FO Blunders

[djwilli3]

Why is the front office not even showing interest in any of the D that were in the FA market. And don't tell me they weren't very good. According to the News this morning, Orpik wasn't even made an offer and the deal he got from Pittsburgh wasn't earth shattering. Six years for just over 26 mil. Buffalo could have paid that without any difficulty whatsoever. So why is it that the FO continues to refuse to try and sign the types of players that we desperately need. All this crap about the feeding frenzy on Day One of FA is just a bunch of excuses. If Buffalo doesn't make a trade in the next two or three days and acquire some sort of top notch D player, get ready for another season of either no playoffs or a year with a low seed and out in the first or second round. Perhaps the office forgot that the best team we've had for years was when they spent up to the cap?

[LabattBlue]

Why is the front office not even showing interest in any of the D that were in the FA market. And don't tell me they weren't very good. According to the News this morning, Orpik wasn't even made an offer and the deal he got from Pittsburgh wasn't earth shattering. Six years for just over 26 mil. Buffalo could have paid that without any difficulty whatsoever. So why is it that the FO continues to refuse to try and sign the types of players that we desperately need. All this crap about the feeding frenzy on Day One of FA is just a bunch of excuses. If Buffalo doesn't make a trade in the next two or three days and acquire some sort of top notch D player, get ready for another season of either no playoffs or a year with a low seed and out in the first or second round. Perhaps the office forgot that the best team we've had for years was when they spent up to the cap?

1 - Nobody except DR knows what the Sabres did or didn't offer to Orpik. For all we know, maybe Orpik didn't want the pressure of playing in his hometown.

 

2 - 6 years 22.5, not 6 years 26

 

3 - What happens if DR makes a trade a week from now instead of by your self imposed deadline of the next 3 days?

 

4 - Consider joing nbf and SHAAAAUUGHTT for a night of heavy drinking as you attempt to drown your sorrows. :rolleyes:

[dante23x]

Why is the front office not even showing interest in any of the D that were in the FA market. And don't tell me they weren't very good. According to the News this morning, Orpik wasn't even made an offer and the deal he got from Pittsburgh wasn't earth shattering. Six years for just over 26 mil. Buffalo could have paid that without any difficulty whatsoever. So why is it that the FO continues to refuse to try and sign the types of players that we desperately need. All this crap about the feeding frenzy on Day One of FA is just a bunch of excuses. If Buffalo doesn't make a trade in the next two or three days and acquire some sort of top notch D player, get ready for another season of either no playoffs or a year with a low seed and out in the first or second round. Perhaps the office forgot that the best team we've had for years was when they spent up to the cap?

 

I don't think there was any defenseman signed at this point I would have been interested in except Orpik. The Campbell signing will go down as one of the worst contracts in NHL history. Redden is overpaid, and the Rangers are screwed with all the contracts they are giving out to mediocre players (Scott Gomez a combined 29 goals in 2 years). Although the lack of action is troubling, spending money does not guarantee a Cup. The Rangers have been burning money for 10 years, and its got them nowhere. The Blackhawks are screwed when guys like Kane, Toews, and Seabrook are up for new contracts. I'm glad the Sabres do not get involved in that. However, I still think they need to be more active in improving the team, especially the defense.

[LabattBlue]

The Blackhawks are screwed when guys like Kane, Toews, and Seabrook are up for new contracts.

Why is that? While Campbell's contract is way more than I would have paid, it is not going to prevent them from signing other players. Kane, Toews & Seabrook are not Crosby & Malkin in terms of $$$.

[Team Strike Force]

If one of the the guys that could have been a nice fit in B-lo is an all-star this season, then we can say the FO messed up. Until then, we have no idea.

 

Darcy says he wants to make a trade. Well, let's wait and see if he makes a trade over the next couple of months.

[WayneGibbous]

There is a lot of time left. I think they will try to find a D-man but he won't be the bombshell that everyone wants. I personally would like to see a skating, puck-moving D-man signed first. They can address their toughness issues with Weber and maybe Funk next season but they would be best served by bringing in a low-cost puck-mover like Carolina did with Pitkonen and a tough, stay-at-home guy like Columbus did with Commodore.

[frisky]

I think with most of the free agent thing starting to blow over, they still need a d-man. But, at this point, IMO they start concentrating on their in-house matters like their RFA's and extensions while keeping the fire under the trade thing still burning. I would feel better if they got those things squared away because I think the trade route has a more relaxed schedule. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Numinnen and Pratt return as our FA signings now.

[jad1]

There are more teams than just the Sabres who need a top-level defenseman. If Orpik's contract wasn't earth-shattering, where were these other teams in the Orpik bidding?

 

Are there other front offices in the league who are as inept as the Sabres' front office, or are fans over-valuing Orpik's skill because of a shallow pool of FA defensemen?

 

Anyway, if Regier does go the trade route (he basically said the same thing last offseason, and ended up making no trades), it will take much longer than a few days.

