Brian Campbell

[djwilli3]

If Campbell didn't sign a long term contract with the Sharks, should the Sabres make a play to get him back? There was some talk that Regier was going to trade him away and then after we got the benefit and his contract ran out, try and resign him before next season to a long term deal. Any chance of that happening? Would you like to see the Sabres do that?

 

Also, what other players are a realistic possibility for next year. Buffalo doesn't need a whole lot of help, but we have some areas of concern. Who should we pick up to try and fix those problems, the six new rookie signings notwithstanding?

[BuffalOhio]

I would love to have Campbell back on the Sabres, but only for a substantial hometown discount. I don't see it happening.

[Kristian]

I would love to have Campbell back on the Sabres, but only for a substantial hometown discount. I don't see it happening.

 

Me neither, someone will be stupid enough to offer him 6+ mill.

 

WAY too pricey for us.

[SabresFan526]

I'll take Campbell back at $4.5 million/year. Beyond that, he's way too expensive for a one-way offensive defenseman with a mediocre shot. I'd rather have JM Liles at a much more affordable price like $2.5-$3.5 million/year. JM Liles is a very similar defenseman to Campbell with poor defensive zone play and can also move the puck with a good first pass and take the puck up the ice and pinch, but he also a brings a better shot from the point than Campbell does and for all of that, he'd come in way cheaper. Liles would be a better goal scorer from the blueline than Campbell would be and would also be a true and legitimate PP QB that Campbell is not. I like Campbell, don't get me wrong, but I'd take Liles at a cheaper price, which he will be even in the post July 1st market.

[deluca67]

It's time to move on. There many options available to the Sabres this off season that are a much better fit than Campbell. With the playoffs he had his stock has fallen greatly. I wouldn't be willing to pay more than $3 million a year. Some team will believe the hype and give Campbell his $5-6 million. There are better defensemen at better prices, hopefully the Sabres can land one.

[Chief Enabler]

That would be a largest slice of Humble Pie ever served. I'd take my chances with a Bouwmiester though. This would fall into my catagory of "the devil you know, the devil you dont know"

[SabresFanInRochester]

I'll take Campbell back at $4.5 million/year. Beyond that, he's way too expensive for a one-way offensive defenseman with a mediocre shot. I'd rather have JM Liles at a much more affordable price like $2.5-$3.5 million/year. JM Liles is a very similar defenseman to Campbell with poor defensive zone play and can also move the puck with a good first pass and take the puck up the ice and pinch, but he also a brings a better shot from the point than Campbell does and for all of that, he'd come in way cheaper. Liles would be a better goal scorer from the blueline than Campbell would be and would also be a true and legitimate PP QB that Campbell is not. I like Campbell, don't get me wrong, but I'd take Liles at a cheaper price, which he will be even in the post July 1st market.

 

As you compare Liles and Campbell, you see them as similar and give Liles the nod in other aspects of his game, yet you think Liles will be available for 1/2 the price. Are you factoring in media attention and exposure as being the only differences between what Campbell will demand and Liles will be able to get?

 

Personally, I think Sekera is that player, and you don't need another on the roster. I want the tough guy, like Orpik, instead.

[SabresFan526]

As you compare Liles and Campbell, you see them as similar and give Liles the nod in other aspects of his game, yet you think Liles will be available for 1/2 the price. Are you factoring in media attention and exposure as being the only differences between what Campbell will demand and Liles will be able to get?

 

Personally, I think Sekera is that player, and you don't need another on the roster. I want the tough guy, like Orpik, instead.

Basically yes. Here's what it comes down to with Liles, he had an absolutely terrible year this past year in his most crucial year that being his UFA year, but I actually thought he played quite well in the playoffs. Campbell, on the other hand, had a career year in his UFA year. Because of that Liles will definitely come in cheaper. Also, Liles has never been to an all-star game while Campbell has been to two. Colorado has been a bit of a mediocre team since the lockout either barely making the playoffs or not making it at all while the Sabres and Sharks have been high seeds and advanced far in the playoffs therefore giving Campbell a lot more media attention than what Liles has gotten. I think Liles is a good fit for Buffalo and can help the PP. But, I just don't see anyone giving him Campbell like numbers after such a mediocre season.

