BREAKING NEWS....Eck SPECIAL! Ah...What If!

[tom webster]

Rolston is not the Sabres answer. I would think that everyone would agree that the Sabres Primary need is to get tougher and more physical. Rolston wouldn't fill that need. He has 137 hits over the past three seasons. His PK time has dropped over the past couple of seasons which makes me wonder if he is losing a step.

 

I think getting smarter and grittier ( my choice over tougher and more physical) can be accomplished with veteran's like Rolston, Pandolfo and Dupuis upfront.

[tom webster]

How much would Rolston even want?

 

Rolston is expected to fetch between 4 and 4.5 million per year on a three year deal.

[deluca67]

I think getting smarter and grittier ( my choice over tougher and more physical) can be accomplished with veteran's like Rolston, Pandolfo and Dupuis upfront.

Dupuis is the most physical of the three mentioned. He's a fourth line guy. The Sabres already have that same player in Mair. I feel that Rolston and Pandolfo are currently living on past reputations and wouldn't bring anything new to the Sabres roster. If the Sabres are to add a forward it needs to be a player who can throw his weight around which is what the Sabres are lacking. Again, I have to point to Gaustad's lack of physical play as a big reason the Sabres may need to add a more physical presence upfront.

[tom webster]

Dupuis is the most physical of the three mentioned. He's a fourth line guy. The Sabres already have that same player in Mair. I feel that Rolston and Pandolfo are currently living on past reputations and wouldn't bring anything new to the Sabres roster. If the Sabres are to add a forward it needs to be a player who can throw his weight around which is what the Sabres are lacking. Again, I have to point to Gaustad's lack of physical play as a big reason the Sabres may need to add a more physical presence upfront.

 

 

Tell me again how physical Detroit and Pittsburgh were this year?

Also, I keep reading about how close the team was this year. ( A sentiment I don't share) I hear if only they would have done better on shootouts, if only they would not have blown those leads, if only Miller could have rested. I have yet to read how they would have won an extra game or two if only Gaustad would have drilled Wideman instead of peeling off on his check.

You give me a couple of guys who know what it takes to win those battles along the boards and in front of the net and you can keep those guys who impress the equipment manager's son who is in charge of keeping "hits" during the game.

[BamBam]

Rolston is expected to fetch between 4 and 4.5 million per year on a three year deal.

 

To Much...and To old...for a guy that wouldn't be here that long.

Plus..Rolston is going to want a 3 or 4 year deal....so we'd be paying him til he's 38?

 

That dog don't hunt.

[SabresFan526]

Ok, I don't get this thread. Here's my take.

 

If it's Max, Stafford, and a 1st for Bouwmeester, there really is no question that the Sabres have to do that trade. From Florida's perspective they get a veteran who had an off year but put up good point totals in the two years after the lockout, a really enticing prospect, and a first round pick all the while getting cheaper, especially given that the Ballard and Boynton now are in Florida as part of the Jokinen deal. I could see Martin doing it, but it is an Ek trade rumor, so I have my doubts.

 

With regard to Rolston, the Sabres will not trade for his rights, especially when they have only 2 more days to get him for free. Not going to happen. The Sabres will try to be a big player in trying to sign Rolston, and I can see that. He's a natural fit for the Sabres as he's good offensively with a laser slap shot, and is very good defensively and on the PK. He's captain material and someone whose game I've always thought would fit perfectly with the Sabres.

 

As for Marleau, I'm not sure many of you have really watched his game and are simply going by his stat sheet this past season. He had a terrible regular season. He has historically never shown up in the playoffs. However, on a team of underachievers, he, Pavelski, and Clowe were the only ones to show up for San Jose in the playoffs this year. He really had a good playoffs this year, but the team around him did not show up at all, especially our favorite former Sabre who was a complete disappointment in the playoffs. In terms of Marleau, he showed in this playoffs that he is not soft and is willing to battle hard. He also plays on the PK and can be a decent defensive forward. Sometimes the numbers can be misleading. Watch the player, not just the numbers.

 

However, as far as trades go, the only way the Sabres get Marleau is if the trade is made either today or tomorrow because on July 1st, his no trade clause goes into effect. Second, it's either Bouwmeester or Marleau, but it ain't going to be both because if it takes Max, Stafford and a 1st to get Bouwmeester, that is most likely what it would take to get Marleau. A lot of rumors running around with the Sabres, but I'd prefer taking a more realistic approach looking at affordable free agents like Brendan Morrison, Liles, and others in that category because I just don't think the Sabres will make a big splash this offseason, but just my opinion.

[SabresOnTheWarpath]

I really wouldn't mind Bertuzzi...

 

I second this. He's not going to be too pricey, he has grit, and a lot of offensive upside.

[Bmwolf21]

Tell me again how physical Detroit and Pittsburgh were this year?

Physical enough, it would seem.

[deluca67]

Tell me again how physical Detroit and Pittsburgh were this year?

Also, I keep reading about how close the team was this year. ( A sentiment I don't share) I hear if only they would have done better on shootouts, if only they would not have blown those leads, if only Miller could have rested. I have yet to read how they would have won an extra game or two if only Gaustad would have drilled Wideman instead of peeling off on his check.

