be a laughs fan
- IndianaSabresFan

Agreed, I feel the same way about Eric Staal as well however i believe both have NTC's, don't know if either would waive to play here
- Sabresfan-365

In time players will wave their no trade clauses . With The facilities Pegula is building , how close it is to home for players from Ontario and how economical it is to live here . Buffalo will become an attractive destination for players . It is going to take time and for things to keep improving.

In time players will wave their no trade clauses . With The facilities Pegula is building , how close it is to home for players from Ontario and how economical it is to live here . Buffalo will become an attractive destination for players . It is going to take time and for things to keep improving.



- Maximum Signal

I don't doubt that, but I doubt they'd be willing to waive it before they saw some on ice success. In other words I can't see them willing to waive in the summer of 2015

I don't doubt that, but I doubt they'd be willing to waive it before they saw some on ice success. In other words I can't see them willing to waive in the summer of 2015
- Sabresfan-365

I can after the draft , they see the abundance of young talent . Plus the area around the arena will look even better in a year . The off season training facilities at Harbor Center will be second to none. Life is too short to not try and see the glass half full around here.

You got to look on the bright side of Life - Thank you Monty Python

Now I can't get that damn tune out of my head !!

I can after the draft , they see the abundance of young talent . Plus the area around the arena will look even better in a year . The off season training facilities at Harbor Center will be second to none. Life is too short to not try and see the glass half full around here.

You got to look on the bright side of Life - Thank you Monty Python

Now I can't get that damn tune out of my head !!


- Maximum Signal

Players like Nash and Staal won't care about that. They'll be at the age where they want to play for a team that has the opportunity to win it that year. Sure the sabres may have a bright future but you very rarely see players of Nash's caliber waive their NTC to leave NYC to go to a team that might have a bright future.

I don't see myself as glass half empty and I know this team is on the right path but Im just trying to see it from their point of view. When you're on the wrong side of the 30 in the NHL, prospects and picks really don't mean poop.

Players like Nash and Staal won't care about that. They'll be at the age where they want to play for a team that has the opportunity to win it that year. Sure the sabres may have a bright future but you very rarely see players of Nash's caliber waive their NTC to leave NYC to go to a team that might have a bright future.

I don't see myself as glass half empty and I know this team is on the right path but Im just trying to see it from their point of view. When you're on the wrong side of the 30 in the NHL, prospects and picks really don't mean poop.
- Sabresfan-365

If we were to land McDavid or Eichel I could see guys wanting to play with them. Plus if Reinhart looks good

Players like Nash and Staal won't care about that. They'll be at the age where they want to play for a team that has the opportunity to win it that year. Sure the sabres may have a bright future but you very rarely see players of Nash's caliber waive their NTC to leave NYC to go to a team that might have a bright future.

I don't see myself as glass half empty and I know this team is on the right path but Im just trying to see it from their point of view. When you're on the wrong side of the 30 in the NHL, prospects and picks really don't mean poop.
- Sabresfan-365

Talent is talent . Older players see it . If we get a generational talent and are pipeline is loaded you don't think players will come here if given the opportunity . They will come with all the other factors . You don't think people don't make career choices on being able to get closer to their home ? How many pro athletes do you know to know how they think ? Lots do want to end their career closer to home if given the opportunity . Case in point Brian Gionta.

If we were to land McDavid or Eichel I could see guys wanting to play with them. Plus if Reinhart looks good
- sbroads24

Perhaps but I don't recall players dying to play with the Penguins when they drafted Crosby. They became a destination when the finally made the playoffs.

Talent is talent . Older players see it . If we get a generational talent and are pipeline is loaded you don't think players will come here if given the opportunity . They will come with all the other factors . You don't think people don't make career choices on being able to get closer to their home ? How many pro athletes do you know to know how they think ? Lots do want to end their career closer to home if given the opportunity . Case in point Brian Gionta.





- Maximum Signal

1) Big if
2) No I don't think they will because they didn't when Pittsburgh drafted Crosby. They became the place to be after they made their first playoff appearance
3) 2 which is irrelevant as im basing my point off what I've seen in the NHL not based off the pro athletes i may or may not know.
4) Brian Gionta is not the same as getting Rick Nash. Gionta is at the end of his career and lets not kid ourselves, we probably offered him the best contract as well. Nash will still be a very good player with plenty of options
5) And I'm pretty sure Toronto is closer to Brampton than Buffalo.

