Enroth/Kennedy Update

[BamBam]

Buffalo News (Sunday Edition)

Enroth: The deadline for signing European prospects for 2008-09 was supposed to be next Sunday. With no transfer agreement in place, there?s no longer a deadline. It means the Sabres aren?t likely to land Swedish goaltending prospect Jhonas Enroth, a second-round pick whom they wanted to start in (sshhh!) AHL Portland, until this mess is resolved.

 

Kennedy: Another week without a contract for Tim Kennedy and the Sabres, another week closer the South Buffalo native draws toward returning to Michigan State, playing out his senior season and having the opportunity to become a free agent.

 

Apparently, I?m not the only one who has been confused by the Sabres? decision to play hardball with the 22-year-old winger. Kennedy led Michigan State in scoring the past two years and to the 2007 NCAA championship. Michigan State coach Rick Comley sounded baffled last week after naming goalie Jeff Lerg as captain and Kennedy an alternate captain for the 2008-09 season. Comley did believe Kennedy and the Sabres would reach an agreement before next season.

 

?I can?t imagine that they aren?t going to come to their senses and give him what he deserves,? Comley told the State News in East Lansing, Mich. ?But if he returned, he might be the best player in the country.?

 

Lets get this done!

[wonderbread]

Its like everyone has the Sabres by the Nuts it seems. Patiently awaiting the days when we can get off the ledge here. Hey i am not a GM, but you would think you'd get your best prospects signed. Especially when you could have had this wrapped up by now.

[BamBam]

I guess it begs the question...Does the team have a perception problem in hockey circles? Where is it coming from, and is it justified or not?

[tom webster]

I guess it begs the question...Does the team have a perception problem in hockey circles? Where is it coming from, and is it justified or not?

 

That's exactly the point. Perception or reality, it really doesn't matter. When college coaches are taking shots, its just embarrassing.

[SabreNod]

I think it's funny that most fans seem to immediately take on the opinion/slant of a beat reporter when it comes to any personnel decision, rather than give any benefit of the doubt to the PROFESSIONALS who work for the Sabres. These writers don't know squat. And neither do you. Me, too. That is, relative to the information at the disposal of an NFL scouting/personnel staff. Information includes strategy and other offseason plans yet to unfold.

 

No matter what, there will be Sabres fans ready to whine and question the Sabres every time some writer pens an article shaded by his own fear and bitterness.

 

Some fans never quit. There always has to be something.

[SabreNod]

That's exactly the point. Perception or reality, it really doesn't matter. When college coaches are taking shots, its just embarrassing.

 

Tom, do you ever quit? "perception or reality, it doesn't really matter". You can't be serious. You're smarter than that. Perceptions *like that referenced in this dime-a-dozen NHL article* are as fleeting as a fart in the wind. Reality is what matters. And fans and writers alike know squat about what's really going on behind the scenes. There's a lot more that goes into these decisions than a few offhanded remarks by a college coach might suggest. And you so easily elevate his words above the *assumed* attitudes of the Sabres. That, Tom, is the hallmark of extreme bias.

 

Why don't you write a letter to Sabres management apprising them of their questionable acumen? Or maybe you should offer your insight and services to the team, seeing as how you always know better?

 

College coaches always make statements of advocacy about their players. Comments like this are commonplace and meaningless. People had to cry and whine and fret over Gerbe, and now it's Kennedy's turn because some writer puts an article together.

 

Chicken Littles everywhere. And they turn on a dime.

 

Embarrassing? It's THIS type of reaction that's embarrassing.

[BetweenThePipes00]

College coaches always make statements of advocacy about their players. Comments like this are commonplace and meaningless.

 

Exactly ... what's he going to say, "Kennedy is really asking for too much, and next year he's not going to get any better so ... the kid should just take their offer."? He's going to help the kid out however he can, as he should.

Here is a story in the Michigan State paper with the same quote .. http://www.statenews.com/index.php/article...t_msu_uncertain ... it refers to his departure as "probable," and they do not seem to be getting all excited that he might be back. Sop perhaps we should not be panicked that he has not signed yet.