You give me a couple of guys who know what it takes to win those battles along the boards and in front of the net and you can keep those guys who impress the equipment manager's son who is in charge of keeping "hits" during the game.

In the Playoffs the Pens had 14 players average over a hit per game with three players with 50+ led by Orpik with 102 in 20 games.

 

The Wings had 13 players average over a hit per game. With two players over 50 hits. That includes their two best forwards Datsyuk(56 hits) and Holmstrom (45 hits) playing physical.

 

So I guess I'm not sure where your assertion that the Pens and Wings aren't physical teams comes from.

[stenbaro]

To Much...and To old...for a guy that wouldn't be here that long.

Plus..Rolston is going to want a 3 or 4 year deal....so we'd be paying him til he's 38?

 

That dog don't hunt.

That dog hunts very well...Rolston is a very good player..He would be a top line player..I would pay the 4 - 5 mill a yr to bring him in..34 aint that old these days...Players are in better shape..40 is a different story but 34 is far from too old..

[deluca67]

I second this. He's not going to be too pricey, he has grit, and a lot of offensive upside.

Also, if you need someone clubbed from behind he's your man. :thumbdown:

[BamBam]

That dog hunts very well...Rolston is a very good player..He would be a top line player..I would pay the 4 - 5 mill a yr to bring him in..34 aint that old these days...Players are in better shape..40 is a different story but 34 is far from too old..

 

 

Wouldn't you rather invest that type of scratch in a younger player...say someone who is 28-30, and is ready for a leadership position?

[tom webster]

In the Playoffs the Pens had 14 players average over a hit per game with three players with 50+ led by Orpik with 102 in 20 games.

 

The Wings had 13 players average over a hit per game. With two players over 50 hits. That includes their two best forwards Datsyuk(56 hits) and Holmstrom (45 hits) playing physical.

 

So I guess I'm not sure where your assertion that the Pens and Wings aren't physical teams comes from.

 

 

First off, hits and give aways are as arbitrary as tackles in the NFL and it is why I am pretty sure neither is considered an "official stat" by the NHL.

 

Second, you use the stat to make your point, but while you rip on Gaustad for a poor and soft season, he ranked 13th in the league last year in hits. Also, four Sabres, three Penguins and three Red Wings rank in the top 100. You tell me which team is more physical. ,

 

Third, I'm sure you are aware that teams that win have players step up in the playoffs and to quote Lindy Ruff, they play out of character.

[tom webster]

Wouldn't you rather invest that type of scratch in a younger player...say someone who is 28-30, and is ready for a leadership position?

 

 

a) Most teams don't let their 28-30 year olds with Rolston's pedigree go.

b) 28-30 year olds like him are making $8 to $9 million per.

c) This team needs veteran leadership

[deluca67]

First off, hits and give aways are as arbitrary as tackles in the NFL and it is why I am pretty sure neither is considered an "official stat" by the NHL.

 

Second, you use the stat to make your point, but while you rip on Gaustad for a poor and soft season, he ranked 13th in the league last year in hits. Also, four Sabres, three Penguins and three Red Wings rank in the top 100. You tell me which team is more physical. ,

 

Third, I'm sure you are aware that teams that win have players step up in the playoffs and to quote Lindy Ruff, they play out of character.

Gaustad did put up a nice number of hits, that doesn't take away from the validity of the criticism. The one thing that has made Gaustad an NHL player and will keep him an NHL player is his size. He got a way from using his size this season. There were too many games where he just wasn't much of a physical presence. As one of the larger forwards the Sabres need Gaustad to assert himself physically. Again, size only matters when you use it. If Gaustad isn't going to use his 6' 5" 225 frame to physically wear down and intimidate the opposition I would have have no use for him. He's not in the NHL because of his skating or hockey skills.

[deluca67]

Gaustad did put up a nice number of hits, that doesn't take away from the validity of the criticism. The one thing that has made Gaustad an NHL player and will keep him an NHL player is his size. He got a way from using his size this season. There were too many games where he just wasn't much of a physical presence. As one of the larger forwards the Sabres need Gaustad to assert himself physically. Again, size only matters when you use it. If Gaustad isn't going to use his 6' 5" 225 frame to physically wear down and intimidate the opposition I would have have no use for him. He's not in the NHL because of his skating or hockey skills.

I feel I should add this. For the record I don't hate Paul Gaustad. I'm glad he is a Sabre. I just wish he was more a dominant physical presence. I have the same thoughts on Bernier and Stafford.

[BamBam]

I feel I should add this. For the record I don't hate Paul Gaustad. I'm glad he is a Sabre. I just wish he was more a dominant physical presence. I have the same thoughts on Bernier and Stafford.

 

 

You saying he is more like Uwe Krupp?

[SabreInFla]

We better have some moves lined up regardless of the Eck rumors. Tampa just signed Malone and Roberts. Everyone is getting better, except us of course.

[MarkAF43]

We better have some moves lined up regardless of the Eck rumors. Tampa just signed Malone and Roberts. Everyone is getting better, except us of course.