Talent is talent . Older players see it . If we get a generational talent and are pipeline is loaded you don't think players will come here if given the opportunity . They will come with all the other factors . You don't think people don't make career choices on being able to get closer to their home ? How many pro athletes do you know to know how they think ? Lots do want to end their career closer to home if given the opportunity . Case in point Brian Gionta.




- Maximum Signal

We might have been the only team to offer him 3 years and the money he got though. I wouldn't think that's the same as someone waiving to play here

1) Big if
2) No I don't think they will because they didn't when Pittsburgh drafted Crosby. They became the place to be after they made their first playoff appearance
3) 2 which is irrelevant as im basing my point off what I've seen in the NHL not based off the pro athletes i may or may not know.
4) Brian Gionta is not the same as getting Rick Nash. Gionta is at the end of his career and lets not kid ourselves, we probably offered him the best contract as well. Nash will still be a very good player with plenty of options
5) And I'm pretty sure Toronto is closer to Brampton than Buffalo.
- Sabresfan-365

You just don't get it . Sorry

How do you know when Pittsburgh pursued other talent to come in ?

How do you know what Gionta was offered ?

Taxes on Athletes is higher in Toronto then here , It is much cheaper to live here . House in East amherst that would cost you $450,000 will cost you 1.5 to 2 million in Toronto . Other experiences are much cheaper here.

On top of all that Toronto is a pressure cooker for players on the Leafs . Buffalo is much more relaxed.

I was moved from Buffalo from Toronto 25 years ago By Labatt's/CPI . I in effect got 15% raise because of the difference in Taxes.

You just don't get it . Sorry

How do you know when Pittsburgh pursued other talent to come in ?

How do you know what Gionta was offered ?

Taxes on Athletes is higher in Toronto then here , It is much cheaper to live here . House in East amherst that would cost you $450,000 will cost you 1.5 to 2 million in Toronto . Other experiences are much cheaper here.

On top of all that Toronto is a pressure cooker for players on the Leafs . Buffalo is much more relaxed.

I was moved from Buffalo from Toronto 25 years ago By Labatt's/CPI . I in effect got 15% raise because of the difference in Taxes.
- Maximum Signal

Im sure they pursued them, but big name players didn't start calling pittsburgh a destination till after they became a playoff team. It's why 6 months after there 1st appearance they managed to land Marian Hossa

You're right, I don't know what Gionta was offered. But here's what i can make an educated guess on. I can guess that we were the highest offer in terms of dollars because we a had a ton of cap space and quite frankly if he were paid this much by any other team he'd be labeled the worst signing of the off-season tied with Bolland.

I can guess that we offered him the longest term for those very same reasons. Is there a chance im wrong? Of course but it's much more likely that im right then there being a 2nd team that offered Gionta 4 years at 4.5 mil and Gionta turned it down.

More importantly, Gionta taking an overpayment(yes he's being overpaid) to play for Buffalo is not the same as Rick Nash waiving his no trade clause to come play here.

Rick Nash makes how much per year? Even if it mattered he'd be closer to home right? You think he wants to be close to home but not close enough so he doesn't have to pay taxes. And for another educated guess, Rick Nash probably thinks Toronto is a nicer city than Buffalo, maybe because he's from around the area.

But yes, I don't get it.

Im sure they pursued them, but big name players didn't start calling pittsburgh a destination till after they became a playoff team. It's why 6 months after there 1st appearance they managed to land Marian Hossa

You're right, I don't know what Gionta was offered. But here's what i can make an educated guess on. I can guess that we were the highest offer in terms of dollars because we a had a ton of cap space and quite frankly if he were paid this much by any other team he'd be labeled the worst signing of the off-season tied with Bolland.

I can guess that we offered him the longest term for those very same reasons. Is there a chance im wrong? Of course but it's much more likely that im right then there being a 2nd team that offered Gionta 4 years at 4.5 mil and Gionta turned it down.

Rick Nash makes how much per year? Even if it mattered he'd be closer to home right? You think he wants to be close to home but not close enough so he doesn't have to pay taxes. And for another educated guess, Rick Nash probably thinks Toronto is a nicer city than Buffalo, maybe because he's from around the area.