 

With regard to Sekera, I think he played really well when he was with the Sabres last season. I think he should be a full time member of the Sabres. But, I'm not ready to give a rookie defenseman top 4 minutes. To me it's not either Liles, Orpik, or Sekera. I think the Sabres should have all three of them. The question is how do you get all three and where do you make the cuts? Well Sekera is on the team and is at an affordable contract, so no issues there. The question is how do you get Liles and Orpik? When you take Kalinin, Campbell, Pratt, Lydman, and Max off the books, you save $10.2 million. Assume the Cap goes up to $56.3 million and account for the fact the Sabres did not hit the max cap this year with a savings of about $3 million, the Sabres now have about $19 million available to spend for next year and beyond. Obviously, the Sabres don't spend anywhere close to $56.3 million, but they'll probably go as high as about $50 million meaning a total savings for the Sabres of about $13 million. That's plenty of money to sign Liles, Orpik, and second line centerman, and enough tagging room to give extensions to Miller and Pominville starting in the 2009-2010 season. It can happen and if I'm Darcy/Management, I try to make it happen.

[SabresFanInRochester]

Basically yes. Here's what it comes down to with Liles, he had an absolutely terrible year this past year in his most crucial year that being his UFA year, but I actually thought he played quite well in the playoffs. Campbell, on the other hand, had a career year in his UFA year. Because of that Liles will definitely come in cheaper. Also, Liles has never been to an all-star game while Campbell has been to two. Colorado has been a bit of a mediocre team since the lockout either barely making the playoffs or not making it at all while the Sabres and Sharks have been high seeds and advanced far in the playoffs therefore giving Campbell a lot more media attention than what Liles has gotten. I think Liles is a good fit for Buffalo and can help the PP. But, I just don't see anyone giving him Campbell like numbers after such a mediocre season.

 

With regard to Sekera, I think he played really well when he was with the Sabres last season. I think he should be a full time member of the Sabres. But, I'm not ready to give a rookie defenseman top 4 minutes. To me it's not either Liles, Orpik, or Sekera. I think the Sabres should have all three of them. The question is how do you get all three and where do you make the cuts? Well Sekera is on the team and is at an affordable contract, so no issues there. The question is how do you get Liles and Orpik? When you take Kalinin, Campbell, Pratt, Lydman, and Max off the books, you save $10.2 million. Assume the Cap goes up to $56.3 million and account for the fact the Sabres did not hit the max cap this year with a savings of about $3 million, the Sabres now have about $19 million available to spend for next year and beyond. Obviously, the Sabres don't spend anywhere close to $56.3 million, but they'll probably go as high as about $50 million meaning a total savings for the Sabres of about $13 million. That's plenty of money to sign Liles, Orpik, and second line centerman, and enough tagging room to give extensions to Miller and Pominville starting in the 2009-2010 season. It can happen and if I'm Darcy/Management, I try to make it happen.

 

Well stated. I would like to see Orpik come in and pair with Spacek on the top line. Then Lydman and Tallinder as a pair, and then Sekera with Teppo/Pratt. I would prefer Teppo over Pratt, but I think both are consistent, stay-at-home d-men, although Pratt struggled in the 2nd half of the season. With Sekera in that position, I am not worried about playing him as a rookie and letting him mature. I don't think the roster needs too much turn over, but one top d-man is crucial.

 

Also, look at the $$$. Golisano doesn't want to spend to the cap, and you illustrated that he would be coming in well under. But, if he can guide DR and LQ to acquire one expensive ($2.5 million) d-man instead of two, they will be even further under the cap. This management doesn't strike me as a group that will buy everything necessary to fix a problem. It is more patchwork with an acquisition and let the young guys fill the void.

