low potential when/if they start to click.
News:Derek Roy is ready to return from a shoulder strain that has sidelined him since Sept. 23, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: The Sabres took it easy on him in the preseason to be safe, but Derek Roy looks good to go for this week's opening games in Europe, where back-to-back games will hopefully affirm he's fine. Roy might be a good upside play this year because he might slip in some drafts based on his having played just 35 games last year. Still, he's nearly a point-per-game guy, and he didn't have a history of injuries until last year, as he played in 70 or more games in the five previous seasons.
Sabres' Roy Skating But May Miss Friday's Preseason Game
News:Derek Roy (shoulder) is skating fully but may miss Friday's preseason game against Washington, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: This appears to be precautionary. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff indicated that they would make sure Derek Roy is 100 percent before playing him. Roy played in only 35 games last season, the lowest total of his seven-year career.
News: Coach Lindy Ruff said Derek Roy (shoulder) should be practicing fully in a day or two, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: He's been healing a little slower than expected, but Derek Roy should be good to go when the regular season starts, with the Sabres beginning their campaign in Europe next week.
News: Sabres' general manager Darcy Regier says Derek Roy (shoulder) should be ready to play by the end of the week, according to CBC's Hockey Night in Canada.
Analysis: Regier confirmed Lindy Ruff's earlier characterization that the injury was minor. Derek Roy does need some preseason games to recover his timing after missing all games in 2011 except for one playoff contest. But then again, he's so talented it shouldn't take him long to return to his near point-per-game production.
News: The injury that caused Derek Roy to leave Friday's game is being described by coach Lindy Ruff as a minor shoulder injury, The Buffalo News reports. It's a strain, and Roy is currently day-to-day and not in Saturday's preseason lineup.
Analysis: That's a sigh of relief. Derek Roy will miss Saturday's preseason game, but we'd expect the team's top center to be fine by the time the regular season rolls around.
News:Derek Roy was helped to the dressing room in the first period of Friday's game against the Leafs with an upper body injury and did not return, reports Jonas Siegal of TSN1050.
Analysis: No word yet on the severity but this would be a definite blow to the Sabres, who are counting on a healthy Derek Roy to deliver a lot of points this season.
News:Derek Roy cannot wait to get started in Monday night's preseason opener against Carolina after missing four months with an injured quad a season ago.
Analysis:Derek Roy has fallen off the radar a bit because of the injury last season. From a fantasy standpoint, he should return back to 30-goal form. With a rebuilt team around him, there is also reason to be optimistic that Roy could have a giant season.
News: Roy (quad) returned to the Buffalo lineup for Tuesday's Game 7 against the Flyers and picked up an assist.
Analysis: Roy had been out since December 23 with the injury. He played 20:01 in the contest and finished a minus-2. Buffalo's season came to an end with the loss, so Roy has plenty of time to get ready for next season.
News: Roy (quad) will play in Tuesday's Game 7, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: TSN.ca has also confirmed this news. Roy hasn't played since December 23 after tearing a tendon in his quad, so there's going to be some rust here no matter how energized he feels. Nevertheless, this might be the emotional boost the Sabres need after losing a few forwards in this series and blowing a two-goal lead in Game 6.
News: Coach Lindy Ruff backtracked a bit on Roy's (quad) status for Tuesday's Game 7, according to WGR550.com. Said Ruff: "I don't even know if he's playing yet, so I don't know what to expect."
Analysis: Ruff was a little more positive following Sunday's loss, but even if Roy does play he's probably not going to be chewing up major minutes. The Sabres need something, however, as they are down a few injured forwards in this grueling series.
News: Roy, who hasn't played since December due to a torn tendon in his leg, will be ready to take an injured Tim Connolly's place in Game 7 on Tuesday, according to James Mirtle of the Globe and Mail.
Analysis: We're not sure how rusty Roy will be, but the Sabres have almost no scoring centers right now, so even if Roy can produce a little offense or something on the power play, it will go a long way as the Sabres try to avoid blowing a 3-2 series lead.
News: After Friday night's Game 5 win over Philadelphia, coach Lindy Ruff said that Roy is "very close, very close" to being ready to play, WGR550.com reports.
Analysis: Ruff was incredibly coy with his statements, but it is interesting to note that Roy's doctors said he couldn't take contact for four months after his surgery. Saturday marks exactly four months. It's hard to see Roy being ready for Sunday's Game 6, but with Pominville out, Roy could see the ice if a Game 7 is needed.
News: Roy (quadriceps) continues to take skates with the Sabres while working on drills and remains on target to play in the second round if the team advances, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Don't think Roy is going to save your fantasy playoff season, plus the Sabres are no sure thing to even advance yet, as they are in one of the better Round 1 playoff battles with the Flyers. Anything the team gets out of Roy is gravy at this point after such a major injury, though they could really use one more experienced pivot if they are to make a decent playoff run.
News: Roy (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Round 1 of the playoffs, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: It'd be too risky to take Roy in playoff pools, talented as he is. However, it'd be a huge boost to the Sabres if they can get past the Flyers in Round 1 without him, and then get him back at some point in the postseason.
News: Roy (quadriceps) had an intense solo workout on the ice Wednesday, according to The Buffalo News.
Analysis: Word had been circling that Roy thinks he can come back if the Sabres make it past the first round of the playoffs.
News: Although GM Darcy Regier said on trade deadline day that Roy would not be able to play again this year, coach Lindy Ruff said Thursday that Roy would likely be ready to go by mid-May, The Buffalo News reports. He's recovering from a torn quad.
Analysis: While that doesn't help Roy owners for the stretch run, it does give the Sabres something to look forward to should they advance a couple playoff rounds. Also, for those of you owning Roy in keeper leagues, this is certainly good news for his 2011-12 status.
News: General Manager Darcy Regier confirmed that the team does not expect Roy (torn quadriceps tendon) back this season even if it gets into the playoffs, and that was another reason to keep Tim Connolly at the trade deadline, The Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Roy's regular season was thought to be over, but the timetable when he got injured was a little wide open and there had been some hope he might return around he playoffs. Those odds have thinned out based on Regier's statements and the limited amount of time left in the season.
Roy's rehab, however, has been progressing since having surgery and we would think he'd be close to 100 percent by the time next season rolls around.
News: Roy will miss 4-to-6 months with a torn quadriceps tendon, ESPN's Pierre LeBrun reports.
Analysis: This is a huge loss for Buffalo, as Roy was averaging a point per game on the season, with 10 of the 35 points being goals. It's not clear what Buffalo will do in response to this news.
News: Roy left Thursday's game against the Panthers with a left leg injury, the Associated Press reports.
Analysis: Roy left the game in the first period and didn't return after intermission. Check back after the game to find out the severity of Roy's injury.
News: By scoring in the second period Friday, Roy was one of the few bright spots for the Sabres in the team's 6-2 loss to the Panthers.
Analysis: It had been exactly a month since Roy's last goal, but he's been unselfish with eight assists in the month of December. He should be an automatic roll in the majority of fantasy leagues.
News: Although he has three points in the last two contests, Roy hasn't scored a goal in 10 games.
Analysis: He's still been contributing somewhat, albeit at not the same torrent pace as the first part of November, with six assists in those 10 games. In fact, now might be the time to play up Roy's cold spell with another owner, as he's still getting the third-most power pay minutes on the team, and he's just under a point-per-game pace for the season. Another hot streak we'll come, so perhaps you can get ahead of the curve.
News: Roy (elbow) will play in Friday's game against the Maple Leafs, the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Roy sat out Thursday's practice with a sore elbow and a migraine, but he will be in the Sabres' lineup Friday. Make sure he is in yours as well.
Sabres' Roy Expects to Play Friday Despite Multiple Ailments
News: Despite dealing with a sore elbow and a migraine headache, Roy is expected to play in Friday's game against the Maple Leafs, the Buffalo News reports.
