I just don't get how keeping Vanek instead of completing the rebuild is gonna make us better. We suck now so how does this current roster get better by keeping guys like miller and Vanek. It's time for a complete over haul the identity of this team has to change if u keep guys like Vanek and miller it will only stay the same.
- Carubba-Kaleta

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.

Not being a smart ass what so ever here but, Myers has regressed and in no way should he have. This guy is your future number 1 D man and maybe future Captain, yet Pegula can't see the problem here? Pegula is asking for trouble if he doesn't do something about Darcy. Darcy has already proved that he can't do it with the "CORE", he can't do it with an open check book, what the hell can he do?
- SABRES 89

Myers is a perfect example of why the coaching staff needed to be replaced last year at the latest. No way in hell should he be playing this inconsistent, he needs better coaching, way better coaching than we have. Who that is, I have no idea but the current crew isn't working.

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.
- SABRES 89

I agree.

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.
- SABRES 89

Not if he's gonna be a baby about being part of a rebuild.

Not if he's gonna be a baby about being part of a rebuild.
- Carubba-Kaleta

If he isn't willing to buy into the next few years you obviously send him on his way but talent wise, you keep a guy like that.

Not being a smart ass what so ever here but, Myers has regressed and in no way should he have. This guy is your future number 1 D man and maybe future Captain, yet Pegula can't see the problem here? Pegula is asking for trouble if he doesn't do something about Darcy. Darcy has already proved that he can't do it with the "CORE", he can't do it with an open check book, what the hell can he do?
- SABRES 89

Myers has regressed. The huge problem is his contract. If he was getting paid half as much and struggling it wouldn't be a big deal IMO. But they just handed him a huge bonus and he's just getting his game together when it's too late. Darcy wasn't smart enough to realize Myers wasn't ready for the number 1 role and paid him like one anyway. I hope Darcy is fired because your right, nothing will really get that much better

Myers is a perfect example of why the coaching staff needed to be replaced last year at the latest. No way in hell should he be playing this inconsistent, he needs better coaching, way better coaching than we have. Who that is, I have no idea but the current crew isn't working.
- BigStew

It's been coaching IMO, he has been much much better under Rolston. Ruff messed with a lot of the young guys heads.

Not if he's gonna be a baby about being part of a rebuild.
- Carubba-Kaleta

Maybe in your opinion he's being a baby but what do you expect him to say?

Myers has regressed. The huge problem is his contract. If he was getting paid half as much and struggling it wouldn't be a big deal IMO. But they just handed him a huge bonus and he's just getting his game together when it's too late. Darcy wasn't smart enough to realize Myers wasn't ready for the number 1 role and paid him like one anyway. I hope Darcy is fired because your right, nothing will really get that much better
- sbroads24

I don't think its his contract at all, its the coaching he's getting, we are easily one of the worst coached teams in the league.

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.
- SABRES 89

Yup, but sadly I don't think he will want to stay. Can't blame him though

If he isn't willing to buy into the next few years you obviously send him on his way but talent wise, you keep a guy like that.
- BigStew

I agree he'd be a nice mentor I think he's helped Cody a lot this year. I would think if miller goes this summer Vanek will start female doging about being on a team rebuilding.

I don't think its his contract at all, its the coaching he's getting, we are easily one of the worst coached teams in the league.
- BigStew

I think it's a number of things. Contract, Lockout, Big bonus, pressure to be a Norris winner, Immaturity, and coaching. I really believe he will be an All-Star someday, but he's already paid like one.

I agree he'd be a nice mentor I think he's helped Cody a lot this year. I would think if miller goes this summer Vanek will start female doging about being on a team rebuilding.
- Carubba-Kaleta

If he doesn't want to stay, that's fine but if that is the case he needs to be gone by the draft, no reason to keep him as his value will decrease during the season.

I have hopes that we can sign a good coach, because having a coach that people believe in, holds players accountable, and respects players can really make a difference. That should be our #1 priority in the offseason. We will be playing a ton of young guys, if we don't have a good coach these players won't develop into talented, team-first players.

I think the other dynamic is that certain teams will have problems getting cap-compliant next year, and will have to buy-out players, make trades taking back portions of a player's contract, or not signing mid-to-low level free agents that they may have signed if the cap wasn't going down. I think there will be a number of serviceable FA's available, and a handful of big-name FA's that we could go after to make the team decent in the short term.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for tanking this season and drafting a top-5 pick. But that doesn't mean we have to suck balls and play AHL'ers for the next two years. That isn't going to help those players either, they need veteran support. Maybe we make some moves with Vanek and Miller next deadline. I could also see Miller going away in the offseason if we can find another starter that suits our needs.

I think we are in a 'flash' rebuild. Tank hard like Montreal did last year but plan on icing a good squad that will compete for the playoffs right away. I know most of you are pessimists but it isn't that ridiculous to suggest.

I think it's a number of things. Contract, Lockout, Big bonus, pressure to be a Norris winner, Immaturity, and coaching. I really believe he will be an All-Star someday, but he's already paid like one.
- sbroads24

I think he will be an All Star as well, he just needs some time and better coaching.

