Jason Pominville never thought he'd return to the Buffalo Sabres after he was traded in 2013. On Friday, when he found out he was heading back to Western New York, he said he was excited. His seven-year-old son, however, was elated.
"My kids are pumped," Pominville said just hours after he was dealt. "That was kind of the part that worried us the most when I got the call was the kids, but my little guy said, 'You're going to have a chance to play with Jack Eichel!' He's pumped."
Jason Botterill stepped up to the plate, smacked it out of the park & threw his bat in the air like José Bautista https://t.co/aQvSeNIS3k
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) June 30, 2017
Pominville, 34, spent the first eight years of his NHL career with the Sabres from the 2005-2006 season until he was traded during the 2012-2013 season. Last year, Pominville appeared in 78 games, scoring 47 points [13G, 34A].
"I still think I can be a good player and help the team out and whether it's an offensive role, a checking role, or whatever role I'm put in I can help in both situations for sure."
As much as Pominville is thrilled to return to the ice at KeyBank Center, during his conference call he seemed even more excited to move his family back to Western New York.
"We've always loved living in Buffalo, we've always loved the area. Great place to raise your family, great fans."
Since he was dealt to Minnesota, Pominville has never missed the playoffs. He returns to a Sabres team that hasn't been in the postseason for six years. He knows the area has missed playoff hockey and intends on helping the Sabres return to the postseason, one goal at a time.
"I've gotten a thousand texts. I haven't had a chance to read all of them but a lot of my friends from Buffalo, the first thing they said is population Pominville, so they were kind of laughing about that, so we're excited."
It happened! Somebody changed the sign on the 33! #Pominville @WKBW pic.twitter.com/YY5BvCqVGZ
— Nick Filipowski (@NICK_WKBW) June 30, 2017
