darksabre Posted January 11, 2009 Report Posted January 11, 2009 If you let all the UFA's and RFA's go, you still have only room for one big name signing unless you plan on spending more then $50 million next year. Most of the changes will be Portland Pirates unless they do the smart thing and trade Hecht for a true number 1 or 2 center. Well isn't that what everyone is clamoring for? A big name signing? We aren't going to get one with what we have now, so what choice do we have but to wait until we let a bunch of FAs go?
carpandean Posted January 11, 2009 Report Posted January 11, 2009 I wrote this in a similar thread on another message board that I frequent (though, not as much as I do here): Darcy was on WGR550 with Mike Schopp on Friday and they talked about several things, including defensive depth and trades. He said that Butler, Weber and even Myers show that they have some very capable depth coming up through the system. When asked if there would be any trades around the league, he said that he actually expected to see a lot around the deadline. He said that five or six teams are already on the verge of being out, so they will become sellers as the deadline approaches. Then, when asked what the Sabres would do if they sit about where they are now (fighting for the 7/8 spots), he said that they could be both sellers and buyers. He said that you could give up someone from an area that you know you have depth coming up for, in order to add someone that brings an immediate contribution. He was quick to temper his remarks by adding that, of course, you have to see what the other team is offering and whether its worth the price. I don't expect that we'll see a move for a month, maybe more, unless a really good deal pops up. Even at the deadline, I'm not 100% convinced that it will happen. If he can get anything for Max, I have to believe that he will take it. Other than that, it will depend a bit on Timmy's health. If he plays every game, I could see them counting on him for this season (not something I agree with, but it would fit their style.) If not ... I do think that Tallinder (dog house) and/or Spacek (UFA) will be traded at the deadline and possibly a young forward. I definitely think that our top priority should be a true center, even if Connolly is healthy. Also, another Rivet-type (physical, defensively responsible, not inept on offense and right handed) would help a lot. As for Comrie, I've been checking on him since his name was first thrown out there. To me, he seems like a gritty version of Briere (trading some offensive upside for that grit.) He doesn't seem to be the most defensively responsible and does tend to cheat a little toward the opponent's goal, but also seems to put himself in the right spot to score goals the way Danny did, especially on the PP. I could see a Hecht-Connolly-Pominville line being pretty effective (assuming Hecht gets some of his game back, especially playing on the wing.) The real problem that I've seen with him is that he will score a bunch at the start of the season (last year, including against us) or when coming back from injury (this season starting just before our last game with them), but then will be absent from the score sheet (except, perhaps, for a minus in the +/- stat.) As stated, though, he's an UFA at the end of the year, so you could let him walk if he doesn't work out. The Islanders are likely to be on of the biggest sellers with Comrie, Weight, Guerin and Sillinger* all being veterans that they don't need for rebuilding. * Really funny Sillinger thread
nucci Posted January 11, 2009 Report Posted January 11, 2009 If you let all the UFA's and RFA's go, you still have only room for one big name signing unless you plan on spending more then $50 million next year. Most of the changes will be Portland Pirates unless they do the smart thing and trade Hecht for a true number 1 or 2 center. Would love to meet the GM that would trade us a top center for Hecht!
deluca67 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 But didn't you tell us they dumped Drury, Briere and Campbell as part of the plan to rebuild and challenge for the Cup. They are building which is why they won't over reach this season. If you must rehash old opinions. Let me refresh your memory. Briere - Not worth the $5 million so many think he would have signed for. Campbell - I wouldn't pay him more than $3 million. Drury - the Sabres wanted him he turned his back on them to go home and play.
tom webster Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Would love to meet the GM that would trade us a top center for Hecht! Didn't mean that. Meant get rid of Hecht and use his money to get a true difference maker.
tom webster Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Well isn't that what everyone is clamoring for? A big name signing? We aren't going to get one with what we have now, so what choice do we have but to wait until we let a bunch of FAs go? The point being that with 7 forwards, 4 defensemen and 2 goalies signed at a $41 million cap hit and assuming both Stafford and Sekera are signed, unless you deal Hecht you aren't signing anyone.
tom webster Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 They are building which is why they won't over reach this season. If you must rehash old opinions. Let me refresh your memory. Briere - Not worth the $5 million so many think he would have signed for. Campbell - I wouldn't pay him more than $3 million. Drury - the Sabres wanted him he turned his back on them to go home and play. Its the fact that you still seem to think they planned this that is laughable.
deluca67 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Its the fact that you still seem to think they planned this that is laughable. Drury? No. That was a surprise. Briere? Yes. When he went to arbitration he was done as a Sabre. Campbell? Yes. He is nowhere near worth the amount of money he got.
