Kennedy given "A"; Comley expects him gone

This week, Rick Comley named Tim Kennedy as an alternate captain for the 2008-09 edition of his Michigan State Spartans. However, the coach did throw a little barb out there regarding Kennedy's future.

Although he was named an alternate captain, Kennedy’s future with the Spartans is uncertain. Comley expects the forward to complete a deal with the Buffalo Sabres in the near future. “I can’t imagine they aren’t going to come to their senses and give him what he deserves,” Comley said. “But if he returned he might be the best player in the country.” If Kennedy leaves, Comley will name another alternate captain.

It appears that Kennedy wants to turn pro, but the haggling point is still the AHL level salary that he would earn. Stay tuned as this story develops. While not being subject to losing his rights until next offseason, the Sabres can exercise patience and time as assets, or they can use the intriguing commodity to sweeten a pending deal to address other needs if there's a hint of acrimony. Kennedy is in that left wing pool with names like Vanek, Hecht, Paille, MacArthur, and Hunter, while Gragnani, Gogulla, and Gerbe could also be tabbed to skate down that side.