Porous Five Hole

I wish there was a rationale for not locking up Briere at the same time.

And their situation also relates directly to Eichel: They both would’ve stayed for the same deal apparently. Both would’ve been in the neighborhood of 5yr/$25M but Briere got a boatload offer from Philly and Drury left them hanging when Rangers called. Had the Sabres had any foresight, they would’ve had deals done during the season and the franchise’s last decade looks totally different. No tank, no Eichel, no decade of no playoffs. Who knows how long Lindy stays. But the point still stands…let Eichel go.

I’m joking in reference to the “no mention of Eichel” thread. They’re gone. He’s gone. Let. It. Go.

Back already and managing for NYR & Phili. I don’t hate them but it was time for them to go.

I haven’t put the work in either, but I’m looking for top six forwards as the Sabres progress from this teardown. VO isn’t in the plans for that. I would give him his qualifying offer this offseason, and then move him at next year’s deadline for whatever value he can fetch. Then I’ll earmark his money for when I have to re-up Tage at the same time. TT is easily trending toward a five million dollar AAV player in 18 months.

Well that sucked

I tuned into the U.S. quarterfinal hockey game against Slovakia just now, and the Slovak’s are coached by the Sabres very own Craig Ramsay. I had no idea. Also, Miro is the GM.

It doesn’t bother me one bit. You cannot initially just stash guys on LTIR because it is convenient. If the return date is manipulated (which, BTW, is pure message board speculation), it still doesn’t upset me. Teams should push. While it is hypocritical to the Sabres Connolly situation a generation ago, things change. It would have been more fun to watch Vegas squirm their way into cap compliance on the fly mid-season, but those days are coming.

I agree. Further reading from 2016: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/10/02/rob-manfred-david-ortiz-drug-test-hall-of-fame/91442256/

Video: #startjumping

I’m a little surprised Anderson isn’t starting.

Totally agree.

Is that Janik, Jillson, & Fitzpatrick bad???

I agree it isn’t dire. But it is very inflexible. Point’s extension hasn’t kicked in yet and the Lightning have zero cap space today (and have dipped into LTIR).

Can we pry Erik Cernak from Tampa for Tampa cap space? Big, experienced, defense first, reasonable contract, age 24.

This is the very first thing I thought of when Eichel (and to a lesser extent Rhino) was dealt. All sins may now be forgiven.

I’m available for a quickie

I think Karmanos promoted to GM. Adams upstairs after two years.

Now I understand. I brought it back to the new person in charge to keep in line with my POV on the topic. I don’t believe the Pegulas want or need to raise cash from the hockey team. But this does bring up a curiousity about how much debt the team is carrying. The ambitious projects you’re referring to are the stadium and potentially the arena upgrade, correct? Were there other stated projects they’re believed to be involved in? I just find it hard to believe they will sell a stake in the Sabres to finance their portion of a football stadium.

It goes back to my original contention of what happens next. I think they have that guy already in Kevyn. Connected locally and league-wide. Played, coached & managed. I am not the Pegula family banker, but I’ll die on the hill of they don’t need to cash anything out and there won’t be any ownership adjustments.

Samuelsson right on cue! Hope he plays.

You are incredibly well respected by myself and all other posters here…could you please explain the “why” behind this concept? I realize we are all speculating, but help me understand the motivation of selling a stake in the franchise. Cuz some cash for funsies isn’t making sense to me. My opinion: Terry loves the Sabres and is not looking for an easy money equity cash out.

I just think it’s the wrong message to send when you’re asking for several hundred million dollars from surrounding municipalities for a football stadium.

While I’m not here to argue that point, the Pegulas have plenty of assets to collateralize, including the Sabres/Bills in the form of debt (especially if the funds are to be used for said franchise/football stadium, etc). And the stadium (or arena, I suppose) is the only thing that they could possibly need that kind of money. Even their mega-yacht only cost $75M. You think they want to cash out to buy another one? The potential fallout from selling a portion of the hockey team doesn’t make a ton of sense. Especially if a minority owner gets a voice/voting interest. Just not worth it to them.