HockeyBuzz claims Sabres are 1 of 4 teams talking to Wild about Gaborik

[matter2003]

Oh boy...here is another good one from old Ek...

 

Sabres are involved in Gaborik talks with the Wild along with the Pens and a few other teams...

[thesportsbuff]

Oh boy...here is another good one from old Ek...

 

Sabres are involved in Gaborik talks with the Wild along with the Pens and a few other teams...

 

Here come the Max + Kotalik + Pick for Gaborik + prospect rumors

[wjag]

Can't stop drooling.. I know these are my Buffalo Sabres, but boy, just the thought of having him on the Sabres is fun to contemplate.

[fiftyone]

Oh boy...here is another good one from old Ek...

 

Sabres are involved in Gaborik talks with the Wild along with the Pens and a few other teams...

 

 

It would be nice, but probably not beneficial in the long run. Most people complain about Timmy's health, and would do the same if Gaborik gets injured for an extended period even once while here. Then again, it's Ek.

[Goodfella25]

It would be nice, but probably not beneficial in the long run. Most people complain about Timmy's health, and would do the same if Gaborik gets injured for an extended period even once while here. Then again, it's Ek.

 

I'm with ya. Plus how in the world does this address the big problems on the team:

 

1. Defensive play

2. Leadership

3. Toughness

 

He brings none of that to the table. Yea, he helps the team offensively, but why don't we just target someone that addresses our big weaknesses? We were one of the top-scoring teams last year...it was the goals against that ruined us.

[will]

when reporting fantasy myths ek rumors, please put his name somewhere in the thread subject or sub-subject so those of us who don't want to waste our time clicking on such threads can avoid doing so. it really does save time and frustration.

 

thankyousomuch.

[Bmwolf21]

The standard Eklund :rolleyes: aside, I want to comment on Gaborik's rep as an oft-injured player. That "injury-plagued Gaborik" persona has been somewhat exaggerated, IMO. He has had some troubles with his groin, but his troubles seem to be confined to that area (groin, hips) and that could be solved by a different workout regimen or even something as simple as different skates.

 

I looked up his numbers to see what we are talking about, if he is missing so many games that it's something to worry about.

 

Here's Gaborik's games played/missed by season:

 

07-08 - 77 GP, 5 GM

06-07 - 48 GP, 34 GM

05-06 - 65 GP, 17 GM

03-04 - 65 GP, 17 GM

02-03 - 81 GP, 1 GM

01-02 - 71 GP, 11 GM

 

Totals: 6 seasons, played in 407/492 (played in 83% of possible games) missed 85 games on his career

 

For contrast, TC:

 

99-00 - 81 GP, 1 GM

00-01 - 82 GP, 0 GM

01-02 - 82 GP, 0 GM

02-03 - 80 GP, 2 GM

03-04 - 0 GP, 82 GM

05-06 - 63 GP, 19 GM

06-07 - 2 GP, 80 GM

07-08 - 48 GP, 34 GM

 

Totals: 8 seasons, played in 438/656 (67% of possible games) missed 218 games.

 

One other side note - since the lockout, Gaborik has missed 56 games. TC has missed 133. Max has missed 57.

 

Just throwing it out there.

[Bmwolf21]

I'm with ya. Plus how in the world does this address the big problems on the team:

 

1. Defensive play

2. Leadership

3. Toughness

 

He brings none of that to the table. Yea, he helps the team offensively, but why don't we just target someone that addresses our big weaknesses? We were one of the top-scoring teams last year...it was the goals against that ruined us.

1. Played in Lemaire's trap system, so he had to be somewhat defensively sound. A skewed stat to be sure, but he's a combined +35 since the lockout.

2. Has been part of Lemaire's rotating captaincy in Minnesota, so he'll fit right in with Lindy's gorup.

3. No argument, not a "tough/gritty guy."

 

He's still a 4-time 30-goal scorer, coming off a 40-goal season playing in a trapping system, has over 200 career goals and is only 26. He's a franchise winger who would take a lot of pressure off Vanek, and would bring a lot of consistency to the team's offense, something they sorely lacked last year.