Analysis: Roy sat out of Thursday's practice for precautionary reasons, but it does not appear either of the ailments will cost Roy any game action. Still, make sure Roy is in the lineup for the Sabres before putting him in yours.
News: Roy scored his ninth goal of the year as Buffalo lost to Washington 4-2 Wednesday night.
Analysis: The goal also extended his point streak to six straight games. Roy's having a solid fantasy year, with 22 points in 20 games and a plus-6 rating.
News: Roy roofed a highlight-reel slap shot from 30 feet away for his eighth goal of the season, and added an assist in Wednesday night's 5-4 shootout win over New Jersey.
Analysis: Roy is having a terrific offensive season despite the rough start his team is experiencing. Through 16 games, Roy is averaging just a tick over a point per game, with eight goals and nine assists.
News: Roy scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's shootout win over the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: He'd been held off the score sheet in the Sabres' last three games so this is a nice rebound. The Sabres are abysmal this year but Roy has still managed 15 points in as many games. Mind you, no one else is scoring -- he has almost double the number of points of any of his teammates.
News: Roy earned an assist and netted his sixth goal of the season in Friday night's 4-3 overtime loss to Atlanta.
Analysis: Roy leads the Sabres in points, by a considerable margin actually. His 13 points (6 G, 7 A) is six points more than any other Sabre.
News: Roy remains on a tear, as he netted his fifth goal of the year in Friday night's 2-1 loss to Montreal.
Analysis: Roy leads the league in goals scored, along with ex-Sabre Clarke MacArthur of Toronto. Fantasy owners are falling in love with Roy. While he obviously won't keep up this pace, Roy is absolutely a candidate to reach 40 goals this year thanks to his hot start.
News: Roy scored and earned an assist in Monday's 4-3 loss to Chicago.
Analysis: Roy has four goals, an assist and is a plus-2 in the first three games for Buffalo. The best part for those owners who have Roy in their lineup is that he still has four games left before the end of the week.
News: Roy scored his third goal of the season in Saturday night's 6-3 loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: Roy had a huge preseason, and he is a free agent at the end of the year. All the elements are there for Roy to have a big season in Buffalo.
Buffalo's Roy Notches Two Goals In 2-1 Win Over Ottawa
News: Roy scored Buffalo's first goal at even strength and then potted a powerplay marker in the third to give Buffalo the 2-1 victory over the Sens on Friday night.
Analysis: He had a nice fantasy night. Along with his two goals, Roy had five shots on net, two penalty minutes and was a plus-1. He'll need to continue to play a big role this year if Buffalo wants to challenge for the Northeast division title.
News: Roy scored both Sabres goals in Friday's 2-1 win over Ottawa.
Analysis: Roy didn't score his first goal until the 12th game of the season last year for Buffalo. Two goals on opening night is an encouraging sign for Roy, who has a legitimate chance to score 30 goals this season.
News: Roy potted two goals for Buffalo in Sunday's preseason finale against Philadelphia.
Analysis: Roy will again hover around 30 goals and 40 assists, but he should reasonably be expected to reach the 80-point plateau if all goes well for a Sabres core that has been together for four solid years now.
News: Roy assisted on three of four Buffalo goals in Monday's 5-4 preseason loss to Toronto.
Analysis: Roy has been remarkably consistent in the assist department over the last four seasons, earning 42, 49, 42, and 43 helpers since the beginning of the 2006-07 season. Pencil in another 45 assists for Roy this season, whose fantasy value could take a big leap if he can get into that 35-40 goal range.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy who recorded his fourth NHL hat trick during Saturday's 7-1 rout of the Lightning. Roy and Jochen Hecht scored 50 seconds apart to put the Sabres up 3-0 in the first period. Roy notched his second of the night on a backhand flip less at 9:45 of the second period. Roy completed his hat trick with a power-play goal six minutes into the third. He connected on a slap shot from between the circles. "It was a great night," said Roy, who scored twice during power plays. "We scored two goals right off the bat and could have had a couple more."
Analysis: Roy was recently called out by coach Lindy Ruff because of a lack of effort, but it's hard to understand why his coach would make such comments. Roy has produced six goals, 11 assists, 17 points and a plus-6 rating in 14 games since the Olympic break. He has even been playing well dating further back. He has produced 11 goals and 23 points in his last 21 games. Roy hasn't been as consistent of a scorer as we would like the last two years, but he is peaking for Fantasy owners at the right time and is a solid play.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored two goals and finished at plus-1 on Thursday against the Hurricanes. Roy put his team's first shot in the net at 2:13. He then tied it with 7:07 left in the third by beating Manny Legace with a backhander. Roy has five goals in six games.
Analysis: We haven't seen this kind of scoring from Roy in a long time. It's nice to Roy actually playing well while Buffalo is mired in a nasty losing streak. It's just a shame the Olympic break is on the horizon. Roy has been meddling as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward for most of the season, but if he plays this well down the stretch, then all Fantasy owners should get him active.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored his third goal in the last five games as Buffalo fell to the Bruins following a shootout on Tuesday night.
Analysis: Roy has had a disappointing season by his standards so far, with just 41 points in 56 games. Maybe this recent offensive spurt shows he's ready to put a solid run together, but the Olympic break might stop his flow. If he stays hot the rest of Fantasy Week 19 (Feb. 8-14), think about activating him in all 12-team leagues come March.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and tallied an assist on Monday against the Penguins. Roy tied the game at 1 with a power-play score 5:15 into the first. It was his 12th goal, but his first score in nine games.
Analysis: It's nice to see Roy get off to a fast start in February after he went kind of cold to end January. He had no goals and three points in his last eight games. This is nothing new for Roy. He has definitely become an inconsistent scorer the last two seasons. He is still a big-time offensive threat, which remains the reason why he is still a viable Fantasy flier in most formats.
News:Derek Roy scored a power-play goal in overtime to give the Buffalo Sabres their seventh win in eight games, 2-1 over the Atlanta Thrashers on Thursday. With Zach Bogosian in the penalty box for elbowing and the Thrashers down to only three skaters, the Sabres had plenty of room to operate. Tim Connolly guided the power play from the center of the ice, just inside the blue line, sliding a pass to Roy all alone at the top of the right circle. Roy ripped off his 11th goal of the season, a one-timer over Ondrej Pavelec's left shoulder to end the game at 2:27 of the extra period.
Analysis: Roy missed a couple of games in late December with an eye injury, but he seems to have bounced back. He has two goals and two assists in his last six games. Roy is not as effective of an offensive weapon as he was in 2007-08, when he totaled 32 goals and 81 points. But he still gets the job done and remains a nice Fantasy start in most formats.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy returned to the lineup on Friday against the Thrashers after missing two games because of an eye injury. He scored a goal and finished at plus-1. Roy's goal came on what began as an innocent play. Skating up the left wing, Sabres rookie defenseman Tyler Myers got to the Thrashers' blue line and dumped the puck in high along the boards. Goalie Johan Hedberg anticipated the play, and immediately left his crease to go behind the net in a bid to play the puck. The puck, however, took a strange carom off the glass and bounced directly into the slot, where Roy swept it into the wide-open net.
Analysis: Roy has two goals and three assists during a four-game point streak. He has 23 points (10 goals) in his last 27 games. Roy has played relatively consistent since November and is starting to look like his normal self after having played a lot of erratic hockey since last season. It's safe to activate Roy for Week 14 (Jan. 4-10).
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres C Derek Roy (upper body) will return to action Friday vs. the Thrashers.
Analysis: Roy missed a couple of games after taking a hard check on Saturday, and his Fantasy owners will be glad to see him back before the lineup deadline for Week 14 (Jan. 4-10). Get him back active in most Fantasy formats.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy was scratched on Tuesday with an upper body injury and has now missed his last two games with this ailment.
