Peter

I think so. Look at the goalie trade market in recent years. Also, even we managed to put three goalies on the ice last year who had better save percentages and one about the same as Lehner. According to the Hockey News, Ottawa HAD to trade Lehner or Anderson given their $ situation and other goalies in their system. They also needed to unload a contract like Legwand's. After characterizing the trade as an "obvious win" for Ottawa, the Hockey News' closing comment: "But the first-round pick… yikes. Considering how badly the Sens needed to move Lehner, and how much removing Legwand helps their finances, shouldn’t Buffalo have had a bit more leverage here?" http://www.thehockeynews.com/blog/senators-trade-lehner-legwand-to-sabres-bryan-murray-continues-to-win-the-off-season/ I REALLY hope I am wrong about this trade, but I think we gave up too much given today's goalie market and the leverage we had with Ottawa. My two cents - Murray the elder won this deal.

Darcy v. GMTM Complaint about Darcy (e.g., Bucky) - Darcy would turn down trade opportunities because he never wanted to overpay for a player (or be accused of overpaying for a player). GMTM - has no problem paying more than the market for players (my opinion). I have to believe that we could have gotten Lehner (or someone who can give us the same production) without having to give up the 21st pick in the draft AND taking on salary to give the other team cap relief.

It is VERY difficult to like this deal. It seems that we overpaid for a goaltender (given the recent market for even better goalies and Lehner's recent injury) and did Ottawa a favor. I really hope that GMTM pulled off a great deal in the end, but he sure has a habit (in my opinion) of trading more than one should (again my opinion) when he is fixated on a player. In the end, how much will Lehner give us compared to other goalies already in the organization (or free agents) and who we could have had with the 21st pick. Just my two cents.

I was able to get two tickets. It should be fun.

I also would be pissed if the Sabres traded Zadorov.

I live down here in Florida. I am actually thinking about trying to go to the draft. I have never been and given Eichel and having two firsts, I thought it might be fun. Is anyone else planning on going?

Thanks. That would explain it.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know why John Wawrow felt compelled to apologize publicly to Paul Hamilton on Twitter after the DB introductory press conference?

Careful? How can that be? The rule did not even exist at the time. They were being "polite" by saying that he was "relieved" which is a euphemism for being fired. Here is the press release you link: Dan Bylsma has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Jim Rutherford. Bylsma had coached the Penguins for five-plus seasons, compiling a record of 252-117-32 and leading the team to the Stanley Cup in 2009. “Dan is a good man and a good coach, but I thought we needed a change in direction moving forward,” Rutherford said. “I have no doubt that he will go on to be a head coach in the National Hockey League and have success. The search for our new head coach will begin immediately.” “We want to thank Dan for everything he has done for the Penguins organization,” co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said in a joint statement. “He’ll always be remembered as a big part of Pittsburgh sports history for his role in our Stanley Cup championship in 2009. We wish all the best to him and his family.” Assistant coaches Tony Granato, Todd Reirden and Jacques Martin, goaltending coach Mike Bales and video coordinator Andy Saucier will be evaluated by Rutherford and the incoming head coach. Rutherford will evaluate the remainder of the hockey operations staff.

Somebody better tell these guys he was not "fired." http://www.si.com/nhl/home-ice/2014/06/06/coach-dan-bylsma-fired-by-new-penguins-gm-in-disgraceful-move http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/11042111/pittsburgh-penguins-fire-coach-dan-bylsma-hire-gm-jim-rutherford http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/dan-bylsma-fired-by-pittsburgh-penguins-and-new-gm-jim-rutherford-170900554.html http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2088569-dan-bylsma-fired-by-pittsburgh-penguins-latest-details-and-reaction http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/06/06/penguins-fire-head-coach-dan-bylsma/ http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/penguins/2014/06/06/Rutherford-could-be-tapped-for-Penguins-general-manager-post/stories/201406060201

Someone on twitter brought up an interesting point - Pittsburgh fired him BEFORE the rule was adopted.

FWIW - Barry Melrose mentioned Gilbert last night when reviewing a highlight of Kane. Essentially, he said that he thought that Kane is the most exciting player in hockey today and that both he and Gilbert have/had the ability to make you look like a fool trying to defend them.

I still remember the expectation and energy in the aud every time he would skate behind our net to get the puck and accelerate up the ice and fake out opposing players.

FWIW - Mike Bacock: "Terry Pegula is a superstar." http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2015/05/22/video-emotional-babcock-says-good-bye-to-detroit/

Were there "layers of people" around the Pegulas when they personally took MB on a tour? Clearly not. This is a non issue that the News loves to bring up now and again.

I was hoping he would sign with the Sabres. I am disappointed he did not. It does look like he played us. It is what it is. There is nothing we can do about it other than enjoy beating the Leafs even more. He is now the HC of the Leafs so I feel about him the same way I feel about the Leafs. Go Sabres!

Wow. I had no idea. Horrible.

I would hope that not including Moulson and Gorges is no reflection on the Sabres' intentions going forward with those two. I presume that the focus was on the youth.

Emilia and these two . . . like having the top three picks in the draft.

5-11-14-6

It is funny that you should use this phrase given the rumor from his first stint regarding Muckler's desk (if I recall correctly).

I think there is some truth to this. There are those in Buffalo who will always have a soft spot in their hearts for TN. Those people also seem to ignore his history: TN's history with Muckler. Whatever happened to sour his relationship with Hasek. (Someone complained about an earlier poster repeating something that every Buffalo sports fan who has not lived in a cave has heard a million times). Whatever actually happened, it certainly did not sit well with Hasek. TN not returning DR's calls. TN quickly wearing out his welcome on the Island. GMTM gave him a multi year extension. To me that indicated thatTM had an open mind about TN. For whatever reason, their relationship was not as good as presumably both would have liked (given comments by both). When that happens (and in light of the above history), it is time to cut bait. This is especially so if the GM does not think that the HC is the guy to develop young players. Even those who love TN have to admit that TN is not what one would call a great strategist etc. His whole MO is "compete level." That is what we love about Ted Nolan. Yet, the question is whether that is enough in today's NHL or with this team. I suppose how you answer that question probably is predictive of how you feel about the events of today. P.S. As for the Bills hiring Rex, I love the hire (and I also am a long time out-of-town season ticket holder).

Interesting that when Bucky's buddy PLF left, GMTM stayed. The fact that GMTM stayed (as well as PLF's short tenure on the Island) is further evidence that Bucky just has an axe to grind with the Pegulas. In fact, this is less about him being sexist and more about him being a first class ######.

If I spent millions of dollars on a sports team (NHL, NFL etc.), I darn well would be involved. Why anyone would expect something different from an owner of a multimillion dollar business - whether it is Apple, the Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bills, or any other business - is beyond me. We are fortunate that the Pegulas decided to buy the Sabres and reportedly want to buy the Bills. They have done more for Buffalo than just about anyone I can think of. Bucky, Sully etc. should not be surprised that they have burned their bridges with both the Bills and Sabres given some of the BS they have written. I will take Terry and Kim Pegula any day of the week over Bucky, Sully, and Harrington. Just my two cents.

That makes sense given that he clearly has taken sides with PLF. Bucky lost his one source. Poor Bucky.