Enroth/Kennedy Update

[BetweenThePipes00]

If someone other than his college coach comes out and says the Sabres MUST sign Kennedy at all costs because of actual HOCKEY reasons, and because he is going to be valuable to the franchise, I'll maybe start to get worried... next month. So far, all it seems to be is how they HAVE to sign him just to repair their reputation. Two things some to mind:

1. That's what they said about Gerbe. They did it. I guess it didn't repair the reputation since now this one is end-all, be-all. If they sign the kid tomorrow (which will probably happen since Gerbe signed right after a TBN panic attack), will the reputation be repaired? When can we NOT have this conversation about a kid none of us have seen play more than a game or two? At least when we bitch about Kalinin we have a basis for the bitching ... all I have seen from Kennedy is he is a smaller Connolly ... but all I have seen is like a game and some highlights, so what do I know? I know his numbers were exactly the same the last two years ... not sure where this big leap to best player in the country is coming from.

 

2. I don't want them getting bullied into doing anything for any reason other than what they need on the ice. Call them cheap, and they have been in some cases, but like it or not player costs are going to keep going up, and the Sabres can't afford to throw money around and make mistakes. League revenues keep going up and the Sabres still have the lowest ticket prices. The gap is widening. If the sticking point is AHL salary, well, everyone bitched they did not put a full team on the ice in Rochester ... now they are supposedly going to have a full team ... so maybe less money for Kennedy means they sign one more prospect to play in the AHL. If the kid is that good he'll be making his NHL money soon enough anyway.

 

Either way, fixing their reputation is not a good reason to do anything, not with a former 6th round pick who had identical sophomore and junior seasons.

[SwampD]

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.

This was in reference to his post where he actually did eat crow

http://forums.sabrespace.com/index.php?showtopic=12535

but I get your point.

Don't worry. We'll come around again. It's the summer and we got nothin' else to do.

[stenbaro]

Who did they poll, Drury and Briere?

yep...I went there.

I gotta chime in here, I guess its how you or a player define a positive opinion or a negative opinion about the Buffalo Sabres Management..Does a history of losing your allstar players hurt, does a history of so called lowballing your prospects hurt, does a history of losing your captains hurt or does a history of keeping your young talent help,or having a loyal fan base,, I think they are a very talented front office with major flaws...We could be worse just look at situations in Toronto, Vancouver. I am dumbfounded at thje level of players that were let go, I am also as dumbfonded at the high level of young players and prospects they have. An equal balance of both would i rather have (yoda style) but at least we have some hope and a future to be excited about...

[stenbaro]

This was in reference to his post where he actually did eat crow

http://forums.sabrespace.com/index.php?showtopic=12535

but I get your point.

Don't worry. We'll come around again. It's the summer and we got nothin' else to do.

Now the question is to Inkman would you like your crow deepfried or grilled? :nana: ..

[SwampD]

Now the question is to Inkman would you like your crow deepfried or grilled? :nana: ..

nice.

 

:lol:

[SabreNod]

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.

 

 

Uh, Gee, Wally...do you think that might have something to do with the reputation the CITY has had for decades?

 

The assumption that this poll was fueled by attitudes toward Sabre management is laughable. The answer is more difficult to take, but it's the truth.

 

You say that "one significant player said..."

 

Well, there you have it. An insignificant fact, even if true.

[shrader]

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.

 

I should've been more clear on that one (long day yesterday). I mentioned the media because they were the only ones who actually mentioned it. The people who are trying to make more of it are certain people around here, the one's who will turn any action into a shot against the front office. A lot of it comes from the fact that he's a local, but Kennedy is not this great player that some are playing him up to be. Obviously Comley will do that, but he's not the guaranteed impact prospect that some would like to think.

[LabattBlue]

1. Just because there is no transfer agrereement, doesn't mean that Enorth still can't be signed, correct? They need to get him in the minors ASAP and start developing him.

 

2. I don't know if Kennedy is looking for the rookie max and I fully realize that he is not a "can't miss" prospect, but he has had a very good college career to date, is a local kid and the Sabres traded for him on draft day. They would come away with egg on their face if he does not sign with the Sabres and ends up in the NHL with another club.

[Bmwolf21]

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.

Agreed. Personally I am tired of the same pissing contests in every thread between the same handful of posters, but that's just me. It is going to be a long offseason if every thread is going to devolve into the same name-calling and personal attack BS we see on TSW...

