SabresFanInRochester Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 I first want to qualify my entire statement, because I doubt there is any validity to the rumor. But, I am posting the rumor because it got me thinking about a couple things. My brother texts me today and says 'Pommer is/will be signed, Miller probably not.' (Again, take this with a large granule of salt!) My immediate reaction was to respond that he's ridiculous to think that, and to find out his source. (FYI - I never got a response to the source, and my brother is not affiliated with anyone inside the organization.) But, as time passed and I thought about his text, I started to get paranoid. I know the FO said it is a priority to extend Pommer and Miller. Great. But, didn't we also hear that with Drury, Briere, Campbell, ... Why pay Miller the big bucks over the next 5-6 years. The FO definitely has a history of keeping within the budget and "playing a chess game" with their transactions. My initial thought to this was impossible, which also adds to my paranoia because that's the type of move that the FO makes. But, doesn't this rumor make more sense than what we are all hoping for? (And I am assuming a majority of fans want Miller in goal.) Even though we don't have a deep goaltending system, and did not draft a goalie, I could see them getting rid of Miller now to get value for him. I think that's a lesson that the FO has learned, which also reinforces my paranoia. As part of the trade, they would improve the defense by bringing in a player that is under "old" contract dollars for a couple more years. The trade would be for another teams starting goalie, and they could use that goalie, Lalime, or promote Enroth. I could picture a large trade where Buffalo gives up Miller and acquires an average starting goalie, a top defenseman, a forward, and draft picks. If you have read my posts before, you may know me as the guy that has the pipe dream for Bouwmeister (among other things). I don't think Bouwmeister qualifies as someone who is under contract for a couple more years, but I think that caliber of player. Doesn't it make sense for this move??? Such a move would really upset me and I would be disappointed if Miller left Buffalo. That being said, I could almost see the FO doing it. It's been a scary thought process. Who thinks I am crazy? Please, there has to be someone out there that sees where I am going with my thoughts. Couldn't you see this happening?
spndnchz Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 It's the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine. relax. Breath.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 So your brother provides no source, and you have no reason to believe him since he has no source and no connections. But you somehow convince your self not only is it possible but it makes sense? And your theory is build around "I could picture a large trade where Buffalo gives up Miller and acquires an average starting goalie, a top defenseman, a forward, and draft picks." Three players AND picks? Patrick Roy won two Cups and was traded for Andrei Kovalenko, Martin Rucinsky and Jocelyn Thibault ... and the Habs had to throw in Mike Keane. I hate that this is going to take on a life of its own now ... ugh.
Goodfella25 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 I hate that this is going to take on a life of its own now ... ugh. The Miller issue will be a major distraction if they don't get him signed by the beginning of the season. That's a fact. If they can't get him signed, they definitely should trade him, and the sooner the better. This has been discussed at nauseum on the radio station here in Buffalo, WGR550. I hope they don't say "we need to see how he plays this season"--and take that big gamble. If he plays worse, then fine, they can get him cheaper than they thought. But if he performs the same as this past season or better, he's good as gone.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 The Miller issue will be a major distraction if they don't get him signed by the beginning of the season. That's a fact. If they can't get him signed, they definitely should trade him, and the sooner the better. This has been discussed at nauseum on the radio station here in Buffalo, WGR550. I hope they don't say "we need to see how he plays this season"--and take that big gamble. If he plays worse, then fine, they can get him cheaper than they thought. But if he performs the same as this past season or better, he's good as gone. Damn right, and I don't have a problem with it being discussed .... but basing a discussion about it on a text message from your unconnected brother in July is just silly, IMO ... it just causes unnecessary panic. We all know the situation, and it is as you stated. But somehow this is couched as "new info" when really nothing has changed.
cdexchange Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 I could picture a large trade where Buffalo gives up Miller and acquires an average starting goalie, a top defenseman, a forward, and draft picks. Miller is an average starting goaltender in this league, at least as far as his stats go. Perhaps slightly above average if you factor in your favorite "intangible". I love Miller, but I'm just sayin...