[bob_sauve28]

Screw him, Sekera is better

[carpandean]

I like Campbell a lot and paired with a true stay-at-home defenseman, he would be great to have. As much as we rag on him, two different coaching staffs have seen enough in him to give him top-pair ice time, as well as considerable PP and PK time. However, even with his poor showing in the playoffs and a home town discount, I doubt that he will come in low enough. That said, if his agent comes knocking on the Sabres' door starting at or below $5 million , then maybe they could negotiate down a little to something reasonable (I'd be OK with $4, maybe $4.5.) Don't see it happening, but I wouldn't shut the door on him if it did.

 

As for Liles, I've never seen why he is talked about so much. He has some talent on the offensive side of the game and on the PP, but how did he make it on to so many acquisition lists. I swear he's somebody's cousin or something (SabresFan526, something you are not telling us?) He'd be all right, but we have several other things that rate as much higher priorities ... a defensive, physical, top-pair partner for Spacek for example (here, Orpik's name comes up a lot, but he's a local kid, so that makes sense.)

[SabresFanInRochester]

I like Campbell a lot and paired with a true stay-at-home defenseman, he would be great to have. As much as we rag on him, two different coaching staffs have seen enough in him to give him top-pair ice time, as well as considerable PP and PK time. However, even with his poor showing in the playoffs and a home town discount, I doubt that he will come in low enough. That said, if his agent comes knocking on the Sabres' door starting at or below $5 million , then maybe they could negotiate down a little to something reasonable (I'd be OK with $4, maybe $4.5.) Don't see it happening, but I wouldn't shut the door on him if it did.

 

As for Liles, I've never seen why he is talked about so much. He has some talent on the offensive side of the game and on the PP, but how did he make it on to so many acquisition lists. I swear he's somebody's cousin or something (SabresFan526, something you are not telling us?) He'd be all right, but we have several other things that rate as much higher priorities ... a defensive, physical, top-pair partner for Spacek for example (here, Orpik's name comes up a lot, but he's a local kid, so that makes sense.)

 

We are on the same page. I think Campbell was a fan favorite and then as soon as he moved on, he sucked. He couldn't play defense, and who cares about his offense. I think it is too difficult for people to swallow their pride and welcome him back. I would take him back, but only at the right price.

 

I don't think Liles would do much more than what we already have on the roster, so I say save the cash and make an impact with someone like Orpik.

[stenbaro]

I would be happy to see Campbell back I think the Sabres moved on when they traded him and were happy enough with Sekera to fill the role that Campbell filled for 2 yrs. If there plan is to bring in another smallish defensman if it were between Liles and Campbell I would take Campbell ove Liles even if it meant spendin 5 mill on Brian vs 3 or 4 mill vs Liles..

I would have to Give Dary some credit if he brought back Campbell and got Bernier and a 1st..

I doubt highly it would happen.

[Bmwolf21]

Personally I go with Liles for his PP skills. Save a couple million in cap space, bury Liles as the no.5 defenseman at even strength and make him a PP specialist. That gives the man-advantage unit a true weapon from the point, someone who can get shots through from the blueline and distribute the puck like a true PP playmaker.

[SabresFanInRochester]

Personally I go with Liles for his PP skills. Save a couple million in cap space, bury Liles as the no.5 defenseman at even strength and make him a PP specialist. That gives the man-advantage unit a true weapon from the point, someone who can get shots through from the blueline and distribute the puck like a true PP playmaker.

 

I have to qualify my statement by saying I don't watch Colorado often. But, making Liles a PP specialist? Is he really someone who can light it up? This past season, he had 5 PP goals??? And the last few years, not much more than that (8 and 6). That's hardly the potent formula I have in mind for a PP specialist.

 

It makes no sense to spend $3 million/year for average, when you can spend $5 and get one of the best. I think that is how you address a problem. We don't need a #5 d-man, we need a top liner. If Campbell wants to come back for somewhere in between those figures, I would certainly bring him back. Why? Because he can certainly help our PP and he is somewhere between average and top d-man, so the pay is justified. I just don't see it happening.