Analysis: Roy was injured on Saturday after absorbing a check by Jesse Winchester. While Roy's goal total (nine) is pretty disappointing so far this season, he was still on pace to put up 70 points before this injury popped up. It doesn't seem like a long-term ailment just yet, but Roy is clearly someone to bench in daily leagues at the moment.
News: The Sabres' official Web site reports that C Derek Roy (upper body) did not practice Monday. He missed his first game of the season on Sunday.
Analysis: Roy was injured on Saturday after absorbing a check by Jesse Winchester. While Roy's goal total (nine) is pretty disappointing so far this season, he was still on pace to put up 70 points before this injury popped up. It doesn't seem like a long-term ailment just yet, but Roy is clearly a very risky start for Week 13 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3).
News: Sabres C Derek Roy (upper body) missed a game for the first time this season on Sunday against the Blues. He is listed as day-to-day.
Analysis: Roy was injured on Saturday after absorbing a check by Jesse Winchester. While Roy's goal total (nine) is pretty disappointing so far this season, he was still on pace to put up 70 points before this injury popped up. It doesn't seem like a long-term ailment just yet, but Roy is a risky start for Week 13 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3).
News: Sabres C Derek Roy sustained an upper-body injury in the third period of Saturday's loss to the Senators after absorbing a check by C Jesse Winchester. He'll be evaluated on Sunday in Buffalo, and won't be with the team for Sunday night's game in St. Louis.
Analysis: While Roy's goal total (nine) is pretty disappointing so far this season, he was still on pace to put up 70 points before this injury popped up. Hopefully we get some news about the severity of his situation before Monday's lineup deadline, but you should probably make plans to be without Roy for Fantasy Week 13 (Dec. 28-Jan. 3). When healthy, he is a solid starting Fantasy forward in the majority of formats.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy scored the game-winning goal on Monday night in the overtime period as the Sabres topped the Maple Leafs, 3-2. The goal was Roy's ninth on the year. He had an assist earlier in the game to Jochen Hecht in the 3rd period.
Analysis: Roy now has 28 points on the season for the Sabres but his scoring continues to be a little less than expected. Roy has good enough stats to start in most Fantasy formats, but he is more of a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward until his goal count increases.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Wednesday's game against the Capitals. He has two goals, five assists and a plus-6 rating in his last six games.
Analysis: Roy has quietly posted 17 assists and 23 points in 28 games. However, he has lost some Fantasy appeal since his scoring continues to be a problem. Buffalo has definitely turned into a defensive team in 20091-10. Roy has good enough stats to start in most Fantasy formats, but he is more of a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward until his goal count increases.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and tallied an assist during Saturday's game against the Hurricanes. Roy made it 3-1 when he shoveled in a loose puck in the crease after Jason Pominville kicked it toward the net from the slot. It was his fifth goal and first in seven games.
Analysis: Roy had a goal in each of the first three games in November and scored four times in a five-goal span before going cold. This has been the story for Roy the last two seasons. He can't seem to stay in a rhythm. His numbers still look good, but Roy's inconsistency is starting to get annoying. View him more as a No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal during Friday's game against the Flames. Roy countered on the power play with 3:06 left in the first, swatting a rolling puck with a backhand that went over a sprawled Miikka Kiprusoff. It was his fourth goal in five games.
Analysis: Roy has definitely snapped out of his scoring funk after he went all of October without a goal. Roy has definitely been a streaky scorer since last season, but he has a ton of offensive potential and remains a viable start in most formats.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres C Derek Roy has scored a goal in each of the last three games after starting the season scoreless in 11 straight contests.
Analysis: Roy went the whole month of October without a score and it was kind of reminiscent of his 2008-09 season when he went through prolonged scoring slumps. It's fair to say that Roy has frustrated Fantasy owners since last season because he has serious offensive potential. Despite his slow start, he still has 12 points in 14 games. Roy remains a viable Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied a power-play goal during Wednesday's 3-0 win against the Islanders. Roy opened the scoring with his first of the season at 8:27 of the first period on the power play, wristing a shot from the top of the left circle that beat Martin Biron on the stick side. Roy does have four points in his last six games.
Analysis: Roy went the whole month of October without a score and it was kind of reminiscent of his 2008-09 season when he went through prolonged scoring slumps. It's fair to say that Roy has frustrated Fantasy owners since last season because he has serious offensive potential. Despite his slow start, he still has nine points in 12 games. Roy remains a viable Fantasy forward.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy recorded three assists on Tuesday in a 6-2 win over the Red Wings. Roy assisted on three of the four goals scored in the 2nd period as the Sabres took a big lead against Chris Osgood.
Analysis: Roy tallied an assist in each of his first two games this season and has only failed to record points in one game thus far. He has yet to score a goal but does have five assists after four games and some respectable PIM. Roy is a solid No. 2 Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored his 27th goal of the season in Friday's win over the Capitals.
Analysis: Roy has just two goals and three assists in his last eight games and is limping to the finish line. Roy is more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward for now.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and finished at even during Friday's 6-4 loss to the Flyers. Roy put Buffalo ahead 3-2 14:06 into the second with his 26th goal on a tip-in. He has two goals and two assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Roy has really delivered a lot of erratic offensive performances in the last two months. He has just seven goals and nine assists in his last 21 games. We expect more from the 80-point threat. Roy is more of a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward until he heats back up.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a pair of goals and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's 5-1 win against the Canadiens. The Sabres finally found their offense when Roy opened the scoring with 2:07 left in the first by taking advantage of a fortunate bounce. Jaroslav Spacek's shot from the right circle caromed off a defender and bounced in front, where Roy backhanded a shot in the open left side. Roy, set up in front by Daniel Paille's blind pass from the corner, made it 2-0 early into the second period.
Analysis: Roy has four goals and three assists in his last six games. However, he factored in just five of 13 February games. He has gotten off to a nice start in March and is looking to put behind him an slow February. Roy still has solid scoring potential and remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy scored a goal and was credited with an assist in Thursday's 6-3 loss to the Flyers. He now has 54 points with 21 goals and 33 assists overall. He has six points over his last six games with two goals and four assists during that stretch.
Analysis: Roy has been struggling lately in terms of goals scored. He had failed to score in eight games before scoring against San Jose on Friday. He has been a streaky player and hopefully he is on his way back up. He remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:Derek Roy scored the decisive shootout goal, and had a goal and an assist in regulation in the Buffalo Sabres' 6-5 victory over the San Jose Sharks on Friday. Roy gave the Sabres the edge when he drove in on Evgeni Nabakov and flipped a backhander that beat the goalie on the short side in the shootout. He notched his 100th career goal on a power-play in the first period. Roy has 20 goals and 32 assists in 2008-09.
Analysis: Roy scored in regulation for the first time in eight games Friday. He does have a three-game point streak brewing, however. Roy has had his up-and-down moments in 2008-09, but he is nearly averaging a point-per-game and will be needed to step up the scoring in the next few weeks with Thomas Vanek (jaw) sidelined. Roy remains a high-end Fantasy option.
News:The Buffalo News reports in the wake of Thomas Vanek going on injured reserve for 3-4 weeks following jaw surgery, the Sabres have opted to move center Derek Roy to Vanek's left-wing spot on the top line. Roy will now play alongside center Tim Connolly and right wing Drew Stafford. "It's maybe something we look at a game, maybe a line that isn't even there at tomorrow's practice but we thought we'd take a look at it," coach Lindy Ruff said. "There's a lot of skill obviously on the line, an opportunity for three very creative guys to be together."
Analysis: Roy has been mired in a scoring slump as of late with no goals in six games and just two assists in that span. Roy is a better passer than scorer, but putting him on a line with Connolly could help open up some scoring lanes. Roy is too good of a player to be mired in a prolonged slump, so he still has high-end Fantasy value. Hopefully this move will get Roy on a roll again.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored and added two assists in Tuesday's 10-2 rout of the Oilers. He now has 16 points in 11 January games.