[shrader]

Kennedy as the best player in the nation is a bit laughable. But anyway, it is a bit strange that Comley is essentially trying to help him in his negotiations. I also think its funny that I've talked to some Michigan State fans and they didn't even bother to mention that comment. It seems like the media types are making more of it than the fans are.

 

Oh, and here's a little bit of info that I'm sure no one heard about. Gerbe was also given an A for next season and we all know how that turned out.

 

And anyone who wants to spin the Enroth situation as the Sabres being cheap is just in the habit of complaining about everything. Those pesky little things called transfer agreements tend to get in the way. The second that is sorted out, Enroth will be signed for the max. Sure, Buffalo will try to talk that number down a bit because who wouldn't but they'll pay it.

[Buffalo Fan]

Maybe the Sabres' image has only been damaged in the media

[deluca67]

Maybe the Sabres' image has only been damaged in the media

Look at who at who wrote the article. That's as far as I needed to read before I moved on. :thumbdown:

[tom webster]

Tom, do you ever quit? "perception or reality, it doesn't really matter". You can't be serious. You're smarter than that. Perceptions *like that referenced in this dime-a-dozen NHL article* are as fleeting as a fart in the wind. Reality is what matters. And fans and writers alike know squat about what's really going on behind the scenes. There's a lot more that goes into these decisions than a few offhanded remarks by a college coach might suggest. And you so easily elevate his words above the *assumed* attitudes of the Sabres. That, Tom, is the hallmark of extreme bias.

 

Why don't you write a letter to Sabres management apprising them of their questionable acumen? Or maybe you should offer your insight and services to the team, seeing as how you always know better?

 

College coaches always make statements of advocacy about their players. Comments like this are commonplace and meaningless. People had to cry and whine and fret over Gerbe, and now it's Kennedy's turn because some writer puts an article together.

 

Chicken Littles everywhere. And they turn on a dime.

 

Embarrassing? It's THIS type of reaction that's embarrassing.

 

a) In business, your customer's perception is their reality.

b) In business, your employee's perception is their reality

c) It is their job to change that perception

d) Quibbling over 20 to 30 thousand doesn't help change that perception

e) All that being said,I have said that I think they will get it done, but dragging their feet on this and other negotiations(Gaustad, Paille, Bernier) doesn't help change that perception. While other team's (and no, not all teams) sign their RFA's and draft choices, it is business as usual for Buffalo.

f) I have talked to Reiger and other's and offered my opinion, but never expressed the belief that I know better, just that I have a different opinion.

[tom webster]

Look at who at who wrote the article. That's as far as I needed to read before I moved on. :thumbdown:

 

Narrow minded people shy away frmo those whose opinion's may differ. They can't handle the confusion.

 

Besides, no opinions in this piece, just reporting the facts.

[tom webster]

Kennedy as the best player in the nation is a bit laughable. But anyway, it is a bit strange that Comley is essentially trying to help him in his negotiations. I also think its funny that I've talked to some Michigan State fans and they didn't even bother to mention that comment. lIt seems ike the media types are making more of it than the fans are.

Oh, and here's a little bit of info that I'm sure no one heard about. Gerbe was also given an A for next season and we all know how that turned out.

 

And anyone who wants to spin the Enroth situation as the Sabres being cheap is just in the habit of complaining about everything. Those pesky little things called transfer agreements tend to get in the way. The second that is sorted out, Enroth will be signed for the max. Sure, Buffalo will try to talk that number down a bit because who wouldn't but they'll pay it.

 

No one is really making anything out of it. He was just reporting what Comley said. If you read the article, he closes with something to the effect of, now the question is what he deserves.

The Sabres need desparately to change their reputation if they are going to be able to sign free agents and get a fair shake from the agents. We all know that Kennedy will eventually sign and then maybe not be heard from for a couple of years if ever. Why not get it done? You know once they decide the deal will get done in twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

[deluca67]

Narrow minded people shy away frmo those whose opinion's may differ. They can't handle the confusion.

 

Besides, no opinions in this piece, just reporting the facts.

Facts? Really? What facts? All I see is a two line quote. Did their entire conversation consist of two sentences? This is Bucky Ecklund's 'School of Yellow Journalism ' at it's worst. The fact that he still has a job is an embarrassment for the Buffalo News and WNY Sports in general. It shows how low the standards are at that third rate paper.

