If the goal is to make a run at 8th place, then sign Franson.

If the goal is to be a perennial contender in 2-3 years, then just be patient.
- sbroads24

If the goal is to be in the lottery for Matthews, trade for Scuderi.

Rudy may never be a full time NHL defenseman, could go either way. Franson helps the PP out a lot, is a decent PK, and hits (led all nhl dmen in hits last year; 282). He's a solid 3-4 and if signed for 3/$15 will be gone when the youngsters are ready to take over. No brainer IMHO.

BTW Michael, you just couldn't let the last thread get to 2,000 could you!!

If the goal is to make a run at 8th place, then sign Franson.

If the goal is to be a perennial contender in 2-3 years, then just be patient.
- sbroads24

If you sign him for 3/$15, you can do both.

If the goal is to be in the lottery for Matthews, trade for Scuderi.
- jfkst1

With the moves made this offseason I don't think that is the goal

why?
- Michael Pachla

He isn't that good and belongs in the AHL, i'm done with patch work players it's time to move this team in the right direction.

Are you hearing anything on Franson?
- Cup Crazy '07

Nope

With the moves made this offseason I don't think that is the goal
- Stripes77

If they extend Weber than we are trying to tank...

Jake McCabe will show in Training Camp that he is NHL ready for 40-60 Games 5-6 Pairing and working his way up or down based upon his play.

Sometimes you just have place a challenge in front of a talented young man and let him show that he has what it takes. I believe he does.

If the goal is to make a run at 8th place, then sign Franson.

If the goal is to be a perennial contender in 2-3 years, then just be patient.
- sbroads24

I agree. Playoffs would be great but no need to rush it if the right deal isn't there. I say if Franson will sign for 2 years fine, if not just wait it out. Starting the year with this D core wouldn't be the worst thing.

Jake McCabe will show in Training Camp that he is NHL ready for 40-60 Games 5-6 Pairing and working his way up or down based upon his play.

Sometimes you just have place a challenge in front of a talented young man and let him show that he has what it takes. I believe he does.
- MEBSabresFAN

Possibly, maybe even probable but they'll probably treat him like they did Pysyk. He'll get top line minutes in Rochester most of the year instead of 3rd line minutes in Buffalo - better for development

If they extend Weber than we are trying to tank...
- jochfr

I know its cute to mock Mike Weber, but I don't think he deserves the virtriol we place upon him. I was not happy with his narrow sited opinion towards the end of last year but I don't need him to have a General Manager Wide scope in his playing passion. He has always given 110% effort and was playing out of position in the 1-4 pairings. When he is playing in the "right" spot, 5-6, with Penalty Killing he can be very capable.

or just wait it out...why reach for franson at this time of year?
- Michael Pachla

Imo i think his journey back to the preds is the reason he doesnt have a (big/any)deal yet. Looked awful in a strong nashville d corps.
He did look alright with the leafs and i wouldnt be crushed if he sign here but if possible
I hope the sabres wait it out and try and hit on a cap stressed team like the Islanders did last year. Buy low and try and resign the player over the season

I know its cute to mock Mike Weber, but I don't think he deserves the virtriol we place upon him. I was not happy with his narrow sited opinion towards the end of last year but I don't need him to have a General Manager Wide scope in his playing passion. He has always given 110% effort and was playing out of position in the 1-4 pairings. When he is playing in the "right" spot, 5-6, with Penalty Killing who is very capable.
- MEBSabresFAN

Agree 100% he has never been required or paid to be a top 4 guy..so when you put him in the top 4 you see why

Rudy may never be a full time NHL defenseman, could go either way. Franson helps the PP out a lot, is a decent PK, and hits (led all nhl dmen in hits last year; 282). He's a solid 3-4 and if signed for 3/$15 will be gone when the youngsters are ready to take over. No brainer IMHO.