SabresFan526 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 I wrote this in a similar thread on another message board that I frequent (though, not as much as I do here):I do think that Tallinder (dog house) and/or Spacek (UFA) will be traded at the deadline and possibly a young forward. I definitely think that our top priority should be a true center, even if Connolly is healthy. Also, another Rivet-type (physical, defensively responsible, not inept on offense and right handed) would help a lot. As for Comrie, I've been checking on him since his name was first thrown out there. To me, he seems like a gritty version of Briere (trading some offensive upside for that grit.) He doesn't seem to be the most defensively responsible and does tend to cheat a little toward the opponent's goal, but also seems to put himself in the right spot to score goals the way Danny did, especially on the PP. I could see a Hecht-Connolly-Pominville line being pretty effective (assuming Hecht gets some of his game back, especially playing on the wing.) The real problem that I've seen with him is that he will score a bunch at the start of the season (last year, including against us) or when coming back from injury (this season starting just before our last game with them), but then will be absent from the score sheet (except, perhaps, for a minus in the +/- stat.) As stated, though, he's an UFA at the end of the year, so you could let him walk if he doesn't work out. The Islanders are likely to be on of the biggest sellers with Comrie, Weight, Guerin and Sillinger* all being veterans that they don't need for rebuilding. * Really funny Sillinger thread I listened to Darcy's interview as well on WGR. This is why I'm convinced that Buffalo is going to be more of a player than in years past at the trade deadline. We all know that they've been trying to get rid of Max, and my hunch is that they will try to trade him to get some picks that they can package in a bigger deal. That bigger deal, in my opinion, will most likely involve Tallinder. With the way Butler has played, there is no way the Sabres are going to keep 8 defenseman on the roster and will most likely trade Tallinder. I don't think they'll trade Spacek because he's been the best defenseman on the team this year and has the most points from the blueline. Tallinder also has a bit more trade value upside right now than Spacek does since Tallinder still is held in high regard across the league, is younger than Spacek, and still has one year left on his contract while Spacek is a UFA. So, any team that's in sell mode would rather pickup a Tallinder that they can work with next year than a Spacek that is a UFA after this year. If the Sabres are in playoff position, trading Spacek would be a sell move, and that doesn't seem to jive with something Darcy would do if he's looking to make the team better this year. However, trading Tallinder does as to me that's more of a buy move than a sell move. We'll see. I'm getting excited already. The point being that with 7 forwards, 4 defensemen and 2 goalies signed at a $41 million cap hit and assuming both Stafford and Sekera are signed, unless you deal Hecht you aren't signing anyone. Personally, the Sabres don't really need to make any splashy signings. I'll be happy if they re-signed Spacek to a two year, $5-6 million deal. On defense, they'll bring in Butler and if you assume Teppo retires they can try to trade for another defenseman at the draft like a Ville Koistinen and that will give them 7 defenseman including Paetsch (Rivet, Lydman, Spacek, Sekera, Butler, Koistinen, Paetsch). At forward, I think it's a fair assumption that they will re-sign Peters, MacArthur, Kaleta, and that Gerbe, Mancari, and Kennedy will fill the roles left by Kotalik, Connolly, and Max. I think they'll also try to re-sign Ellis as he is a somewhat local boy and has played well with the Sabres and will not break the bank. If they can get one more center who can play on that second line (e.g. names I've mentioned before like McDonald, Comrie, Reinprecht, etc.), they won't need to make any flashy signing. And, they'll still be well under the cap and probably near $50 million. That's my opinion. We'll see how it plays out.
