BOCA RATON, Florida -- Standing a few feet from million-dollar yachts on one side and a resort swimming pool on the other during a warm, gorgeous day in south Florida would be paradise for most people. For Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray, however, it didn’t seem that way. One could sense his uneasiness.

Murray was representing the Sabres at the NHL’s Board of Governors meetings, but it was clear he’d much rather be at a hockey rink somewhere, evaluating players while inching the Sabres rebuild closer to success.

There was a bright side for Murray in this Florida trip, though. It gave him an opportunity to light a fire under his fellow GMs to spark trade talk.

The Sabres have been open to deal since the season started, and a strange thing has happened in recent weeks. The trade conversations have actually declined, compared to a month or so ago.

“Maybe I’m asking too much,” Murray said, to which a few of his colleagues quickly nodded in agreement.

Why wouldn’t he aim high? He doesn’t have to do a thing right now.