Buffalo forward Chris Stewart was scratched from Tuesday's lineup by head coach Ted Nolan and appears to have taken exception to being called out as being a less than powerful presence up front.

As a refresher, the Sabres head coach said this of Stewart after removing him from the lineup: "He’s a big, powerful forward, but powerful forwards can’t be playing a soft game."

In his response, Stewart pointed back to examples of toughness from earlier this season.

Stewart on Nolan saying he's playing soft: "I don't think I'm a soft player. You can ask Prust, you can ask Lucic how soft I am." #Sabres — Mike Harrington (@BNHarrington) December 10, 2014

The latter refers to an impressive showing in a fight with the Boston Bruins tough guy. What's interesting is that Stewart has been linked to the black and gold in trade rumors, so this could make for a fun ice breaker in the locker room in the near future.

For his part, Nolan may have been trying to push the right buttons all along.

"He should be angry," the coach said of Stewart. "Anyone who gets a healthy scratch should be disappointed, want to get back in there. He'll rebound."

Buffalo's next game is scheduled for Thursday against the Calgary Flames, wherein Stewart may be given the opportunity to back up his words.

Stewart has recorded three goals, one assist and 25 penalty minutes in 27 games this season.