[stenbaro]

I have to qualify my statement by saying I don't watch Colorado often. But, making Liles a PP specialist? Is he really someone who can light it up? This past season, he had 5 PP goals??? And the last few years, not much more than that (8 and 6). That's hardly the potent formula I have in mind for a PP specialist.

 

It makes no sense to spend $3 million/year for average, when you can spend $5 and get one of the best. I think that is how you address a problem. We don't need a #5 d-man, we need a top liner. If Campbell wants to come back for somewhere in between those figures, I would certainly bring him back. Why? Because he can certainly help our PP and he is somewhere between average and top d-man, so the pay is justified. I just don't see it happening.

Youre should I say pissin in to the wind here..This argument wouldnt be solved here if Jesus himself wanted Campbell on his blueline for 5 million a yr..

[Bmwolf21]

I have to qualify my statement by saying I don't watch Colorado often. But, making Liles a PP specialist? Is he really someone who can light it up? This past season, he had 5 PP goals??? And the last few years, not much more than that (8 and 6). That's hardly the potent formula I have in mind for a PP specialist.

 

It makes no sense to spend $3 million/year for average, when you can spend $5 and get one of the best. I think that is how you address a problem. We don't need a #5 d-man, we need a top liner. If Campbell wants to come back for somewhere in between those figures, I would certainly bring him back. Why? Because he can certainly help our PP and he is somewhere between average and top d-man, so the pay is justified. I just don't see it happening.

First off, Soupy is not "one of the best" no matter how much his SabreSpace press agent likes to push that angle. He's a very good offensive defenseman who is below-average in his own end, and Liles, despite being a year younger and having 98 fewer NHL games under his belt, has more goals, PPG, PPA, PPP and a better +/- overall.

 

I definitely disagree with the idea that Soupy would certainly help our PP. The results simply weren't there when he was the PP QB and his numbers don't bear out that he is a true PP blueliner.

 

And that $2M difference is a solid veteran for the 3rd or 4th line.

 

This is what I posted in an earlier thread about Liles' PP numbers (this was done in early April, so the numbers might be a little off.)

 

Liles has had an off year, so that should keep his price down a little.

 

Compare his career numbers to Jaro's (and Campbell's, our last "PP QB") and you'll see a little better why people want him to QB the PP:

 

Liles - 4th year, age 27

312 GP, 44-115-159, +13; 21 PPG, 69 PPA, 90 PPP

 

Campbell - 8th year, age 28

410 GP, 35-159-194, +3; 11 PPG, 64 PPA, 75 PPP

 

Spacek - 10th year, age 34

620 GP, 65-193-258, +22; 29 PPG, 94 PPA, 123 PPP

 

In half the number of games played and less than half the number of years, Liles is just 30 PPP short of Spacek; in just under 100 fewer GP than Campbell Liles has more goals, more PPG, PPA and PPP, and a better +/-. Liles would be a pretty good upgrade to the power play.

[SabresFanInRochester]

First off, Soupy is not "one of the best" no matter how much his SabreSpace press agent likes to push that angle. He's a very good offensive defenseman who is below-average in his own end, and Liles, despite being a year younger and having 98 fewer NHL games under his belt, has more goals, PPG, PPA, PPP and a better +/- overall.

 

I definitely disagree with the idea that Soupy would certainly help our PP. The results simply weren't there when he was the PP QB and his numbers don't bear out that he is a true PP blueliner.

 

And that $2M difference is a solid veteran for the 3rd or 4th line.

 

This is what I posted in an earlier thread about Liles' PP numbers (this was done in early April, so the numbers might be a little off.)

 

Wow! I have respected your opinion quite frequently in the past, but on this one, I think you are off the mark. First off, I very clearly said in my post that Soupy is somewhere between average and a top d-man. So, don't make your argument by putting words in my mouth. As far as the PP, Buffalo's PP collapsed when Campbell left Buffalo. Some of that might have been attributed to Connolly, but Connolly was out of the lineup so much, you'd have a hard time making that case. Soupy did an excellent job of carrying the puck in, something that no one else seemed to be able to do when he left for San Jose.

