nfreeman Posted April 16, 2008 Report Posted April 16, 2008 check it out: stinky-link These look interesting (biggest names, and thus unlikeliest Sabre pickups, are listed first): Mats Sundin, C, Toronto - Though he seems committed to signing one-year deals at this stage of his career, the 37-year-old Swede is still producing a very high level. It seems clear that Sundin wants to stay in Toronto, but if there is an organizational re-shuffling in the summer, perhaps it will pave the way for Sundin to play elsewhere while the Leafs try to re-build. Daymond Langkow, C, Calgary - Long considered a number two centre, Langkow's production over the last couple of seasons has elevated his stature and the 31-year-old who plays both ends of the rink will draw much interest if the Flames can't get him signed to an extension. Wade Redden, D, Ottawa - While Redden's been better this season than he was last, his game has slipped from what it had been in the previous five seasons with the Sens. Now 31, Redden has shown no inclination to leave Ottawa, holding firm to his no-trade clause, so that might mean a hometown discount is possible for a new contract. On the other hand, the Senators may decide that, even at a discount, the future of the team doesn't necessarily include Redden. Ron Hainsey, D, Columbus - The 27-year-old tends to fly under the radar in Columbus, but he's a solid puck-moving defenceman with size and logs better than 22 minutes per game; an attractive commodity on the open market. Michal Rozsival, D, N.Y. Rangers - Solid offensive defenceman who has developed to the point that he now plays more than 24 minutes per game for the Blueshirts and the 29 year-old has also notched a career-best 13 goals this season. Brad Stuart, D, Detroit - Since getting traded from San Jose in 2005, Stuart has become something of a hockey nomad, playing in Boston, Calgary, Los Angeles and now Detroit. In the right situation, which seems to mean with a good team, Stuart can provide effective top-four minutes. Brooks Orpik, D, Pittsburgh - Rock-solid blueliner who should draw a lot of interest because of his consistent physical presence on the back end. Just 27, Orpik could be tough for the Penguins to keep in the fold. Jason Smith, D, Philadelphia - The 34-year-old captain has been steady in his first season with Philadelphia and his hard-nosed style of play will generate interest if the Flyers don't get him signed to an extension. Adam Foote, D, Colorado - 36-year-old warrior who was having a fine season in Columbus before a deadline deal back to the Avalanche. Foote had a set price in mind when negotiating an extension with the Blue Jackets, so the team that is willing to meet that asking price may be able to secure his services this summer. Jeff Finger, D, Colorado - Blue-collar defenceman who has worked his way up from the minors and, now 28, he's proven to be a solid top-four defenceman, playing a steady physical game. It should earn him a sizeable raise this summer. Jay Pandolfo, LW, New Jersey - Excellent defensive winger who has been a staple in New Jersey for more than a decade, but the 33-year-old winger has even shown better offensive ability when he's been healthy this year. Mike Commodore, D, Ottawa - Big and strong on the blueline, the 28-year-old has been exposed some since arriving in Ottawa, but he has experience and will have an opportunity to improve his value with a strong postseason. Bobby Holik, C, Atlanta - While the 37-year-old invariably ends up with an inflated contract in his free agent seasons, it might be wise for teams to temper expectations a little bit. In a thid-line role, Holik still offers a defensive conscience and a strong physical presence but, for a team to realize value, he needs to get paid accordingly. Aaron Ward, D, Boston - Though he's moved around a bit, the 35-year-old defenceman is a steadying influence and there will surely be interested parties if he hits the open market. Kurt Sauer, D, Colorado - Not very mobile, and limited with the puck, but the 27-year-old has good size and is showing promise as a stay-at-home defensive defenceman.
Claude Balls Posted April 16, 2008 Report Posted April 16, 2008 I'll have one of the Ron Hainsey please, I also wouldn't mind a Jay Pandolfo along with that order.
That Aud Smell Posted April 16, 2008 Report Posted April 16, 2008 Good topic for obvious reasons. :( X put me on to Mirtle's Blog - I found his take on Cullen's list very interesting. For those who can't click through: "There's an awful lot of franchises and fans that are hoping to build through free agency, but it simply doesn't work. I think Leonsis and the Capitals had it figured out, at least in part, when they only this season added a few pieces to a group that had grown together over time." From our perspective, I thought this take was interesting based on what I bolded in the quote. Also, Mirtle's "doesn't work" language there links to another post where he did some number-cunching on what FA's have done the last few years. Food for thought.
