This is the end beautiful friend this is the end my only friend the end

nfreeman · November 19, 2008

I doubt Timmy has any trade value whatsoever, as the word is probably out on him.

As to why no moves were made? Finances. We're at the limit of our self-imposed cap, and as long as Timmy sucks up his 3 mill., he's on the team.

100% correct.

As to the rest of the rumors and innuendo in this thread -- geez. I'm disappointed too but there is no reason to attack the man personally like this. His body isn't built for being a professional athlete. Neither was Rob Johnson's. It doesn't make them bad people. The Sabres took a risk in giving him the 3-year deal and got burned. Hopefully it's the worst contract mistake they make -- if so, it's not too bad.

nucci · November 19, 2008

100% correct.

As to the rest of the rumors and innuendo in this thread -- geez. I'm disappointed too but there is no reason to attack the man personally like this. His body isn't built for being a professional athlete. Neither was Rob Johnson's. It doesn't make them bad people. The Sabres took a risk in giving him the 3-year deal and got burned. Hopefully it's the worst contract mistake they make -- if so, it's not too bad.

Rob Johnson never sat because he was hurt. He took a beating and still played. Connolly just does not want to play. He's week-to-week with general body soreness?? Aren't we all?

nfreeman · November 19, 2008

Rob Johnson never sat because he was hurt. He took a beating and still played. Connolly just does not want to play. He's week-to-week with general body soreness?? Aren't we all?

Are you kidding? Rob Johnson missed significant time in every season he played for the bills. Remember him falling on the ball and injuring his rib cartilage? Remember the concussions on QB sneaks? It's how Flutie got the job in the 1st place. Then when Flutie left he, Johnson missed a quarter of the 1st season and half of the 2nd.

nucci · November 19, 2008

Are you kidding? Rob Johnson missed significant time in every season he played for the bills. Remember him falling on the ball and injuring his rib cartilage? Remember the concussions on QB sneaks? It's how Flutie got the job in the 1st place. Then when Flutie left he, Johnson missed a quarter of the 1st season and half of the 2nd.

Ok, maybe never was the incorrect word. But he did take a beating as Connolly just doesn't want to play. I shouldn't defend Johnson as he frustrated me as much an Connolly.

Spudz · November 19, 2008

His body isn't built for being a professional athlete. ... Hopefully it's the worst contract mistake they make -- if so, it's not too bad.

I don't think people are hating on him because his body can't handle it, but more so because all the injuries seem more like excuses for not playing. We question his will to be on the ice and contribute. How many players suffer through body pain making 1/3 of what he is? It just seems like we were played for the last few years into thinking it was his body, now it is time to realize this is all a facade.

I do think it is that bad. They invested in him to center the second/maybe first line, and I'd be willing to bet it costs us numerous playoff wins, and possibly even a trip to the playoffs last year. But the killer is they know he is injury prone but didn't do anything about it and Darcy expects him to still contribute in the future. Not going to happen. The failure to realize this puts this season in jeopardy as well because it may be to late to get a good second center.

Goodfella25 · November 19, 2008

I agree that it is frustrating how injury prone this guy is, and it sickens me to hear the "Timmy plays when Timmy wants to play" quote (if that is indeed factual). But even so, nobody can blame Connolly. The Sabres should have known what they were getting into. They made the decision to give him the money. It is totally mangement's fault. And now, rather than realizing their mistake and taking steps to fix it (bringing in a decent center or putting Connolly on LTIR), they will sit and do nothing. That is just incompetence. I normally defend the front office, but they are so far off here it is just pathetic.

deluca67 · November 19, 2008

100% correct.

As to the rest of the rumors and innuendo in this thread -- geez. I'm disappointed too but there is no reason to attack the man personally like this. His body isn't built for being a professional athlete. Neither was Rob Johnson's. It doesn't make them bad people. The Sabres took a risk in giving him the 3-year deal and got burned. Hopefully it's the worst contract mistake they make -- if so, it's not too bad.

Is it his body? Or, is it a lack of heart. Tin Man is missing another game tonight not because a part of his body is broken, strained or detached. He is out because he is sore. There isn't a player that has played a shift in the NHL this season that isn't sore.

I have come to the conclusion that Connolly isn't hurt at all. He is just trying to stay out of the lineup to avoid injury so he can sign a free agent contract somewhere. He'll play just enough games to show his flashes of brilliance to entice some idiot GM to give him another contract. I'm sure Kevin Lowe already has the offer sheet filled out.

Stoner · November 19, 2008

Is it his body? Or, is it a lack of heart. Tin Man is missing another game tonight not because a part of his body is broken, strained or detached. He is out because he is sore. There isn't a player that has played a shift in the NHL this season that isn't sore.

I have come to the conclusion that Connolly isn't hurt at all. He is just trying to stay out of the lineup to avoid injury so he can sign a free agent contract somewhere. He'll play just enough games to show his flashes of brilliance to entice some idiot GM to give him another contract. I'm sure Kevin Lowe already has the offer sheet filled out.

Does your brother know the team doctor, too?