 

Assuming this isn't an Eklund "throw crap at the wall and hope something sticks" rumor, and assuming that Minny doesn't ask for Pominville and Roy in return, then I say "it can't hurt to talk and see what happens."

 

Gaborik would help this team, no doubt in my mind.

[R_Dudley]

Like allot of others here I also like the idea of getting rid of max even if we need to package one of our youthful prospects if we could get someone like him however he is a RW and again like allot of others have opined here I think we need another center FO specialist more than a RW and for that reason I doubt this is really something that they are doing/would happen.

[nfreeman]

Gaborik is under contract for $7.5MM next year and then he's a UFA. For us to keep him will cost over $8MM per year. There is no way we're going to pay that much for another winger. End of story.

 

Having said that, since Max and Spacek only have one year left on their contracts, if we traded them for Gabby, it would be close to $7MM in our rental players in exchange for their $7.5MM rental...

 

Nah, not happening.

[Taro T]

Gaborik is under contract for $7.5MM next year and then he's a UFA. For us to keep him will cost over $8MM per year. There is no way we're going to pay that much for another winger. End of story.

 

Having said that, since Max and Spacek only have one year left on their contracts, if we traded them for Gabby, it would be close to $7MM in our rental players in exchange for their $7.5MM rental...

 

Nah, not happening.

That trade leaves the Sabres w/ Tally-man, Rivet, Paetsch, Sekera, and Weber as the top 6. Even if Teppo comes back that still leaves them very thin.

 

W/out a gun to their head, I don't see the Sabres giving up a D-man to pick up a winger. The official hierarchy of priorities was: goalie, D, center, wing. It just doesn't make any sense to grab Gaborik unless something else is in the works (at least not at that price).

[nfreeman]

That trade leaves the Sabres w/ Tally-man, Rivet, Paetsch, Sekera, and Weber as the top 6. Even if Teppo comes back that still leaves them very thin.

 

W/out a gun to their head, I don't see the Sabres giving up a D-man to pick up a winger. The official hierarchy of priorities was: goalie, D, center, wing. It just doesn't make any sense to grab Gaborik unless something else is in the works (at least not at that price).

 

You are almost certainly correct. But maybe, maybe, if they think they probably aren't going to re-sign Spacek (and I haven't seen a peep anywhere about any plans to do so), and Teppo is going to come back, and they think Paetsch or Weber can handle being #6, and they really like Gaborik, and they figure they can give him (and he can give them) a 1-year look (or less if they trade him at the deadline)...

 

But I put the likelihood at approximately 0.001%.

 

PS: I'd rather have Sundin.

[Taro T]

You are almost certainly correct. But maybe, maybe, if they think they probably aren't going to re-sign Spacek (and I haven't seen a peep anywhere about any plans to do so), and Teppo is going to come back, and they think Paetsch or Weber can handle being #6, and they really like Gaborik, and they figure they can give him (and he can give them) a 1-year look (or less if they trade him at the deadline)...

 

But I put the likelihood at approximately 0.001%.

 

PS: I'd rather have Sundin.

There haven't been any reports of any plans to re-sign Jaro (and there have been several rumors on this site that he is being shopped) but prior to October 16 were there ANY rumors about giving Jochen an extension?

 

I just don't see Jaro going for a winger. And w/ you putting the likelihood down around the odds of the Loafs winning the SC this next year, I guess we're on the same page. Now, if they can get a young stud D-man w/ Jaro as part of the package, that is plausible.

[rbochan]

Gaborik is under contract for $7.5MM next year and then he's a UFA. For us to keep him will cost over $8MM per year. There is no way we're going to pay that much for another winger. End of story...

I think you nailed it right there. They just spent a boatload on Miller and Rivet, and are likely to spend a smaller load on Pommers. I'd think they're done, at least until the trade deadline comes and seeing if the team's a contender this season or not.