2ForTripping Posted April 16, 2008 Report Posted April 16, 2008 I sure would like to see Orpik minding our blue line. Holik as well may be worth more than a glance.
tom webster Posted April 16, 2008 Report Posted April 16, 2008 Good topic for obvious reasons. :( X put me on to Mirtle's Blog - I found his take on Cullen's list very interesting. For those who can't click through: "There's an awful lot of franchises and fans that are hoping to build through free agency, but it simply doesn't work. I think Leonsis and the Capitals had it figured out, at least in part, when they only this season added a few pieces to a group that had grown together over time." From our perspective, I thought this take was interesting based on what I bolded in the quote. Also, Mirtle's "doesn't work" language there links to another post where he did some number-cunching on what FA's have done the last few years. Food for thought. I think most of us are expecting only minor tweaking. Washington added Huet, Federov and Cooke. I'll take that kind of addition.
nfreeman Posted April 16, 2008 Author Report Posted April 16, 2008 I think most of us are expecting only minor tweaking. Washington added Huet, Federov and Cooke. I'll take that kind of addition. Exactly. That's why I didn't include Hossa, Campbell, etc.
shrader Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 I'll have one of the Ron Hainsey please, I also wouldn't mind a Jay Pandolfo along with that order. You mean the real leader of one of those "Chris Drury just knows how to win" championship teams? Yeah, I couldn't resist.
Claude Balls Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 You mean the real leader of one of those "Chris Drury just knows how to win" championship teams? Yeah, I couldn't resist. :D Did you happen to hear Rick DiPietro last night? Versus was showing the highlights of the NJ/NY game and DiPietro was doing the commentating and at the end of the highlights he says, "you stay classy New Jersey". His little Ron Burgundy dig. I don't know if he was just trying to be funny or if he was really taking a shot at NJ being from the "other" NY. All in all he has been doing a good job, better than the Versus stiffs anyways.
X. Benedict Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 :D Did you happen to hear Rick DiPietro last night? Versus was showing the highlights of the NJ/NY game and DiPietro was doing the commentating and at the end of the highlights he says, "you stay classy New Jersey". His little Ron Burgundy dig. I don't know if he was just trying to be funny or if he was really taking a shot at NJ being from the "other" NY. All in all he has been doing a good job, better than the Versus stiffs anyways. I'm surprised he can sit in a chair that long with those hips. :D
bob_sauve28 Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 I'd be very surprised if the Sabres signed any player from free agency to a medium or large contract. Too many good players they have to work on keeping.
inkman Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 Too many good players they have to work on keeping. I can only think of one. Good player that is.
Buffalo Fan Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 Dustin Byfuglien...I don't know how to say his name, or what the compensation would be, but I watched this guy play for CHicago a few times this year and liked what I saw. Seemed like a nasty streak. Type of kid who draws interest on the ice because he's big but he can handle himself.
bob_sauve28 Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 I can only think of one. Good player that is. On the whole team??? Wow, you did take a sip from the cup of bitterness, didn't you? There are a lot of very good players on this team
carpandean Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 Dustin Byfuglien...I don't know how to say his name, or what the compensation would be, but I watched this guy play for CHicago a few times this year and liked what I saw. Seemed like a nasty streak. Type of kid who draws interest on the ice because he's big but he can handle himself. According to Wikipedia, his last name is pronounced "Buff-lin". Seems like a sign to me. ;) 6' 3", 242 lbs and he can and . Nice! Do you play him as a forward or defenseman? He's definitely a PP point man. I'm sure Chicago will lock him up.
Buffalo Fan Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 According to Wikipedia, his last name is pronounced "Buff-lin". Seems like a sign to me. ;) 6' 3", 242 lbs and he can and . Nice! Do you play him as a forward or defenseman? He's definitely a PP point man. I'm sure Chicago will lock him up. I'm thinking forward. I know there are a lot on the team, but maybe a guy like this can come in and push the other guys to try harder and be better. I think defensemen on the other team should have a little fear when the Sabres are forechecking. If Bernier can take some pointers, that would be another banger.
