Jeremy Laura: I don’t get understand - Sabres

The reality for all of the bad teams in the NHL is rebuilding is hard.

It's part of the reason why it is so detrimental that the NHL has produced a lottery system that allows somewhat more competitive teams to acquire the top draft picks.

IRONICALLY, part of the reason for this is because of the exactly horrific tanking done by the Buffalo Sabers. There does need to be some safety in place to discourage tanking. But potentially letting the 16th best team to get the #1 pick every year isn't good. Not to mention the clown show the league has allowed with this play in. The league should be trying to put more talent on struggling franchises.

For this year it is UTTERLY INSANE that the league has told 7 franchises to (frank) off and not resume hockey but allowed 8 additional teams into the playoffs and remain eligible for the top pick.

Part of the problem in Buffalo is owners trying to be GM's. Nobody questions the Pegula's passion for sports in general or hockey, but they are obviously not qualified to be running the team like they are. They need to hire a top-rate GM like Yzerman and stand back - let the GM be a GM. Mrs. Pegula is trying to juggle too many responsibilities and they just need to step back from meddling in operations and just sign the checks.

Case in point, Tampa's owner Jeff Vinik. Completely hands off. He probably doesn't know a whole lot about hockey or micro-managing a hockey team, but he's a savvy businessman who knows who to build profitable enterprises. He hired the best GM candidate available (Yzerman) and then gave Yzerman a free hand to run the team. All Vinik does is sign checks and lots of them. The Pegulas could learn from that.

The reality for all of the bad teams in the NHL is rebuilding is hard.

It's part of the reason why it is so detrimental that the NHL has produced a lottery system that allows somewhat more competitive teams to acquire the top draft picks.

IRONICALLY, part of the reason for this is because of the exactly horrific tanking done by the Buffalo Sabers. There does need to be some safety in place to discourage tanking. But potentially letting the 16th best team to get the #1 pick every year isn't good. Not to mention the clown show the league has allowed with this play in. The league should be trying to put more talent on struggling franchises.

For this year it is UTTERLY INSANE that the league has told 7 franchises to (frank) off and not resume hockey but allowed 8 additional teams into the playoffs and remain eligible for the top pick.
- Queenie_5_hole

I appreciate that insight. There is some luck that needs to be had, but also people who have a solid vision. Even with all of that, it can fall short. I was excited for New Jersey last year, I thought it would be one heck of a year. It didn’t pan out, and it was a bit surprising. Tough setback

Part of the problem in Buffalo is owners trying to be GM's. Nobody questions the Pegula's passion for sports in general or hockey, but they are obviously not qualified to be running the team like they are. They need to hire a top-rate GM like Yzerman and stand back - let the GM be a GM. Mrs. Pegula is trying to juggle too many responsibilities and they just need to step back from meddling in operations and just sign the checks.

Case in point, Tampa's owner Jeff Vinik. Completely hands off. He probably doesn't know a whole lot about hockey or micro-managing a hockey team, but he's a savvy businessman who knows who to build profitable enterprises. He hired the best GM candidate available (Yzerman) and then gave Yzerman a free hand to run the team. All Vinik does is sign checks and lots of them. The Pegulas could learn from that.
- GalacticStone

That’s an interesting point. Mr Ilitch very rarely stepped in and allowed the GMs and coaches to work together. He did keep Yzerman from being traded after 1995 (grateful he did) but otherwise it was at the discretion of leadership. Mr. Pegula’s passion for the Sabres was so encouraging (he even got a bit misty eyed at his press conference) but that passion can be a detriment. It stinks, because there are always owners who don’t seem to do much of anything. That support is so crucial. Mr Vinik has done a lot of good things, and trusting his staff is one of the best moves he’s made. Well put

You are not the only one, the bad thing is they have some good pieces they never seem to find the ones to compliment them.

very good insight, mike harrington is an idiot loves to complain and start poop everywhere, if it wasnt for the pegulas there would no longer be any buffalo sabres, also true buffalo sabres want no part of trading jack eichel, and i really dont believe he wants to be traded i think he wants to prove he can win here and that he is not afraid of speaking up to the media when thiings are not going right, the pegulas found the right formula with the bills lets hope and pray they have found the right formula with the sabres, i am 55 years old and i am not giving up on them

Teams that bank the entire rebuild on top 10 picks fail(Buffalo, Edmonton). Teams that scout well enough to get players out of the second round and beyond so they actually have depth, succeed(Chicago, Pittsburgh).

The issue in Buffalo is the Pegula's and, oddly, their cash flow which is drying up quickly.

They've made it clear they're willing to sink the Sabres in order to maintain their lifestyle.