 

Also,

 

I love opinions that differ from mine. It's why I'm on this board slugging (no pun intended) it out over different topics. The problem for Bucky is that the posters on this board are far more credible and have must greater hockey acumens. When real hockey fans want real news and educated opinions the last place they go is the Buffalo News. I'm sure the News must have many of the staff that love hockey and could report it well. While they continue to put Bucky Ecklund as their hockey guy they will never reach the minimal standards of credibility.

[Buffalo Fan]

Narrow minded people shy away frmo those whose opinion's may differ. They can't handle the confusion.

 

Besides, no opinions in this piece, just reporting the facts.

 

 

Not trying to bust your balls, but how do you know they are quibling over 20-30K? Do you really know Darcy personally?

[SwampD]

No one is really making anything out of it. He was just reporting what Comley said. If you read the article, he closes with something to the effect of, now the question is what he deserves.

The Sabres need desparately to change their reputation if they are going to be able to sign free agents and get a fair shake from the agents. We all know that Kennedy will eventually sign and then maybe not be heard from for a couple of years if ever. Why not get it done? You know once they decide the deal will get done in twenty-four to forty-eight hours.

a) In business, your customer's perception is their reality.

b) In business, your employee's perception is their reality

 

 

Or maybe we need to change our perception of their reputation. :) I really wonder how many other teams throughout the league have locked up every player and every prospect, which we are demanding of the Sabres. Seams a little silly.

 

Tom's next post:

 

Kennedy Signs,

Now do I feel stupid

 

just kidding, Tom

[tom webster]

Not trying to bust your balls, but how do you know they are quibling over 20-30K? Do you really know Darcy personally?

 

2) No, I didn't say I know him personally. Said I had a personal conversation with him after I wrote him questioning the team's direction. He said it was the only letter that had a name signed which is why he approached me at a game.

 

1) They are said to be quibbling over the minor league portion of the salary. Since the max is approximately $62K, I would hope they are not offering less then $32.

[tom webster]

Facts? Really? What facts? All I see is a two line quote. Did their entire conversation consist of two sentences? This is Bucky Ecklund's 'School of Yellow Journalism ' at it's worst. The fact that he still has a job is an embarrassment for the Buffalo News and WNY Sports in general. It shows how low the standards are at that third rate paper.

 

Also,

 

I love opinions that differ from mine. It's why I'm on this board slugging (no pun intended) it out over different topics. The problem for Bucky is that the posters on this board are far more credible and have must greater hockey acumens. When real hockey fans want real news and educated opinions the last place they go is the Buffalo News. I'm sure the News must have many of the staff that love hockey and could report it well. While they continue to put Bucky Ecklund as their hockey guy they will never reach the minimal standards of credibility.

 

DeLuca, You said you moved on. How do you know about the two line quote.

And yes, that two line quote was the entire conversation relative to the Sabres.

[tom webster]

Or maybe we need to change our perception of their reputation. :) I really wonder how many other teams throughout the league have locked up every player and every prospect, which we are demanding of the Sabres. Seams a little silly.

 

Tom's next post:

 

Kennedy Signs,

Now do I feel stupid

 

just kidding, Tom

 

First,

I already said they will sign him and the length of the negotiations will just solidify their reputation.

 

Second,

Players and league personnel from all over the league love the area and yet they finish in the bottom of the league when players are polled were they want to play. You tell me what their reputation is.

Also, you think it is a coincidence that a 40% deposit is due on season tickets the day before free agency.

 

Third,

I already said that there are other teams that still haven't signed all their prospects and players. Buffalo is the team that keeps telling us at the end of the year that they learned their lesson and will do things differently.

[SwampD]

Second,

Players and league personnel from all over the league love the area and yet they finish in the bottom of the league when players are polled were they want to play. You tell me what their reputation is.

Also, you think it is a coincidence that a 40% deposit is due on season tickets the day before free agency.

Who did they poll, Drury and Briere?

 

 

yep...I went there.