Bmwolf21 Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 According to Wikipedia, his last name is pronounced "Buff-lin". Seems like a sign to me. ;) 6' 3", 242 lbs and he can and . Nice!Do you play him as a forward or defenseman? He's definitely a PP point man. I'm sure Chicago will lock him up. If he's a competent defenseman, then you keep him there. Good defensemen are much harder to find than forwards.
Claude Balls Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 According to Wikipedia, his last name is pronounced "Buff-lin". Seems like a sign to me. ;) 6' 3", 242 lbs and he can and . Nice! Do you play him as a forward or defenseman? He's definitely a PP point man. I'm sure Chicago will lock him up. I thought it was Bi-fugly-un. Like man, he's a bi fugly un'. Not only is he #%^$#!ing ugly through one eye, but both eyes.
inkman Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 There are a lot of very good players on this team How many are RFA's or going into their final year of their contract? Pominville. Gaustad, Miller, Paille, Bernier, and MacArthur are nice players but I would hesitate to call any of them "very good".
Claude Balls Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 How many are RFA's or going into their final year of their contract? Pominville. Gaustad, Miller, Paille, Bernier, and MacArthur are nice players but I would hesitate to call any of them "very good". Mediocrity comes to mind when thinking of many Sabres players.
nfreeman Posted April 17, 2008 Author Report Posted April 17, 2008 How many are RFA's or going into their final year of their contract? Pominville. Gaustad, Miller, Paille, Bernier, and MacArthur are nice players but I would hesitate to call any of them "very good". Miller will restore your faith next year.
Chief Enabler Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 check it out: stinky-link These look interesting (biggest names, and thus unlikeliest Sabre pickups, are listed first): Daymond Langkow, C, Calgary - Long considered a number two centre, Langkow's production over the last couple of seasons has elevated his stature and the 31-year-old who plays both ends of the rink will draw much interest if the Flames can't get him signed to an extension. Too popular, not reachable Michal Rozsival, D, N.Y. Rangers - Solid offensive defenceman who has developed to the point that he now plays more than 24 minutes per game for the Blueshirts and the 29 year-old has also notched a career-best 13 goals this season. highly doubtful, but very likeable, not sure if a good fit for us though Brooks Orpik, D, Pittsburgh - Rock-solid blueliner who should draw a lot of interest because of his consistent physical presence on the back end. Just 27, Orpik could be tough for the Penguins to keep in the fold. I like, sign him up, all aces!!! Mike Commodore, D, Ottawa - Big and strong on the blueline, the 28-year-old has been exposed some since arriving in Ottawa, but he has experience and will have an opportunity to improve his value with a strong postseason. I thought i liked, but disappointment as an Otter, Murray likes, will resign I think Bobby Holik, C, Atlanta - While the 37-year-old invariably ends up with an inflated contract in his free agent seasons, it might be wise for teams to temper expectations a little bit. In a thid-line role, Holik still offers a defensive conscience and a strong physical presence but, for a team to realize value, he needs to get paid accordingly. Would love on a reasonable 2-yr deal I sense nothing will happen in Free Agency for us, but wishful thinking. Thanks.
Chief Enabler Posted April 17, 2008 Report Posted April 17, 2008 Miller will restore your faith next year. I hope the fall collection includes a pleated chino and silk button-downs.
inkman Posted April 18, 2008 Report Posted April 18, 2008 I hope the fall collection includes a pleated chino and silk button-downs. I hear pastels are really in this year. Fabulous!
SabresFan526 Posted April 19, 2008 Report Posted April 19, 2008 I'm quite certain I'm in the minority here, but I would not mind the Sabres signing Sergei Federov as the "veteran leader". He's good for the Sabres for a few reasons. First, he's pretty good on faceoffs something this team was not good at this past season. Second, he's an excellent defensive forward who can even play defenseman if need be. Third, we all know what he has done offensively in his career. He's older now, but I would not mind signing him to a 2 year contract at maybe $3 million - $3.5 million/year. I think he'd be a great fit in Buffalo, but doubt it will happen. It looks like he likes playing with all the Russian kids in Washington, and his best seasons have been when he's played with a Kozlov, and now he has Viktor to play with.
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