inkman Posted April 11, 2008 Report Posted April 11, 2008 Linky Sabres' Afinogenov may be getting a change of scenery by John Vogl -- News Sports Reporter Updated: 04/11/08 9:41 AM Now on the market: One speedy, electrifying, jersey-selling right winger, who also commits grievous turnovers, strays outside the system and makes linemates wonder what he?s doing. Maxim Afinogenov, the longest-tenured Buffalo Sabre, may have played his final game for the Blue and Gold. The 28-year-old?s career took a big step back this season, and General Manager Darcy Regier acknowledged Thursday it may be time to trade the eight-year veteran. ?It?s something we really have to look at with Max,? Regier said at the team?s season-ending news conference. ?He?s a great guy. I have only good things to say about him, but he may well be one of these players who?s ready for a change.? Afinogenov is entering the final year of his contract and will make $3.5 million. It?s the same amount he earned this year, when nearly everything went wrong. Afinogenov was a point-per-game player the previous two seasons, but those numbers dropped drastically. He had just 10 goals and 28 points in 56 games. He also was a team-worst minus- 16 as some of his numerous turnovers led directly to goals for the opposition. ?It isn?t from lack of trying,? coach Lindy Ruff said. ?When things go bad for a while, it was ?try harder.? It would have been easier for him to try to simplify. The more he tried to beat people, the more it was costing us in certain situations. ?Compared to last year, when you?re 15 games over .500, those mistakes don?t mean anything. When you?re on the bubble, it highlighted the mistakes.? Whenever the team went on a losing streak this season, players and coaches said it was because they strayed from the system. Afinogenov was straying personified, as he would try to use his uncommon shiftiness to get around people even if the odds were one-on-three. ?That?s Max,? Ruff said. ?You know it?s his greatest gift and sometimes his biggest weakness because guys don?t know what he?s doing.? Fucnkin A man, #%^$#!ing A!!!!!!!! :D
Bmwolf21 Posted April 11, 2008 Report Posted April 11, 2008 I thought of starting this thread but decided I didn't want to start a "pile on Max" thread. But now that one is already up and running - I'm jumping on board. Time to move on, Max. Thanks for everything.
R_Dudley Posted April 11, 2008 Report Posted April 11, 2008 Double ditto that I was pumping this before the trade deadline... Max and Kalinin the russian connection from the team for anybody else that would've helped us. Gee though come to think of it with those two gone no more Ruuski's on the team.... :unsure: Hmmmm looking at Montreal roster looks like they are heavy into the russian thing... just rambling but gotta wonder if you want a good russian player on your team makes sense to have a couple comrades in arms who speak the mother language and can help you assimilate, "Hey Yurri know good strip club with pig whores where you can unwind just like motherland"....... Guess were going total metro sexual and european next year..... Not quite sure how I feel about that :rolleyes:
TM8-PL16 Posted April 11, 2008 Report Posted April 11, 2008 i have selfish reasons for wanting to keep him... one, I like him and would like to see him do well as a Sabre... but two, my daughter LOVES him and we bought her one of the women's fit jersey's with his name and number on it this year (no not a pink one)... I hate to have her no longer wear it since it was about $100. but in the grand scheme of things, neither of these are probably for the better of the team, so if he has to go, I hope whatever we get for him helps us win the cup!
Bmwolf21 Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 I thought Bucky's column (yes, I said Bucky) was pretty good in regards to how the Sabres could re-shape the roster, with a lot of the moves mentioned being ones we've discussed here: Larry Quinn and Darcy Regier offered a few hints about their offseason plans during a news conference Thursday that was less clumsy than the charade orchestrated last summer. What they accomplish in the months ahead should reveal the direction of the organization for the next five years. Now, let?s do it right. Doing it right means unloading Maxim Afinogenov, an enigma desperately in need of a change in scenery. Finally, Regier was prepared to shop him, and he should get a decent return while cutting costs. Dmitri Kalinin will be an unrestricted free agent. The Sabres wasted $5.75 million on them this year. It means using the extra dough to reshape the roster with younger players who can grow together. If they?re convinced Daniel Paille and Steve Bernier are part of the equation, for example, get them signed to long-term deals with the idea they?ll be part of the future core. It means taking a long look at Tim Connolly and Ales Kotalik. Connolly has averaged 38 games over the past three seasons. Kotalik is helpless without a proven playmaker. Both will become unrestricted free agents after next season. Are they here for the long haul?
Claude Balls Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 Apparently when Regier said it might be time for a change with Max, he was talking about moving him from right wing to left wing. You should know how this team works by now.
Kristian Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 Apparently when Regier said it might be time for a change with Max, he was talking about moving him from right wing to left wing. You should know how this team works by now. You sure he didn't mean he wanted to try him out on D? We need a new puckmoving defenseman capable of performing the spin-o-rama move, and I'm seeing Max as a perfect fit.
Claude Balls Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 You sure he didn't mean he wanted to try him out on D? We need a new puckmoving defenseman capable of performing the spin-o-rama move, and I'm seeing Max as a perfect fit. This is true. He also couldn't do any worse at turning over the puck when trying to clear the zone.
plenzmd1 Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 what can you get for Max? Do you think the Sabres would take say a third rounder just to get his salary off the books? I mean every other GM sees what we see in his play, so what is worth? and i mean that seriously, i have no idea what you can get for him
inkman Posted April 12, 2008 Author Report Posted April 12, 2008 what can you get for Max? Do you think the Sabres would take say a third rounder just to get his salary off the books? I mean every other GM sees what we see in his play, so what is worth? and i mean that seriously, i have no idea what you can get for him I'm guessing either another team's headache, like Avery was in L.A., or a prospect/draft pick.