[gregkash]

aquiring gaborik is a tacet admission of "we think we can win now"

[deluca67]

I think you nailed it right there. They just spent a boatload on Miller and Rivet, and are likely to spend a smaller load on Pommers. I'd think they're done, at least until the trade deadline comes and seeing if the team's a contender this season or not.

On the other hand you have $8+ million tied up in Max, Connolly and Kotalik this season. If the Sabres see Gaborik as a piece of the puzzle they would have room at the end of season to get a deal done. You're talking about $12 million of salary off the books next off-season if you include Spacek.

 

I doubt the Sabres would make a huge splash like obtaining Gaborik. I think it would be the biggest move since LaFontaine. Adding Gaborik would be like adding a B-Rod who knows how to play defense.

[shrader]

On the other hand you have $8+ million tied up in Max, Connolly and Kotalik this season. If the Sabres see Gaborik as a piece of the puzzle they would have room at the end of season to get a deal done. You're talking about $12 million of salary off the books next off-season if you include Spacek.

 

But that ignores the salaries that will take effect next year, specifically Miller and Pominville. They'll eat up a good portion of that money.

[carpandean]

On the other hand you have $8+ million tied up in Max, Connolly and Kotalik this season. If the Sabres see Gaborik as a piece of the puzzle they would have room at the end of season to get a deal done. You're talking about $12 million of salary off the books next off-season if you include Spacek.

Assuming Pommer signs for about $5M, then both he and Miller would be getting approximately $4M raises in 2009-10 verses this coming season. That's $8M of that $12M. So, if Gaborik re-signs for $8M, then that is $4M over this year's cap hit. That would put them at $50M in contracted cap hit for 2009-10 (again, assuming Pommer's hit is ~$5M) with four open forward spots (one, of which, is a top-two center) and two open defense slots (one, of which, is Sekera.) Even if they fill those slots with young entry-contract players or league-minimum players -- possible only if one of the kid centers really steps up or if they are using Gaustad or Hecht to center the second line -- that's still going to put them at $54M+. More likely, a couple of those spots would cost more (second-line center in particular), putting them at $56M+. Not saying that they couldn't afford him, but if the cap plateaus, which is likely for several reasons, that would put them up there with most of their players under multi-year contracts.

[deluca67]

Assuming Pommer signs for about $5M, then both he and Miller would be getting approximately $4M raises in 2009-10 verses this coming season. That's $8M of that $12M. So, if Gaborik re-signs for $8M, then that is $4M over this year's cap hit. That would put them at $50M in contracted cap hit for 2009-10 (again, assuming Pommer's hit is ~$5M) with four open forward spots (one, of which, is a top-two center) and two open defense slots (one, of which, is Sekera.) Even if they fill those slots with young entry-contract players or league-minimum players -- possible only if one of the kid centers really steps up or if they are using Gaustad or Hecht to center the second line -- that's still going to put them at $54M+. More likely, a couple of those spots would cost more (second-line center in particular), putting them at $56M+. Not saying that they couldn't afford him, but if the cap plateaus, which is likely for several reasons, that would put them up there with most of their players under multi-year contracts.

The numbers you are using are prorated cap figures. Is there a good site that shows what the Sabres are actually paying out this season and next? For example Vanek is scheduled to make $8 million this season with a cap hit of $7.143 a year. Next season his cap hit stays the same but the actually amount paid to Vanek would be $6.4 million.

[nfreeman]

The numbers you are using are prorated cap figures. Is there a good site that shows what the Sabres are actually paying out this season and next? For example Vanek is scheduled to make $8 million this season with a cap hit of $7.143 a year. Next season his cap hit stays the same but the actually amount paid to Vanek would be $6.4 million.