 

And it is ludicrous to compare stats between the two. Did Soupy run our PP a couple years ago? You forgot to mention assists in your argument. Oh, you mean Liles, the offensive machine, didn't move the puck as effectively as Campbell? And you're right on regarding the +/-, but when you are offensive oriented, you might give up some on the defensive side. That's the player Campbell is -- good or bad, that was his role.

 

And awesome point on the difference between $2 million. Let's throw another average-at-best 3rd or 4th liner on our roster. Which average-at-best player will that upgrade? Let's get rid of Vanek and get 10 more $1 million players, because we need numbers, not better players, right?

[Bmwolf21]

Wow! I have respected your opinion quite frequently in the past, but on this one, I think you are off the mark. First off, I very clearly said in my post that Soupy is somewhere between average and a top d-man. So, don't make your argument by putting words in my mouth. As far as the PP, Buffalo's PP collapsed when Campbell left Buffalo. Some of that might have been attributed to Connolly, but Connolly was out of the lineup so much, you'd have a hard time making that case. Soupy did an excellent job of carrying the puck in, something that no one else seemed to be able to do when he left for San Jose.

 

And it is ludicrous to compare stats between the two. Did Soupy run our PP a couple years ago? You forgot to mention assists in your argument. Oh, you mean Liles, the offensive machine, didn't move the puck as effectively as Campbell? And you're right on regarding the +/-, but when you are offensive oriented, you might give up some on the defensive side. That's the player Campbell is -- good or bad, that was his role.

 

And awesome point on the difference between $2 million. Let's throw another average-at-best 3rd or 4th liner on our roster. Which average-at-best player will that upgrade? Let's get rid of Vanek and get 10 more $1 million players, because we need numbers, not better players, right?

Wow. I have respected your opinion in the past but since you just went off the handle and assumed I was putting "words in your mouth" I might have to reevaluate my opinion. I don't have time to completely refute your mental breakdown right now, but I will later tonight. Suffice it to say my comment about the SabreSpace press agent was not directed at you - had I meant you I would have said it. It was directed at the person who made the ridiculous comment about Jesus playing blueline.

[stenbaro]

Wow. I have respected your opinion in the past but since you just went off the handle and assumed I was putting "words in your mouth" I might have to reevaluate my opinion. I don't have time to completely refute your mental breakdown right now, but I will later tonight. Suffice it to say my comment about the SabreSpace press agent was not directed at you - had I meant you I would have said it. It was directed at the person who made the ridiculous comment about Jesus playing blueline.

...press agent??? Cant win me over in an argument so you start with the lil bashing..So we disagree but you want to start crap??? Get over yourself

[SabresFan526]

I like Campbell a lot and paired with a true stay-at-home defenseman, he would be great to have. As much as we rag on him, two different coaching staffs have seen enough in him to give him top-pair ice time, as well as considerable PP and PK time. However, even with his poor showing in the playoffs and a home town discount, I doubt that he will come in low enough. That said, if his agent comes knocking on the Sabres' door starting at or below $5 million , then maybe they could negotiate down a little to something reasonable (I'd be OK with $4, maybe $4.5.) Don't see it happening, but I wouldn't shut the door on him if it did.

 

As for Liles, I've never seen why he is talked about so much. He has some talent on the offensive side of the game and on the PP, but how did he make it on to so many acquisition lists. I swear he's somebody's cousin or something (SabresFan526, something you are not telling us?) He'd be all right, but we have several other things that rate as much higher priorities ... a defensive, physical, top-pair partner for Spacek for example (here, Orpik's name comes up a lot, but he's a local kid, so that makes sense.)