This thread is an absolute low point in SabreSpace history. I hope someone's ass gets sued.

I've heard tales of TSW being bad -- is this what it's like?

nfreeman · November 19, 2008

Ok, maybe never was the incorrect word. But he did take a beating as Connolly just doesn't want to play. I shouldn't defend Johnson as he frustrated me as much an Connolly.

I don't think people are hating on him because his body can't handle it, but more so because all the injuries seem more like excuses for not playing. We question his will to be on the ice and contribute. How many players suffer through body pain making 1/3 of what he is? It just seems like we were played for the last few years into thinking it was his body, now it is time to realize this is all a facade.

I do think it is that bad. They invested in him to center the second/maybe first line, and I'd be willing to bet it costs us numerous playoff wins, and possibly even a trip to the playoffs last year. But the killer is they know he is injury prone but didn't do anything about it and Darcy expects him to still contribute in the future. Not going to happen. The failure to realize this puts this season in jeopardy as well because it may be to late to get a good second center.

Is it his body? Or, is it a lack of heart. Tin Man is missing another game tonight not because a part of his body is broken, strained or detached. He is out because he is sore. There isn't a player that has played a shift in the NHL this season that isn't sore.

I have come to the conclusion that Connolly isn't hurt at all. He is just trying to stay out of the lineup to avoid injury so he can sign a free agent contract somewhere. He'll play just enough games to show his flashes of brilliance to entice some idiot GM to give him another contract. I'm sure Kevin Lowe already has the offer sheet filled out.

So, there is a school of "thought" now that thinks Connolly is faking/gutless/a malingerer, and that other players would be playing with the ailments that cause Connolly to sit out. Of course, there is absolutely zero evidence for any of this. It's quite possible that he has a separated shoulder or broken collarbone or concussion, because the NHL doesn't require any specific disclosure of injuries. But hey, my sister's cousin's hairdresser heard that Connolly likes to play Wii instead of "manning up" and playing hockey, so it must be true!

What we do know, as a factual matter, is that the hit that caused Connolly's injury was by far the biggest hit that any Sabre has taken this year. We've all seen highlights of similar big hits that have knocked players from other teams out of the lineup.

I agree that it is frustrating how injury prone this guy is, and it sickens me to hear the "Timmy plays when Timmy wants to play" quote (if that is indeed factual). But even so, nobody can blame Connolly. The Sabres should have known what they were getting into. They made the decision to give him the money. It is totally mangement's fault. And now, rather than realizing their mistake and taking steps to fix it (bringing in a decent center or putting Connolly on LTIR), they will sit and do nothing. That is just incompetence. I normally defend the front office, but they are so far off here it is just pathetic.

There we go. Only problem with this description is that this team's economic realities will not allow it to just write off a $3.5 million mistake, which nobody else in the NHL is going to take off their hands.

Kristian · November 19, 2008

Is it his body? Or, is it a lack of heart. Tin Man is missing another game tonight not because a part of his body is broken, strained or detached. He is out because he is sore. There isn't a player that has played a shift in the NHL this season that isn't sore.

I have come to the conclusion that Connolly isn't hurt at all. He is just trying to stay out of the lineup to avoid injury so he can sign a free agent contract somewhere. He'll play just enough games to show his flashes of brilliance to entice some idiot GM to give him another contract. I'm sure Kevin Lowe already has the offer sheet filled out.

As long as that idiot isn't Darcy.....

carpandean · November 19, 2008

Only problem with this description is that this team's economic realities will not allow it to just write off a $3.5 million mistake, which nobody else in the NHL is going to take off their hands.

Look at the buyout rules, though. He is over 26, so is entitled to receive 2/3 of his remaining contract salary. Let's say that we are 36 days into the season, then his buyout is approximately (2/3)*(150/186)*($3.50 million) = $1.88 million. This can be paid over twice the remaining term of the SPC. So, they will have to pay him $0.94 million over the next two years. Is that worse than paying him $2.82 million over the remainder of this season for a few games here and there?

(Note: this is based on a quick read of the CBA and they exact timing of the payments may be off a little, but it will be roughly the same total amount.)

stenbaro · November 19, 2008

Ok, maybe never was the incorrect word. But he did take a beating as Connolly just doesn't want to play. I shouldn't defend Johnson as he frustrated me as much an Connolly.

He still has the Ring though..LOL

LabattBlue · November 19, 2008

I am too lazy to do it, but I would be interested to see all his injuries and time out of the lineup itemized. That would be very interesting.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=18...name=nhl-sabres

deluca67 · November 19, 2008

So, there is a school of "thought" now that thinks Connolly is faking/gutless/a malingerer, and that other players would be playing with the ailments that cause Connolly to sit out. Of course, there is absolutely zero evidence for any of this. It's quite possible that he has a separated shoulder or broken collarbone or concussion, because the NHL doesn't require any specific disclosure of injuries. But hey, my sister's cousin's hairdresser heard that Connolly likes to play Wii instead of "manning up" and playing hockey, so it must be true!

