He gets ripped because of the dives. Other than that, people generally like the guy.

If there was an issue, i think we would have seen him dealt by now.

Nothing against Pommer, but it will take more than him to land Kesler.
- IanEsplen

Significantly more?
Or like a pick/prospect more?

Most Sabres fans are ready for a rebuild, which means trading Pominville and Miller this offseason
Although we all (for the most part) love both players,
We realize that the window is prob closed for them to win in Buffalo, and it's prob best to move them for younger players

We're not moving Connolly. I honestly don't see a deal of magnitude happening between the Lightning and Canucks.
- Michael_Stuart

If your still hanging out.. I haven't been paying much attention but is Brett getting a lot of time?

Significantly more?
Or like a pick/prospect more?

Most Sabres fans are ready for a rebuild, which means trading Pominville and Miller this offseason
Although we all (for the most part) love both players,
We realize that the window is prob closed for them to win in Buffalo, and it's prob best to move them for younger players
- jdfitz77

Miller is a great goalie I would hold on to him if you can. Change on your team is needed elsewhere. I would not presume to tell you what changes are needed because I don't have the time to follow every team like I should but I know Miller is top quality. I was gonna take him as my first goalie pick in our pool but didn't have faith in the rest of your team.

Who remembers when Luongo straight up for LeCavalier was a hot topic?

Not saying I would or wouldn't... But here's some food for thought.

LeCavalier's contract (which I (frank)ing hate) is just a Manny Malhotra cap hit more than Luongo's (whose cap hit will be dead money riding the pine @ some point in the near future anyways). PLUS, maybe if we had someone of LeCavalier's stature on that 2nd line, moving Kesler to RW wouldn't be so (frank)ing difficult for AV to fathom.

Cap Trade-Off:
Luongo (To TB) & Malhotra (IR) = $7.833
LeCavalier (To VAN) = $7.727

We add a pick/prospect and ask for Lindback as well... He makes $1.8.

Trade Ballard to Calgary for Babchuck for a cap savings of $1.7 million.

Makes sense right?

Sedin Sedin Burrows
Raymond LeCavalier Kesler
Booth Schroeder Kassian
Higgins Lapierre Hansen

Edler Tanev
Hamhuis Bieksa
Garrison Babchuck

Schneider
Lindback

BOOM. Stanley Cup.

IF Jensen comes here and shows something prior to the TDL, we trade Raymond for a young RH D who can step in for Babchuck next season. If not, we risk letting Raymond go for nothing and let Jensen step in as a Top 6 ELC for next season. Babchuck also comes off the books and is replaced by a low cost vet or ELC like Corrado. I know our franchise isn't known for rushing guys to the NHL level, but if they're capable we're going to have to switch our philosophy due to the cap.

Thoughts?

Miller is a great goalie I would hold on to him if you can. Change on your team is needed elsewhere. I would not presume to tell you what changes are needed because I don't have the time to follow every team like I should but I know Miller is top quality. I was gonna take him as my first goalie pick in our pool but didn't have faith in the rest of your team.
- thundachunk

He's great, one the best in the league...
But his contract is up after next season and he'll be 34 when the 2014-2015 season starts
Also Vanek(30), Pominville(31) & Ott(32)will also be UFA

Sabres fans are starting to be realistic and realize that signing these guys to 7year deals just isn't a good idea
Since they are all playing great, we can likely get a very good return for them should we choose to trade them

I think we realize this group isn't going to win the cup, and it's time to get younger and move on so we don't end up like Calgary (no offense Flames fans)

Who remembers when Luongo straight up for LeCavalier was a hot topic?

Not saying I would or wouldn't... But here's some food for thought.

LeCavalier's contract (which I (frank)ing hate) is just a Manny Malhotra cap hit more than Luongo's (whose cap hit is will be dead money riding the pine @ some point in the near future anyways). PLUS, maybe if we had someone of LeCavalier's stature on that 2nd line, moving Kesler to RW wouldn't be so (frank)ing difficult for AV to fathom.

Cap Trade-Off:
Luongo (To TB) & Malhotra (IR) = $7.833
LeCavalier (To VAN) = $7.727

We add a pick/prospect and ask for Lindback as well... He makes $1.8.

Trade Ballard to Calgary for Babchuck for a cap savings of $1.7 million.

Makes sense right?

Sedin Sedin Burrows
Raymond LeCavalier Kesler
Booth Schroeder Kassian
Higgins Lapierre Hansen

Edler Tanev
Hamhuis Bieksa
Garrison Babchuck

Schneider
Lindback

BOOM. Stanley Cup.

IF Jensen comes here and shows something prior to the TDL, we trade Raymond for a young RH D who can step in for Babchuck next season. If not, we risk letting Raymond go for nothing and let Jensen step in as a Top 6 ELC for next season. Babchuck also comes off the books and is replaced by a low cost vet or ELC like Corrado. I know our franchise isn't known for rushing guys to the NHL level, but if they're capable we're going to have to switch our philosophy due to the cap.

