So you would trade a 30% chance for multiple Cups for a 40% chance at one? Sure, my math is probably an exaggeration but if you know anything at all about the Blues you realize that this team is far from peaking. Their talent level is about 60-70% up the mountain and accelerating. You don't knock that train off the tracks for an incremental improvement towards one shot at glory.
- bluenatic411

The one thing you're forgetting is that while the "players" may be far from peaking, the peak of the "team" usually has a much shorter window.

For instance, (not counting this year) Backes will be RFA in 3 yrs, Oshie and Steen in 4. Rookie contracts for Schwartz and Tarasenko are up in 1 and 2 yrs respectively.

Do you think your owner is going to spend to the cap throughout those yrs.? Becasue if not, there will be teams willing to do that as the cap expands each year from here out and the likelyhood of retaining those players decreases.

So, i think what some of the other posts are saying is that while you think you may have 4-5 more years to make runs at the cup its probably more like 2 or 3 and that doesn't factor in injuries or the inevitable slump that hits all teams.......which is why, as others have said, when everthing comes together(as it appears it has for a few teams this season, Blues being one of them) you go all in.

The argument that you're not willing to sacrifice good prospects (ie future stars) for immediate returns probably will relegate that team to doing very well throughout the regular season, and maybe even good throughout the playoffs but will keep them from winning it all.

Doesn't offend me at all I hope the Sharks smoke them
- FinAddict

I think the overall the point is that regardless of how good the team in front of Halak is, if they add Miller, it could put them right over the top and in the driver's seat.

Every year teams "overpay" for that last peice to the puzzle that they hope makes them just that much better than the competition.

I think the overall the point is that regardless of how good the team in front of Halak is, if they add Miller, it could put them right over the top and in the driver's seat.

Every year teams "overpay" for that last peice to the puzzle that they hope makes them just that much better than the competition.
- sbroads24

Miller seemingly gives them a better shot at the cup, the problem is if it costs them a roster or player or two it won't be the same St. Louis Blues.

Or if Halak is involved in the deal and Miller walks in the summer they have no goalie for 2014-15.

The asking price for Miller will be too high for the Blues to bite IMO, especially since they already have Halak.

Miller seemingly gives them a better shot at the cup, the problem is if it costs them a roster or player or two it won't be the same St. Louis Blues.

Or if Halak is involved in the deal and Miller walks in the summer they have no goalie for 2014-15.

The asking price for Miller will be too high for the Blues to bite IMO, especially since they already have Halak.
- FinAddict

Halak and Elliott are both UFA's at seasons end. They could have no goalies regardless.

I agree, a significant roster player makes no sense, but a top prospect and a 1st rounder is what I see happening.

Halak and Elliott are both UFA's at seasons end. They could have no goalies regardless.

I agree, a significant roster player makes no sense, but a top prospect and a 1st rounder is what I see happening.
- sbroads24

Beat to me too it about Halak and Elliott being UFA's. Not to mention if a team makes a trade for Miller they show him they are ready to win now resigning him would be a lot easier IMO

Miller seemingly gives them a better shot at the cup, the problem is if it costs them a roster or player or two it won't be the same St. Louis Blues.

Or if Halak is involved in the deal and Miller walks in the summer they have no goalie for 2014-15.

The asking price for Miller will be too high for the Blues to bite IMO, especially since they already have Halak.
- FinAddict

Prospects and picks will be Buffalo goals . I would be happy with a ton of picks. We have amazing Talent evaluators now in Tim Murray and Kevin Devine. A simple first would not do it because they will be lower round picks because of Saint Louis Position. 2014 first , 2015 first and 2015 2nd gets it done. Those players would not be a factor for St Louis for 3 or 4 years anyways.

You don't trade a cornerstone franchise stud when you don't have to and the Blues won't have to part with any of these guys to get Miller.

Buffalo has next to no leverage to work with.
- bcallaway

Then, like I said to the other delusional Blues fan on here earlier, move along. You guys obviously don't need Miller bad enough. And the first trade our new GM makes on behalf of our team isn't one he's going to get smoked on.

Halak and Elliott are both UFA's at seasons end. They could have no goalies regardless.

