I admire the passion and tenacity of Buffalo Sabres fans.
They want what they want, when they want it, OR, they'll keep asking until they FINALLY get what they want. In the end, Sabre fans usually get what they want.
Its no secret that patience is a virtue, and the collective patience of Western New York and Southern Ontario has been tested this Summer. Sabre fans have questions, and they want answers.They are not unreasonable. They don't give much slack to the GM at times like these. The way they see it, they were 2 minutes from advancing to the Stanley Cup playoffs against a team that they felt they could beat. They want the reassurance that their team---less Grier, McKee, Pyatt-- will be able to pick up right where they left off in June.
They are as demanding a fan base as any in pro sports.
They want the world and they want it now!
Sabres GM Darcy Regier knows what his priorities are and he'll address them all this week. The GM has had an interesting, nay, stressful Summer, as he's been busy with the draft, scouting department re-structuring, and the full docket of arbitration issues.
That said, here's what Sabre fan can expect this week. In order of importance:
* Ryan Miller- The long term deal has been slowly simmering for weeks.
This week we'll learn what the hold up has been in getting both sides to agree on the long term deal. I have a source who tells me that the deal is completed and an official announcement could come by mid-week. Miller is every bit as talented, and, valuable to his team as Ward is to the Canes, Lundqvist is to the Rangers, Kiprusoff is the The Flames.
Sabres fans want to go to bed at night knowing that their franchise player is locked up long term.
* JP Dumont- The Sabres and Dumont's agent have spoken regularly in the past three weeks, since Regier and the Sabres walked away from the $2.9 million arb ruling. Dumont would prefer to keep his family in Buffalo and his wish may in fact come true. A move to Detroit is NOT out of the question. My gut tells me that he stays for $2.0-$2.2 million per copy, roughly a 20% bump. Detroit is still lurking.
* Dmitri Kalinin- Its likely the Sabres will re-sign him. Exact dollars are the big question. Is a sign and trade imminent? Is it a sign-to-stay stay contract? One year? Long term?
The Sabres need another ass kicker on D. Sean Hill would've solved that problem for Buffalo. They need a down low prescence: a player of Hill's ilk who can drop the hammer on guys like Alfie, Heatley, Spezza, Ribiero, Bergeron, Jagr etc.
* Marty Biron- To quote the ubiquitous Howie Mandel:
Deal or No deal?
My guess is deal.
Once Miller is signed sealed and delivered.
Boucher is still a clear-cut favourite to back up Miller.
Answers to these questions should come this week.
Garth
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