The reality for all of the bad teams in the NHL is rebuilding is hard.

It's part of the reason why it is so detrimental that the NHL has produced a lottery system that allows somewhat more competitive teams to acquire the top draft picks.

IRONICALLY, part of the reason for this is because of the exactly horrific tanking done by the Buffalo Sabers. There does need to be some safety in place to discourage tanking. But potentially letting the 16th best team to get the #1 pick every year isn't good. Not to mention the clown show the league has allowed with this play in. The league should be trying to put more talent on struggling franchises.

For this year it is UTTERLY INSANE that the league has told 7 franchises to (frank) off and not resume hockey but allowed 8 additional teams into the playoffs and remain eligible for the top pick.
- Queenie_5_hole

All teams tank at some point.

Toronto did it
Pitt did it
Chicago Did it
Detroit did it
Ottawa did it
Edmonton Did it
Buffalo did it
Washington did it
etc etc

Pitt will do it again
Chicago will do it again

There is no difference between tanking/rebuilding.

Whatever you want to call it, it is trading away your best, older players for draft picks and prospects at hope of a brighter future. The team is going to be bad for 3 years and then on the rise, is normally the plan.

very good insight, mike harrington is an idiot loves to complain and start poop everywhere, if it wasnt for the pegulas there would no longer be any buffalo sabres, also true buffalo sabres want no part of trading jack eichel, and i really dont believe he wants to be traded i think he wants to prove he can win here and that he is not afraid of speaking up to the media when thiings are not going right, the pegulas found the right formula with the bills lets hope and pray they have found the right formula with the sabres, i am 55 years old and i am not giving up on them
- warsawkid

It’s a rare owner that really is in it for the love of a team/franchise above and beyond the numbers. Mike Ilitch saved a chunk of Detroit when things were bad. I don’t doubt for a moment that the Pegulas want to be a part of a new glory day in Buffalo. The team isn’t a “pet project” or “toy” for him. The passion and finances just need to be corralled by someone with great vision to help with the construct

You are not the only one, the bad thing is they have some good pieces they never seem to find the ones to compliment them.
- Buff36

It’s odd that, at times, superstar players have a tough time with chemistry. You’ll see guys like Crosby or Malkin stick up for a linemate that others think is easily replaceable. Finding that formula makes a huge difference. Eichel is so fast and good in tight. The perfect linemate is going to be able to keep up (not easy) and create space. For defenders to pick their poison and leave someone open

The issue in Buffalo is the Pegula's and, oddly, their cash flow which is drying up quickly.

They've made it clear they're willing to sink the Sabres in order to maintain their lifestyle.
- BINGO!

I disagree, but respectfully. I really feel like they want the best for that team. It just doesn’t translate. Skinner’s new deal, as far as I can tell, was pushed through by ownership more than the GM. They certainly don’t mind spending, as far as I can tell

All teams tank at some point.

Toronto did it
Pitt did it
Chicago Did it
Detroit did it
Ottawa did it
Edmonton Did it
Buffalo did it
Washington did it
etc etc

Pitt will do it again
Chicago will do it again

There
is no difference between tanking/rebuilding.

Whatever you want to call it, it is trading away your best, older players for draft picks and prospects at hope of a brighter future. The team is going to be bad for 3 years and then on the rise, is normally the plan.
- ImThatGuy

Agreed. Detroit avoided pain for a long time by purchasing talent. Post salary cap era, many could see that when Lidstrom retired, things would come unhinged fairly quickly. What an incredible impact our star players had and they are sorely missed

Agreed. Detroit avoided pain for a long time by purchasing talent. Post salary cap era, many could see that when Lidstrom retired, things would come unhinged fairly quickly. What an incredible impact our star players had and they are sorely missed
- Jeremy Laura

Yes they did, and it absolutely was obvious it happened.

San Jose should follow suit.
Along with Chicago.
Pitt should sell high on Malkin/Letang
LA has a huge head start and should consider moving Doughty/Kopitar/Carter Etc.

Sell your players (Tank or rebuild for 2-3 years), get a crap ton of assets in return and rebuild the prospect pool, and young talent.

Agreed. Detroit avoided pain for a long time by purchasing talent. Post salary cap era, many could see that when Lidstrom retired, things would come unhinged fairly quickly. What an incredible impact our star players had and they are sorely missed
- Jeremy Laura

Without a doubt this is true, however, you also cannot neglect the role that quality roster depth plays. EDM is a prime example. Say what you will about some of their draft picks, they had a lot of high end talent for a number of years. The problem was that they didn't have the depth down the lineup to compete. Considering the way that playing time is divided, depth may be more important to hockey than any other sport.