But yes, I don't get it.
- Sabresfan-365

When has Nash even been offered a contract by Toronto ? . Was Toronto in the position to even make him a decent offer . They are now in Salary cap hell for years to come . Who wants Nash anyways . He does not fit in here at this point .

A 10% differences in taxes is a big deal when you are making over 7 million a year . All those accounting courses I took tell me $700,000 is still a lot of money

That fact is you are guessing on the Pittsburgh situation unless Mario has confided in you. If everything sucks so bad here why even bother following Buffalo . Like I said I would prefer to see the glass as half full . Life is too short to think everything is against us.

Maybe this is all different across the pond .

When has Nash even been offered a contract by Toronto ? . Was Toronto in the position to even make him a decent offer . They are now in Salary cap hell for years to come . Who wants Nash anyways . He does not fit in here at this point .

A 10% differences in taxes is a big deal when you are making over 7 million a year . All those accounting courses I took tell me $700,000 is still a lot of money

That fact is you are guessing on the Pittsburgh situation unless Mario has confided in you. If everything sucks so bad here why even bother following Buffalo . Like I said I would prefer to see the glass as half full . Life is too short to think everything is against us.

Maybe this is all different across the pond .
- Maximum Signal

Dude cut that poop out you know that's not what I said

you are arguing a completely different point than my original one.

Sbroads mentioned going after Nash, I said I can't see Nash waiving to come to Buffalo in 2015 specifically

Like I said you are right I am guessing but it's an educated guess backed up by evidence. Im not saying they didn't go after these players before they became a playoff team, I'm sure they did. Im saying that they became one of the places to be once they started having some serious success.

Dude cut that poop out you know that's not what I said

you are arguing a completely different point than my original one.

Sbroads mentioned going after Nash, I said I can't see Nash waiving to come to Buffalo in 2015 specifically

Like I said you are right I am guessing but it's an educated guess backed up by evidence. Im not saying they didn't go after these players before they became a playoff team, I'm sure they did. Im saying that they became one of the places to be once they started having some serious success.
- Sabresfan-365

Again how do you know how Nash thinks? What if New York tanks ? Who wants Nash now ? His best days are behind him. I can't see big names being pursued till after 2015 season . No space if Murray sticks to his plan of moving 2 to 4 players up a year from our ranks.



Just let things start playing out before you condemn all possibilities.

Again how do you know how Nash thinks? What if New York tanks ? Who wants Nash now ? His best days are behind him. I can't see big names being pursued till after 2015 season . No space if Murray sticks to his plan of moving 2 to 4 players up a year from our ranks.



Just let things start playing out before you condemn all possibilities.
- Maximum Signal

Literally said this like 3 times already, read(reid) more

What if Buffalo wins the cup in 2015? Bet we could get Nash that way as well

Who wants Nash? Probably Sbroads since he brought up the original topic and all I did was offer my opinion. I don't know how Nash thinks but I'm willing to bet a fair bit of money that we wouldn't be on his list in 2015.

Literally said this like 3 times already, read(reid) more

What if Buffalo wins the cup in 2015? Bet we could get Nash that way as well

Who wants Nash? Probably Sbroads since he brought up the original topic and all I did was offer my opinion. I don't know how Nash thinks but I'm willing to bet a fair bit of money that we wouldn't be on his list in 2015.
- Sabresfan-365

To add my $0.02 to this conversation, for Buffalo to get a player of Nash's caliber, we would need to be 2 pieces away from winning and have the number 1 or 2 pick in the draft.

If we can get a guy like McDavid or Eichel, show that we are on the cusp on winning, then a player like Nash or any other top line winger may consider. The issue for the player would likely be that you never know how well a player will translate to the next level. I agree with the point about Crosby. Just because he was highly touted, does not mean that he would have been the player he is. The same can be said about any draft pick, Samson included.

If this team has a chance, we have to look like we are a contender when we add them.

Plausible ways: Reinhart looks impressive, have one of the top picks, Grigorenko and Armia pan out in their call ups, and our system was one player away from stealing games.

TL;DR: It isn't likely that a player will sign/waive to go here without them feeling like the final piece to the puzzle.

