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Stafford on his way out?

July 6, 2013, 3:02 PM ET [25 Comments]
Kevin Freiheit
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
I mentioned in my previous blog that Drew Stafford could be reaching the end of his career in Buffalo. I wouldn't be surprised to see him traded before October.

Stafford is signed through the next two seasons with a cap hit of $4M. Here's a look at what he has done throughout his career:


The numbers aren't bad. He's hit 20 goals three times, including a 31 goal season as well. This past season he was a dreadful -16, but the entire team didn't play well in general. Still, it was a disappointing year for #21.

The former 1st round pick (13th overall) will be 28 at the end of October and does have some trade value. He puts up decent numbers and I think there are some teams interested in him.

The Oilers have been a rumored destination for a few of the Sabres players, and I think they could work out a deal.

As I was writing this, I received a submission in the mailbag regarding the Oilers and Sabres. Great timing.
blupye: Big Oiler fan here. Is there a trade brewing between Edmonton and Buffalo? You would have to think along the lines of Hemskey, Paajarvi or Gagner, 1st rounder for Miller and Myers would you not.

New Glasgow, NS
Canada


Edmonton has a few players I believe the Sabres should be interested in, including Sam Gagner and Ales Hemsky. Gagner is a restricted free agent and Hemsky is signed through this next season at $5M. Hemsky will be 30 and is another former 1st round pick (13th overall) by this season and is in the same boat as Stafford. Hemsky tends to put up more assists than Stafford, but I wouldn't want him here.

If there's a way to get Gagner, then I'd be willing to send Stafford to the Oilers. Gagner is much younger and has had a consistent career, but going into his prime, he could have big potential.




Regardless, I think Stafford needs to go, especially while he has trade value right now. As part of a rebuild, the Sabres could package #21 and a defenseman for a younger player.

Here's another submission I received in the mailbag today:

Alex: Why do the Sabres keep giving Stafford chances? I get the first chance he got, but two three and four. Either they buy him out or they trade him. I love his style of play but you can´t earn 4+ mil every year and not work...

What do you think? Do you want Stafford to remain on the team? Do you think he'll be here next season?
free polls

Oh, and then I found this submission in the mailbag:

Blogger: Just letting you know, your a terrible blogger, and most of your poorly written, exceptionally short blog, is just re-written from other articles that are easily available. Your neither and insider or a decent blogger, between you and garth, I'd rather read Diebytheblade.

I couldn't help but laugh at it. Have to love some of the stuff I receive in there.

As always, thank you for reading!

Recent posts
July 1st - How did Darcy do?
July 1st - ESPN awards Sabres A+ in draft
July 2nd - A closer look at Justin Bailey
July 2nd - Buffalo not over #48...are you?
July 3rd - Sabres release preseason schedule
July 3rd - Change coming to Buffalo
July 4th - Late night randoms
July 4th - Top 5 former Sabres who could return
July 4th - Center of attention
July 4th - Grabovski, Weiss and an NBA
July 5th - Who should the Sabres target today?
July 5th - Regier sticks to his word
July 6th - Up against the wall
July 6th - Something in the works?
July 6th - Stafford on his way out?

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