BTW Michael, you just couldn't let the last thread get to 2,000 could you!!
- turbo044

Is slow as (frank)

I know its cute to mock Mike Weber, but I don't think he deserves the virtriol we place upon him. I was not happy with his narrow sited opinion towards the end of last year but I don't need him to have a General Manager Wide scope in his playing passion. He has always given 110% effort and was playing out of position in the 1-4 pairings. When he is playing in the "right" spot, 5-6, with Penalty Killing he can be very capable.
- MEBSabresFAN

His heart can't be questioned but his skill, or lack there of, certainly can. He has one of the worst, maybe the worst possession #s in the nhl for defensemen. On a contending team he simply isn't on the roster, and I think they trade him at the deadline this year if there are any takers.

Is slow as (frank)
- grand-magus

Not any slower than Gorges, Weber, Rudy, Bog, plus his first outlet pass is better, he's bigger, he hits more and is better on the PP than any of the those 4.

Not any slower than Gorges, Weber, Rudy, Bog, plus his first outlet pass is better, he's bigger, he hits more and is better on the PP than any of the those 4.
- turbo044

This is subjective. It is a stat that is kept differently in every building. According to many Toronto fans, hits are given out like candy in their building.

Pass on Franson, he's not worth it. Let Pysyk and Risto play the left side in camp and see how they do. If a LD gets put on waivers after camp and it's worth it, pick them up. Let McCabe earn his spot at camp.

Rudy may never be a full time NHL defenseman, could go either way. Franson helps the PP out a lot, is a decent PK, and hits (led all nhl dmen in hits last year; 282). He's a solid 3-4 and if signed for 3/$15 will be gone when the youngsters are ready to take over. No brainer IMHO.

BTW Michael, you just couldn't let the last thread get to 2,000 could you!!
- turbo044

is he a solid 3/4?...or more like a decent second-pairing with some offense to his game?

personally, I have always thought Franson was overrated

big thing for me is, why the rush?

Imo i think his journey back to the preds is the reason he doesnt have a (big/any)deal yet. Looked awful in a strong nashville d corps.
He did look alright with the leafs and i wouldnt be crushed if he sign here but if possible
I hope the sabres wait it out and try and hit on a cap stressed team like the Islanders did last year. Buy low and try and resign the player over the season
- yen6d1

Tampa may be a team to look at. Calgary isn't cap strapped yet but have many guys to sign next season including Giordano (I'd love to get him) and Russell both Lefties.

Not any slower than Gorges, Weber, Rudy, Bog, plus his first outlet pass is better, he's bigger, he hits more and is better on the PP than any of the those 4.
- turbo044

Bogo isn't slow. His skating ability is one of his best assets.

He isn't that good and belongs in the AHL, i'm done with patch work players it's time to move this team in the right direction.
- SABRES 89

and franson does that for you?...

not directed at you, 89, but not sure where all these fantasies about making the playoffs this season come from...

the sabres finished with 54 points last season 44 points behind the 8th place Pittsburgh penguins...

right now they'd be lucky to increase their total by 25-30 points which would be right around 12th/13th...adding franson will not help this team add much more, imo

Pass on Franson, he's not worth it. Let Pysyk and Risto play the left side in camp and see how they do. If a LD gets put on waivers after camp and it's worth it, pick them up. Let McCabe earn his spot at camp.
- mhp

While I believe Pysyk will be a good 3/4 do you really want to just place him there?

I feel he will be there eventually but that was exactly why I wanted a guy like Oduya for 2-3 years.

Imo i think his journey back to the preds is the reason he doesnt have a (big/any)deal yet. Looked awful in a strong nashville d corps.
He did look alright with the leafs and i wouldnt be crushed if he sign here but if possible
I hope the sabres wait it out and try and hit on a cap stressed team like the Islanders did last year. Buy low and try and resign the player over the season
- yen6d1

couldn't agree more

Not any slower than Gorges, Weber, Rudy, Bog, plus his first outlet pass is better, he's bigger, he hits more and is better on the PP than any of the those 4.
- turbo044

I'd rather have Franson than Gorges and Weber but can we get him signed to the right deal.