Adding the likes of McEichel will not mitigate the chance the GMTM will make mistakes, it will not mitigate the chance that some of our prospects may not realize their potential. What it would do is make the Sabres good enough so that when these maladies do occur, it will not affect the teams future potential as a cup contender. Buffalo would be good enough that a few misses will not matter as much, that we will not need perfect managerial decision making. It will mitigate the importance of mistakes that will be made. Which would be a very nice position to be in.

The Sabres are in a great position. 5 1st round picks in the last 3 years, and 3 more next year. In addition to those we appear to have found some steals in the second and third rounds with players like Lemieux, Compher, McCabe and Baptiste et al. Buffalo has added many good prospects via trade, Hudson Fasching being my favorite. And there are still many players that we will trade that will add to our surpluses of prospects and picks.

IMO the Sabres could be in the makings of a dynasty if they get that superstar in next years draft and hit on their other two first round picks.

2015 1st ... 2015 1st ... Reinhart
Moulson ... Grigorenko ... Armia
Lemieux ... Girgenson ... Fasching
Deslaurier ... Larsson ... Bailey

And we still have Baptiste and Compher who could be top six scoring talents. We have another 2015 1st, we have good young players like Hodgson and Ennis that will be in their primes at that time. And the added prospects and picks from trading players like stafford, stewart and whoever else. We have a great young defense, and some good to great goalie prospects too.

Provided we get that cornerstone piece in this next draft, I think in four years we will have something really special. And with all the depth, it will be maintainable for quite some time.
- SabresPanacea

The way I see it. If any player on the roster is not in my plans in 3 or 4 years. Then I am ready to move them now. My future roster looks something like this:

2015 1st rd pk ... 2015 1st rd pk ... Reinhart
Moulson ... Grigorenko ... Armia
Lemieux ... Girgenson ... Fasching
Deslaurier ... Baptiste ... Bailey there are many others too.

Ristolainen ... Myers
Zadorov ... Pysyk
Mccabe ... Ruhwedel/2015 1st round pick from stl.

Ullmark
Makarov

If a few players(Grigorenko, Armia) don't pan out, I would keep players like ennis and hodgson to fill those roles. And there is also the possibility that other prospects(jt compher) take their place.
- SabresPanacea

Replace Moulson with Ennis, Move Lemieux and Fasching down one line, put Compher where Lemieux was and Baptiste where Fasching was. Maybe switch Pysyk and McCabe, or move Pysyk down and put the St.Louis pick where he is.

Only problem might be sal-cap.

This of course leaves out many good players (Possler, Hurley, Larsson, ect.)
including a high 2nd round pick from the Isles and our own 2nd pick.

Good situation to be in.

Again how do you know how Nash thinks? What if New York tanks ? Who wants Nash now ? His best days are behind him. I can't see big names being pursued till after 2015 season . No space if Murray sticks to his plan of moving 2 to 4 players up a year from our ranks.



Just let things start playing out before you condemn all possibilities.
- Maximum Signal

disagree, due to his current situation

players put up fewer points once they become a ranger (see richards, st. louis, )

I think Nash got 7 points on pp last year, yet 9 game winning goals

many good teams, players for the most part get fewer points, see kings stats, habs and bruin stats)

put nash on the oilers top line or the sharks top line and nash is a ppg player

Replace Moulson with Ennis, Move Lemieux and Fasching down one line, put Compher where Lemieux was and Baptiste where Fasching was. Maybe switch Pysyk and McCabe, or move Pysyk down and put the St.Louis pick where he is.

Only problem might be sal-cap.

This of course leaves out many good players (Possler, Hurley, Larsson, ect.)
including a high 2nd round pick from the Isles and our own 2nd pick.

Good situation to be in.
- Herzeleid

I hope a few prospects are moved for young proven top 6 talent once the team turns the corner

"Yeah, here's what I think. While it's unlikely any of us has a clue about what's inside Darcy's head, and things like the salary cap, NTCs/NMCs, and the declining economy's impact on future revenues make it nearly impossible to trade anyone of any significance, it's not inconceivable that the Sabres could make a mid-season move.

Vanek, Roy, Miller, Pommer are probably not on the block since they represent the young core of this team and are all locked up long-term. We all know Vanek's contract is insane, but given the length and amount of the others, it seems unlikely to me there's a better deal out there. Remember Larry Quinn is a numbers guy, and 5 mil 6 years from now will be looking pretty good. Roy's deal is an especially favorable one for the club. You might even be able to throw Goose into this category b/c his value to the Sabres is high given his hustle and toughness.