Analysis: Roy got off to a slow start this season but seems to have turned things around and can once again be counted on to put up about a point per game. He should essentially be starting in all leagues.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored twice for the Sabres in a 5-3 loss to the Lightning on Wednesday. It was his first goal in five games as he increased his points total to 44 on the season with 18 goals and 26 assists.
Analysis: Roy got off to a slow start this season but seems to have turned things around and can once again be counted on to put up about a point per game. He should essentially be starting in all leagues.
News:The Sports Xchange reports Sabres C Derek Roy picked up his team-high 26th assist Saturday against the Hurricanes. He has points in seven of the past eight games, with five goals and six assists in the span.
Analysis: Roy has been playing extremely well since being challenged by coach Lindy Ruff in early January. It was the second time Roy has been slumping, then challenged by his coach and then breaking out. Every player needs a jolt once in a while, but once Roy gets going, he is usually hard to slow down. Continue to view Roy as a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored for a third straight game Saturday as Buffalo fell 3-1 to the Red Wings.
Analysis: Roy now has nine points in his last five games and 40 on the season. After a rough start he is now back to the point-per-game pace he displayed last season and should be starting in all Fantasy formats until told otherwise.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored the team's lone regulation goal during a 2-1 shootout win Friday against the Rangers. Roy tied it with his 15th goal with 3:23 left in the second period, banging home a rebound through Steve Valiquette's legs after the goalie stopped Drew Stafford's shot from the right circle. Roy extended his point streak to four games (four goals, four assists).
Analysis: Roy finished up December with no goals and one assist in four games. That prompted coach Lindy Ruff to throw a few barbs his way and it paid off. Roy has opened January with two three-point games and looks unstoppable once again. Continue to keep him active as a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Derek Roy had a goal and two assists and the Buffalo Sabres avoided blowing a three-goal lead to beat the slumping road-weary Ottawa Senators 4-2 on Tuesday night. The Sabres eventually built a 3-0 lead 5:29 into the second period when Roy was credited with a goal during a scramble in front. Alex Auld stopped Roy's shot, but the rebound caromed in off the skate of teammate Mike Fisher. Roy has three goals and four assists during a three-game point streak.
Analysis: Roy finished up December with no goals and one assist in four games. That prompted coach Lindy Ruff to throw a few barbs his way and it paid off. Roy has opened January with two three-point games and looks unstoppable once again. Continue to keep him active as a high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Buffalo defeated the Maple Leafs 4-1 on New Year's Day and center Derek Roy made up for most of the scoring with two goals and an assist. Roy started his point spree with an assist to Jason Pominville on a power play in the 2nd period to put Buffalo up 1-0. Roy then netted his 12th of the year shortly after to make it 2-0. Roy tabbed his 13th on a power play in the 3rd period to make it 4-0. Roy really responded after coach Lindy Ruff threatened him with benching.
Analysis: Roy's three-point game fives him 34 points on the season with 13 goals and 20 assists. He'd been struggling a bit with just one point in his previous four contests but the must-start Fantasy C rebounded nicely.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres coach Lindy Ruff has threatened to bench LW Jochen Hecht and C Derek Roy if their play doesn't improve. “If Jochen Hecht isn’t our best player, if Derek Roy isn’t our best player, if those veteran guys aren’t our best players, we don’t have any chance of winning,” Ruff said. “It’s disappointing, it’s frustrating, and I’m not going to hide from it. It’s upsetting. We’ll take them out of the lineup. Some of them will come out. That’s not an idle threat, either."
Analysis: Most coaches wouldn't have come out with a statement like this, but Ruff doesn't pull any punches, especially when his team is playing poorly. Hecht has just one goal and three assists in his last nine games, while Roy has just two points in his last five after starting December with 12 points in his first 10 contests. Roy remains a must-start in all leagues, while Hecht is just a low-end reserve guy in deeper leagues. Hopefully this threat gets Roy and the Sabres going again.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy moved his point streak to nine games Saturday when he scored in a loss to the Canadiens. He has five goals and eight assists during the streak and 30 points on the season.
Analysis: Roy has put behind him a sluggish start to the season and has failed to stat in just two games since Nov. 14. He is back to being a point-per-game player and reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Derek Roy had a goal and two assists in the Buffalo Sabres' 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Friday. Roy notched his first three-point game of the season. "We got a couple of good bounces and worked hard getting to the front of the net," he said. "That's what we have to keep doing." Roy was credited with his 10th goal of the season with just under four minutes left in the first period. From behind the goal line, Roy sent the puck to the front of the net, but his attempt hit off the back of Jason LaBarbera's leg. As the puck appeared to be heading into the net, defenseman Kyle Quincey batted it out of the air, but it again went off LaBarbera's leg before going in.
Analysis: Roy extended his points streak to eight games. He has four goals and eight assists in that span. Roy has put behind him a sluggish start to the season and has failed to stat in just two games since Nov. 14. He is back to being a point-per-game player and reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy stretched his point streak to seven games with an assist on Drew Stafford's goal during Wednesday's 5-3 loss against the Sabres. Roy has three goals and six assists during the streak.
Analysis: Roy has put behind him a sluggish start to the season and has failed to stat in just two games since Nov. 14. He is back to being a point-per-game player and reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News: The Buffalo News reports that Sabres C Derek Roy, who got off to a slow start this season but has 13 points in his last 15 games, is claiming full health as the reason for his recent run of form. "At the start of the year I got hurt a couple times, was playing injured, and it’s always tough to play hurt,” he said. “You can’t contribute as much as you can. But right now I feel healthy and ready to go.”
Analysis: Roy began the season with just five points in 10 October games. After a demotion to the second line in November, Roy decided to wake up and has been unstoppable since. He is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy extended his points streak to six games with a power-play goal in the third period Saturday against the Devils and added an assist on the last goal for good measure. He has three goals and five assists during the streak.
Analysis: Roy began the season with just five points in 10 October games. After a demotion to the second line in November, Roy decided to wake up and has been unstoppable since. He has 20 points in 20 games and is back to being a reliable high-end Fantasy forward.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy extended his points streak to five games with an assist on Toni Lydman's goal during Friday's 2-1 loss to the Maple Leafs. He has two goals and four assists in that span.
Analysis: Roy has been red hot since mid-November and has failed to tally in just two of his last 14 games. He is back to being a point-per-game player and Fantasy owners can feel free to start Roy in all formats.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Monday's game against the Penguins. He scored his eighth goal of the season with a wrist shot 11:07 into the first period. Roy has scored twice in the last two games and four times in his last seven games.
Analysis: Roy has been red hot since mid-November and has failed to tally in just two of his last 12 games. He is back to being a point-per-game player and Fantasy owners can feel free to start Roy in all formats.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored and assisted Saturday in a win over the Lightning. He now has 12 points in his last 11 games and 20 points on the season.
Analysis: After a slow start, Roy is picking up the pace as the year comes to a close and should be active in most Fantasy formats right now.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy played Thursday despite suffering back spasms days prior. He had an assist in 19 minutes of play in a 2-1 loss at Florida.
Analysis: Roy picked up his 18th point on Thursday against the Panthers. He is worth starting in most formats.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy (back spasms) sat out Tuesday's practice after injuring himself in Monday's loss to Nashville. Coach Lindy Ruff said he expects Roy to play Thursday at Florida.
Analysis: Roy has 17 points on the season and failed to record a point for the first time in five games on Monday. Roy is definitely still worth starting in most Fantasy formats, when healthy. He should return shortly, if not Thursday.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy scored the first two goals of Wednesday's win over the Boston Bruins. Roy notched his fifth and sixth goals of the season to put the Sabres up 2-0 after one period. His first goal was unassisted.