deluca67 Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 I thought Bucky's column (yes, I said Bucky) was pretty good in regards to how the Sabres could re-shape the roster, with a lot of the moves mentioned being ones we've discussed here: Larry Quinn and Darcy Regier offered a few hints about their offseason plans during a news conference Thursday that was less clumsy than the charade orchestrated last summer. What they accomplish in the months ahead should reveal the direction of the organization for the next five years. Now, let?s do it right. Doing it right means unloading Maxim Afinogenov, an enigma desperately in need of a change in scenery. Finally, Regier was prepared to shop him, and he should get a decent return while cutting costs. Dmitri Kalinin will be an unrestricted free agent. The Sabres wasted $5.75 million on them this year. It means using the extra dough to reshape the roster with younger players who can grow together. If they?re convinced Daniel Paille and Steve Bernier are part of the equation, for example, get them signed to long-term deals with the idea they?ll be part of the future core. It means taking a long look at Tim Connolly and Ales Kotalik. Connolly has averaged 38 games over the past three seasons. Kotalik is helpless without a proven playmaker. Both will become unrestricted free agents after next season. Are they here for the long haul? People still read Bucky Ecklund? I can see from this example he is as insightful and thought provoking as ever. :wacko: If the Sabres can free up that extra $3 million? This should be a great off-season. After seeing the Pen's Malone more and more I think I would like the Sabres to take a run at him.
wonderbread Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 People still read Bucky Ecklund? I can see from this example he is as insightful and thought provoking as ever. :wacko: If the Sabres can free up that extra $3 million? This should be a great off-season. After seeing the Pen's Malone more and more I think I would like the Sabres to take a run at him. Its about time you jump on the Malone wagon, He is big and not scared to do the dirty work. I have been a fan of this guy for years. He grew up right down the road form where I live.
stenbaro Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 Linky Sabres' Afinogenov may be getting a change of scenery by John Vogl -- News Sports Reporter Updated: 04/11/08 9:41 AM Now on the market: One speedy, electrifying, jersey-selling right winger, who also commits grievous turnovers, strays outside the system and makes linemates wonder what he?s doing. Maxim Afinogenov, the longest-tenured Buffalo Sabre, may have played his final game for the Blue and Gold. The 28-year-old?s career took a big step back this season, and General Manager Darcy Regier acknowledged Thursday it may be time to trade the eight-year veteran. ?It?s something we really have to look at with Max,? Regier said at the team?s season-ending news conference. ?He?s a great guy. I have only good things to say about him, but he may well be one of these players who?s ready for a change.? Afinogenov is entering the final year of his contract and will make $3.5 million. It?s the same amount he earned this year, when nearly everything went wrong. Afinogenov was a point-per-game player the previous two seasons, but those numbers dropped drastically. He had just 10 goals and 28 points in 56 games. He also was a team-worst minus- 16 as some of his numerous turnovers led directly to goals for the opposition. ?It isn?t from lack of trying,? coach Lindy Ruff said. ?When things go bad for a while, it was ?try harder.? It would have been easier for him to try to simplify. The more he tried to beat people, the more it was costing us in certain situations. ?Compared to last year, when you?re 15 games over .500, those mistakes don?t mean anything. When you?re on the bubble, it highlighted the mistakes.? Whenever the team went on a losing streak this season, players and coaches said it was because they strayed from the system. Afinogenov was straying personified, as he would try to use his uncommon shiftiness to get around people even if the odds were one-on-three. ?That?s Max,? Ruff said. ?You know it?s his greatest gift and sometimes his biggest weakness because guys don?t know what he?s doing.? Fucnkin A man, #%^$#!ing A!!!!!!!! :D Yes...only 22 more to run out oughta here..LOL
Team Strike Force Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 I won't believe it until I see Max in another uniform. I definitely think the Sabres can find a trading partner, it's just a matter of executing.
carpandean Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 Max is $3.333 million in cap space and a roster spot on an overfilled front. I would trade him for picks or prospects to free those up.
carpandean Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 Yes...only 22 more to run out oughta here..LOL I can think of several scenerios where the right 2 out, plus the right 2 in would make us a very good team. That's kinda like 22, right. ;)
Kristian Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 I can think of several scenerios where the right 2 out, plus the right 2 in would make us a very good team. That's kinda like 22, right. ;) As long as Max is one of the 2 out, I'm all for that scenario :D
carpandean Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 As long as Max is one of the 2 out, I'm all for that scenario :D He said 22 more, so I was thinking in addition to Max.
stenbaro Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 As long as Max is one of the 2 out, I'm all for that scenario :D As long as Lydman and the mouth Miller also..But thats 3....
inkman Posted April 12, 2008 Author Report Posted April 12, 2008 ...and the mouth Miller also.. ...and there it is...
tom webster Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 People still read Bucky Ecklund? I can see from this example he is as insightful and thought provoking as ever. :wacko: If the Sabres can free up that extra $3 million? This should be a great off-season. After seeing the Pen's Malone more and more I think I would like the Sabres to take a run at him. The only way Malone makes sense is if you leave Hecht at center and you can find someone to take both Timmy and Ales. I would much rather they go for a center and move Hecht back to wing. I love the highlight clip Malone, if he brought this every night, Pittsburgh would have locked him up. Maybe he would be that player that took it up a notch but signing him would either make Hecht a $3.5 million third left winger or their number two center, neither of which appeals to me.
stenbaro Posted April 12, 2008 Report Posted April 12, 2008 ...and there it is... Everybody has there's..Now you know mine..I dont like him....
inkman Posted April 12, 2008 Author Report Posted April 12, 2008 Everybody has there's..Now you know mine..I dont like him.... I can't quite put a finger on what my feelings are about him. Maybe I'll write him a poem about this... B-)
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