[shrader]

1. Just because there is no transfer agrereement, doesn't mean that Enorth still can't be signed, correct? They need to get him in the minors ASAP and start developing him.

 

I have no idea, but sometimes is a very good idea not to piss off the leagues. And if you can avoid a possible legal situation like what happened with Malkin, its probably a good idea.

[darksabre]

This is all Masiello's fault.

[tom webster]

One sentence. No comment about the article or the signing or lack thereof. An innocuous statement about a common held business axiom that a consumer's perception defines their reality and SabreNod goes ballistic and I'm this hated poster with an agenda. You guys must lead very depressing lives.

Hope you all had a great Memorial Day and thanks once again for those who sacrificed, whether it be with their life or an important part of it.

[SabreNod]

I'll quote this one again for ya.

 

Condescension, Tom. Of the worst kind - the kind that is in no place to condescend in the first place. Any tinged with hypocrisy: One can just as easily assert that it's YOU who are narrow minded. And you tend to try to write from a point of view of authority, and it's terribly annoying. It invites volleys.

 

It's Bucky-like. Usually extreme, and always with a dig at the Sabres organization. It's just so tiresome.

 

As I said in my first post: It will never end, no matter what the Sabres do, positive or otherwise. There will always be something for the Bucky Lemmings to whine about.

 

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.

[inkman]

Now the question is to Inkman would you like your crow deepfried or grilled? :nana: ..

I'll just ignore that and continue on my rant, it works for everyone else.

[tom webster]

I'll quote this one again for ya.

 

Condescension, Tom. Of the worst kind - the kind that is in no place to condescend in the first place. Any tinged with hypocrisy: One can just as easily assert that it's YOU who are narrow minded. And you tend to try to write from a point of view of authority, and it's terribly annoying. It invites volleys.

 

It's Bucky-like. Usually extreme, and always with a dig at the Sabres organization. It's just so tiresome.

 

As I said in my first post: It will never end, no matter what the Sabres do, positive or otherwise. There will always be something for the Bucky Lemmings to whine about.

 

That's just not true. And bucky's column wasn't anti-Sabres either. He was just reporting what Comley said and he closed with the statement "What does he deserve?"

[carpandean]

That's just not true. And bucky's column wasn't anti-Sabres either. He was just reporting what Comley said and he closed with the statement "What does he deserve?"

Well, Bucky is perceived as a Sabres' FO hater, so that's all that matters! As such, whenever he posts something that could be perceived as a dig at them, it will be assumed that it is, adding to that reputation. Sound familiar? :nana:

[tom webster]

Well, Bucky is perceived as a Sabres' FO hater, so that all that matters! As such, whenever he posts something that could be perceived as a dig at them, it will be assumed that it is, adding to that reputation. Sound familiar? :nana:

 

 

That's actually a very good point. I believe that his recent articles have been less confrontational and yet the perception remains. Now if the Sabres' could start making that attempt to change their image, they too could change that perception and not have to ask for 40% deposit on tickets the day before free agency begins.

[shrader]

That's actually a very good point. I believe that his recent articles have been less confrontational and yet the perception remains. Now if the Sabres' could start making that attempt to change their image, they too could change that perception and not have to ask for 40% deposit on tickets the day before free agency begins.

 

What I've read lately has been fine. The problem is that there are a select few around here (and I'm sure there are many more throughout the fanbase) that spin his words to say whatever they want to hear. The writings have been very tame as of late, but people will see whatever they want to see.

[X. Benedict]

I think it is way too early to get panicky about Kennedy - or any reading into what an opening offer for a prospect says about the state of the franchise. Of course we all expect Portland to be the AHL

home, but I don't think getting the AHL agreement together is small fry either. They will have to go from stocking half a team to an entire AHL roster.

 

The thing that bothers me about Bucky's piece is his tendency to write without defining the antecedent. He states he is bothered by "the Sabres decision to play hardball"....I am still trying to remember where the News printed anything about this "decision" and what "lowball" means given the defined CBA parameters. Bucky hasn't been too helpful. Also I can't remember a follow-up on what led so many writers to write how Gerbe was "lowballed" ....what was the initial offer there?

 

So a loyal coach is trying to give his player some leverage as a prospect... I don't think that is surprising at all.