Analysis: Roy has three goals in his last two games and four in his last four. He's got 15 points on the season for Buffalo as well. Roy was recently demoted but still remains someone worth starting in Fantasy in most weeks.
News: Buffalo C Derek Roy notched his fourth goal of the season on Saturday against the Islanders. Roy pulled Buffalo to within 3-2 as the Sabres lost the game, 4-2. Roy scored in the 3rd period.
Analysis: Roy has 13 points on the season with his fourth goal Saturday. He's got five points in his last five contests. Roy was recently demoted but still remains someone worth starting in Fantasy in most weeks.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy had a goal and an assist during Wednesday's 7-4 loss to the Bruins. Roy scored his third goal of the season on a tip-in 4:29 into the game to give Buffalo a 2-1 lead. It was his first goal in seven games. Roy has one goal and three assists during a three-game point streak.
Analysis: Roy was demoted to the second line for this game after a poor start to the season and the 80-point threat responded with a big game. Remember, Roy started slow in 2007-08 before finishing with a career-high 81 points. He might be back on the top line in no time, so don't give up on him just yet.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy, who is usually a top-line center in Buffalo, spent most of his time in Saturday's loss to the Penguins playing on the second line with Clarke Macarthur and Drew Stafford. Roy has only two goals this season after scoring 32 times last campaign.
Analysis: Roy isn't scoring yet, and his poor minus-5 rating tells us just how poorly he's playing right now. While Thomas Vanek is thriving on the top line, Roy is now playing only 21 shifts a game after starting the season playing in the high 20s. While you probably spent a high draft pick on Roy, until he starts putting the puck in the net again you should bench him in most formats.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied an assist and finished at minus-2 during Saturday's game against the Penguins. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box. Roy now has an assist in two straight games and four in his last five.
Analysis: Roy doesn't have a goal in six games and has just two on 45 scoring chances (4.4 percent conversion). He has just 10 points in 17 games. If you are worried about Roy's slow start -- don't. He had just 17 points through the first two months last season before exploding in the second half and finishing with 81. Roy will get going eventually and still has high-end Fantasy potential.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and finished at plus-2 during Saturday's game against the Capitals. Roy scored power-play goal in the first period as he wristed a shot off Jose Theodore's back from along the goal line. It was his first point in four games and second goal in five contests.
Analysis: Roy has just six points in 11 games this season and really hasn't had a breakout run to make us overly excited in 2008-09. However, he is still the Sabres' top center and the points will come with time. Continue to view Roy as a high-end Fantasy forward.
News:Derek Roy scored 44 seconds into overtime and the Sabres rallied from a late two-goal deficit to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Thursday night. On the winner, Wild defenseman Kim Johnsson lost his stick in the corner, allowing Henrik Tallinder to send a pass out front to Roy at the right edge of the crease. During a scramble, the puck crossed the line. Roy added an assist and finished at plus-2.
Analysis: Roy now has three points and a plus-3 rating in his last two games after getting just two assists and a plus-1 rating in his first five games. Roy remains the Sabres' top-line center playing alongside Thomas Vanek. Roy has solidified himself as one of the NHL's top centers and remains a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy, who had seven points in his first five games last season en route to a career-best 81 points, has only two assists through five games this season.
Analysis: Roy ended the 2007-08 season on a 12-game points streak with five goals and 15 assists in that span, but hasn't carried that hot play over to the 2008-09 season just yet. While last year might turn out to be his best season once his career's over, Roy is certainly capable of scoring 60 points without too much trouble. Continue to start him as a high-end Fantasy forward and hope he starts to pick up the pace soon.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy came into Saturday's game against the Bruins just one point shy of his first 80-point season. He achieved that accomplishment with a two-assist night against Boston. He would have had a goal and assist in the game, but decided to pass up an empty-net tally with 43 seconds left and pass the puck to Thomas Vanek, who finished with a hat trick.
Analysis: Roy ended the 2007-08 season on a 12-game points streak. He had give goals and 15 assists in that span. Roy's season really took off in December when he posted 13 points and managed to hit double-digit points for four months straight. He really helped turn around Vanek's season and now Roy will be considered a high-end Fantasy forward heading into the 2008-09 season.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied an assist and finished at plus-1 during Sunday's game against the Bruins. Roy was able to extend his points streak to nine games. He has four goals and 12 assists in that span.
Analysis: Roy has been centering the team's second line with Thomas Vanek and Maxim Afinogenov, all of a sudden the trio is working wonders. Roy has managed double-digit points for four straight months, but now has a season-high 19 points in March. He has emerged as a must-start Fantasy option while he is red hot.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy assisted three times in Wednesday's 7-4 win over the Lightning. He now has 40 helpers on the season.
Analysis: Roy has a career-high 69 points this season, but his plus-16 rating is 21 points worse than it was last campaign. He has been on fire the last two months, however, with 29 points in 24 points since the beginning of February. Consider him a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center the rest of the way.
News:Derek Roy had two goals and an assist, giving new life to the Buffalo Sabres' playoff hopes in a 7-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night. The Sabres scored four goals on their first seven shots, snapping a four-game skid (0-2-2) and creeping within two points of eighth-place Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
Analysis: Roy has four goals in seven March games. He has been a pretty solid player all season, but has been exceptional since December. Roy also is one of the main reasons why Thomas Vanek has turned his season around. Continue to start him as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center.
News:Derek Roy extended his career-long points streak to eight games with an assist on Thomas Vanek's 27th goal of the season. Roy has scored six goals and recorded eight assists in the last 11 games in February.
Analysis: Roy has been one of the hottest players in the NHL since the middle of January. He has 12 goals and 14 assists in the last 21 games. He has been a solid player all season, but has been exceptional since December. Roy also is one of the main reasons why Thomas Vanek has turned his season around. Continue to start him as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center.
News:Derek Roy scored his 25th goal of the season to help out the Buffalo Sabres beat up the Nashville Predators 8-4 on Wednesday night. Roy has a goal each in four of the last five games. In the last 10 games, Roy has scored six goals and also recorded six assists.
Analysis: Roy has been one of the hottest players in the NHL since the middle of January. He has 12 goals and 13 assists in his last 20 games. He has been a solid player all season, but has been exceptional since December. Roy also is one of the main reasons why Thomas Vanek has turned his season around. Continue to start him as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy extended his points streak to six games Monday with a goal against the Flyers. Roy has three goals and five assists during his points streak.
Analysis: Roy has been one of the hottest players since mid-January. He has 11 goals and 13 assists in his last 19 games. He has been a solid player all season, but has been exceptional since December. He is one of the main reasons why Thomas Vanek has turned his season around. Continue to start him as a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy center.
News:Derek Roy was over the flu on Wednesday and made his contribution, as he does most of the time, in Buffalo's 4-3 win over Tampa Bay. Roy was on the ice for nearly 23 minutes and scored his 22nd goal of the season on five shots and also assisted (28) on the second of three goals scored by Tomas Vanek.
Analysis: Roy has been playing exceptionally well since returning from a shoulder injury on Jan. 18. He has at least one point in 12 of the last 16 games, with nine goals and 11 assists in that span. He continues to do well manning the second line with Thomas Vanek and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy, who missed Tuesday's practice with the flu, was back on the ice Wednesday morning and should play tonight in Tampa Bay, according to the Buffalo News.
Analysis: Roy has been playing exceptionally well since returning from a shoulder injury on Jan. 18. He has at least one point in 11 of 15 games, with eight goals and 10 assists in that span. He continues to do well manning the second line with Thomas Vanek and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy tallied an assist and finished at minus-2 during Sunday's game against the Penguins. He now has 27 assists on the season and four in his last six games. He also has two goals in that span.
Analysis: Roy has been playing exceptionally well since returning from a shoulder injury on Jan. 18. He has at least one point in 11 of 15 games. He has eight goals and 10 assists in that span. He continues to do well manning the second line with Thomas Vanek and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time.