BamBam Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 What are the moves, if any, that the Sabres will make by the Trade Deadline??? When is the last time the sabres made a significant trade during the season? I don't think we should expect much of anything unfortunatley.
tom webster Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 I listened to Darcy's interview as well on WGR. This is why I'm convinced that Buffalo is going to be more of a player than in years past at the trade deadline. We all know that they've been trying to get rid of Max, and my hunch is that they will try to trade him to get some picks that they can package in a bigger deal. That bigger deal, in my opinion, will most likely involve Tallinder. With the way Butler has played, there is no way the Sabres are going to keep 8 defenseman on the roster and will most likely trade Tallinder. I don't think they'll trade Spacek because he's been the best defenseman on the team this year and has the most points from the blueline. Tallinder also has a bit more trade value upside right now than Spacek does since Tallinder still is held in high regard across the league, is younger than Spacek, and still has one year left on his contract while Spacek is a UFA. So, any team that's in sell mode would rather pickup a Tallinder that they can work with next year than a Spacek that is a UFA after this year. If the Sabres are in playoff position, trading Spacek would be a sell move, and that doesn't seem to jive with something Darcy would do if he's looking to make the team better this year. However, trading Tallinder does as to me that's more of a buy move than a sell move. We'll see. I'm getting excited already. Personally, the Sabres don't really need to make any splashy signings. I'll be happy if they re-signed Spacek to a two year, $5-6 million deal. On defense, they'll bring in Butler and if you assume Teppo retires they can try to trade for another defenseman at the draft like a Ville Koistinen and that will give them 7 defenseman including Paetsch (Rivet, Lydman, Spacek, Sekera, Butler, Koistinen, Paetsch). At forward, I think it's a fair assumption that they will re-sign Peters, MacArthur, Kaleta, and that Gerbe, Mancari, and Kennedy will fill the roles left by Kotalik, Connolly, and Max. I think they'll also try to re-sign Ellis as he is a somewhat local boy and has played well with the Sabres and will not break the bank. If they can get one more center who can play on that second line (e.g. names I've mentioned before like McDonald, Comrie, Reinprecht, etc.), they won't need to make any flashy signing. And, they'll still be well under the cap and probably near $50 million. That's my opinion. We'll see how it plays out. If they give Spacek 3 million per and acuire someone like MacDonald they will be closer to $54 million unless you think Stafford and Sekera are going to sign for less then $1.5 million per in which case they will be closer to $52 million.
tom webster Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Drury? No. That was a surprise. Briere? Yes. When he went to arbitration he was done as a Sabre. Campbell? Yes. He is nowhere near worth the amount of money he got. I'd leave this alone if you would just stick to facts. 1) bungled that into a surprise 2) pure conjecture 3) they offerred him close to $5 million per
carpandean Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Personally, the Sabres don't really need to make any splashy signings. I'll be happy if they re-signed Spacek to a two year, $5-6 million deal. On defense, they'll bring in Butler and if you assume Teppo retires they can try to trade for another defenseman at the draft like a Ville Koistinen and that will give them 7 defenseman including Paetsch (Rivet, Lydman, Spacek, Sekera, Butler, Koistinen, Paetsch). At forward, I think it's a fair assumption that they will re-sign Peters, MacArthur, Kaleta, and that Gerbe, Mancari, and Kennedy will fill the roles left by Kotalik, Connolly, and Max. I think they'll also try to re-sign Ellis as he is a somewhat local boy and has played well with the Sabres and will not break the bank. If they can get one more center who can play on that second line (e.g. names I've mentioned before like McDonald, Comrie, Reinprecht, etc.), they won't need to make any flashy signing. And, they'll still be well under the cap and probably near $50 million. That's my opinion. We'll see how it plays out. I would estimate that's low by several million. I'll give more exact figures, but I have a question first: what would Sekera, Stafford and MacArthur get for contracts? Edit: damn, got drawn in by 24 and TW said basically the same thing while I was watching, not posting.
