ahem...that's where we come in
- The-O-G

We all know you'll trade your first for Bozak to further delay the rebuild.

Pending.
- Jeffmt

Yeah, waiting for the news any day that he's signed somewhere in russia.

Can't trust a russian.

Agreed, but it's no reason to be completely pessimistic. The Devils still have some decent pieces, and Lou definitely isn't done now. Of all the GMs in the league that could recover from this and pull a miracle out of their ass, Greasy Lou would be the most likely. It's not like the season starts tomorrow.
- jbivens13

If you guys can find a way to deal prospects to Buffalo for Vanek you'll carry on with almost exactly what you had. Lots of time left.

first thing lou must do now is petition the league for the draft pick back. doubt they will get it but try anyway, second block him from playing in the KHL. if you retired stay that way, and make sure you block him from playing in the Olympics.

That's what you get for making the cup final out of nowhere last year!

Nah really though, this situation is pretty f-ucked up. Lou had too much pride to give up the 2012 29 overall but he really should of just bit the bullet.
- t_leafs21

i'm glad you're joking.

If you guys can find a way to deal prospects to Buffalo for Vanek you'll carry on with almost exactly what you had. Lots of time left.
- Isles_since_6

Vanek sure was better than Kovy this year...
- LetsGoBuffalo75

Maybe points wise, but Kovy was our offense, as seen by our offense when he was injured last year. I don't think Vanek could bring that same presence.

I think this year we need to try our hardest to make the pick look the least embarrassing it can be. Then next year, start the yard sale. It will be tough to see Elias go, and even though it would help the rebuild, I wouldn't mind seeing him stay on for his career. He's earned it if he wants it.
- rmdevil313

He's got a NMC in his new deal, doubt he waives it.

Yeah, waiting for the news any day that he's signed somewhere in russia.
- rmdevil313

if he tries that i think the NHL would be able to request the KHL block him from playing, like they did with Visnovsky. The only thing I can think of is that he's done with hockey, because I can't see a way he gets to play in Russia unless the KHL thumbs their nose at the NHL and just takes him.

If you guys can find a way to deal prospects to Buffalo for Vanek you'll carry on with almost exactly what you had. Lots of time left.
- Isles_since_6

Id imagine their lack of a first round pick is going to drive the price way up? Sabres don't need a D..... Looking at your roster don't see who'd be attractive to Buffalo nor do I see NJ wanting to gut whatever (limited?) prospect pool they have....

Some are commenting that he "walked away from $70M". But how much is he "walking to" on the other end.

I am guessing he will not lose any money through this decision.
- maaddmike

Going to double it more then likely. Greedy piece of poop!

first thing lou must do now is petition the league for the draft pick back. doubt they will get it but try anyway, second block him from playing in the KHL. if you retired stay that way, and make sure you block him from playing in the Olympics.
- devfan30

First part, I agree with you for once.

Second part, I don't think the NHL has any leverage to do that.

Third part, same thing, especially since it is in russia.

Look on the bright side guys, this frees up a spot on the PP for Larsson

We all know you'll trade your first for Bozak to further delay the rebuild.
- Feeling Glucky?

I think the flames might actually be passed that point now....hopefully....

first thing lou must do now is petition the league for the draft pick back. doubt they will get it but try anyway, second block him from playing in the KHL. if you retired stay that way, and make sure you block him from playing in the Olympics.
- devfan30

this for sure, he wants to retire, make sure he keeps it that way

Maybe points wise, but Kovy was our offense, as seen by our offense when he was injured last year. I don't think Vanek could bring that same presence.
- rmdevil313

Van did the same thing here. 10 more points than Kovy with only 1 more game played. With Zajac and Ryder, he'd probably do just as well.

Id imagine their lack of a first round pick is going to drive the price way up? Sabres don't need a D..... Looking at your roster don't see who'd be attractive to Buffalo nor do I see NJ wanting to gut whatever (limited?) prospect pool they have....
- jacketsfan0649

Boucher, Matteau, Merill.

He's got a NMC in his new deal, doubt he waives it.
- tomburton99

I don't mind since its elias. If he wants another shot at the cup let him have it. If not, he deserves to retire a devil. It won't hurt having someone like him to bring the kids along, albeit for only a few years.

if he tries that i think the NHL would be able to request the KHL block him from playing, like they did with Visnovsky. The only thing I can think of is that he's done with hockey, because I can't see a way he gets to play in Russia unless the KHL thumbs their nose at the NHL and just takes him.
- Isles_since_6

You can'y prevent someone from talking another job lol. The KHL will take him in a heartbeat

English please?

I've got the mental capacity of a chimpanzee.
- Pilgor09

no one will argue that.

English please. Our we going to have to PAY CAP because he RETIRED?!?!?
- MartysBetter88

No, because your team attempted to circumvent the cap with a back-diving contract. Be happy though, had he played a few more seasons, the penalty would have been much worse.

first thing lou must do now is petition the league for the draft pick back. doubt they will get it but try anyway, second block him from playing in the KHL. if you retired stay that way, and make sure you block him from playing in the Olympics.
- devfan30

@EJHradek_NHL 4m
If Kovalchuk's contract is terminated - as it appears it will be - he will be free to sign and play in the KHL

So he's free to play where he likes. And is almost a lock for team Russia.

Van did the same thing here. 10 more points than Kovy with only 1 more game played. With Zajac and Ryder, he'd probably do just as well.
- LetsGoBuffalo75

As I said, maybe points wise, but when I see Vanek I don't see the same multi-dimensional offensive weapon. He would certainly take a huge sting out of this whole situation, but I'm not sure we can risk what few valuable prospects we have for a player that could bounce in a year.

what a jerk, Kovalchuk insisted on a 100 million dollar contract when he became a UFA. He could have signed something shorter term if he wanted to leave his options open about going home someday.

Nobody should be defending the actions of this jack ass today.