 

www.nhlnumbers.com

[carpandean]

The numbers you are using are prorated cap figures. Is there a good site that shows what the Sabres are actually paying out this season and next? For example Vanek is scheduled to make $8 million this season with a cap hit of $7.143 a year. Next season his cap hit stays the same but the actually amount paid to Vanek would be $6.4 million.

nhlnumbers.com is the best, albeit unofficial, place for cap and salary numbers. In 2009-10, Vanek's salary drops by $1.4M from next year's, while Gaustad's, Paille's, Mair's, Tallinder's and Paetsch's salaries go up by a combined $1.875M. Pominville's contract would likely be increasing (for example: $4M, $4.5M, $5M, $5.5M, $6M for a $5M cap hit), so that might help. The contracted salaries in 2009-10 (not including whatever Pommer gets) is actually $1M above the contracted cap hit, so even if Pommer gets just $4M in the first year, the cap number listed above will be about the same as the actual salary numbers for that year, too.

 

(Note: that cap number that I used in my figures is the $35.889M shown on nhlnumber, plus $5M for Pommer and $0.750M for Weber. That comes to $41.64M, so $42M is rounded up a little. Salary-wise, that $0.36 would be covered by the difference between Vanek's decrease and the above-listed increases.

 

Note 2: the cap hit for 2008-09 is actually about $48.67M, not $46.75M as shown, because you have to add in one forward and two defensemen - the site is using UFA's Ryan, Teppo and Pratt, who each have 0 salary/cap hit right now. Using Kaleta, Sekera and Weber would give the $48.67M. With Teppo instead of Weber, you would be looking at ~$49.5M. Salary-wise, with those three players, they would be at about $51.2M, rising to over $52M if they were to sign Teppo.)

[mis3384]

Why not have some fun with somthing that will never happen.....

 

 

BUFFALO Gets:

 

Marian Gaborik

Andrew Brunette

Peter Olvecky

 

MINNESOTA Gets:

 

Maxim Afinogenov

Thomas Vanek

Philip Gogulla

[Kristian]

Oh boy...here is another good one from old Ek...

 

Sabres are involved in Gaborik talks with the Wild along with the Pens and a few other teams...

 

Once Darcy realises the Wild are looking for more than a 3rd liner and a 2nd rounder, we're done talking.

[vasabresfan]

I just don't understand the love affair with Teppo and the perceived given that he is worth $2.6m a year. He was a sturdy defenseman for many years, and I would never dispute that fact. However, if you had never heard of Teppo and I was pitching the following free agent to you, what would you think: 1) he's 40 years old; 2) He didn't play all of last year because he had open heart surgery; 3) he's played so long that he is the only player left from his draft class (thank you wiki); and 4) you haven't heard any rumors that other clubs are after him. I'm not saying we shouldn't give him a spot on the team, but I just don't see other clubs beating down his door to sign him. My limited recollection of economics class is that it is not entirely advisable to pay high prices for a product that is in low demand. Maybe he retires if he's not happy with the number. Maybe you put him behind the bench as a defensive coach (like they did for James Patrick). But why bring him for more than $1m?

 

As for Gaborik, I would also love to see him playing here, but I fear that the price would be way too high. To fit him in would require a major shakeup and I kind of like this team the way it is. Yeah, we missed the playoffs, but if three or four of the shootouts go a different way, we would have been in. As it was, we were only 14 pts. back of the conference lead. Compare that to 22 pts. between 1 and 9 in the previous season. I just don't think that this team is that far away from being really good.

 

However, that might just be the foolish optimism of a Buffalo fan.

[carpandean]

I just don't understand the love affair with Teppo and the perceived given that he is worth $2.6m a year. [snip] My limited recollection of economics class is that it is not entirely advisable to pay high prices for a product that is in low demand. Maybe he retires if he's not happy with the number. Maybe you put him behind the bench as a defensive coach (like they did for James Patrick). But why bring him for more than $1m?

Who said anything about bringing him for $2.6M? We don't have any idea where their contract talks are at. My numbers above assumed about $1.5-$1.6M. I doubt he will receive $2.6M again.