[tom webster]

I think it is way too early to get panicky about Kennedy - or any reading into what an opening offer for a prospect says about the state of the franchise. Of course we all expect Portland to be the AHL

home, but I don't think getting the AHL agreement together is small fry either. They will have to go from stocking half a team to an entire AHL roster.

 

The thing that bothers me about Bucky's piece is his tendency to write without defining the antecedent. He states he is bothered by "the Sabres decision to play hardball"....I am still trying to remember where the News printed anything about this "decision" and what "lowball" means given the defined CBA parameters. Bucky hasn't been too helpful. Also I can't remember a follow-up on what led so many writers to write how Gerbe was "lowballed" ....what was the initial offer there?

So a loyal coach is trying to give his player some leverage as a prospect... I don't think that is surprising at all.

 

a) forgive for splitting hairs, he writes he is confused which I believe is a tad less negative

b) why bother? no one is going to go on record after a deal is done and without sources, well you know that story

c) Gerbe signed forty eight hours after the Sabres got serious and ended up at the maximum. You do the string of logic.

 

All that being said, expect Kennedy to sign in the next week or two and for the salary to be surprising. The real problem here, and this is just my guess, is that with the "streamlined" organization, Darcy may have too much on his plate. If I remember correctly, it was Kevin Billet who always handled contract negotiations for the team. Do a quick look at some of the other teams, there is a ridiculous number of advisers on some.

TG and LQ point with pride to the lack of VP's within the organization and they should. However, a capoligist and legal advisor might speed things up.

[LabattBlue]

That's actually a very good point. I believe that his recent articles have been less confrontational and yet the perception remains. Now if the Sabres' could start making that attempt to change their image, they too could change that perception and not have to ask for 40% deposit on tickets the day before free agency begins.

There are always people here and on TSW who love to bash Gleason(here) and Sully(over on TSW). What people forget is that they are columnists who are paid to state their opinion and in some cases probably directed to be on the controversial side of the fence.

 

IMO...Gleason probably went overboard last summer with the whole Briere and Drury fiasco, but his shots at Quinny(who is as arrogant as they come) were at least somewhat deserved.

 

I'll move on now. :)

[X. Benedict]

a) forgive for splitting hairs, he writes he is confused which I believe is a tad less negative]

 

You're right. I was sure he wrote bothered. Late night reading.

 

b) why bother? no one is going to go on record after a deal is done and without sources, well you know that story

 

I would think that one would provide context for the other. The Gerbe negotiations I think he described with similar words.

 

c) Gerbe signed forty eight hours after the Sabres got serious and ended up at the maximum. You do the string of logic.

 

All that being said, expect Kennedy to sign in the next week or two and for the salary to be surprising. The real problem here, and this is just my guess, is that with the "streamlined" organization, Darcy may have too much on his plate. If I remember correctly, it was Kevin Billet who always handled contract negotiations for the team. Do a quick look at some of the other teams, there is a ridiculous number of advisers on some.

TG and LQ point with pride to the lack of VP's within the organization and they should. However, a capoligist and legal advisor might speed things up.

 

I have similar suspicions.

[That Aud Smell]

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.

:cry:

I'll just ignore that and continue on my rant, it works for everyone else.

:w00t: ... :blink:

 

Well, Bucky is perceived as a Sabres' FO hater, so that's all that matters!

Well-played.

 

What I've read lately has been fine.

Interesting ... sort of -- or maybe not.

 

As far as I am concerned, the die's been cast with Bucky. (And he's the one who did the casting.) He became so shrill and irrational (not to mention unprofessional) when engaging in his thinly-veiled ad hominen attacks against the FO that I just don't care what he writes or says anymore. The fact that Bucky's "nemesis" is a guy who comes off as incredibly full of himself and may have a dangerously-inflated sense of competence when it comes to hockey matters does not help redeem the guy in my mind.

 

I suspect that there's some insight and inside scoop that I could be missing out on as a result of not reading his columns -- but that's why I come here -- if there's something important and legitimate going on with the team (and/or the league), you can count on it getting fleshed out here in a thorough, intelligent and balanced way.**

 

**You hear that, Ink? ;)

[bottlecap]

maybe they're trying to sell the team and don't want to take on contracts.

[X. Benedict]

maybe they're trying to sell the team and don't want to take on contracts.

:rolleyes: