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Posted

Butler Signed By Sabres

 

Star defenseman Chris Butler is leaving the University of Denver early to sign with the Buffalo Sabres.

The junior took a physical today in Buffalo and is scheduled to return to Denver on Sunday.

 

"It's definitely exciting," Butler said by phone from Buffalo. "But it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I got along so well with the guys, such a strong bond. I didn't want to let anyone down. But I had a lot of support with the decision. They told me they didn't think I was letting them down or anything." Butler, who likely would have been captain next season, is the fourth player ? third junior ? in the past three years to leave DU early to sign an NHL deal.

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DR mentioned that the only player they had yet to talk to was Gerbe since his season was still going on. Hopefully they are on the phone today with the kid and getting him on a flight. Comments from Gerbe: Gerbe Wins!

 

Gerbe, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round in 2005, has a decision to make on his collegiate future. "I haven't thought about it at all," Gerbe said. "I try not to think about the future."

Posted
Denver has been turning out some products lately...and seems like alot of kids have commited to the program as well...looking forward to Butler!

 

You're right. Until I read the article I didn't realize how many prospects they have turned out from their school. Not a bad record at all.

 

One of the big three down. Two to go!

Posted
Butler Signed By Sabres

 

Star defenseman Chris Butler is leaving the University of Denver early to sign with the Buffalo Sabres.

The junior took a physical today in Buffalo and is scheduled to return to Denver on Sunday.

 

"It's definitely exciting," Butler said by phone from Buffalo. "But it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. I got along so well with the guys, such a strong bond. I didn't want to let anyone down. But I had a lot of support with the decision. They told me they didn't think I was letting them down or anything." Butler, who likely would have been captain next season, is the fourth player ? third junior ? in the past three years to leave DU early to sign an NHL deal.

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DR mentioned that the only player they had yet to talk to was Gerbe since his season was still going on. Hopefully they are on the phone today with the kid and getting him on a flight. Comments from Gerbe: Gerbe Wins!

 

Gerbe, drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the fifth round in 2005, has a decision to make on his collegiate future. "I haven't thought about it at all," Gerbe said. "I try not to think about the future."

Nice post. The NCAA hockey schools are becoming a very solid options for players. Stable coaching, good draft prospects, good quality of competition. Nice option for those who don't want to go to major juniors.

Posted
Nice post. The NCAA hockey schools are becoming a very solid options for players. Stable coaching, good draft prospects, good quality of competition. Nice option for those who don't want to go to major juniors.

Watching college hockey and the rules is pretty interesting on how it translates. More in tune with international play, and major juniors with fighting, etc. lends itself more towards NHL.

Posted

Read the article as well with this morning coffee, good to see.

 

The thing that still has me real curious is where will these kids be playing ? AHL, OHL, ECL what is this team they supposedly already have a deal with just waiting for minor league team to be able to announce it... Makes me wonder if that means the team is associated with another NHL team still in playoffs and do not want to upset that teams playoff run? :rolleyes: .

Posted
Read the article as well with this morning coffee, good to see.

 

The thing that still has me real curious is where will these kids be playing ? AHL, OHL, ECL what is this team they supposedly already have a deal with just waiting for minor league team to be able to announce it... Makes me wonder if that means the team is associated with another NHL team still in playoffs and do not want to upset that teams playoff run? :rolleyes: .

 

 

I would be that'x exactly it as Portland Maine is Anaheim's farm team.

Posted
Read the article as well with this morning coffee, good to see.

 

The thing that still has me real curious is where will these kids be playing ? AHL, OHL, ECL what is this team they supposedly already have a deal with just waiting for minor league team to be able to announce it... Makes me wonder if that means the team is associated with another NHL team still in playoffs and do not want to upset that teams playoff run? :rolleyes: .

 

I think it will all come out once the AHL season is over.

You don't want to tell your fans they will never see the group of players you

are trying to sell playoff tickets for, back in the same sweater again.

Posted
I think it will all come out once the AHL season is over.

You don't want to tell your fans they will never see the group of players you

are trying to sell playoff tickets for, back in the same sweater again.

 

That does make sense didn't think of the AHL team in Playoff's scenario as well as the parent team as TW says.. Okay so all signs are leaning too the Portland Maine team... Well at least they are looking at stocking it well.

Posted

Great news for Buffalo. With Sekera, and most likely Weber coming to Buffalo next year, we'll need a solid defenseman to replace them in the AHL. Not sure about Card and Funk, but I would not be too surprised if Butler becomes the 8th or 9th defenseman in the system.

 

Now, if only we can get Kennedy and Gerbe under contract. Gerbe's won the National Title. Does he stay one more year for the Hobey Baker or is he ready to go? Kennedy's won the National Title, I think he's ready to sign in Buffalo, let's give him a good deal and get him in.