I have hopes that we can sign a good coach, because having a coach that people believe in, holds players accountable, and respects players can really make a difference. That should be our #1 priority in the offseason. We will be playing a ton of young guys, if we don't have a good coach these players won't develop into talented, team-first players.

I think the other dynamic is that certain teams will have problems getting cap-compliant next year, and will have to buy-out players, make trades taking back portions of a player's contract, or not signing mid-to-low level free agents that they may have signed if the cap wasn't going down. I think there will be a number of serviceable FA's available, and a handful of big-name FA's that we could go after to make the team decent in the short term.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for tanking this season and drafting a top-5 pick. But that doesn't mean we have to suck balls and play AHL'ers for the next two years. That isn't going to help those players either, they need veteran support. Maybe we make some moves with Vanek and Miller next deadline. I could also see Miller going away in the offseason if we can find another starter that suits our needs.

I think we are in a 'flash' rebuild. Tank hard like Montreal did last year but plan on icing a good squad that will compete for the playoffs right away. I know most of you are pessimists but it isn't that ridiculous to suggest.
- rsj2588

Coaching is the 1 thing Darcy has not worried about in almost his entire tenure here. It's a joke, who knows we could have won a cup with a different coach with that core.

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.
- SABRES 89

U really wanna sign a guy w recurring back problems to a 7mil+ year deal till he's 38?
No thanks
And he doesn't wanna be here anymore anyways

U really wanna sign a guy w recurring back problems to a 7mil+ year deal till he's 38?
No thanks
And he doesn't wanna be here anymore anyways
- jdfitz77

It won't be 7 mill

I have hopes that we can sign a good coach, because having a coach that people believe in, holds players accountable, and respects players can really make a difference. That should be our #1 priority in the offseason. We will be playing a ton of young guys, if we don't have a good coach these players won't develop into talented, team-first players.

I think the other dynamic is that certain teams will have problems getting cap-compliant next year, and will have to buy-out players, make trades taking back portions of a player's contract, or not signing mid-to-low level free agents that they may have signed if the cap wasn't going down. I think there will be a number of serviceable FA's available, and a handful of big-name FA's that we could go after to make the team decent in the short term.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for tanking this season and drafting a top-5 pick. But that doesn't mean we have to suck balls and play AHL'ers for the next two years. That isn't going to help those players either, they need veteran support. Maybe we make some moves with Vanek and Miller next deadline. I could also see Miller going away in the offseason if we can find another starter that suits our needs.

I think we are in a 'flash' rebuild. Tank hard like Montreal did last year but plan on icing a good squad that will compete for the playoffs right away. I know most of you are pessimists but it isn't that ridiculous to suggest.
- rsj2588

Phi, Was Win. Minn is losing. Our draft positioning is improving!

I have hopes that we can sign a good coach, because having a coach that people believe in, holds players accountable, and respects players can really make a difference. That should be our #1 priority in the offseason. We will be playing a ton of young guys, if we don't have a good coach these players won't develop into talented, team-first players.

I think the other dynamic is that certain teams will have problems getting cap-compliant next year, and will have to buy-out players, make trades taking back portions of a player's contract, or not signing mid-to-low level free agents that they may have signed if the cap wasn't going down. I think there will be a number of serviceable FA's available, and a handful of big-name FA's that we could go after to make the team decent in the short term.

Don't get me wrong, I am all for tanking this season and drafting a top-5 pick. But that doesn't mean we have to suck balls and play AHL'ers for the next two years. That isn't going to help those players either, they need veteran support. Maybe we make some moves with Vanek and Miller next deadline. I could also see Miller going away in the offseason if we can find another starter that suits our needs.

I think we are in a 'flash' rebuild. Tank hard like Montreal did last year but plan on icing a good squad that will compete for the playoffs right away. I know most of you are pessimists but it isn't that ridiculous to suggest.
- rsj2588

I agree in premise w you about free agents...
But there's really not much out there this year
I'd rather play the young kids n let them get experience
Maybe next year there will be a few guys worth going after

Phi, Was Win. Minn is losing. Our draft positioning is improving!
- Cheeseballin

If only Calgary and Colorado go on a streak we could be so close

One important thing people forgot to credit Darcy with during the deadline is he not only made the trades but sent those guys all our west. He helped rivals in any way.

It won't be 7 mill
- SABRES 89

I disagree,
But even if it's only 6...
I still don't wanna pay a guy w back problems till he's 38
If he'd accept a 4-5year deal, ok great
I just don't see it happening

And I don't think he wants to stick around for the rebuild anyways
If we could get two good prospects, a 1st & 2nd for Pommer, we should get at least that for vanek also...
That too good a deal to pass up

Trade vanek & Miller and we'll have FOUR 1st rounders in this draft
I'd like that

Vanek is the one out of all they should keep.
- SABRES 89

Vanek is the easiest to move. He doesn't have a choice where he goes.