Next Season

[Buffalo Fan]

Believe it or not, I don't think the Sabres are that far off from being a very good team next year. I couple of shrude moves should put this team right back in playoff contention. Here are the things I think need to happen:

 

1. Lock up Poms and Miller. Signal to other free agents that Buffalo knows how to take care of its own

 

2. Someone in an earlier post had mentioned getting a guy like Stu Barnes. An injection of leadership can work, and should especially with a guy who has had great success here in the past. He would also fill a 2 way center.

 

3. I think our defense is not as lacking as some may think. Addition by subtraction is part of the solution. Lydman, Kalinan...bye bye. Don't care how. Moving Sekera/weber up full time solves that problem. Also, Brennan could fill Weber's part time role this year

 

4. FACEOFF MAN. A go to guy at critical points in the game. No brainer type. Don't know who that is, but he doesn't even need to produce a whole lot of points.

 

Of course there are other moves, but I think this would put the team squarely in playoff contention next year.

 

Thoughts?

[Chief Enabler]

Believe it or not, I don't think the Sabres are that far off from being a very good team next year. I couple of shrude moves should put this team right back in playoff contention. Here are the things I think need to happen:

 

Of course there are other moves, but I think this would put the team squarely in playoff contention next year.

 

Thoughts?

I admire your optimism right now, and I agree with most of your thoughts.

 

1. Poms, yes. Miller-quit his bitching and turn his attitude around, frustrated, sure, but be part of the solution pal.

 

2. Stu Barnes-absolutely!

 

3. Team-Defense has been an extreme failure, could be the "system" beyond poor individual efforts. I say look at the coaching and development process before the red ink comes out. (no pun intended)

 

4. Faceoff guy-absolutely, Mike Sillinger type (our response has been Goose, Timmy & Mair? :rolleyes: )

 

Other thoughts- The mediocre dead weight in the system- guys like; I cant even start to..... There has been alot of good points on the board over the last couple days to garner a temperature of the team right now. Positives include Sekera/Weber combo, thats about it.

 

Wow, 11 members on the board!....... insert tumbleweeds.....crickets?.........

[Kristian]

The problem is that I think the front office just like most of us - That this team isn't "too far away" from being a contender, and I fear this will lead them to do absolutely nothing in the off-season.

 

The fact remains though that team is in desperate need of three things - Defense, leadership and a backup goalie.

 

However, with the backup goalie part, I can't help but think Ruff or Jim Corsi has something to do with it. Ever since Biron took over from Hasek, we've had issues with our backups being worthless and our no. 1 guy being overplayed as a direct result.

 

Noronen = #%^$#!

Essensa = #%^$#!

Conklin = #%^$#!

TBO = #%^$#!

 

The list of complete and utter crap backups is long and distinguished, and somebody should be taking note of this.

[apuszczalowski]

Believe it or not, I don't think the Sabres are that far off from being a very good team next year. I couple of shrude moves should put this team right back in playoff contention. Here are the things I think need to happen:

 

1. Lock up Poms and Miller. Signal to other free agents that Buffalo knows how to take care of its own

 

2. Someone in an earlier post had mentioned getting a guy like Stu Barnes. An injection of leadership can work, and should especially with a guy who has had great success here in the past. He would also fill a 2 way center.

 

3. I think our defense is not as lacking as some may think. Addition by subtraction is part of the solution. Lydman, Kalinan...bye bye. Don't care how. Moving Sekera/weber up full time solves that problem. Also, Brennan could fill Weber's part time role this year

 

4. FACEOFF MAN. A go to guy at critical points in the game. No brainer type. Don't know who that is, but he doesn't even need to produce a whole lot of points.

 

Of course there are other moves, but I think this would put the team squarely in playoff contention next year.

 

Thoughts?

What is that really going to signal to other FA's? They have resigned their own guys in the past. The re-signed Vanek (although they were forced to), they re-signed Roy, Connolly, Max....... Re-signing Poms and Miller isn't going to do anything to their image the have from other FA's. The damage has already been done and its going to take a while to try and fix it. FA's know that if you are a top tier player, Buffalo won't come calling, and if you are a young player with "potential", Buffalo may call, but don't expect anything more then 3 years at a low rate

 

I really don't know what the could do right now to change that image right now, quickly, besides letting Regier go, and bringing in a another GM, but even then it would probably take about a year of seeing some changes before that image has changed.

