maybe.. i think he'll have a long career.. but as the hal gill type

needs to learn how to play within his strengths
- Dozzer

The one thing I noticed is Vanek is a goal suck, the guy is never back checking, he is hovering around centre ice, lol.

Sparks is doing just as well as all the goalies picked last season, too bad Leaf fans don't spend a little time to realize this.
- LeafMan

Sparks is playing pretty well in the O, but he's still a long shot.

The one thing I noticed is Vanek is a goal suck, the guy is never back checking, he is hovering around centre ice, lol.
- LeafMan

yup, sits up high and waits for the long outlet pass. once teams start picking up on that tho its going to be a detriment and not a plus for the sabres.

its all very tough to gauge right now.. so much rust on so many guys

I think Phaneuf is really the odd man out. we should use our buyout on him, gain 6.5 mil in cap. Drop Komi as well.

Dropping Phaneuf gives gardiner a spot on the top 2 pairing.

Dropping Komi allows a young guy like Holzer to step in.
- twiztedmike

Phaneuf is till their best D-man, and only has 1 more year left on his deal. Oh and he's also their captain. Buying him out makes zero sense.

and there's vanek sitting out all alone again

The one thing I noticed is Vanek is a goal suck, the guy is never back checking, he is hovering around centre ice, lol.
- LeafMan

1st Sabres game you've ever seen then?

I think Phaneuf is really the odd man out. we should use our buyout on him, gain 6.5 mil in cap. Drop Komi as well.

Dropping Phaneuf gives gardiner a spot on the top 2 pairing.

Dropping Komi allows a young guy like Holzer to step in.
- twiztedmike

I don't think buying Phaneuf out makes sense. He may be overpaid, but he's still probably the best dman the Leafs have. Having cap space is great, but if you're not going to use it on anything, it makes no difference. The Leafs have piles of space next year, I doubt they find enough high end guys to spend it all on, and the year after that, his contract is up.

I wouldn't even mind re-signing him, at half the price.

1st Sabres game you've ever seen then?
- Big_Lightnin

Yeah I'm a hockey watching rookie.

I don't think buying Phaneuf out makes sense. He may be overpaid, but he's still probably the best dman the Leafs have. Having cap space is great, but if you're not going to use it on anything, it makes no difference. The Leafs have piles of space next year, I doubt they find enough high end guys to spend it all on, and the year after that, his contract is up.

I wouldn't even mind re-signing him, at half the price.
- prock

True. I think our D is crowded though and if all these younger guys can prove they belong then either Phaneuf or Franson have to be the odd man out.

You are right - if we can keep Phaneuf at a cheaper price then this is a good option to explore.

FREAKARENKSHOW

Yeah I'm a hockey watching rookie.
- LeafMan

just sounded like you were just noticing that this game...

49ers vs Pats final? Hoping Ravens can pull out the upset but probably not.

FREAKARENKSHOW
- AdamFrench

-1, 11 mins of ice-time... kid was DOMINANT!

FREAKARENKSHOW
- AdamFrench

Should have 4 goals by just staring at the puck today, he is that good!!!

just sounded like you were just noticing that this game...
- Big_Lightnin

lol

Yeah I'm a hockey watching rookie.
- LeafMan

whats this hockey you speak of?

sounds interesting.

Phaneuf is till their best D-man, and only has 1 more year left on his deal. Oh and he's also their captain. Buying him out makes zero sense.
- Big_Lightnin

logic.

1st Sabres game you've ever seen then?
- Big_Lightnin

Should have 4 goals by just staring at the puck today, he is that good!!!
- LeafMan

(frank)ing Vanek stealing the kids thunder. At least he was easily the most complete player in the NHL

True. I think our D is crowded though and if all these younger guys can prove they belong then either Phaneuf or Franson have to be the odd man out.

You are right - if we can keep Phaneuf at a cheaper price then this is a good option to explore.
- twiztedmike

Essentially what I think you're saying is intentionally get rid of the best Dman, make the D weaker, in order to let young guys play. That doesn't sound like a good idea to me at all. If the young dmen improve and earn that ice, it can only be a good thing. Let them earn it, don't make moves to give it to them.

Also, last year, Gunnarson, Liles, and Franson all missed games due to injury. There will be injuries, and that ice will go younger guys.

Although, I think you're right, and can see Franson getting traded.

-1, 11 mins of ice-time... kid was DOMINANT!
- lumlums

He's going to be the reason Buffalo get into the playoffs.

FREAKARENKSHOW
- AdamFrench

freakorenknoshow today.

Essentially what I think you're saying is intentionally get rid of the best Dman, make the D weaker, in order to let young guys play. That doesn't sound like a good idea to me at all. If the young dmen improve and earn that ice, it can only be a good thing. Let them earn it, don't make moves to give it to them.

Also, last year, Gunnarson, Liles, and Franson all missed games due to injury. There will be injuries, and that ice will go younger guys.

Although, I think you're right, and can see Franson getting traded.
- prock

yeah, only 12:35 in ice time for Franson.. and the leafs had plenty of PP time.. wonder why?

He's going to be the reason Buffalo get into the playoffs.
- burn

Buffalaughalo will make the playoffs because of officiating

Buffalaughalo will make the playoffs because of officiating
- bobbyisno1

Pegulalugosi is the richest owner in the NHL, he can afford to pay a little extra for the refs.