deluca67

The Sabres did not need another smallish soft forward no matter what position he played. Anyone who thought Cody Hodgson could fill any need for the Sabres was just wrong. So many people we so enthralled with the idea that he worked out with Gary Roberts and that he played center that they forgot to take a close look at the actual player. Much like Villie Leino. As far as Kassian, my belief that young players with size, grit and some offensive talent will always have value to teams stands firm today, no pun intended. Zach Kassian has value to a team like the Canadians and will bring to them much needed size that can, when healthy, play with top six forwards even though I don't see him as a regular top six forward. I hope Cody Hodgson finds his passion in Nashville. Maybe it's country music or bar-b-que because it sure isn't hockey which was evident four years ago. Kassian has a passion and desire to play this game, which was also evident four years ago, so much so it gets away from him and he loses his head time to time. Either way, please continue to proclaim your "push" while Kassian continues his NHL career and Hodgson continues his path to the Canadian bar leagues where he will regularly be getting out worked and out hustled by 48 year old divorcees.

IMO, I think we are seeing the continuation of the decline of the "free agent frenzy." We've seen stronger expansion draft pools than this years "crop" of free agents.

Don't ruin it for him. ;)

A mere pittance compared to the haul the Sabres got in return for Cody "I work out with Gary Roberts" Hodgson, :blink:

I hear he's really good with puck possession. ;)

:huh:

IMO, what you have described regarding the Hawks is "balance." They manipulate the roster balancing talent and cap space. Paying the mega stars, filling in the roster with veterans as you said and keeping the pipe line constantly flowing with the pool of prospects. When I said "balance" this is more of what I had in mind. It's really a balance of contracts in today's NHL. Long term deals, flexible veteran contracts and entry level contracts.

Lehner is not a proven player. They traded future for potential in that trade. What is being discussed here is Hockey Asset Management 101. What Murray is doing is text book. He has obtained assets to go with those he inherited. He has executed some of the assets into Reinhart & Eichel, he has manipulated some assets by trading picks for prospects and he has converted some assets into NHL players. There is a nice balance in the way he goes about managing the assets of the Buffalo Sabres. I have a great deal of respect for those who are expressing concerns about some of the asset management. It's easy to say "hey just enjoy it." We have gone through some pretty lean times around here lately. Is there any surprise that there is some nervousness regarding the Sabres new found wealth? I can see how some fans can react much like survivors of The Great Depression. I've heard stories of some that lived for decades after The Great Depression as if they were still living in it. Refusing to spend any money and living a very minimalist lifestyle. There is the other side of the coin. The Lottery Winners, those who suddenly find themselves with great wealth and spend without regard or thought for the future. There are always stories out there of former Lottery Winners who find themselves broke because they thought the money could never run out. Tim Murray needs to be somewhere in the middle of the two extremes. The word we heard most under the Regier era was "patience", the word that needs to define the Murray era is "balance." To win a Stanley Cup you need to have a balanced roster. To have long term success you need to balance the Salary Cap ledger. To avoid a repeat of the horrors of the past few seasons is balance the needs of the here and now while setting yourself in a position to re-tool and replenish the pipeline as you go. If Murray is successful we will be entering a golden era in franchise history. If Murray is unsuccessful the reigns will be handed over to another. What it comes down to for me is where was this franchise when Tim Murray took over and where is this franchise right now. I am very happy where the franchise is right now. It's doesn't mean I have to like every trade or draft pick that Tim Murray makes and it doesn't mean I don't have similar concerns that initiated this thread. As a life long fan I am very comfortable with the path this franchise is on and with Tim Murray mapping out that future. I have faith and confidence that a Stanley Cup is in our future. Much sooner than later.

An amazing picture.

And the end of the world begins! :devil:

We can't pretend the 2014-15 season didn't happen.

Any chance Murray double downs on goaltenders this weekend?

Two decent seasons. His 2013-14 seasons is pretty close to the 2014-15 season. An example of consistency. Hopefully Murray is dead on with this one. My concerns won't be quelled until Lehner is in the Blue & Gold winning some games.

I wouldn't make that type of investment. Maybe a conditional 2nd based on performance.

Lack is also the better goaltender. Looking at what Murray has built on the forward ranks, Lack would have given the Sabres a better chance to do some serious winning. IMO, we will likely still be looking for a goaltender over the next few years. I have a feeling it is going to mirror what's going on with the Bills and their search for a QB. At this point Lehner is equivalent to Manual.

Locker room presence? Didn't Murray just say Lehner's game was effected by not being the #1 goalie? Isn't that pouting? Is that a strong locker room presence?

If you buy a brand new car for $21,000 and your neighbor buys a newer year/model car a day later for $3,700 it wouldn't bother you?

It's a great day for the millions of gay/lesbian Christians in this Country.

If Lack only garners a 3rd and a 7th, #21 is ridiculous.

Any interest in Loui Eriksson as a one year "rental?" A 4.25 cap hit and he'd give the Sabre some more scoring on the wing to go with Moulson and Ennis.

They could have "drafted" a better "NHL-ready goalie" for apparently a fraction of the price. Being "his guy" is what drove the price up for Lehner into the ridiculous IMO,

Practically free compared to the price the Sabres paid. Lack actually will make less than Lehner this year.

Carolina is getting Lack from Vancouver for a 3rd this year and a 7th next year. Makes the Lehner trade sting a bit more.

Long term I agree. Question is does the acquisition of Soderberg, with another move or two down the line, get the Av's back into the playoffs in an extremely competitive Western Conference?

I'd take Williams and Sekera on short term deals, nothing longer than 2 years. Stewart on the other hand, I would go longer term if it took that to get a deal done. I'd put him on the third line and drop Foligno to the fourth where he will have a greater impact.