[That Aud Smell]

the Rangers are screwed with all the contracts they are giving out to mediocre players ... The Blackhawks are screwed when guys like Kane, Toews, and Seabrook are up for new contracts.

i disagree, for reasons that are disheartening. it's become evident that the big market/revenue clubs are unafraid to extend themselves with these big contracts, because they always have the option, both in terms of annual liquidity and capology, of front-loading a deal and then buying the guy out at the tail-end of the contract.

[LabattBlue]

There is a lot of time left. I think they will try to find a D-man but he won't be the bombshell that everyone wants. I personally would like to see a skating, puck-moving D-man signed first. They can address their toughness issues with Weber and maybe Funk next season but they would be best served by bringing in a low-cost puck-mover like Carolina did with Pitkonen and a tough, stay-at-home guy like Columbus did with Commodore.

Funk has no chance of earning a spot next year nor do I think he is the answer in terms of needing more of a physical presence

[spndnchz]

No blunder here.

 

I'd imagine DR had something in mind around 3 million for Orpik, but not more than 3 years. DR told Orp's agent that and DR was told, "well Pitts offering 3 mil for 6 years".

 

The FO doesn't seem to want long contracts as they have guys coming up and don't want to get caught with having to do buyouts later or having to trade a good young player because there isn't any room. It's a tough call and I'm not jealous of DR job at all at this point.

[ROC Sabres]

No blunder here.

 

I'd imagine DR had something in mind around 3 million for Orpik, but not more than 3 years. DR told Orp's agent that and DR was told, "well Pitts offering 3 mil for 6 years".

 

The FO doesn't seem to want long contracts as they have guys coming up and don't want to get caught with having to do buyouts later or having to trade a good young player because there isn't any room. It's a tough call and I'm not jealous of DR job at all at this point.

This article says a whole lot.

 

(WGR 550) -- WGR has learned that the agent for former Edmonton and Philadelphia captain Jason Smith had very preliminary discussions with Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, and that he anticipates talking to Buffalo again Thursday.

 

Art Breeze said Smith has received a number of very aggressive offers since the signing period began, and his family is trying to figure out the best place to play. Breeze said Smith hasn't received a firm offer from Buffalo, and that he must gauge the seriousness of the Sabres.

 

Breeze told WGR that Smith has a nine-point criteria for deciding where to sign.

 

Any offers in the "very aggressive" category pretty much put him out of reach for us.

[carpandean]

Art Breeze said Smith has received a number of very aggressive offers since the signing period began

Any offers in the "very aggressive" category pretty much put him out of reach for us.

Could be that his agent is bluffing a little to get some better offers. Not a move that will work with our FO -- they'll fold against a big bluff -- but it might work with some other "lesser" ( ;) ) GMs.

[spndnchz]

This article says a whole lot.

 

(WGR 550) -- WGR has learned that the agent for former Edmonton and Philadelphia captain Jason Smith had very preliminary discussions with Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, and that he anticipates talking to Buffalo again Thursday.

 

Art Breeze said Smith has received a number of very aggressive offers since the signing period began, and his family is trying to figure out the best place to play. Breeze said Smith hasn't received a firm offer from Buffalo, and that he must gauge the seriousness of the Sabres.

 

Breeze told WGR that Smith has a nine-point criteria for deciding where to sign.

 

Any offers in the "very aggressive" category pretty much put him out of reach for us.

Must gauge seriuosness. Huh. Something like "I'm not sure how big a raise I can get for my player so I start really high and see if GM's tell me to go away or say, well maybe?

 

I'll bet 7 of those "9 points" are

Money

Money

Money

Money

Money

Money

Term

[inkman]

Breeze told WGR that Smith has a nine-point criteria for deciding where to sign.

 

Jason Smith's nine point criteria:

 

1) Dave & Busters - as previous Buffalo athletes have pointed out, the only place to have fun in Buffalo is D & B's

2) Orthodontist - Have you seen Jason's chicklets, nuff said

3) Photography - Sabres locker room has become NHL haven for would be photo enthusiasts

4) Real Estate - WNY economy has left housing market ripe for the picking

5) Ice - nothing says your city is serious about hockey like having plenty of ice

6) Wuss teammates - nothing inflates one's manliness like surrounding yourself with a bunch of sissies and panty waistes

7) Kinky after game practices - Hank has this one covered

8) Sucky fighters - Jason's fighting prowess will seem Tony Twistesque compared to Peters' "vogue" style fighting

9) Athletes above the Law - Jason wants the comfort of knowing if he ties one on and runs over some fat chick, he will skate faster than Maxim Afinogenov

[spndnchz]

Jason Smith's nine point criteria:

 

1) Dave & Busters - as previous Buffalo athletes have pointed out, the only place to have fun in Buffalo is D & B's

2) Orthodontist - Have you seen Jason's chicklets, nuff said

3) Photography - Sabres locker room has become NHL haven for would be photo enthusiasts

4) Real Estate - WNY economy has left housing market ripe for the picking

5) Ice - nothing says your city is serious about hockey like having plenty of ice

6) Wuss teammates - nothing inflates one's manliness like surrounding yourself with a bunch of sissies and panty wastes

7) Kinky after game practices - Hank has this one covered

8) Sucky fighters - Jason's fighting prowess will seem Tony Twistesque compared to Peters' "vogue" style fighting

9) Athletes above the Law - Jason wants the comfort of knowing if he ties one on and runs over some fat chick, he will skate faster than Maxim Afinogenov

LMFAO

:worthy: :thumbsup:

[apuszczalowski]

1 - Nobody except DR knows what the Sabres did or didn't offer to Orpik. For all we know, maybe Orpik didn't want the pressure of playing in his hometown.