SabresFanInRochester Posted July 11, 2008 Author Report Posted July 11, 2008 Damn right, and I don't have a problem with it being discussed .... but basing a discussion about it on a text message from your unconnected brother in July is just silly, IMO ... it just causes unnecessary panic. We all know the situation, and it is as you stated. But somehow this is couched as "new info" when really nothing has changed. Well, this rumor was a revelation for me because I have been in the mindset that Miller would be signed no matter what. Maybe I was being myopic. But for the first time, I started to really look at it from a different perspective, which is from the FO perspective, and it really sucks. I did not intend to add fuel to a rumor fire. I have always believed Miller was as good as extended but my brother's message got me thinking, maybe there is another route. PLEASE -- his text did not signify a trade, and I realize that; but it signaled me to look at a different perspective today. I guess I was more curious as to what others think. Not that it matters to the FO what we think, but there are some people who make sense. A couple people responded with "relax" and "here comes the mass hysteria." That's not what I want. I am more wondering if people believe the Miller contract will get done, or if he is part of a trade. What do you all think? I want to know what you intuition tells you.
SabresFanInRochester Posted July 11, 2008 Author Report Posted July 11, 2008 Miller is an average starting goaltender in this league, at least as far as his stats go. Perhaps slightly above average if you factor in your favorite "intangible". I love Miller, but I'm just sayin... I know it has been debated on here many times. I think Miller behind a better defense has top 5 goalie stats. In my opinion, Miller is better than his stats from last year.
Bmwolf21 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 The Miller issue will be a major distraction if they don't get him signed by the beginning of the season. That's a fact. If they can't get him signed, they definitely should trade him, and the sooner the better. This has been discussed at nauseum on the radio station here in Buffalo, WGR550. I hope they don't say "we need to see how he plays this season"--and take that big gamble. If he plays worse, then fine, they can get him cheaper than they thought. But if he performs the same as this past season or better, he's good as gone. Nailed it.
Buffalo Fan Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 Well, this rumor was a revelation for me because I have been in the mindset that Miller would be signed no matter what. Maybe I was being myopic. But for the first time, I started to really look at it from a different perspective, which is from the FO perspective, and it really sucks. I did not intend to add fuel to a rumor fire. I have always believed Miller was as good as extended but my brother's message got me thinking, maybe there is another route. PLEASE -- his text did not signify a trade, and I realize that; but it signaled me to look at a different perspective today. I guess I was more curious as to what others think. Not that it matters to the FO what we think, but there are some people who make sense. A couple people responded with "relax" and "here comes the mass hysteria." That's not what I want. I am more wondering if people believe the Miller contract will get done, or if he is part of a trade. What do you all think? I want to know what you intuition tells you. I think you're a spy...you're all spies! It'll be ANARCHY!!!
inkman Posted July 11, 2008 Report Posted July 11, 2008 My brother texts me today and says 'Pommer is/will be signed, Miller probably not.' I actually agree with this. Why pay Miller the big bucks over the next 5-6 years. Exactly. I could see them getting rid of Miller now to get value for him. Darcy has a good history with trades and I think this is a distinct possibility. Such a move would really upset me and I would be disappointed if Miller left Buffalo. You must like fashion and photography. Please, there has to be someone out there that sees where I am going with my thoughts. Couldn't you see this happening? I'm counting on it happening. Miller is an average starting goaltender in this league, at least as far as his stats go. Agreed.
SCSabresFan! Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Give Miller a good defense in front of him and he's very good. But he's just average when the guys in front of him stink. I still miss Jay McKee!
navybillsfan Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 We should release everone and just become what we are, a NHL level farm team. People are morons. Please buy a ticket, only a jackass loves to lose
inkman Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 We should release everone and just become what we are, a NHL level farm team.People are morons. Please buy a ticket, only a jackass loves to lose Your act is getting tired.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Your act is getting tired. Not only that, it's confusing ... that last sentence ... "Please buy a ticket, only a jackass loves to lose" ... I've had only one beer and I'm still not sure what it means.
frisky Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 I heard a rumor too. The end of the world is nigh near. His source was his imaginary friend whose name is Jesus that talks to him all the time.