I agree, a significant roster player makes no sense, but a top prospect and a 1st rounder is what I see happening.
- sbroads24

Never realized that. How much cap space does STL have? Capgeek isn't working for me today

If the Blues could acquire Miller for picks and prospects than I'd agree with you they'd be stupid not to.

Then, like I said to the other delusional Blues fan on here earlier, move along. You guys obviously don't need Miller bad enough. And the first trade our new GM makes on behalf of our team isn't one he's going to get smoked on.
- Powerslave

I love how you think a few fans speak for our GM haha. They will work it out and our fans will think we paid too much and yours will think we didn't pay enough.

Never realized that. How much cap space does STL have? Capgeek isn't working for me today

If the Blues could acquire Miller for picks and prospects than I'd agree with you they'd be stupid not to.
- FinAddict

We have almost no cap space left. I think it's like $400,000. That's why I think dumping Halak be it in the trade or to Washington and a low end prospect IE Paajarvi or maybe even Berglund is going to have to be part of the deal.

You logic is flawed from the get go. You are talking about a goaltender not a 30 goal scorer which every team would want. How many teams would want Miller? Probably 4 or 5. How many of these teams would pay the asking price for a UFA to be? 1 or 2. Not to mention the fact Miller has a limited NMC. It is believed those teams on his no trade list are in fact teams that desperately need goaltending. There fore the only 2 logical destinations for him as an in season trade are Washington and St Louis. So you need to start a bidding war between those two teams. Chances are they get close to their asking price if not higher. Washington needs to address their goaltending before they lose the season and St Louis is already a contender that has a slight question mark in net. Adding a Ryan Miller makes them the favorites IMO. They would give up a prospect or two and a first if they think he makes that big of a difference
- Stripes77

NO THEY WON'T ! Maybe, a prospect but, not 2 !

NO THEY WON'T ! Maybe, a prospect but, not 2 !
- Richard_Cranium

Looks like you cant read. I said prospect OR 2. So repeating what I said in caps contributes SOOOOO much to the conversation

Not to mention, it's not like Murray would expect Rattie, Tarasenko, and Jaskin, plus a pick in return for Millsy. One of them (imo) plus a pick gets it done
- Powerslave

And yet many of your Sabres bretheren are expecting just that. In the end, no matter how much I bluster about "be happy you're getting a 2nd" or others think that the Blues will gut their system for a guy that takes the team from good to great at one position, in the end I believe Murray and Armstrong will find a way to make a deal that both sides feel good about.

And yet many of your Sabres bretheren are expecting just that. In the end, no matter how much I bluster about "be happy you're getting a 2nd" or others think that the Blues will gut their system for a guy that takes the team from good to great at one position, in the end I believe Murray and Armstrong will find a way to make a deal that both sides feel good about.
- bluenatic411

Because we say prospect or two? Nobody is saying gut your system. If you want to make a run would you give up a high prospect and maybe a mid tier prospect and a pick? Some of your Blues brethren think Miller is worth just a second round draft pick that is crazy. I see a fair deal shaking out and I don't expect the world for him.

Only on your Video game!


- Maximum Signal

MAN ! I would LOVE TO LIVE ON, FANTASY ISLAND with most of you Sabers fans !

It must be nice thinking, you're gonna get 2 A+ prospects in Jaskin, Allen, or Rattie ! HELL, I've even see as much where some of you even think on top of the combination of 2 names previously mentioned, that you guys would also get one of Schwartz, or Tarasenko, & a 1st round pick ! THAT'S ABSURD ! You guys do realize that he's a UFA RIGHT ? I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD, OR HOW GREAT HE IS, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THAT KIND OF RETURN !

In closing, if you guys keep thinking along those lines, you're setting yourselves up for a real disappointing time during your REBUILD !

MAN ! I would LOVE TO LIVE ON, FANTASY ISLAND with most of you Sabers fans !

It must be nice thinking, you're gonna get 2 A+ prospects in Jaskin, Allen, or Rattie ! HELL, I've even see as much where some of you even think on top of the combination of 2 names previously mentioned, that you guys would also get one of Schwartz, or Tarasenko, & a 1st round pick ! THAT'S ABSURD ! You guys do realize that he's a UFA RIGHT ? I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD, OR HOW GREAT HE IS, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THAT KIND OF RETURN !