I think with the way the lottery is run "tanking" is not really a viable method to rebuild. The worst team gets a <20% chance of getting that top pick. Combine that with the cap and movement restrictions in contracts, and it becomes increasingly difficult to take the time necessary to build a winning team. Then, when you get there, it is nearly impossible to keep it going.

Stevie has no choice but to be patient. He knows it will be a long & painful road. Fortunes can change quickly in 3yrs or more & short cuts are not the answer. Some key short term vets needed while the kids progress. One piece at a time while rebuilding the foundation.

not hard to figure out. its the owners..

I disagree, but respectfully. I really feel like they want the best for that team. It just doesn’t translate. Skinner’s new deal, as far as I can tell, was pushed through by ownership more than the GM. They certainly don’t mind spending, as far as I can tell
- Jeremy Laura

I may be wrong, but from talking to Sabres fans it sure seems that way.

Like, telling your employees that maintaining your personal lifestyle is equally important to winning championships maybe doesn't send the best message?

I've heard from many who say the in game experience in Buffalo has gone downhill several years in a row. That the Pegulas put a bunch of cash into the arena at the beginning and haven't done much since.

I dunno, they seem like they can't really get out of their own way most of the time and the current economic situation impacting their other businesses it's only exacerbated the situation.

Part of the problem in Buffalo is owners trying to be GM's. Nobody questions the Pegula's passion for sports in general or hockey, but they are obviously not qualified to be running the team like they are. They need to hire a top-rate GM like Yzerman and stand back - let the GM be a GM. Mrs. Pegula is trying to juggle too many responsibilities and they just need to step back from meddling in operations and just sign the checks.

Case in point, Tampa's owner Jeff Vinik. Completely hands off. He probably doesn't know a whole lot about hockey or micro-managing a hockey team, but he's a savvy businessman who knows who to build profitable enterprises. He hired the best GM candidate available (Yzerman) and then gave Yzerman a free hand to run the team. All Vinik does is sign checks and lots of them. The Pegulas could learn from that.
- GalacticStone

You hire ppl to do a job & let them do it. 👍
I doubt he did the hiring after hiring the pres.

Yes they did, and it absolutely was obvious it happened.

San Jose should follow suit.
Along with Chicago.
Pitt should sell high on Malkin/Letang
LA has a huge head start and should consider moving Doughty/Kopitar/Carter Etc.

Sell your players (Tank or rebuild for 2-3 years), get a crap ton of assets in return and rebuild the prospect pool, and young talent.
- ImThatGuy

It's not always that simple these days. In this particular case, Toews, Kane, Seabrook, and Keith all have NMC's. All of them have insisted that they have no desire to go anywhere. I know that is not the end-all-be-all, but it is a significant hindrance to doing what you say.

Teams that bank the entire rebuild on top 10 picks fail(Buffalo, Edmonton). Teams that scout well enough to get players out of the second round and beyond so they actually have depth, succeed(Chicago, Pittsburgh).
- DarthProbert

So many facets to building a team. 👍

It's not always that simple these days. In this particular case, Toews, Kane, Seabrook, and Keith all have NMC's. All of them have insisted that they have no desire to go anywhere. I know that is not the end-all-be-all, but it is a significant hindrance to doing what you say.
- Chunk

Doint get me started on NMC/NTC clauses.

The NHL needs to put in rules to protect the teams from being that dumb.

Players gain NMT/NTC as they accrue time.

3 years 5 team list
5 years 10 team list
10 years 15 team list

So many facets to building a team. 👍
- Nighthawk

but its not entirely true at all.

Without Malkin Crosby the pens are not successful
without Toews/Kane the Hawks are not that successful

yea you need to draft well in rds 2-3, but you need the top end talent, and that is found at the top of the draft 99% of the time

All teams tank at some point.

Toronto did it
Pitt did it
Chicago Did it
Detroit did it
Ottawa did it
Edmonton Did it
Buffalo did it
Washington did it
etc etc

Pitt will do it again
Chicago will do it again

There is no difference between tanking/rebuilding.

Whatever you want to call it, it is trading away your best, older players for draft picks and prospects at hope of a brighter future. The team is going to be bad for 3 years and then on the rise, is normally the plan.
- ImThatGuy

There is no problem with teams selling off assets to reload for the future; and I don't think anyone ever has a problem with that. It's when you have a few teams trying to lose games on purpose to secure the top draft pick that it becomes a problem. How many of those teams you list intentionally lost, I don't know.

Regardless of intent, the lottery is suppose to address that. It's not suppose to be a way to award the top pick to clubs that aren't struggling.