[inkman]

Tom's next post:

 

Kennedy Signs,

Now do I feel stupid

This will never happen. There are a few posters who have an agenda and will push it, twist it and manipulate it to fit every situation. None of these posters will ever eat crow. They are right, everyone who disagrees is wrong. Just one of the many reasons why I frequent this place less and less. It's turned into the mickey mouse places that I try to avoid.

[SabreNod]

a) In business, your customer's perception is their reality.

b) In business, your employee's perception is their reality

c) It is their job to change that perception

d) Quibbling over 20 to 30 thousand doesn't help change that perception

e) All that being said,I have said that I think they will get it done, but dragging their feet on this and other negotiations(Gaustad, Paille, Bernier) doesn't help change that perception. While other team's (and no, not all teams) sign their RFA's and draft choices, it is business as usual for Buffalo.

f) I have talked to Reiger and other's and offered my opinion, but never expressed the belief that I know better, just that I have a different opinion.

 

 

a) Blah blah blah. Platitudes. Doesn't make it REAL. And one platitude deserves another: You can't please everyone.

b) See a)

c) Laughably BS. If a hundred "customers" think we should trade to get Biron back, because that's their perception of what the Sabres need, therefore it's their "reality" as you would like to put it (with incredibly specious reasoning given the context), then it's the Sabres job to even give a damn about it? You must be joking. Take a walk and clear your head, because this post comes off like a guy who just had to reply.

d) What do YOU know about what they're deliberating about? It could be a great many things, and nobody here would know the truth. Ridiculous.

e) They are dragging their feet the the "reality" (as defined by you) of a FEW people, you included. That does not mean they ARE dragging their feet. It's not even June yet. Most of these things are wrapped up in summer, exceptions aside. Again, you're only illustrating my point that with some fans, there will always be something to complain about. It never ends.

f) I'm sure Regier took notes of the conversation. :rolleyes:

[SabreNod]

Narrow minded people shy away frmo those whose opinion's may differ. They can't handle the confusion.

 

Besides, no opinions in this piece, just reporting the facts.

 

Tom, are you okay? You seem to be REALLY out there.

 

I could just as easily say "reasonable people shy away from articles by narrow minded writers".

 

Your logic is just so weak here.

 

"They can't handle the confusion" HUH? Just need to be condescending while you're failing to make a point?

 

And RE: your last statement, (I can't believe I have to say this) what you're missing is the art of the article, 101. The use of quotes to frame an opinion into what looks like a presentation of facts, accented with the writer's bias for a particular outcome.

 

This article was transparent. It also reflects the type of attitude held by a LOUD MINORITY of Sabres fans.

 

Reality? Far, far from it.

[deluca67]

a) In business, your customer's perception is their reality.

b) In business, your employee's perception is their reality

c) It is their job to change that perception

d) Quibbling over 20 to 30 thousand doesn't help change that perception

e) All that being said,I have said that I think they will get it done, but dragging their feet on this and other negotiations(Gaustad, Paille, Bernier) doesn't help change that perception. While other team's (and no, not all teams) sign their RFA's and draft choices, it is business as usual for Buffalo.

f) I have talked to Reiger and other's and offered my opinion, but never expressed the belief that I know better, just that I have a different opinion.

This line reminds of the scene in Slap Shot were Reggie Dunlop is in the bar and the drunk guy yells at him "you got to get power play working" and Dunlop is like "yeah yeah we'll work on it". TW why don't you tell us the time you helped out the Sabres power play by yelling "shoooot" at the TV.

[Guest Sloth]

Tom, are you okay? You seem to be REALLY out there.

 

I could just as easily say "reasonable people shy away from articles by narrow minded writers".

 

Your logic is just so weak here.

 

"They can't handle the confusion" HUH? Just need to be condescending while you're failing to make a point?

 

And RE: your last statement, (I can't believe I have to say this) what you're missing is the art of the article, 101. The use of quotes to frame an opinion into what looks like a presentation of facts, accented with the writer's bias for a particular outcome.

 

This article was transparent. It also reflects the type of attitude held by a LOUD MINORITY of Sabres fans.

 

Reality? Far, far from it.

 

Wasn't Buffalo ranked 26th as a team a free agent and/or a prospect would want to play for? That ranking came from a player's poll; not the fans. One significant player, I can't recall who it was, said it was due to management, in his opinion.