In closing, if you guys keep thinking along those lines, you're setting yourselves up for a real disappointing time during your REBUILD !
- Richard_Cranium

Who said this?

Who said this?
- Herzeleid

His name pretty much sums it up for him. Because Garth said it he thinks all Sabre fans think it

MAN ! I would LOVE TO LIVE ON, FANTASY ISLAND with most of you Sabers fans !

It must be nice thinking, you're gonna get 2 A+ prospects in Jaskin, Allen, or Rattie ! HELL, I've even see as much where some of you even think on top of the combination of 2 names previously mentioned, that you guys would also get one of Schwartz, or Tarasenko, & a 1st round pick ! THAT'S ABSURD ! You guys do realize that he's a UFA RIGHT ? I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD, OR HOW GREAT HE IS, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THAT KIND OF RETURN !

In closing, if you guys keep thinking along those lines, you're setting yourselves up for a real disappointing time during your REBUILD !
- Richard_Cranium

I DONT KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!

Honestly i think asking poing could be:

Halak+MPS+ Conditional 1st

Miller (30% salary retained)

The Sabres got a 1st round pick for Paul Gaustad nothing is impossible. Hes a 3rd line 4th line center. We got a 3 time 30 goal scorer and a 1st round pick for Vanek. We got 2 young prospects and a 1st and 2nd round pick for Pominville and a 4th rounder. If the Sabres want a 1st a prospect and a current roster player they will get that for Ryan Miller one of the best goalies in the NHL, if the Blues feel that Miller is needed to push them to the next level they will make the move before some one else does.

MAN ! I would LOVE TO LIVE ON, FANTASY ISLAND with most of you Sabers fans !

It must be nice thinking, you're gonna get 2 A+ prospects in Jaskin, Allen, or Rattie ! HELL, I've even see as much where some of you even think on top of the combination of 2 names previously mentioned, that you guys would also get one of Schwartz, or Tarasenko, & a 1st round pick ! THAT'S ABSURD ! You guys do realize that he's a UFA RIGHT ? I DON'T CARE HOW GOOD, OR HOW GREAT HE IS, YOU'RE NOT GETTING THAT KIND OF RETURN !

In closing, if you guys keep thinking along those lines, you're setting yourselves up for a real disappointing time during your REBUILD !
- Richard_Cranium

Just keep thinking like that and you can see your favorite team at a local golf course during the Stanley cup finals . Maybe you can meet them in the clubhouse to watch the game together ! No one expects you to break up the current Roster to get Miller . Quit making things up Newbie.

Then, like I said to the other delusional Blues fan on here earlier, move along. You guys obviously don't need Miller bad enough. And the first trade our new GM makes on behalf of our team isn't one he's going to get smoked on.
- Powerslave

Yes, he'll look much smarter in the summer when Miller signs in St. Louis with no compensation coming back.

Delusional, thy name is Powerslave.

Yes, he'll look much smarter in the summer when Miller signs in St. Louis with no compensation coming back.

Delusional, thy name is Powerslave.
- bcallaway

Sorry He will go further west if anything.If he is already in house that gives you the best chance to resign him.

Assuming the Blues aren't on Millers no go list
- jpd1321

You know what ? I sure do like how Sabers fans are trying to convince us Blues fans, to mortgage our future, for someone that isn't guaranteed to resign with us ! You guys should at least be commended for your efforts !

Oh, & by the way, nice job of trying to, negotiate a higher return for a PENDING UFA !

You know what ? I sure do like how Sabers fans are trying to convince us Blues fans, to mortgage our future, for someone that isn't guaranteed to resign with us ! You guys should at least be commended for your efforts !

Oh, & by the way, nice job of trying to, negotiate a higher return for a PENDING UFA !
- Richard_Cranium

ADDING MORE OF THESE HELPS!!!!

The Blues also gave the Sabres a 2nd round pick and a condtitional 5th rounder for Jordan Leopold and he has been a heathly scratch at times. That trade worked for us. The Blues will give up a lot for Miller.