Thoughts?
- DrChristianTroy

Why not?
But U will have to buy out Lecavalier or trade him in the offseason, as well as make a few more moves bc of your cap situation

Who remembers when Luongo straight up for LeCavalier was a hot topic?

Not saying I would or wouldn't... But here's some food for thought.

LeCavalier's contract (which I (frank)ing hate) is just a Manny Malhotra cap hit more than Luongo's (whose cap hit is will be dead money riding the pine @ some point in the near future anyways). PLUS, maybe if we had someone of LeCavalier's stature on that 2nd line, moving Kesler to RW wouldn't be so (frank)ing difficult for AV to fathom.

Cap Trade-Off:
Luongo (To TB) & Malhotra (IR) = $7.833
LeCavalier (To VAN) = $7.727

We add a pick/prospect and ask for Lindback as well... He makes $1.8.

Trade Ballard to Calgary for Babchuck for a cap savings of $1.7 million.

Makes sense right?

Sedin Sedin Burrows
Raymond LeCavalier Kesler
Booth Schroeder Kassian
Higgins Lapierre Hansen

Edler Tanev
Hamhuis Bieksa
Garrison Babchuck

Schneider
Lindback

BOOM. Stanley Cup.

IF Jensen comes here and shows something prior to the TDL, we trade Raymond for a young RH D who can step in for Babchuck next season. If not, we risk letting Raymond go for nothing and let Jensen step in as a Top 6 ELC for next season. Babchuck also comes off the books and is replaced by a low cost vet or ELC like Corrado. I know our franchise isn't known for rushing guys to the NHL level, but if they're capable we're going to have to switch our philosophy due to the cap.

Thoughts?
- DrChristianTroy

I said the exact same thing in not so many words when this first came around. I truly believe Vinney was never on the table or the trade would have happened. Stevie I don't believe is big on goalies.

Why not?
But U will have to buy out Lecavalier or trade him in the offseason, as well as make a few more moves bc of your cap situation
- jdfitz77

Buy out? No no Vinney won't get bought out.

Who remembers when Luongo straight up for LeCavalier was a hot topic?

Not saying I would or wouldn't... But here's some food for thought.

LeCavalier's contract (which I (frank)ing hate) is just a Manny Malhotra cap hit more than Luongo's (whose cap hit will be dead money riding the pine @ some point in the near future anyways). PLUS, maybe if we had someone of LeCavalier's stature on that 2nd line, moving Kesler to RW wouldn't be so (frank)ing difficult for AV to fathom.

Cap Trade-Off:
Luongo (To TB) & Malhotra (IR) = $7.833
LeCavalier (To VAN) = $7.727

We add a pick/prospect and ask for Lindback as well... He makes $1.8.

Trade Ballard to Calgary for Babchuck for a cap savings of $1.7 million.

Makes sense right?

Sedin Sedin Burrows
Raymond LeCavalier Kesler
Booth Schroeder Kassian
Higgins Lapierre Hansen

Edler Tanev
Hamhuis Bieksa
Garrison Babchuck

Schneider
Lindback

BOOM. Stanley Cup.

IF Jensen comes here and shows something prior to the TDL, we trade Raymond for a young RH D who can step in for Babchuck next season. If not, we risk letting Raymond go for nothing and let Jensen step in as a Top 6 ELC for next season. Babchuck also comes off the books and is replaced by a low cost vet or ELC like Corrado. I know our franchise isn't known for rushing guys to the NHL level, but if they're capable we're going to have to switch our philosophy due to the cap.

Thoughts?
- DrChristianTroy

Vinny could never keep up with Kes and Raymond

Why not?
But U will have to buy out Lecavalier or trade him in the offseason, as well as make a few more moves bc of your cap situation
- jdfitz77

Why? The only major difference for next season will be Edler's $1.75 million dollar raise... Jensen replacing Raymond combined with whomever replaces Babchuck takes care of that and then some.

Vinny could never keep up with Kes and Raymond
- A_SteamingLombardi

If Mats Sundin could, Vinny LeCavalier can.

If Mats Sundin could, Vinny LeCavalier can.
- DrChristianTroy

Did he?

We could also extend Raymond @ $3 million per & move Booth if he doesn't show improvement with Schroeder as his center. A savings of $1.25 per.

We could also extend Raymond @ $3 million per & move Booth if he doesn't show improvement with Schroeder as his center. A savings of $1.25 per.
- DrChristianTroy

Did we not learn from last time.

Did he?
- A_SteamingLombardi

Enough to make Kesler reach another level on his wing.

Did we not learn from last time.
- pker2theend

Learn what... Raymond has been our best player beyond the top line this season. I'm not against re-signing him as a 2nd/3rd line LW.