cdexchange Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Give Miller a good defense in front of him and he's very good. But he's just average when the guys in front of him stink. I think that is true for pretty much every starting goalie in the NHL. I still miss Jay McKee! Me too. One of my favorite Sabres ever. :thumbsup:
cdexchange Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 We should release everone and just become what we are, a NHL level farm team.People are morons. Please buy a ticket, only a jackass loves to lose Oh, the irony :rolleyes:
deluca67 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 The Miller issue will be a major distraction if they don't get him signed by the beginning of the season. That's a fact. If they can't get him signed, they definitely should trade him, and the sooner the better. This has been discussed at nauseum on the radio station here in Buffalo, WGR550. I hope they don't say "we need to see how he plays this season"--and take that big gamble. If he plays worse, then fine, they can get him cheaper than they thought. But if he performs the same as this past season or better, he's good as gone. The way things are going in the NHL I doubt Miller's price will go down no matter how bad he plays. After this seasons playoffs many thought Campbell's price would drop and it didn't. There will always be at least one team willing to overpay in a big way just to get a name player to appease their fans. The Sabres have two options. Get Miller signed before the season or trade him. If Miller playes this year without an extension you can kiss the season goodbye.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 The way things are going in the NHL I doubt Miller's price will go down no matter how bad he plays. After this seasons playoffs many thought Campbell's price would drop and it didn't. There will always be at least one team willing to overpay in a big way just to get a name player to appease their fans. The Sabres have two options. Get Miller signed before the season or trade him. If Miller playes this year without an extension you can kiss the season goodbye. No doubt ... Campbell couldn't deal with it hanging over his head, it definitely hurt his play, and Miller's personality just seems such that it would eat at him and rip him apart even more. He's come a long way since his first call-up, but you can't completely re-wire someone, and that guy who couldn't face the media after a rough night is still in there somewhere. Not saying that to rip him, I want them to keep him around a long time, just saying he's an emotional guy who takes it very seriously and it would really test his focus.
outlaw16511 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Honestly if you were Miller would you sign this year? He just watched one of his best friends Brian Campbell, cash in large. I doubt Miller is in a big hurry to sign his name on the dotted line. If I were him, I'd wait it out and try my hardest to have the best year possible. The sad thing is pro sports are a business and players have to do what they feel is in their best interest. As fans, we always want our favorite players to show total blind loyalty to their team. The bad part of this logic is that the organizations have just as much of a lack of loyalty to the players. The bad part is that we had a guy named Danny Briere that basically begged to sign long term for 3 off-seasons in a row and the organization turned him down. He tried to show loyalty but he got none back from the Sabres FO. I'm over it but it proves my point IMO.
djwilli3 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Honestly if you were Miller would you sign this year? He just watched one of his best friends Brian Campbell, cash in large. I doubt Miller is in a big hurry to sign his name on the dotted line. If I were him, I'd wait it out and try my hardest to have the best year possible. The sad thing is pro sports are a business and players have to do what they feel is in their best interest. As fans, we always want our favorite players to show total blind loyalty to their team. The bad part of this logic is that the organizations have just as much of a lack of loyalty to the players. The bad part is that we had a guy named Danny Briere that basically begged to sign long term for 3 off-seasons in a row and the organization turned him down. He tried to show loyalty but he got none back from the Sabres FO. I'm over it but it proves my point IMO. And your point is exactly why I think Miller will be gone too. Not only will he likely leave for bigger money elsewhere, I don't think the FO is going to get off their collective butts to get this done. I have a bad feeling that this next offseason will be just like last years. Miller and Pominville will be gone, and there won't be anyone near their caliber to come in and take over and we'll be even further back than when we started. Some people say that's too pessimistic and will never happen, but look at the history of the team. Miller, like Briere has stated that he wants to stay in Buffalo and would like to keep playing for the team. Same with Pommer. Yet, we'll see if they get the same treatment that Briere got. A low ball offer that basically said, Take A Hike.
outlaw16511 Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 I realize the team has to be financially responsible and all, but they take it to an extreme. How good would it look now to have Briere still locked down for another couple of years at 5 million per year? The FO has to realize that contracts are going to keep going up and up every year. If you sign Miller at 6 to 6.5 mil per year in a couple of years that's probably going to be a steal for him. It's great to be responsible with money but you also have to look 4-5 years down the road and realize the money looks big now but in the future it won't. I really feel the FO lives in the now and doesn't look far enough down the road.
SarasotaSabre Posted July 12, 2008 Report Posted July 12, 2008 Summer = no games + little action + lots of rumors + active imaginations + internet fan boards + lots of guys with too much time of their hands = UNSUBSTANTIATED SPECULATION Whatever will be, will be - !!
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.