Max, Kotalik, and Connolly are popular choices for a change of venue, but their UFA status would mean they'd need to go to a contender for the receiving team to be willing to assume the risk. That said, what's the likelihood of a contender sending the Sabres something worthy of a blockbuster? That's not even taking into account Max sucking for the last 2 years, Kotalik getting a reputation of being lazy, and (Tin) Connolly being more fragile than the leg lamp in A Christmas Story. This, coming from the guy who actually owns a Connolly jersey.

As far as young talent at forward goes, Stafford, MacArthur, Paille are the only roster players in that category. They're all tradable, but not enough to bring in an impact player. To me, the Sabres would need to include one of Mancari, Gerbe, or Kennedy to get another team interested. Possible, though Gerbe seems like he's got a future here.

Lastly, if they're really trying to fix the recent injury problem at defense, they're not going to trade any defensemen. Even still, it's more likely they'll do what they did last year and bring in a veteran like Nolan Pratt to temporarily fill the gap until Weber and Sekera are healthy again (a few weeks?). I haven't looked to see who like that is available, but they found someone last year and could probably do it again.

We Sabres fans have gotten used to the fact that Darcy rarely makes any moves. In fact, who really does anymore? I'd love to be wrong, but not at the expense of 26 / 9 / 30 / 29. You can have Peters. Twice. "

"Yeah, here's what I think. While it's unlikely any of us has a clue about what's inside Darcy's head, and things like the salary cap, NTCs/NMCs, and the declining economy's impact on future revenues make it nearly impossible to trade anyone of any significance, it's not inconceivable that the Sabres could make a mid-season move.

Vanek, Roy, Miller, Pommer are probably not on the block since they represent the young core of this team and are all locked up long-term. We all know Vanek's contract is insane, but given the length and amount of the others, it seems unlikely to me there's a better deal out there. Remember Larry Quinn is a numbers guy, and 5 mil 6 years from now will be looking pretty good. Roy's deal is an especially favorable one for the club. You might even be able to throw Goose into this category b/c his value to the Sabres is high given his hustle and toughness.

Max, Kotalik, and Connolly are popular choices for a change of venue, but their UFA status would mean they'd need to go to a contender for the receiving team to be willing to assume the risk. That said, what's the likelihood of a contender sending the Sabres something worthy of a blockbuster? That's not even taking into account Max sucking for the last 2 years, Kotalik getting a reputation of being lazy, and (Tin) Connolly being more fragile than the leg lamp in A Christmas Story. This, coming from the guy who actually owns a Connolly jersey.

As far as young talent at forward goes, Stafford, MacArthur, Paille are the only roster players in that category. They're all tradable, but not enough to bring in an impact player. To me, the Sabres would need to include one of Mancari, Gerbe, or Kennedy to get another team interested. Possible, though Gerbe seems like he's got a future here.

Lastly, if they're really trying to fix the recent injury problem at defense, they're not going to trade any defensemen. Even still, it's more likely they'll do what they did last year and bring in a veteran like Nolan Pratt to temporarily fill the gap until Weber and Sekera are healthy again (a few weeks?). I haven't looked to see who like that is available, but they found someone last year and could probably do it again.

We Sabres fans have gotten used to the fact that Darcy rarely makes any moves. In fact, who really does anymore? I'd love to be wrong, but not at the expense of 26 / 9 / 30 / 29. You can have Peters. Twice. "
- homiedclown

You get a gold star.

"Yeah, here's what I think. While it's unlikely any of us has a clue about what's inside Darcy's head, and things like the salary cap, NTCs/NMCs, and the declining economy's impact on future revenues make it nearly impossible to trade anyone of any significance, it's not inconceivable that the Sabres could make a mid-season move.

Vanek, Roy, Miller, Pommer are probably not on the block since they represent the young core of this team and are all locked up long-term. We all know Vanek's contract is insane, but given the length and amount of the others, it seems unlikely to me there's a better deal out there. Remember Larry Quinn is a numbers guy, and 5 mil 6 years from now will be looking pretty good. Roy's deal is an especially favorable one for the club. You might even be able to throw Goose into this category b/c his value to the Sabres is high given his hustle and toughness.