 

 

Link? nothing yet on TSN, ESPN or SI.com

[tom webster]

I feel I should add this. For the record I don't hate Paul Gaustad. I'm glad he is a Sabre. I just wish he was more a dominant physical presence. I have the same thoughts on Bernier and Stafford.

 

I agree with everything you just said in both posts. But typical you, you turned the argument around. The point I was making was that you were using a flawed stat to tell me how physical Pittsburgh and Detroit were in the Finals.

By the way, Bernier, Kotalik and Lydman were the other three Sabres in the top 100 in hits during the regular season. They were actually in the top 53.

[awill29]

Gaustad did put up a nice number of hits, that doesn't take away from the validity of the criticism. The one thing that has made Gaustad an NHL player and will keep him an NHL player is his size. He got a way from using his size this season. There were too many games where he just wasn't much of a physical presence. As one of the larger forwards the Sabres need Gaustad to assert himself physically. Again, size only matters when you use it. If Gaustad isn't going to use his 6' 5" 225 frame to physically wear down and intimidate the opposition I would have have no use for him. He's not in the NHL because of his skating or hockey skills.

 

I agree with the fact that he doesn't use his physical presence to his advantage, but I think this team is lacking a faceoff specialist, and more or less, that's Goose.

[deluca67]

I agree with everything you just said in both posts. But typical you, you turned the argument around. The point I was making was that you were using a flawed stat to tell me how physical Pittsburgh and Detroit were in the Finals.

By the way, Bernier, Kotalik and Lydman were the other three Sabres in the top 100 in hits during the regular season. They were actually in the top 53.

 

Bernier amassed most of his hits with the Sharks.

 

There's nothing flawed in the numbers that showed the Pens and Wings were extremely physical on their road to the Finals.

 

Let's look at the Sabres hit leaders.

 

Gaustad had a very nice 199.

Who would have guessed Lydman had 159?

Bernier - 157 - shouldn't really count for the Sabres.

Kotalik - 139 hits is another reason why he is a great value at $2.5.

 

You then have Mair and Kaleta at 112. Mair played just under 9 minutes a game and Kaleta just over 6 minutes. After those two there is a huge drop off. The Sabres need to have balance throughout the lineup. Which means toughness throughout the lineup. The Sabres need additional toughness in the forward ranks to balance out the toughness. If Stafford or Paille could double their hits next season that would be a huge plus especially if Bernier repeats his physical play for a full season with the Sabres. It would be great if Gaustad could also boost up his hit total. That toughness and physical play combined with the Sabres speed and goal scoring will put the Sabres back at the top. Regier knows it and I expect him to address it come free agency.

[tom webster]

Bernier amassed most of his hits with the Sharks.

 

There's nothing flawed in the numbers that showed the Pens and Wings were extremely physical on their road to the Finals.

 

Let's look at the Sabres hit leaders.

 

Gaustad had a very nice 199.

Who would have guessed Lydman had 159?

Bernier - 157 - shouldn't really count for the Sabres.

Kotalik - 139 hits is another reason why he is a great value at $2.5.

 

You then have Mair and Kaleta at 112. Mair played just under 9 minutes a game and Kaleta just over 6 minutes. After those two there is a huge drop off. The Sabres need to have balance throughout the lineup. Which means toughness throughout the lineup. The Sabres need additional toughness in the forward ranks to balance out the toughness. If Stafford or Paille could double their hits next season that would be a huge plus especially if Bernier repeats his physical play for a full season with the Sabres. It would be great if Gaustad could also boost up his hit total. That toughness and physical play combined with the Sabres speed and goal scoring will put the Sabres back at the top. Regier knows it and I expect him to address it come free agency.

[/quot

 

Would you care to guess where Buffalo ends up in hits as a team last year? If you consider hits to be the true indicator of toughness, you may be surprised.

[nfreeman]

Just say no to Marleau! :thumbdown:

 

The guy had two decent years coming out of the lockout like a lot of players have. He's a 50-60 point a year player, weak in the defensive zone and grossly overpriced.

 

Bouwmeester would be a great pickup. Again it's going to cost a lot more than Stafford and Max. Stafford is a decent prospect and Max has little to no value. If the Sabres want a player like Bouwmeester their offer has to be far more significant than a prospect and their trash. I don't mean throwing in Kotalik or Connolly either.

 

So I assume you mean that we would have to include Pominville or Roy? If so (and you might be right if that's what you mean), there is no way Darcy is trading either of those 2, so no Bouwmeester.

[SabreInFla]

Scratch Rolston off the list (good chance anyway)

 

8:25 p.m. According to sources, the Wild has traded Brian Rolston?s rights to the Tampa Bay Lightning. I am not sure what the Wild is getting back yet and the conditions.

 

9:42 p.m. The trade is done. It?s for a conditional draft pick with three different conditions apparently depending on whether Rolston signs with Tampa Bay or not. The conditions will be spelled out to me in a little bit. I?m up against deadline, so I?ll be back later.

 

This is from the Minnesota Star Tribune.