 

2 - 6 years 22.5, not 6 years 26

 

3 - What happens if DR makes a trade a week from now instead of by your self imposed deadline of the next 3 days?

 

4 - Consider joing nbf and SHAAAAUUGHTT for a night of heavy drinking as you attempt to drown your sorrows. :rolleyes:

1. I'm sure Orpik would also know (along with his agent) what Darcy was offering, and Orpik himself said that the Sabres only called to see what he was looking for and made no offer, so I think we can rule out that he was made an offer and turned it down. Buffalo just wasn't interested in him

 

2. Doesn't that only make it worse, as a buffalo fan, to see him go at 6 years for 22.5 instead of 26 like the original poster said? Thats $3.75 mil a year for what I have heard from around this board, is a defencemen the Sabres could use. Thats not even 2 times what they were going to pay Teppo last year

 

3. I agree, the offseason is still early and if they are going to go with trades, then they don't have to get it all done now. The only problem I have with the trade route is that to get something good, you have to give up something good. Teamsa aren't going to line up to trade us their best for guys we all want to give away like Max and Timmy, as much as we would like to believe they would.

 

4. I don't disagree with some of the points those guys ranted about, but I'm also not going off the deep end just yet. Maybe I just set the bar very low for the FO this offseason so the inactivity is no surprise to me, I figured it would happen.

[K-9]

No blunder here.

 

I'd imagine DR had something in mind around 3 million for Orpik, but not more than 3 years. DR told Orp's agent that and DR was told, "well Pitts offering 3 mil for 6 years".

 

The FO doesn't seem to want long contracts as they have guys coming up and don't want to get caught with having to do buyouts later or having to trade a good young player because there isn't any room. It's a tough call and I'm not jealous of DR job at all at this point.

 

Probably the most salient point made concerning the subject. Talk about walking the tightrope.

 

GO SABRES!!!

[frisky]

If his agent isn't blowing too much smoke and other teams have already given him serious offers and all the Sabres have done was just call his agent, I'm going to bet we're not really interested. Kinda like the Orpik call. "How much for how long?" ... "Oh." ... Click

[Knightrider]

Jason Smith's nine point criteria:

 

1) Dave & Busters - as previous Buffalo athletes have pointed out, the only place to have fun in Buffalo is D & B's

2) Orthodontist - Have you seen Jason's chicklets, nuff said

3) Photography - Sabres locker room has become NHL haven for would be photo enthusiasts

4) Real Estate - WNY economy has left housing market ripe for the picking

5) Ice - nothing says your city is serious about hockey like having plenty of ice

6) Wuss teammates - nothing inflates one's manliness like surrounding yourself with a bunch of sissies and panty waistes

7) Kinky after game practices - Hank has this one covered

8) Sucky fighters - Jason's fighting prowess will seem Tony Twistesque compared to Peters' "vogue" style fighting

9) Athletes above the Law - Jason wants the comfort of knowing if he ties one on and runs over some fat chick, he will skate faster than Maxim Afinogenov

 

:lol: :lol:

Ladies that need attitude

Fellows that weren't in the mood

Don't just stand there, let's get to it

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

[stenbaro]

:lol: :lol:

Ladies that need attitude

Fellows that weren't in the mood

Don't just stand there, let's get to it

Strike a pose, there's nothing to it

Give em a brake they were busy

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnAVXMZ0940...feature=related

[inkman]

Fellows that weren't in the mood

 

Is this ever the case? :unsure: Even a gay wants to do another gay. :thumbsup:

[Knightrider]

2. Doesn't that only make it worse, as a buffalo fan, to see him go at 6 years for 22.5 instead of 26 like the original poster said? Thats $3.75 mil a year for what I have heard from around this board, is a defencemen the Sabres could use. Thats not even 2 times what they were going to pay Teppo last year

 

He only one year younger than McKee was when he went to the Blues. Six years seems a little risky.

[Knightrider]

Is this ever the case? :unsure: Even a gay wants to do another gay. :thumbsup:

 

Ever see Kalinin (or Hank) with someone lined up? They weren't in the mood to hit that. :thumbsup:

[ROC Sabres]

Must gauge seriuosness. Huh. Something like "I'm not sure how big a raise I can get for my player so I start really high and see if GM's tell me to go away or say, well maybe?

 

I'll bet 7 of those "9 points" are

Money

Money

Money

Money

Money

Money

Term

I think the other two are treatment for excessive sweating and veins.

 

I could see Darcy pitching that when he calls.

 

Hello?

Do you sweat heavily when others are barely breaking a sweat?