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Ott shares fans’ passion, worries booing hurts ability to attract UFAs

Steve Ott

Steve Ott #9 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2013 in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Sabres 3-2 in the shootout. (March 2, 2013 - Source: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images North America)

Steve Ott doesn’t think Buffalo Sabres fans should be booing the team and he recently made his opinion on the subject known.

Before Buffalo suffered a 4-1 loss to the Jets in Winnipeg, the 30-year-old forward expanded on his viewpoint and shared his fear that the booing might hurt the Sabres’ ability to attract unrestricted free agents.

“If I’m a UFA guy or trying to attract players, there’s nothing better than coming into a building knowing, ‘Wow, this is a fun place to play.’ And that’s obviously concerning in the aspect of UFAs and trying to attract the right players into the Buffalo Sabres,” Ott told Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News.

At the same time, Ott hasn’t soured to the team or Sabres fans.

“The reason why I care so much is because I have desire to be a Buffalo Sabre for a long time,” Ott said. “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Ott also shares and loves the fans’ passion.

“I think it’s great they show they care,” Ott said. “Obviously, just looking for that positive atmosphere in that arena. There’s a lot of great factors, things to be proud of getting closer to that playoff spot.”

Buffalo will return home for a game against Montreal on Thursday.

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