That was really funny. :lol: No, Liles is not my cousin. I'll be honest, I've always been a big fan of his game since his rookie year. Back when Colorado was a legitimate contender every year and the NHL used to be on ESPN, I got to see quite a few Avs games and I always liked his style of play, and I think it would fit really well with the Sabres. If you remember that big trade the Avs made to acquire Derek Morris for Stephane Yelle and Chris Drury? Well, it turns out that it was because of Liles play that Derek Morris ended up getting traded after only one season with Colorado. He basically made Morris expendable.

 

Just in terms of Liles and Campbell comparisons, for me, I think they have some similarities in their games, but there are a lot of differences. I think there's no questions Campbell is a better skater, but Liles is a pretty good skater himself, just not as good. I think Liles has a better shot than Campbell does and is more of a goal scoring threat while Campbell is a better setup man. For me, I'm not basing this off stats, just skillset, in terms of offensive defenseman, I'd like to have one who is a threat to score goals. But, that's my preference. I think the difference you'll see between these two guys is that Campbell is the guy who will lead the rush and pinch and basically carry the puck over the blue line. Liles does that as well, but he's often times the trailer or the 4th forward who will come in on the rush and be the threat to score the goals in the slot whereas Campbell can be that guy but is more effective carrying the puck. Neither one is all that great in the defensive zone, maybe Campbell is better, I don't know. But, I think for the PP, I'd rather have a guy with a good shot who's a threat to score goals. Bottom line for me is, Campbell's gone and it's highly unlikely he'll return at his expected pricetag, so you have to replace the production and I think Liles can replace the production at a much cheaper price. I'm not his cousin, just a fan of his style of game and I think he can replace Campbell effectively. That's where I'm coming from at least.

 

On a sidenote, I'm a big proponent of also signing Brooks Orpik. The Sabres absolutely have to sign him because he's exactly the type of defenseman the Sabres have been missing since McKee left. Weber could be that guy, but I don't think you need to rush his development. Orpik is physical, mean, and is a great shot blocker. And, he's from Buffalo. The Sabres have got to make it a priority to sign him.

[Bmwolf21]

Wow! I have respected your opinion quite frequently in the past, but on this one, I think you are off the mark. First off, I very clearly said in my post that Soupy is somewhere between average and a top d-man. So, don't make your argument by putting words in my mouth. As far as the PP, Buffalo's PP collapsed when Campbell left Buffalo. Some of that might have been attributed to Connolly, but Connolly was out of the lineup so much, you'd have a hard time making that case. Soupy did an excellent job of carrying the puck in, something that no one else seemed to be able to do when he left for San Jose.

I already addressed the miscommunication on the Soupy's press agent comment, so I'm done with that. I apologize if my original response offended you - that was not the intent and I can see how it could have been misconstrued.

 

Buffalo's PP struggled for the better part of the last two years, even when Soupy was here, so you'll have to forgive me when I believe that the return of Soupy is not necessarily going to automatically make the unit better. Yes, Brian does a good job of carrying the puck through the neutral zone, but he didn't carry it in nearly as much as people think. My thought is that we need someone who can get his shot through from the point and on-net consistently, and that is not an area at which Soupy excels.

 

And it is ludicrous to compare stats between the two. Did Soupy run our PP a couple years ago? You forgot to mention assists in your argument. Oh, you mean Liles, the offensive machine, didn't move the puck as effectively as Campbell? And you're right on regarding the +/-, but when you are offensive oriented, you might give up some on the defensive side. That's the player Campbell is -- good or bad, that was his role.

Why is it ludicrous to compare the two? Do we know for sure that Liles has been the PP QB two years ago for the Avs? I seem to remember Rob Blake being a big part of the Avs' PP in 2005-06.

 

The question was whether or not he can be considered as a PP specialist, and the numbers I posted indicate that 57% of Liles stats comes from PP scoring, while PP scoring accounts for 39% of Soupy's numbers. Seems to me that indicates that Liles is better on the power-play than Soupy, and Soupy is a little better scoring at ES, which is why I suggested bringing JML on as a no.5 and using some of the money saved by not signing Brian to bring in the gritty veteran everybody wants.