 

And why are they re-signing Miller? I thought he sucked now and the mob has decided to run him out of town now?

[SCSabresFan!]

Any chance they resign Brian Campbell?

[Claude Balls]

I'm all for Stu Barnes, as long as he is behind the bench. He's 37, has one good eye and 17 pts in 64 games.

 

I would love to see the Sabres grow a pair and put together a nice offer for Andrew Ladd. He is a RFA, but if Chicago just got him as a rental, he would be worth going after. He is young and has plenty of potential as a player and to become a great leader. I don't think he would come too expensive, but he is worth more than he is making now at just under 1,000,000.

 

I would like to see the Sabres go after Sean Avery as well, but no way they give him what he'll be looking for.

[Bmwolf21]

And why are they re-signing Miller? I thought he sucked now and the mob has decided to run him out of town now?

Didn't you hear? Not only does he suck, but his attitude sucks and all he does is bitch about his teammates and the system, throws other players under the bus and takes no responsibility for his own play. He should just STFU until his game is completely in order.

 

Or something like that.

[bob_sauve28]

I really love this team, even as disappointing as they have been. There is tons of talent here, and young talent at that. I just hope Pomminstein isn't getting priced out of our market now. Harry Neal mentioned last night that he is the 4th leading scorer in the league since the all star break? And Roy is right there too. Wow!

 

 

Face offs do appear to be a concern.

 

I'm not down on Lydman. He plays against the top players and does make mistakes, but what player wouldn't? He reminds me of an NFL cornerback. They have to have short memories.

 

They will be better as a team next year.

[tom webster]

I'm all for Stu Barnes, as long as he is behind the bench. He's 37, has one good eye and 17 pts in 64 games.

 

I would love to see the Sabres grow a pair and put together a nice offer for Andrew Ladd. He is a RFA, but if Chicago just got him as a rental, he would be worth going after. He is young and has plenty of potential as a player and to become a great leader. I don't think he would come too expensive, but he is worth more than he is making now at just under 1,000,000.

 

I would like to see the Sabres go after Sean Avery as well, but no way they give him what he'll be looking for.

 

Andrew Ladd is what we have now, young, should be tough considerring his size, plenty of potential, no production.

 

They need guys like Jeff Halpern, Mike Sillinger(if healthy), a tough veteran defensive forward who can win draws and is not afraid of the puck when time starts to run down.

[carpandean]

What is that really going to signal to other FA's? They have resigned their own guys in the past. The re-signed Vanek (although they were forced to), they re-signed Roy, Connolly, Max ....... Re-signing Poms and Miller isn't going to do anything to their image the have from other FA's. The damage has already been done and its going to take a while to try and fix it. FA's know that if you are a top tier player, Buffalo won't come calling, and if you are a young player with "potential", Buffalo may call, but don't expect anything more then 3 years at a low rate

I'm not sure about that last part.

Max and Timmy got three years at $3.33 and $2.9 million two years ago, but I'd say most everyone here thinks that it way too long and too much.

Roy got six years at $4 million; not short term and not low rate.

While they didn't choose it, they agreed to Vanek's seven years at $7.1 million; not short term and not low rate.

They extended Hecht for four more years at $3.53 million before his last season; not too short and not low rate.

They were at least willing to give Drury five years at $7.05 million (matched Ranger's offer).

 

So, really all they said is they weren't willing to overpay for two FA's who even fans can't agree were worth anything near what they wanted for long-term contracts. It just sounds bad because they lost the three biggest name FA that they had developed into "stars". If they sign Pommer to a contract of similar term to Roy's with similar or slightly more money, and Miller to a long term contract, it would help establish that they will pay for the right players and do so for long term. They won't have any more big name UFA's for a long time, so that specific topic area will be hard to address. However, Briere, Drury and Campbell left with huge pay days even if it wasn't with the Sabres, so I'm not sure that it will be seen as too much of a risk for other players.

 

 

Any chance they resign Brian Campbell?

That would be pretty low on the priority list after some of the much more important needs listed above: signing Pommer/Miller, getting a veteran defensive Dman, getting another true top-two line center and trimming some fat. Even then, it would probably require more of home-town discount than he would be willing to give at this point (if it was going to happen, it would have happened in February.) The Sharks say that they didn't pick him up as just a rental, but we will see what they do when he says he wants $6 million per year. Unless the market for him takes a surprising down-turn -- not likely when he is supported by a team full of physical defensive Dmen, showcasing his up-side and hiding his down-side -- he will go for well above what the Sabres are willing to pay him.

[tom webster]

I'm not sure about that last part.

Max and Timmy got three years at $3.33 and $2.9 million two years ago, but I'd say most everyone here thinks that it way too long and too much.

Roy got six years at $4 million; not short term and not low rate.

While they didn't choose it, they agreed to Vanek's seven years at $7.1 million; not short term and not low rate.

They extended Hecht for four more years at $3.53 million before his last season; not too short and not low rate.

They were at least willing to give Drury five years at $7.05 million (matched Ranger's offer).

 

So, really all they said is they weren't willing to overpay for two FA's who even fans can't agree were worth anything near what they wanted for long-term contracts. It just sounds bad because they lost the three biggest name FA that they had developed into "stars". If they sign Pommer to a contract of similar term to Roy's with similar or slightly more money, and Miller to a long term contract, it would help establish that they will pay for the right players and do so for long term. They won't have any more big name UFA's for a long time, so that specific topic area will be hard to address. However, Briere, Drury and Campbell left with huge pay days even if it wasn't with the Sabres, so I'm not sure that it will be seen as too much of a risk for other players.

That would be pretty low on the priority list after some of the much more important needs listed above: signing Pommer/Miller, getting a veteran defensive Dman, getting another true top-two line center and trimming some fat. Even then, it would probably require more of home-town discount than he would be willing to give at this point (if it was going to happen, it would have happened in February.) The Sharks say that they didn't pick him up as just a rental, but we will see what they do when he says he wants $6 million per year. Unless the market for him takes a surprising down-turn -- not likely when he is supported by a team full of physical defensive Dmen, showcasing his up-side and hiding his down-side -- he will go for well more than the Sabres are willing to pay him.

 

My friend Carp. It is not about whether they are willing to pay top dollar, it is about how they treat players like Grier, McKee, Drury Dumont, Teppo and even Briere. These guys talk and now text each other constantly. They rib each other. And it all adds up. I know I run the risks of ridicule, but I am going to do something that I did when I first came to this board. I am going to drop a name. After the lock out, the Sabres used their keen sense of business to screw McKee out of some money. I don't remember the details or the amount, I think it was like $100,000. They were excercising some option in his contract. I heard that subject brought up four times that year adn everytime tiome Jay turned a little more red in the face. You think that hasn't come up ion the Blues' lockerroom? They are far from the only team, but they are definitely one of the teams with a cut throat reputation.

As they say the proof is in the pudding. Other than Teppo and Jaro, who have they brought in here? They swore that they were players for Aucoin and Jaro and others after the lock out, but despite "aggressive offers" they got no one but Teppo, a aging d-man with a heart condition.

On a lighter note, looks like I am going to have to offer you something instead of those playoff tickets.

[UncleWally]

Hi kristin

[carpandean]

My friend Carp. It is not about whether they are willing to pay top dollar, it is about how they treat players like Grier, McKee, Drury Dumont, Teppo and even Briere. These guys talk and now text each other constantly. They rib each other. And it all adds up. I know I run the risks of ridicule, but I am going to do something that I did when I first came to this board. I am going to drop a name. After the lock out, the Sabres used their keen sense of business to screw McKee out of some money. I don't remember the details or the amount, I think it was like $100,000. They were exercising some option in his contract. I heard that subject brought up four times that year and every time Jay turned a little more red in the face. You think that hasn't come up ion the Blues' lockerroom? They are far from the only team, but they are definitely one of the teams with a cut throat reputation.

As they say the proof is in the pudding. Other than Teppo and Jaro, who have they brought in here? They swore that they were players for Aucoin and Jaro and others after the lock out, but despite "aggressive offers" they got no one but Teppo, a aging d-man with a heart condition.

On a lighter note, looks like I am going to have to offer you something instead of those playoff tickets.

I agree more that the penny-pinching in those cases when it saves an insignificant cost, but looks stingy, causes our reputation to slip. They don't seem to consider the intangible costs that good managers should (opportunity costs and good will lost are some of the biggest drivers of what is the "best decision" in management). However, I still believe that our willingness to sign players reputation can be repaired. Letting Drury slip when they actually wanted to sign him is ultimately what messed the whole thing up. If we had signed him, let Briere walk, traded Campbell and then signed Roy, Vanek and Hecht, I don't think anyone would be complaining about their willingness to pay right now. Since it wasn't willingness that was the problem with Chris' contract -- it was a combination of procrastination, negotiation policy at the time and a little bit of Chris wanting to play in NY -- I find it frustrating that it is this deal that it feeding the "unwilling" reputation. They need to continue to show that they are, indeed, willing to pay for the right players to clear that up.