News: Overshadowed after Panthers forward Richard Zednik sustained a deep gash across the neck, Derek Roy scored twice to lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 5-3 win over Florida on Sunday night. Roy now has 21 goals on the season and three in his last seven games. He also has five assists in that span.
Analysis: Roy has been playing exceptionally well since returning from a shoulder injury on Jan. 18. He has at least one point in eight of 11 games. He has eight goals and five assists in that span. He continues to do well manning the second line with Thomas Vanek and can be considered a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time.
News: Sabres center Derek Roy has picked up his play in late January and now into February. Roy has six goals and six assists in his last nine games which includes a hat trick on Jan. 18 in Buffalo's 10-1 win over Atlanta.
Analysis: Roy has been more consistent than in the earlier part of the season. Roy is a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time, but is putting up some numbers that are better than that at the moment.
News: Sabres center Derek Roy has been on a roll the past six games and he continued that Wednesday by picking up two assists in a 5-4 shootout loss at Atlanta. Roy has 23 assists and 19 goals for the season.
Analysis: Roy has six goals and six assists in the last seven games. He is a No. 3 Fantasy forward at this time, but is putting up No. 1-type stats lately.
News: Sabres center Derek Roy has been on a roll the past five games and he continued that Wednesday by picking up another assist in the 1-0 win at Florida. Roy also hit the post on a power play with about two minutes left in the third period.
Analysis: Roy has six goals and four assists in the last six games. He is a No. 4 Fantasy forward at this time, but is putting up No. 1-type stats lately.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy grabbed his third multi-point game in his last five outings Tuesday when he recorded a goal and an assist in a 4-2 win over the Lightning. Roy now has nine points in his last five games.
Analysis: Roy had only two points in a nine-game stretch before his massive four-point game in Jan. 18's 10-1 rout of Atlanta. That outing sparked his recent hot play and Roy will try to continue to shine on Wednesday at Florida. He is a No. 4 Fantasy forward at this time, but is putting up No. 1-type stats lately.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy has provided a boost recently for Buffalo, having scored five goals and adding two assists in his past four games since returning from a shoulder injury. Roy's return has also helped Thomas Vanek, who has a goal and five assists in his past four games. That's a considerable improvement after Vanek managed three goals and three assists in his previous 17 games. "It's not a numbers game for me," said Vanek, who has 13 goals after scoring a career-high 43 last season. "For us it's about winning hockey games and getting this team back into the playoffs. I think we're in the race, and that's the main focus."
Analysis: Roy is centering the second line for Buffalo with Vanek and Drew Stafford on the wings. Roy has been a real player in Buffalo the last three seasons, but seems to improve with each game. He has missed a few games this season with various injuries, but has managed 37 points in 44 games. Consider him a solid No. 4 Fantasy forward at this time.
News:Derek Roy gave the Buffalo Sabres a much-needed boost going into the All-Star break. Roy scored both goals, including the game-winner with 14:48 left after a 2-on-1 break with some nifty passing, and the Sabres beat the Dallas Stars 2-1 on Thursday night. It was only the second win in 14 games for Buffalo.
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He has avoided a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 18 goals and 19 assists this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News:Derek Roy returned to the Sabres lineup from a shoulder injury in style on Friday night by scoring three goals to go with an assist. Roy missed four games and scored two of his three goals in the first period. "It doesn't happen often, scoring 10 goals in a game," Roy said. "I think everybody was anxious to get out there and contribute." Buffalo ended a 10-game losing streak.
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He was not so fortunate this time. He has avoided a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 16 goasl and 18 assists this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: The Buffalo News reports that injured C Derek Roy has been skating with the Sabres but has not been cleared for contact. "I think he’s close," coach Lindy Ruff said. "The good thing about Derek is he’s doing conditioning skates every day to make sure he’s strong enough. Once he’s declared strong enough [for contact], Derek is probably going to need one practice and he’ll be ready."
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He was not so fortunate this time. He has missed a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 30 points in 40 games this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy was scratched again from the lineup Tuesday against the Sabres due to the shoulder injury he suffered against Atlanta on Jan. 6. Roy remains as day to day on his return.
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He was not so fortunate this time. He has missed a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 30 points in 40 games this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy was scratched from the lineup Saturday against the Devils due to the shoulder injury he suffered last Sunday. Roy remains as day to day on his return.
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He was not so fortunate this time. He has missed a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 30 points in 40 games this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy was scratched from the lineup Tuesday against the Devils after leaving Sunday's game with a shoulder injury. The Sabres hold steady that Roy is day to day.
Analysis: Roy was bothered by a shoulder injury in December, but didn't miss a game. He was not so fortunate this time. He has missed a major injury a few times this season and let's hope he continues that trend. Roy has 30 points in 40 games this season. He is a decent No. 3 or No. 4 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy hurt his shoulder in the second period of Sunday's 5-2 loss to Atlanta. He did not return. The Sabres flew to New Jersey after the game and Roy was to be re-evaluated there. "He's day to day right now," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said.
Analysis: Roy injured his shoulder back in December, but reports Sunday didn't mention whether it was the same shoulder again. He didn't miss a game with the previous injury last month, but don't just assume this knock is of the same severity. Roy has 30 points in 40 games this season, and should be considered a risky injury start as No. 3 or No. 4 forward for Fantasy Week 15 (Jan. 7-13) if you have a chance to set your lineup before tonight's games start.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy was in the lineup Friday against the Flyers after leaving Wednesday's game against the Islanders with a shoulder injury. Roy was unable to practice Thursday, but was still listed as questionable coming into the game. Roy did not record a point Friday, but finished at plus-1 in 23:01 of ice time. He also totaled two minor penalties -- tripping and roughing -- for four penalty minutes.
Analysis: Despite not recording a point, Roy still has five goals and seven assists in December. He has really done a great job filling the void of Daniel Briere and has solidified his role skating on the top line for the Sabres. He remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy center when healthy.
News: Sabres center Derek Roy missed practice on Thursday and is day-to-day with a shoulder injury. Coach Lindy Ruff said Roy's injury is "somewhere between a bad bruise and a sprain." Roy, Buffalo's leading scorer with 29 points in 32 games, was hurt in the first period of Wednesday's win over the New York Islanders. Ruff believes Roy was hurt when he fell after colliding with New York forward Trent Hunter in the corner.
Analysis: Roy had treatment on the shoulder Thursday, but his status for Friday's game against Philadelphia is unclear. Roy scored a goal and finished at plus-1 in 5:13 of ice time Wednesday. He has five goals and seven assists in nine December games. Roy is having an outstanding start to December and has really solidified his role skating on the top line for the Sabres. He remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy center when healthy. It would be a real shame to see a shoulder injury derail his progress.
News: Buffalo entered Wednesday's game against the Islanders with the NHL's seventh-best power play, but lost Derek Roy in the first period and fellow center Tim Connolly in the third. Roy injured a shoulder, and Connolly was forced out by the flu. X-rays on Roy were negative. "He had what you'd call a nerve stinger, and we decided to hold him out the rest of the game. Tim is just sick," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. "We've lost these kind of games in the past. When you lose your top two centers, and they're your playmaking centers, you have to win some games ugly."
Analysis: Roy scored a goal and finished at plus-1 in 5:13 of ice time Wednesday. He has five goals and seven assists in nine December games. Roy is having an outstanding start to December and has really solidified his role skating on the top line for the Sabres. He remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy center when healthy. It would be a real shame to see a shoulder injury derail his progress.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy scored a goal and added an assist during Friday's game against the Capitals. He also finished at plus-2. Roy now has 12 goals this season and four in his last seven games. He also has five assists in that span.