 

And awesome point on the difference between $2 million. Let's throw another average-at-best 3rd or 4th liner on our roster. Which average-at-best player will that upgrade? Let's get rid of Vanek and get 10 more $1 million players, because we need numbers, not better players, right?

So if I am putting words in your mouth with my argument, what is this? Find in my post where I said anything about dumping anyone for a bunch of $1M players, or find where I said that we need numbers. This team and this board have been begging for gritty, veteran players for two years now.

If we're spending $5M then IMO Liles +Stephane Yelle (as an example) >>>>>>>>>>>> Campbell, and it's not even close. Or if signing Liles means we still have room to sign someone like Orpik, then I'm all for it.

 

There's a good list of "available players" at NHLNumbers.com and you can sort by free agent status and salary. Right now there are a bunch of names that could help us and would come in around/under $2M. Stephane Yelle, Mike Peca, Steve Rucchin, Stu Barnes, Marty Reasoner, Kevyn Adams, Andrew Brunette, Cory Stillman, Martin Gelinas...all had 07/08 salaries in/around the $2M neighborhood.

 

Just in terms of Liles and Campbell comparisons, for me, I think they have some similarities in their games, but there are a lot of differences. I think there's no questions Campbell is a better skater, but Liles is a pretty good skater himself, just not as good. I think Liles has a better shot than Campbell does and is more of a goal scoring threat while Campbell is a better setup man. For me, I'm not basing this off stats, just skillset, in terms of offensive defenseman, I'd like to have one who is a threat to score goals. But, that's my preference. I think the difference you'll see between these two guys is that Campbell is the guy who will lead the rush and pinch and basically carry the puck over the blue line. Liles does that as well, but he's often times the trailer or the 4th forward who will come in on the rush and be the threat to score the goals in the slot whereas Campbell can be that guy but is more effective carrying the puck. Neither one is all that great in the defensive zone, maybe Campbell is better, I don't know. But, I think for the PP, I'd rather have a guy with a good shot who's a threat to score goals. Bottom line for me is, Campbell's gone and it's highly unlikely he'll return at his expected pricetag, so you have to replace the production and I think Liles can replace the production at a much cheaper price. I'm not his cousin, just a fan of his style of game and I think he can replace Campbell effectively. That's where I'm coming from at least.

I think they are both good skaters; I think Campbell has a harder shot, while Liles does a better job of getting his through from the point, especially on the PP (which is something we sorely lacked, even when we put Pominville and other forwards back there.) Having seen enough of both over the last couple years I think Soupy is a better passer in the neutral zone but I think Liles is better from the blueline in, so I think they are both good playmakers, just in different areas and game situations. Campbell seems to be much better with the breakout pass and jumping up in an odd-man rush, but I think Liles is much better distributing the puck from an offensive setup - i.e., from the PP point.

[Eleven]

Personally I go with Liles for his PP skills. Save a couple million in cap space, bury Liles as the no.5 defenseman at even strength and make him a PP specialist. That gives the man-advantage unit a true weapon from the point, someone who can get shots through from the blueline and distribute the puck like a true PP playmaker.

 

There are things I like about Liles, but if the Sabres are going to "bury" someone as the no. 5 defenseman, I hope that player comes cheaper than Liles will. They can grab a defenseman to "bury" from the current talent pool. On a team where the top D-man makes $3.3M, and only 3 defensemen make over $1M (I'm not counting on Numminen at this point), it doesn't make sense to spend more than $1M on a third-pairing guy.

[plenzmd1]

Just as an aside, I drive quite a bit for my job, and as such have XM in my car. While I know most discredit Eklund, ( i have zero opinion), everytime i hear him he says do not be surprised if Soupy goes back to Buffalo.

[Eleven]

Just as an aside, I drive quite a bit for my job, and as such have XM in my car. While I know most discredit Eklund, ( i have zero opinion), everytime i hear him he says do not be surprised if Soupy goes back to Buffalo.

 

Ok. I won't excessively sweat over it, though.