 

Don't tickets for games that never happen have collectors' value? I saw some nice 2006-07 Sabres Stanley Cup Finals tickets on Ebay. ;)

[apuszczalowski]

I'm not sure about that last part.

Max and Timmy got three years at $3.33 and $2.9 million two years ago, but I'd say most everyone here thinks that it way too long and too much.

Roy got six years at $4 million; not short term and not low rate.

While they didn't choose it, they agreed to Vanek's seven years at $7.1 million; not short term and not low rate.

They extended Hecht for four more years at $3.53 million before his last season; not too short and not low rate.

They were at least willing to give Drury five years at $7.05 million (matched Ranger's offer).

 

So, really all they said is they weren't willing to overpay for THREE FA's who even fans can't agree were worth anything near what they wanted for long-term contracts. It just sounds bad because they lost the three biggest name FA that they had developed into "stars". If they sign Pommer to a contract of similar term to Roy's with similar or slightly more money, and Miller to a long term contract, it would help establish that they will pay for the right players and do so for long term. They won't have any more big name UFA's for a long time, so that specific topic area will be hard to address. However, Briere, Drury and Campbell left with huge pay days even if it wasn't with the Sabres, so I'm not sure that it will be seen as too much of a risk for other players.

That would be pretty low on the priority list after some of the much more important needs listed above: signing Pommer/Miller, getting a veteran defensive Dman, getting another true top-two line center and trimming some fat. Even then, it would probably require more of home-town discount than he would be willing to give at this point (if it was going to happen, it would have happened in February.) The Sharks say that they didn't pick him up as just a rental, but we will see what they do when he says he wants $6 million per year. Unless the market for him takes a surprising down-turn -- not likely when he is supported by a team full of physical defensive Dmen, showcasing his up-side and hiding his down-side -- he will go for well above what the Sabres are willing to pay him.

Fixed it, (Briere, Drury and Campbell)

Yes Hecht, Vanek (because they were forced too) and Roy were extended for more then 3 years, and the rumors are that Drury would have been for longer, but just recently the rumors were that Campbell didn't re-sign because of length (I believe the Sabres only wanted a 3 year deal, McKee said money wasn't an issue, he just wanted a longer term deal) not because of money, and they have yet to sign someone outside of the organisation, to anything longer then 3 years.

 

Until they show that they are willing to do that for players outside the organisation, players will look at a Buffalo offer as either a tryout type contract, or as a showcase contract for a bigger payout later from someone else, and with guaranteed contracts, players are starting to make a priority out of long term contracts over bigger money.

 

Re-signing Poms and Miller isn't going to hurt their image with the rest of the league, but it isn't going to change it because its not much different then what they have done in the past

[carpandean]

Fixed it, (Briere, Drury and Campbell)

You completely missed my point. They were willing to pay Drury a large salary for long term. They said that they wanted and expected to keep him, and offered to match the Rangers' offer. Their negotiating methods may have screwed up the deal or at least let it get far enough that the Rangers could make him an offer, but they were willing to pay him a lot for a long time. They were not willing to pay Briere or Campbell as much as they wanted for as long as they wanted, and not everyone agrees that either of those was a bad decision.

 

So, I'll say it again, they were unwilling to overpay two FA's. They were willing, but unable to sign the third. They have, at least to a degree, acknowledged that mistakes were made in that third case. Signing Pommer and Miller to nice long-term deals, in addition to those already given to Roy, Vanek and Hecht, will demonstrate that they are willing to pay the right players.

 

 

Side note: wasn't McKee already injury prone at that point? Is it responsible to give such a player a long-term contract? Look at what just three years for Connolly has done.

[tom webster]

I agree more that the penny-pinching in those cases when it saves an insignificant cost, but looks stingy, causes our reputation to slip. They don't seem to consider the intangible costs that good managers should (opportunity costs and good will lost are some of the biggest drivers of what is the "best decision" in management). However, I still believe that our willingness to sign players reputation can be repaired. Letting Drury slip when they actually wanted to sign him is ultimately what messed the whole thing up. If we had signed him, let Briere walk, traded Campbell and then signed Roy, Vanek and Hecht, I don't think anyone would be complaining about their willingness to pay right now. Since it wasn't willingness that was the problem with Chris' contract -- it was a combination of procrastination, negotiation policy at the time and a little bit of Chris wanting to play in NY -- I find it frustrating that it is this deal that it feeding the "unwilling" reputation. They need to continue to show that they are, indeed, willing to pay for the right players to clear that up.

 

Don't tickets for games that never happen have collectors' value? I saw some nice 2006-07 Sabres Stanley Cup Finals tickets on Ebay. ;)

 

Problem is, I am not sure they are even going to send out tickets before they are officially eliminated. Did those 2006-07 tickets sell? I may have some of those. Its amazing what people will buy. I sold some Buffalo Brave playoff tickets that cost me something like $5 for $75.00 each!

[tom webster]

Fixed it, (Briere, Drury and Campbell)

Yes Hecht, Vanek (because they were forced too) and Roy were extended for more then 3 years, and the rumors are that Drury would have been for longer, but just recently the rumors were that Campbell didn't re-sign because of length (I believe the Sabres only wanted a 3 year deal, McKee said money wasn't an issue, he just wanted a longer term deal) not because of money, and they have yet to sign someone outside of the organisation, to anything longer then 3 years.

 

Until they show that they are willing to do that for players outside the organisation, players will look at a Buffalo offer as either a tryout type contract, or as a showcase contract for a bigger payout later from someone else, and with guaranteed contracts, players are starting to make a priority out of long term contracts over bigger money.

 

Re-signing Poms and Miller isn't going to hurt their image with the rest of the league, but it isn't going to change it because its not much different then what they have done in the past

 

Another major problem with Buffalo's efforts in free agency is the slow pragmatic way they operate. While they are busy incorrectly guaging the market place, the big fish are already being caught. Once they finally get around to deciding were the market is, they have to get ahold of Tom to authorize the deal.

[carpandean]

Problem is, I am not sure they are even going to send out tickets before they are officially eliminated. Did those 2006-07 tickets sell? I may have some of those. Its amazing what people will buy. I sold some Buffalo Brave playoff tickets that cost me something like $5 for $75.00 each!

I don't remember what they sold for and didn't keep them in my "Items I'm Watching". There is one on Ebay right now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/STANLEY-CUP-FINALS-FUL...tem280212523899

[LabattBlue]

2 vet forwards need to be added to the forward ranks, but I'd pass on Barnes and keep looking. I know it is not going to happen this offseason, but I am ready to say goodbye to Max, Kotalik & Connolly...ALL OF THEM.

[Claude Balls]

Andrew Ladd is what we have now, young, should be tough considerring his size, plenty of potential, no production.

 

They need guys like Jeff Halpern, Mike Sillinger(if healthy), a tough veteran defensive forward who can win draws and is not afraid of the puck when time starts to run down.

Really? The kid is 22 years old and hasn't even had two seasons worth of games under his belt. He is plus 13, has 11 pts in the 14 games since being traded to Chicago. He has plenty of upside to him and gets better each week. He actually has one of the goals tonight. Look at Bernier, he's got 8 pts and is +1 since coming to Buffalo. 3 of those pts came in his 1st game here. I think Bernier still has potential, but he doesn't seem to give it his all every night, kinda like the rest of the Sabres. Ladd gives 110% every night and that's the kind of player this team needs.

 

I agree this team does need some veteran toughness and leadership right now, but how often does Buffalo look that way? Sean Avery would be nice, but no way Buffalo forks out for him. For a defensive forward I wouldn't mind Chris Kelly either, the kid is a +50 in 3 seasons. For defense, Ron Hainsey would be an upgrade. Bryan Berard would be nice if he could stay healthy (he has that eye thing going on too). He would be a huge help on the PP and would bring a physical presence. He would pair up well with Pratt if he returns.

 

All in all it doesn't really matter who "we" all want. We all know DR will dissapoint us again as usual.

