Archives for June 2002

'Hasek tired of playing the role of savior. The Sabres had become overly dependent on his magic and unwilling, or financially unable, to adequately compliment his skills. His value to them was as a drawing card capable of performing the miraculous and fostering a thinly stretched sense of hope.' … [Read more...] about Hasek takes driver's seat in Cup win

'Although few details of the meeting were made available, NHL spokeswoman Bernadette Mansur referred to it as "a very good session." "There's no hard news coming out of it, but it was an update to all parties and an agreement to continue in communication," said Mansur, adding she was not aware of any further meetings scheduled between the two … [Read more...] about NHL favors Sabres stay in Buffalo

'Bill Savino's advice to the Rigases: "That team's not worth $200 hundred million. There's nothing there for you. Let the NHL take it over, sell it, and you worry about your other problems because you've got plenty."' … [Read more...] about NHL, Adelphia to discuss future of Sabres

'While Bettman would prefer not to have the league take over the franchise, such a takeover may be the most feasible way of finding new owners, sources close to the Sabres' situation say. Otherwise, any potential investors in the Sabres would have to buy the team directly from John J. Rigas and sidestep all the financial and legal land mines - including expected … [Read more...] about NHL may take over Sabres

'Sources also told FOXSports.com that the league has been active behind the scenes in moving to protect the league's interest in this matter and that the league does not want to be put in a position of having to operate the team while a buyer is sought or while the club or the parent company might be in bankruptcy proceedings. The best way to go about accomplishing … [Read more...] about NHL to look into Sabres mess

'Erie County Executive Joel Giambra wouldn't divulge the group's members, but said Wednesday that it is mostly comprised of local business people intent on keeping the franchise in Buffalo.' … [Read more...] about Erie County Executive: Buffalo group interested in buying Sabres

'According to the Wall Street Journal, the league and Adelphia officials will meet Thursday to discuss the team's financial situation.' … [Read more...] about NHL May Force Take Over of Sabres

'Bernadette Mansur, NHL group vice president of communications, said the league believes the lease agreement is fairly airtight. "It is a complex situation," Mansur said. "But no one has to worry about the future of the Sabres in Buffalo."' … [Read more...] about Bankruptcy would test Sabres' arena lease

'One major hurdle is the price. The Rigases apparently piled up $150 million in debt on the Sabres' books, but the franchise is worth about $35 million less. The Rigases would want to clear out as much debt as possible, but any prospective owners will not want to pay higher than the market price.' … [Read more...] about Maurice makes miraculous escape from gallows

'The year before switching uniforms, the Sabres ranked 24th in merchandise sales in the NHL. Their first season in their new attire in new HSBC Arena, they rocketed to seventh and have remained in the top 10 ever since.' … [Read more...] about Sabres' new look spiked sales, too

'However, the league's support comes with a condition. Bettman made it clear, that with all the talk of the Sabres' problems, fans must support the franchise. In other words, buy tickets.' … [Read more...] about Talk of Sabres Leaving Buffalo Because of Adelphia Problems May Be Premature

'"I have been in touch with the Rigases. I have been in touch with Erland Kailbourne, who is acting chairman of Adelphia. We're not looking to do anything precipitous," Bettman said. "They have a whole lot of issues that they are dealing with. There are a whole lot of allegations, but we are closely monitoring it because if at some point it becomes … [Read more...] about Bettman says with support, Sabres stay

'The defenceman said his decision wasn't only monetary, but had to do with the team's general interest in his career. "I hadn't met with Buffalo since September," he said. "So they didn't show they were interested in me."' … [Read more...] about Dicaire playing waiting game

'The NHL is accustomed to franchise shifts and, outside the 716 area code, there won't be a lot of crying if the Sabres fall on their sword.' … [Read more...] about Sabres could be living on borrowed time

'McMorrow's stats speak volumes on the type of forward he is. In 176 games, the 6-foot-4, 210-pounder had six goals and eight assists with 443 penalty minutes.' … [Read more...] about McMorrow, Gaustad sign deals with Sabres