Edit: I did mean to type a range of $2.5-$3.0 million per for the hypothetical Raymond extension, and we'd only do that if we chose to keep him over Booth.

Why? The only major difference for next season will be Edler's $1.75 million dollar raise... Jensen replacing Raymond combined with whomever replaces Babchuck takes care of that and then some.
- DrChristianTroy

Good on you everyone talks about youth but no one wants to give them a shot. Next season will be a new look we have no choice. NIce to see people having in faith in the Draft pics we made. Hopefully we get to see some Jensen this season.

Vinny could never keep up with Kes and Raymond
- A_SteamingLombardi

Who has Vinney had to prove he couldn't keep up??

Who remembers when Luongo straight up for LeCavalier was a hot topic?

Not saying I would or wouldn't... But here's some food for thought.

LeCavalier's contract (which I (frank)ing hate) is just a Manny Malhotra cap hit more than Luongo's (whose cap hit will be dead money riding the pine @ some point in the near future anyways). PLUS, maybe if we had someone of LeCavalier's stature on that 2nd line, moving Kesler to RW wouldn't be so (frank)ing difficult for AV to fathom.

Cap Trade-Off:
Luongo (To TB) & Malhotra (IR) = $7.833
LeCavalier (To VAN) = $7.727

We add a pick/prospect and ask for Lindback as well... He makes $1.8.

Trade Ballard to Calgary for Babchuck for a cap savings of $1.7 million.

Makes sense right?

Sedin Sedin Burrows
Raymond LeCavalier Kesler
Booth Schroeder Kassian
Higgins Lapierre Hansen

Edler Tanev
Hamhuis Bieksa
Garrison Babchuck

Schneider
Lindback

BOOM. Stanley Cup.

IF Jensen comes here and shows something prior to the TDL, we trade Raymond for a young RH D who can step in for Babchuck next season. If not, we risk letting Raymond go for nothing and let Jensen step in as a Top 6 ELC for next season. Babchuck also comes off the books and is replaced by a low cost vet or ELC like Corrado. I know our franchise isn't known for rushing guys to the NHL level, but if they're capable we're going to have to switch our philosophy due to the cap.

Thoughts?
- DrChristianTroy

I brought up Lecavalier a couple of days ago. He is the ideal 2nd line C with a different contract. He blocks Schroeder from moving into the 2nd line role. He would make our 2nd line pretty deadly I bet with or without Kesler.

Learn what... Raymond has been our best player beyond the top line this season. I'm not against re-signing him as a 2nd/3rd line LW.

Edit: I did mean to type a range of $2.5-$3.0 million per for the hypothetical Raymond extension, and we'd only do that if we chose to keep him over Booth.
- DrChristianTroy

Raymond is looking like a unsung hero candidate for sure this far.

I'll save that decision for later...like after the playoffs. If he vanishes down the road this season when we need him the most, he's got to go and there will be lots of moaning about lost value...again.

Raymond is looking like a unsung hero candidate for sure this far.

I'll save that decision for later...like after the playoffs. If he vanishes down the road this season when we need him the most, he's got to go and there will be lots of moaning about lost value...again.
- boonerbuck

Higgins as well

I brought up Lecavalier a couple of days ago. He is the ideal 2nd line C with a different contract. He blocks Schroeder from moving into the 2nd line role. He would make our 2nd line pretty deadly I bet with or without Kesler.
- boonerbuck

I honestly think Kesler would be one of the top RWs in the league in a role like that. A 2nd line of Jensen or Raymond or Booth with LeCavalier & Kesler, and a 3rd of Raymond or Booth with Schroeder & Kassian... That's an extremely dirrrty middle 6, and the best part is that it's sustainable thanks to Jensen, Schroeder, & Kassian's ELC's. That's the way you mesh the present with the future in the cap world IMO.

If your still hanging out.. I haven't been paying much attention but is Brett getting a lot of time?
- thundachunk

Not with the Lightning. Playing with the Crunch. Big minutes. Good production. 51 points in 57 games.

I brought up Lecavalier a couple of days ago. He is the ideal 2nd line C with a different contract. He blocks Schroeder from moving into the 2nd line role. He would make our 2nd line pretty deadly I bet with or without Kesler.
- boonerbuck

Lightning aren't going to trade Lecavalier. Idea has been thrown out there, and quickly shot down by most of the Lightning beat writers. There's nobody, and I mean nobody, in the system to replace him right now. Add to his offensive production and leadership all the things he does in the community, and it becomes hard to deal him. Like the Sedins in Vancouver, he is a class act through and through.

I remember reading about the Sedins' donation to BC Children's Hospital and feeling that overwhelming sense of respect for them as both hockey players, and individuals. Vinny is the same way for Tampa. http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=509288

Who has Vinney had to prove he couldn't keep up??
- thundachunk

Meh, he's played alright with that Martin St. Louis guy.