What we do know, as a factual matter, is that the hit that caused Connolly's injury was by far the biggest hit that any Sabre has taken this year. We've all seen highlights of similar big hits that have knocked players from other teams out of the lineup.

There we go. Only problem with this description is that this team's economic realities will not allow it to just write off a $3.5 million mistake, which nobody else in the NHL is going to take off their hands.

It's quite possible he is just a big p***y who is happy enough to sit home and collect his millions without ever earning a penny of it.

Broken collarbone? Concussion? Separated Shoulder? I know one ailment you can rule out, sore ballz. The Sabres just need to cut him already. Let him sit on some other teams injured reserve list and give his roster spot to a player that wants to earn his paycheck.

LabattBlue · November 19, 2008

This thread is an absolute low point in SabreSpace history. I hope someone's ass gets sued.

Have your morning coffee and then come back when you are done. :nana:

nfreeman · November 19, 2008

Look at the buyout rules, though. He is over 26, so is entitled to receive 2/3 of his remaining contract salary. Let's say that we are 36 days into the season, then his buyout is approximately (2/3)*(150/186)*($3.50 million) = $1.88 million. This can be paid over twice the remaining term of the SPC. So, they will have to pay him $0.94 million over the next two years. Is that worse than paying him $2.82 million over the remainder of this season for a few games here and there?

And now we get to an intelligent, fair point. It looks like they could save just under $1 million by buying him out now (assuming that teams are allowed to do that with injured players -- any knowledge on that?). That's not nearly enough to get the good vet center that they need, but it's not nothing either. I assume they are weighing the million bucks against what they think they will get out of him over the rest of the year (including whatever they might get if they trade him at the deadline -- and if he's healthy and playing at the deadline, a western conference playoff team will give us something pretty decent for him).

Stoner · November 19, 2008

Have your morning coffee and then come back when you are done. :nana:

I don't drink coffee.

Rico7 · November 19, 2008

http://tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=18...name=nhl-sabres

Wow. What a wrap sheet. Thanks Blue.

Rico7 · November 19, 2008

I don't drink coffee.

Scotch?

bills_fan_in_raleigh · November 19, 2008

I just got into work, and was listening to WGR550 on the way in. When I heard the term Connolly and upper musculoskeletal injury I almost drove off the road.

WTF is upper musculoskeletal injury?

its called not having a SPINE :wallbash:

That Aud Smell · November 19, 2008

on some level, i understanding people getting on the board to whinge about/at connolly.

but honestly, there's just no disputing that the frustration should be directed at the FO -- they took this risk with their eyes wide open, and they (we) have lost.

ROC Sabres · November 19, 2008

on some level, i understanding people getting on the board to whinge about/at connolly.

but honestly, there's just no disputing that the frustration should be directed at the FO -- they took this risk with their eyes wide open, and they (we) have lost.

The frustration should be pointed at both Connolly and the FO (I think more so at Connolly, the FO couldn't have guessed in their worst possible scenario that he would have been out that whole year and now all of this BS). If nothing happens with him(trade/cut/wavied/whatever), then the FO is gonna be catching some heat.

tom webster · November 19, 2008

And now we get to an intelligent, fair point. It looks like they could save just under $1 million by buying him out now (assuming that teams are allowed to do that with injured players -- any knowledge on that?). That's not nearly enough to get the good vet center that they need, but it's not nothing either. I assume they are weighing the million bucks against what they think they will get out of him over the rest of the year (including whatever they might get if they trade him at the deadline -- and if he's healthy and playing at the deadline, a western conference playoff team will give us something pretty decent for him).

I am 99.9% sure there is no provision for buying out and injured player. In fact, I am pretty sure that there is some question of Boston's buy out of Glen Murray because of his inability to recover from his injuries.

Furthermore, I am also 99.9% sure that there are specific off season times that you can buy out a player and there is no in season provision for such.

spndnchz · November 19, 2008

Does your brother know the team doctor, too?

This thread is an absolute low point in SabreSpace history. I hope someone's ass gets sued.

I've heard tales of TSW being bad -- is this what it's like?

OMG we agree on something.

A musculoskeletal injury is nothing to laugh about, I hope he's alright, whether it's here or somewhere else.

carpandean · November 19, 2008

Furthermore, I am also 99.9% sure that there are specific off season times that you can buy out a player and there is no in season provision for such.

Aw dang it, you're right. I saw this paragraph in my skimming:

11.18 Ordinary Course Buy-Outs Outside the Regular Period. Clubs shall have the right to exercise Ordinary Course Buy-Outs outside the regular period for Ordinary Course Buy-Outs in accordance with Paragraph 13?(ii) of the SPC. Each Club shall be limited to no more than three (3) such buyouts over the term of this Agreement pursuant to Paragraph 13?(ii) of the SPC.

However, apparently, this refers specifically to a 48-hour window "second buy-out period" that occurs right after arbitration and only if you have two or more arbitration hearings that year. From what I've found, you can't buy out during the season. Nix that idea.

In retrospect (or really as viewed by most people outside the organization at the time), they should have bought him out this summer. Even then, it would have been only $1.17 per year for two years.

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