[tom webster]

Really? The kid is 22 years old and hasn't even had two seasons worth of games under his belt. He is plus 13, has 11 pts in the 14 games since being traded to Chicago. He has plenty of upside to him and gets better each week. He actually has one of the goals tonight. Look at Bernier, he's got 8 pts and is +1 since coming to Buffalo. 3 of those pts came in his 1st game here. I think Bernier still has potential, but he doesn't seem to give it his all every night, kinda like the rest of the Sabres. Ladd gives 110% every night and that's the kind of player this team needs.

 

I agree this team does need some veteran toughness and leadership right now, but how often does Buffalo look that way? Sean Avery would be nice, but no way Buffalo forks out for him. For a defensive forward I wouldn't mind Chris Kelly either, the kid is a +50 in 3 seasons. For defense, Ron Hainsey would be an upgrade. Bryan Berard would be nice if he could stay healthy (he has that eye thing going on too). He would be a huge help on the PP and would bring a physical presence. He would pair up well with Pratt if he returns.

 

All in all it doesn't really matter who "we" all want. We all know DR will dissapoint us again as usual.

 

My point is, we don't need anymore young forwards with potential. I am not big on Bernier either. I want some veteran presence. With Pomiinville, Roy, Vanek, Hecht, along with Gaustad and Paille, we already know six of the forwards on this team for the next four years at least. We need prospects to develop down the road and veterans to teach the kids and handle the last minute situations.

[awill29]

I did some research during the intermission, and I found a handful of guys who are vets and could be #2 centers. Here are the ideal picks. Obviously, these guys would be a bit more pricey:

 

1)D. Langkow-CAL

2)M. Peca-COL

*3)M. Straka-NYR

**4)J. Roenick-SJS

5)M. Sundin-TOR

6)S. Fedorov-WSH

7)B. Smolinski-MTL

 

* I think Straka could be our best bet. The Rags our cap-tied, and I see him hitting the open market.

**I doubt Roenick will come back. If he does, he'll probably stay in SJ. The only reason he came back this year was to get goal #500. But he'd still be a nice pick up.

***Probably the biggest longshot. No way he leaves TOR. I'll be shocked if this gets done.

 

Here are some other guys who are younger, cheaper, but are (obviously) not vets:

 

1) J. Stoll-EDM

2) P. O'Sullivan-LA

3)T. Ruutu-CAR

4)P-M. Bouchard-MIN

5)J. Carter-PHI

*6)Ryan Stone-PIT

 

* Again, this is the least likely of the bunch. Stone has got potential, but I don't think Darcy would gamble spending tons of money to lure him away from the Pens.

 

And here are some more guys who are cheaper vets.

1)D. Weight

2)G. Metropolit

3)C. Conroy

4)S. Barnes

5)M. Reasoner

6)R. Robataile

7)C. Brown

8)B. Morrison

9)T. Linden

[Buffalo Fan]

I did some research during the intermission, and I found a handful of guys who are vets and could be #2 centers. Here are the ideal picks. Obviously, these guys would be a bit more pricey:

 

1)D. Langkow-CAL

2)M. Peca-COL

*3)M. Straka-NYR

**4)J. Roenick-SJS

5)M. Sundin-TOR

6)S. Fedorov-WSH

7)B. Smolinski-MTL

 

* I think Straka could be our best bet. The Rags our cap-tied, and I see him hitting the open market.

**I doubt Roenick will come back. If he does, he'll probably stay in SJ. The only reason he came back this year was to get goal #500. But he'd still be a nice pick up.

***Probably the biggest longshot. No way he leaves TOR. I'll be shocked if this gets done.

 

Here are some other guys who are younger, cheaper, but are (obviously) not vets:

 

1) J. Stoll-EDM

2) P. O'Sullivan-LA

3)T. Ruutu-CAR

4)P-M. Bouchard-MIN

5)J. Carter-PHI

*6)Ryan Stone-PIT

 

* Again, this is the least likely of the bunch. Stone has got potential, but I don't think Darcy would gamble spending tons of money to lure him away from the Pens.

 

And here are some more guys who are cheaper vets.

1)D. Weight

2)G. Metropolit

3)C. Conroy

4)S. Barnes

5)M. Reasoner

6)R. Robataile

7)C. Brown

8)B. Morrison

9)T. Linden

 

 

I like your tought on Straka...he always has lots of assists...maybe he could set Vanek up with some easy buries. It's funny, but looking back the team's most successful years seem to have come with a great setup man.

 

Also of note, in the 03-04 season, Hecht lead the Sabres with 37 assists. AND, our boy AFinogenov had 51 in 05-06!!!