 

I think this is good news for Buffalo. As for the discussion that X started, I'm actually a big fan of players coming from college at 20-21 than kids coming from Major Junior at 18-20. Those two extra years in college I think helps with the maturity and the guys come into the pros a bit more polished, but obviously that is not always the case. But, yes, I'm a big fan of bringing players from college as I think their games are bit more polished and the transition is a bit easier. Just my opinion.

Posted
Now, if only we can get Kennedy and Gerbe under contract. Gerbe's won the National Title. Does he stay one more year for the Hobey Baker or is he ready to go? Kennedy's won the National Title, I think he's ready to sign in Buffalo, let's give him a good deal and get him in.

BC has to be the favorite to repeat. With a freshmen goalie and the second leading scorer a freshmen as well. Gerbe (BC) has been in the Championship game every year so far. 1-2. With the details of Butlers (Jr. as well) signing, will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

Posted
BC has to be the favorite to repeat. With a freshmen goalie and the second leading scorer a freshmen as well. Gerbe (BC) has been in the Championship game every year so far. 1-2. With the details of Butlers (Jr. as well) signing, will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

 

Might work out well for you (I recall you saying your in boston area) especially if the Portland pirates are the farm team. I was googling the pirates team and also noticed that Aubin has played 12 games for them this year, must have had 2 way contract with ducks. Interesting thats one of the FA goalies some of us were interested in for Bflo..... That would be right in the neighborhood for Gerbe and Aubin's already played there looks like the farm team's shaping up nicely. :rolleyes:

Posted
Might work out well for you (I recall you saying your in boston area) especially if the Portland pirates are the farm team. I was googling the pirates team and also noticed that Aubin has played 12 games for them this year, must have had 2 way contract with ducks. Interesting thats one of the FA goalies some of us were interested in for Bflo..... That would be right in the neighborhood for Gerbe and Aubin's already played there looks like the farm team's shaping up nicely. :rolleyes:

I am on the open seas! Arrrr! Pearls as big as yur eyeballs!

 

I'm not actually up to speed on the Portland chatter, but it would be worth frequenting should it materialize. I like the area, nice town. I have never been to an AHL game. The Providence Bruins and Worcester Sharks are in the neighborhhood too.

 

Is anaheim moving out or is it a shared deal?

Posted
So where are all the panic attackers eating some crow here?

 

Ink...Nothing against Butler, but if you ranked the 3 prospects that fans seem to keep talking about Butler would be ranked third. Again...I'm not trying to take a shot at him, or diminish his skills, but I think most Sabres fans want to see Gerbe and Kennedy signed.

 

With that being said Kudos to the front office for getting this done. Its a nice start, especially since we need to rebuild our farm system.

Posted
So where are all the panic attackers eating some crow here?

Why hasn't Miller been signed to long term deal yet Inkman??? And don't give me that stuff about how he can't by rule not be signed till after July 1st. If our incompetent managemt really wanted Miller they would sign him before they were allowed to! This has Drury/Briere foulup written all over it!

 

I'm so fed up! :D

Posted
Ink...Nothing against Butler, but if you ranked the 3 prospects that fans seem to keep talking about Butler would be ranked third. Again...I'm not trying to take a shot at him, or diminish his skills, but I think most Sabres fans want to see Gerbe and Kennedy signed.

 

With that being said Kudos to the front office for getting this done. Its a nice start, especially since we need to rebuild our farm system.

Most Sabres fans don't know squat about these players. And I include myself in that mix.

 

Adding a defenseman is always, always, always a good idea. You cannot have enough of them

Posted
...but I think most Sabres fans want to see Gerbe and Kennedy signed.

Everybody, and I mean everbody who was running around acting like their hair was on fire about signing prospects, included all three in their panick attacks.

Posted
Why hasn't Miller been signed to long term deal yet Inkman??? And don't give me that stuff about how he can't by rule not be signed till after July 1st. If our incompetent managemt really wanted Miller they would sign him before they were allowed to! This has Drury/Briere foulup written all over it!

 

I'm so fed up! :D

Please no..Let Miller play it out..See how he does next year..

Posted
They are hung up on "Life Partner Benefits". B-)

Maybe he is negotiating the Personal Assistant clause in his contract..If I were the Sabres this s the one player you maybe extend the contract one year and see how he plays out his year..Give him a little insurance and give yourself some leeway if he doesnt turn out like they hope..If he doesnt go for it I am sure you can get a really good return on him..

Posted
If I were the Sabres this s the one player you maybe extend the contract one year and see how he plays out his year.

No way would he accept a one year deal. This is most likey going to be the biggest payday of his career. If the Sabres try to go short term or low money, he will walk.

Posted
No way would he accept a one year deal. This is most likey going to be the biggest payday of his career. If the Sabres try to go short term or low money, he will walk.

 

That might qualify for panic attack. To be fair, and I am sure that you count me among the panic attackers, I was merely pointing out the validity of Bucky's column bringing up the subject and change in leverage. I pointed out in at least two posts that I thought thery would sign all three, especailly Kennedy.

The interseting thing is that they inked Butler first, and while the least heralded, he may be the best NHL prospect of the three.

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