deluca67

I would think getting a talented 21 year old that is locked in for the next 6 years makes any deal "tolerable."

That would be a big signing for the Sens. Grabovski, Filpula and Briere would all be huge mistakes if the Sabres were able to sign any of them. These are the type of players you pick up if the plan is to continue what the Sabres have been doing, hanging around 9th, 10th or 11th in hopes of sneaking into the playoffs. There just isn't much available for a team like the Sabres in this free agent class.

Amen! :angel:

He's a Drew Stafford clone, even wears the same number. I got 35 cents that says he ends up in Ottawa.

I read this and laugh my ass off, and it's a pretty big ass. Unless there was an announcement I missed I am going to assume that the NHL is going to continue to hold a draft next year and the years to follow.

A steal for the Maple Leafs.

I'd like to see the Sabres jump back into the first round for Erne or Gauthier.

Yes! Thank You!

Let me start by saying I pretty much agree with what you are saying. You don't build a foundation of success with players with decaying skills. Look at it another way, don't look at a mass of free agent signings as a foundation. Think of it as a tarp or fencing to cover up while you build your foundation with the prospects and draft picks. The advantage of free agents is that they only asset you burn is money. Your first step towards recovery is admitting you have a problem. Good Luck :thumbsup:

Are Bishop and Linback better goalies than Ryan Miller right now? If Tampa is interested in winning right now than Miller will be an option. Despite your protests, Tampa is as good a fit for Miller as any team in the East.

"Assumptions?" Sure, if "assumptions" mean an accurate assessment of a players lack of talent. It's been 79 games in a Sabre uniform and $21 mil wasted. There is no need to "assume", the play speaks for it's self.

"Crusade?" No! A whole lot of wishful thinking. Yes! It's no different then those who can't wait until Stafford is gone. Stafford, who is a better hockey player at a cheaper price than Leino. Montreal makes the most sense. They have enough to believe they are close to that next level, Vinny and Briere could bring them closer to contending for a Cup.

Than they should LTIR him. Leino is a Connolly like albatross, only without the talent.

They should do what ever they can to move Stafford and Leino. Can't they get a doctor to say Leino is healthy or pay part of his salary?

Eleven posted the perfect example. It's not a move that advances the franchise towards being a contender. It's a move you make more for the buzz it will create.

Exactly. It will excite some fans and sell some tickets. Not much more.

The Sabres could keep Vanek and Miller and move out $8.5 mil in dead cap space by either buying out or burying Stafford and Leino. Add some free agents and you may be able to sneak into the playoffs next year. It wouldn't make the Sabres a contender, just more of the same.

This was my biggest concern when I read about the buyout. Vinny doesn't make the Sabres a playoff team let alone a Cup contender. Vinny to the Sabres smells like desperation.

Vinny for free or Vanek for a package possibly including a #1 and a top prospect. Straight up I'd take Vanek, factor in the cost of Vanek and I think Vinny becomes the better option. Especially considering Vanek will be a pending UFA.

They have the NHL's #1 goal scorer & Marty St. Louis, they are a lot closer than the Sabres. Trade for Miller and move two of three "young goalies".

This could hurt the market for Vanek. Teams looking to add a top line forward will look to Vinny who they can acquire without giving up assets.

Making room for Ryan Miller?

I don't get the attraction of Valtteri Filppula. With the exception of 2011-12, he is a career 35-40 point a year center on a very good team. I just don't see it.

And no one is pretending otherwise. What he can be for the Sabres is an expansion of what Steve Ott brings. He's not going to burn all your assets to acquire leaving the Sabres in a position to make a move for "scoring" if a player who fits that description becomes available. Bucky Gleason brought up Adam Henrique in his article. I have to say I hadn't given him any thought until i read the article. IMO, it's a move that fits into your point and a move I find very intriguing.

They should use him as the Sabres did, 2-3 minutes a day.