Max, Kotalik, and Connolly are popular choices for a change of venue, but their UFA status would mean they'd need to go to a contender for the receiving team to be willing to assume the risk. That said, what's the likelihood of a contender sending the Sabres something worthy of a blockbuster? That's not even taking into account Max sucking for the last 2 years, Kotalik getting a reputation of being lazy, and (Tin) Connolly being more fragile than the leg lamp in A Christmas Story. This, coming from the guy who actually owns a Connolly jersey.

As far as young talent at forward goes, Stafford, MacArthur, Paille are the only roster players in that category. They're all tradable, but not enough to bring in an impact player. To me, the Sabres would need to include one of Mancari, Gerbe, or Kennedy to get another team interested. Possible, though Gerbe seems like he's got a future here.

Lastly, if they're really trying to fix the recent injury problem at defense, they're not going to trade any defensemen. Even still, it's more likely they'll do what they did last year and bring in a veteran like Nolan Pratt to temporarily fill the gap until Weber and Sekera are healthy again (a few weeks?). I haven't looked to see who like that is available, but they found someone last year and could probably do it again.

We Sabres fans have gotten used to the fact that Darcy rarely makes any moves. In fact, who really does anymore? I'd love to be wrong, but not at the expense of 26 / 9 / 30 / 29. You can have Peters. Twice. "
- homiedclown

You know what this awesome blast-from-the-past post proves?

That, as easy as it is to get excited about a young core and young prospects, it's just as easy to fall prey to the illusion that these players are going to bring this team/franchise/city it's overdue glory. I look back on some of these players that were being touted as the saviors here (we may have to throw in a Mancari, Gerbe or Kennedy? lmao), and I want to throw up in my mouth.

I hope to hell that, ten years from now, we're not looking back at the current prospect pool going "what were we thinking?".

That being said, I'm of an optimistic mind - believe it or not - and believe we're on the right track.

Or maybe I'm a sucker.



Go Sabres!

"Yeah, here's what I think. While it's unlikely any of us has a clue about what's inside Darcy's head, and things like the salary cap, NTCs/NMCs, and the declining economy's impact on future revenues make it nearly impossible to trade anyone of any significance, it's not inconceivable that the Sabres could make a mid-season move.

Vanek, Roy, Miller, Pommer are probably not on the block since they represent the young core of this team and are all locked up long-term. We all know Vanek's contract is insane, but given the length and amount of the others, it seems unlikely to me there's a better deal out there. Remember Larry Quinn is a numbers guy, and 5 mil 6 years from now will be looking pretty good. Roy's deal is an especially favorable one for the club. You might even be able to throw Goose into this category b/c his value to the Sabres is high given his hustle and toughness.

Max, Kotalik, and Connolly are popular choices for a change of venue, but their UFA status would mean they'd need to go to a contender for the receiving team to be willing to assume the risk. That said, what's the likelihood of a contender sending the Sabres something worthy of a blockbuster? That's not even taking into account Max sucking for the last 2 years, Kotalik getting a reputation of being lazy, and (Tin) Connolly being more fragile than the leg lamp in A Christmas Story. This, coming from the guy who actually owns a Connolly jersey.

As far as young talent at forward goes, Stafford, MacArthur, Paille are the only roster players in that category. They're all tradable, but not enough to bring in an impact player. To me, the Sabres would need to include one of Mancari, Gerbe, or Kennedy to get another team interested. Possible, though Gerbe seems like he's got a future here.

Lastly, if they're really trying to fix the recent injury problem at defense, they're not going to trade any defensemen. Even still, it's more likely they'll do what they did last year and bring in a veteran like Nolan Pratt to temporarily fill the gap until Weber and Sekera are healthy again (a few weeks?). I haven't looked to see who like that is available, but they found someone last year and could probably do it again.

We Sabres fans have gotten used to the fact that Darcy rarely makes any moves. In fact, who really does anymore? I'd love to be wrong, but not at the expense of 26 / 9 / 30 / 29. You can have Peters. Twice. "
- homiedclown

http://youtu.be/kl0G935UzBw

http://youtu.be/kl0G935UzBw
- Der Kaiser

I named my Russian blue cat after max