Analysis: Roy is having an outstanding start to December and has really solidified his role skating on the top line for the Sabres. He remains a low-end No. 2/high-end No. 3 Fantasy center.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy had one goal and one assist during Saturday's game against the Sharks. He also finished at plus-3. He now has two goals and four assists in his last four games.
Analysis: Roy escaped a serious injury at the end of November after taking a hard shot off his foot and has been solid in four December games. He is logging more than 20 minutes per game and remains a solid No. 3 Fantasy center.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy was able to play Saturday against the Hurricanes despite injuring his foot late in the third period of Wednesday's game against the Blues. Roy had a goal and an assist with a plus-3 rating in 17:40 of ice time. Roy made it 5-0 with a shorthanded goal just 76 seconds into the third period after Tim Connolly sent him in alone on John Grahame.
Analysis: The two points and the plus-3 rating is enough evidence to see that the foot injury is not as bad as the Sabres initially thought. Roy is a No. 3 Fantasy forward when healthy. It appears safe to keep him active for Fantasy Week 10 (Dec. 3-9).
News:The Buffalo News reports Sabres C Derek Roy, who leads Buffalo with eight goals and is tied for the scoring lead with 17 points, did not practice Thursday and he is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hurricanes. Roy injured his foot late in the third period of Wednesday's game against the Blues.
Analysis: There has been no word on the severity of the injury, but head coach Lindy Ruff is optimistic it is just a minor injury. "I think there's always concern when you miss (practice)," Ruff said. "We're hoping (Friday) that he'll be a lot better than he was doing (Thursday). He actually put his skate on and tried but it was pretty tender." Roy is a No. 3 Fantasy forward when healthy.
News: Against Ottawa Wednesday, Derek Roy and Drew Stafford each had a goal and assist, and Buffalo scored three times in the first period to win for the second consecutive time after losing three in a row.
Analysis: Roy has two goals in three games after nine-game scoring drought. The Sabres offense has staggered out of the gate, but if it ever gets going, Roy can be a high-end Fantasy option.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy recorded an assist and a plus-2 rating during Friday's game against the Canadiens. He now has one goal and three assists in his last seven games.
Analysis: Roy has been held to six goals and seven assists in 18 games this season. Not too bad, but much more was expected from Roy skating with Tomas Vanek and Drew Stafford. The Sabres offense has staggered out of the gate, but if it ever gets going, Roy can be a high-end Fantasy option.
News: D Toni Lydman, C Adam Mair, C Derek Roy and D Henrik Tallinder each posted a minus-4 rating in Wednesday's game at Carolina. All of the players were scoreless except for Roy, who posted an assist.
Analysis: Lydman, Mair and Tallinder are only worth a look in the deepest of Fantasy leagues. However, Roy is a must-start in all formats despite the poor plus/minus rating. The Sabres are back in action on Friday night at Florida.
News: W Daniel Paille (pronounced pie-ay) and C Derek Roy each picked up a goal and assist in Thursday's hammering of the Atlanta Thrashers. Paille also posted a plus-1 rating in just 8:37 of ice time, while Roy was a plus-2 with four shots on goal in 22:54 of ice time.
Analysis: Roy remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues. After a blistering hot preseason, he has managed two goals and an assist in three regular season games. He'll look to continue his offensive momentum into Saturday's game against Olaf Kolzig and the Washington Capitals.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy, LW Thomas Vanek and RW Drew Stafford each had a goal during Friday's 6-4 loss to the Islanders. They all finished with a plus-1 rating. Roy and Vanek took three shots in the game, while Stafford took one. Vanek was in the penalty box for four minutes and Stafford spent two minutes in the box.
Analysis: Roy managed six goals, 13 points and a plus-8 rating in just five preseason games. It appears as though he picked up where he left off. Roy is coming off a career season in which he tallied 63 points. He is a No. 2 or No. 3 Fantasy forward, but has the chance to develop into a must-start Fantasy option.
News: Derek Roy scored a goal and added an assist in Saturday's preseason finale against the Penguins, as he capped off a huge exhibition season. Roy managed six goals, 13 points and a plus-8 rating in just five preseason games.
Analysis: Roy was humming right along in the preseason, posting an impressive 40 percent success rate in shooting percentage. If he can carry that type of production over into Friday's regular season opener on Friday, his 84 percent ownership in CBSSports.com Fantasy leagues is sure to rise.
News: Roy picked up a hat trick in Wednesday's preseason game at Toronto and he added three assists and a plus-5 rating on six shots in 17:48 of ice time. Goaltender Vesa Toskala allowed all seven goals in the loss and will be seeing Roy in his sleep tonight.
Analysis: Unfortunately for Fantasy owners in early drafts, this game does not count towards your regular season totals. Still, this is a tremendous sign, as Roy is ready to assume top line duties and make Sabres fans forget about the loss of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury during the offseason.
News: The Buffalo News reports Roy is practicing on the team's top scoring line with Maxin Afinogenov and Tomas Vanek.
Analysis: Roy is the beneficiary of the losses of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury, as he appears poised to center the top scoring line consisting of linemates he skated with last season. He should be viewed as a low-end No. 2 or solid No. 3 Fantasy center for 2007-08.
News: Buffalo Sabres forward Derek Roy avoided NHL arbitration on Friday by agreeing to a six-year contract with Buffalo. Roy finished fifth on the Sabres with 63 points (21 goals, 42 assists) in 75 games. "Derek is a solid young player who will only continue to improve," general manager Darcy Regier said. "We look forward to having such a quality player in our organization for many years to come."
Analysis: Roy will likely play a more promiment role with the Sabres now that Daniel Briere has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, opening up more playing time. It is conceivable Roy could battle to center the top scoring line. Remember him in the middle to late rounds as a deep sleeper.
News: Center Derek Roy and defenseman Nathan Paetsch are the Sabres' last two players who have yet to sign. Both players have elected to go to arbitration. Roy's hearing is scheduled for July 27. Paetsch's is planned for Aug. 2.
Analysis: Roy will likely play a more promiment role with the Sabres now that Daniel Briere has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers, opening up more playing time. It is conceivable Roy could battle to center the top scoring line. Remember him in the middle to late rounds as a deep sleeper.
News: Ales Kotalik and Derek Roy each scored goals and the Buffalo Sabres matched a franchise record with their 52nd victory, a 4-2 win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night.
Analysis: It would not be surprising to see Roy miss a game or two down the stretch with the team trying to get everyone healthy for the playoffs. The Sabres have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, but since he could hit the 20-goal plateau, he might actually get a shot to play Saturday at Washington or Sunday at Philadelphia.
News: D Dmitri Kalinin, RW Jason Pominville and C Derek Roy each posted a goal and plus-1 rating in Tuesday's win at Pittsburgh.
Analysis: It would not be surprising to see Roy miss a game or two down the stretch with the team trying to get everyone healthy for the playoffs. The Sabres have clinched the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, so beware.
News: Roy has managed two goals and four points with a plus-5 rating during his current three-game point streak.
Analysis: Roy has rebounded from a five-game scoreless streak. He remains a must-start in most Fantasy formats, although he has been pretty erratic lately.
News: Derek Roy was scoreless for the fifth consecutive game on Tuesday at Pittsburgh while logging 19:15 of ice time.
Analysis: Roy is giving Fantasy owners fits who might have had him reserved for the previous five-game stretch where he amassed four goals, 10 points and a sparkling plus-7 rating. He remains a solid No. 3 Fantasy center, but he has been a bit inconsistent.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy had one goal, three assists and a plus-3 rating in a 8-5 win over the Canadiens Friday. He now has at least one point in his last six games, and four goals and seven assists during that same stretch.
Analysis: Roy now has 13 goals, 35 assists and a plus-27 rating on the season. He surpassed his previous career-high in points (46) on Friday, which he set last season. Roy remains a solid middle of the road Fantasy forward.
News: Jason Pominville, Drew Stafford, Derek Roy and Clarke MacArthur scored for the Eastern Conference-leading Sabres. Roy also added an assist and plus-3 rating in 25:07 of ice time.
Analysis: Roy has three goals, seven points and a plus-4 rating during his current five-game points streak. He is a solid No. 3 Fantasy center in all leagues.
News: Chris Drury, Derek Roy and Jason Pominville each added a goal and an assist in Tuesday's game against the Flyers, and Andrew Peters and Adam Mair also scored for the Sabres, who won for the seventh time in nine games after losing three straight.
Analysis: Roy has managed a goal and five points over the past five games following a three-game scoreless stretch. He remains a solid No. 3 or 4 Fantasy center in most formats.
News: Head coach Lindy Ruff said he was not pleased with Derek Roy's outburst at the end of Tuesday's 7-1 win against the Bruins. The center picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty towards the end of the third period and a 10-minute misconduct penalty for breaking a pane of glass with his stick. He was upset that he missed a big pass which turned into an icing, so he slammed his stick into the glass and broke it, causing a delay. "Not acceptable. I'll leave it there. It'll be dealt with," Ruff told the Buffalo News.
Analysis: Ruff did not get into details about what sort of penalty or punishment will be imposed against Roy, but don't be surprised to see his playing time diminished in Thursday's rematch with the Bruins in Boston. The league might also place a call to Buffalo concerning the incident, but we doubt anything more than a fine will come of it.
News: Jochen Hecht, Toni Lydman and Derek Roy each picked up two assists in Tuesday's 7-1 win against the Bruins. Hecht has a plus-1 rating, Lydman has a plus-3 and Roy finished with a plus-2.
Analysis: Roy has three goals and seven points with a plus-6 rating over the past seven games. He remains a must-start in all Fantasy leagues.
News: Roy has nine goals, 33 points and a plus-18 rating with 32 penalty minutes through 42 games at the All-Star break.
Analysis: Roy has managed three goals, two assists and a plus-5 rating over the past four games. He is a solid No. 3 Fantasy center in most leagues and his production goes a bit unnoticed.
News: Derek Roy had a goal, assist and plus-2 rating in 17:19 of ice time in Monday's afternoon game at Boston.
Analysis: Roy has managed two goals and 13 points over the past 13 games, which is quite an extended period to perform at a point-per-game clip. He is an underrated player who is worth using as a No. 3 Fantasy center in most formats.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy extended his point streak to six games but scored his first goal in 12 games when he opened scoring in Friday night's 4-2 home loss to the Penguins.
Analysis: Roy has six goals and 20 assists on the season. If you are looking for a forward who can rack up assists, Roy is a serviceable Fantasy option. He also has a plus-13 rating on the season, a very useful stat in Fantasy leagues.
News: Derek Roy (hand) returned to the lineup for Tuesday's game at Tampa Bay. He was scoreless with two shots on goal in 17:14 of ice time.
Analysis: Despite the scoreless game, it appears safe to get Roy back into the active Fantasy lineup in all leagues.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy (hand) did not play on Friday against the Rangers.
Analysis: Earlier on Friday, Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said there was a 50-50 chance Roy will make his return against the Rangers. He did not play, but it appears he is close to returning.
News: According to published reports, Roy (hand) was able to practice on Wednesday. He is likely ready for a return to the ice on Friday against the Rangers.
Analysis: Roy will be reunited on the third line with Maxim Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek, a trio that were clicking before injuries occurred.
News: According to published reports, Derek Roy (hand) is hopeful of returning for Friday's game against the Rangers.
Analysis: Roy will have a couple more days to practice and shake off the rust, but keep him reserve in all Fantasy leagues until he can officially prove his health. His scoring line of Maxim Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek was on fire before his injury, so it might be good news for all when Roy finally goes get back.
News: Buffalo Sabres center Derek Roy will miss up to two weeks because of a hand injury. Roy joins a list of ailing Sabres that includes goalie Ryan Miller (abdominal strain) and defensemen Henrik Tallinder (broken forearm) and Toni Lydman (neck strain).
Analysis: Roy is tied for sixth on the Sabres with 14 points. His plus-11 rating in second on the team. Roy can be helpful in all offensive categories, especially for Fantasy owners in Rotisserie pools. Roy broke a 10-game goal drought, although he was able to post seven assists.
News: Roy had a power play goal (3) and two assists with a plus-1 rating in 19:04 of ice time in Monday's game at Carolina.
Analysis: Roy can be helpful in all offensive categories, especially for Fantasy owners in Rotisserie pools. Roy broke a 10-game goal drought, although he was able to post seven assists.
News: Sabres C Derek Roy (groin) returned to action on Thursday against the Bruins and had two assists in a win. He logged 19:16 of ice time, took one shot and finished with a plus-2 rating.
Analysis: Roy can be helpful in all offensive categories, especially for Fantasy owners in Rotisserie pools. He now has two goals, eight assists and a plus-8 rating on the season. It appears safe to insert him back into your Fantasy lineup.
News: Sabres.com reports Roy was unable to practice on Monday, but he was back and able to participate in the full practice on Tuesday. He had been sidelined due to a groin and hip flexor injury.
Analysis: Head coach Lindy Ruff said he is not at 100 percent, but is expected to play on Thursday at Boston.
News: Derek Roy went scoreless in his last game on Monday at Montreal, ending a three-game point streak (2 G, 3 A). Over the past four games he has turned in a plus-8 rating.
Analysis: Roy can be helpful in all offensive categories, especially for Fantasy owners in Rotisserie pools. Grab him immediately, as he Maxim Afinogenov and Thomas Vanek have been blazing hot for the Sabres lately.
News: Maxim Afinogenov scored a goal, added four assists and had a plus-4 rating in Tuesday's game against Philadelphia working on a new third line consisting of Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek. Roy had two goals and a plus-5 rating and Vanek had two goals, two assists and a plus-5 rating in the 9-1 drumming of the Flyers.
Analysis: The trio combined for 11 points (5 G, 6 A), so it is likely that they'll be skating together for at least a few more games. If any of these players are available in your Fantasy league, they should be scooped up immediately.
News: Head coach Lindy Ruff told sabres.com that Chris Drury, Ales Kotalik and Derek Roy will make up the team's second line.
Analysis: The Sabres are one of the deepest teams in the league and most of their players are worthy of Fantasy consideration. This triumvirate is no exception, as they are useful in all formats as No. 3 or 4 Fantasy forwards.
News: Roy has posted 12 points (8 G, 4 A), including two hat tricks, with a plus-4 rating in 11 games since the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Roy has been a decent Fantasy addition in all leagues recently if you are in the market for a No. 3 or 4 center.
News: Roy scored three goals to go along with an assist and six shots on goal in 15:20 of ice time in Thursday's game against the Lightning.
Analysis: It was Roy's second-career hat trick, all done in the past six days. He is worth grabbing in all larger Fantasy leagues if you need a No. 3 or 4 center, but don't expect this to become the norm.
News: Derek Roy scored three goals on Friday vs. Toronto. He scored a goal in each period to net his first NHL hat trick in a 6-2 win over the Maple Leafs.
Analysis: Roy now has seven points over his last four games. He's an excellent start in all formats during his current hot streak.
News: Roy has seven goals and 21 assists and a minus-2 rating with 41 penalty minutes through 44 games at the Olympic Games break.
Analysis: Roy is on pace for 41 points and is a solid addition as a No. 4 or 5 Fantasy center in all leagues of 12 or more teams.
News: Roy scored a goal and was a plus-1 in 15:55 of ice time in Sunday's game at Colorado.
Analysis: Roy has four points (1 G, 3 A) over this past five games, but his Fantasy appeal remains minimal.
News: Roy was sent down to Rochester of the AHL on Tuesday.
Analysis: Roy might see time at the NHL level at some point, but currently he is only worth a roster spot in larger keeper leagues.