apuszczalowski Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Will they make the moves however?? Not with Darcy at the Helm
SabresFan526 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 If they give Spacek 3 million per and acuire someone like MacDonald they will be closer to $54 million unless you think Stafford and Sekera are going to sign for less then $1.5 million per in which case they will be closer to $52 million. I would estimate that's low by several million. I'll give more exact figures, but I have a question first: what would Sekera, Stafford and MacArthur get for contracts?Edit: damn, got drawn in by 24 and TW said basically the same thing while I was watching, not posting. On second look, I think my numbers are a little low and that you're both right. First, I have no idea what guys like Sekera and Stafford will get. Personally, I don't feel either one has done anything to justify more than $1-1.25 million, but I have no idea how the negotiation process would work for either of these two and how much they would end up getting. Hell, if Bernier can get $2.5 million offer sheet, who knows what Sekera or Stafford can get. If I assume a second line center at around $3-$4 million, my numbers come closer to $53-$54 million than the $50 million I initially said. Depending on this year's revenue, might be affordable, or a bit too high. I think there are trades to be had that can lower that number by trading Paille and maybe some others, but we'll see.
Two or less Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Last night against the Wings, it was just rush after rush, an onslaught by Detroit, meanwhile we were in and out of there Zone. Was that our lack of size coming to play, or did we just play small, and respect Detroit a little too much? After that first goal it just seemed like we played on our heals the rest of the night, who is out there for the taking that could help in that arena? Or maybe we were on back-to-back nights playing in the barn that hosts one of the best, if not, the best hockey team on the planet? Come on folks. When we won the President's trophy, we'd be killing teams left and right too when it was their back-to-back night game. Detroit is as close to a lock to make the finals as there is, while Buffalo doesn't know if we'll be in the playoffs. We're worlds apart. It doesn't have to do with grit or finesse, they just have much better talent.
jwcolour Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Or maybe we were on back-to-back nights playing in the barn that hosts one of the best, if not, the best hockey team on the planet? Come on folks. When we won the President's trophy, we'd be killing teams left and right too when it was their back-to-back night game. Detroit is as close to a lock to make the finals as there is, while Buffalo doesn't know if we'll be in the playoffs. We're worlds apart. It doesn't have to do with grit or finesse, they just have much better talent. Valid point.
shrader Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 In a completely unrelated matter (I hope), I had a Bob Corkum sighting yesterday.
nucci Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Didn't mean that. Meant get rid of Hecht and use his money to get a true difference maker. Ok - that makes more sense.
inkman Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 I don't expect the Sabres to do anything significant. Maybe dump max for a late round pick. Maybe a spare part forward if there are any long term injuries. I do not expect the Sabres to address any of their glaring needs. There front office has gotten so used to living in denial that will continue through the rest of the season with the players they have now. Yes.
deluca67 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 Or maybe we were on back-to-back nights playing in the barn that hosts one of the best, if not, the best hockey team on the planet? Come on folks. When we won the President's trophy, we'd be killing teams left and right too when it was their back-to-back night game. Detroit is as close to a lock to make the finals as there is, while Buffalo doesn't know if we'll be in the playoffs. We're worlds apart. It doesn't have to do with grit or finesse, they just have much better talent. The Sabres just ran out of gas. They were a few minutes away from stealing a point. They should get high marks for the effort considering the roll Detroit is on. That said, criticisms regarding the lack of grit and the unevenness of the talent are valid and a point of great concern. Would anyone pay $2.5 million for a 6' 2" 225lb 23 year old with 9 goals 13 assists and leading their team with 77 hits? I would, that is the year Steve Bernier is having. I still don't understand why the Sabres would give up the talent and size. There had to have been other deals that could have been made. To me that is a clear sign that the Sabres don;t value size and toughness as much as the fans do. They will easily trade away a player like Bernier away but hold on to players like Max and Connolly. It just doesn't make sense.
SarasotaSabre Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 In a completely unrelated matter (I hope), I had a Bob Corkum sighting yesterday. ugh, the obligatory, unfunny Corkum reference in a trade thread - :thumbdown: Please come with something fresh.
deluca67 Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 ugh, the obligatory, unfunny Corkum reference in a trade thread - :thumbdown: Please come with something fresh. You probably don't want to hear about me sitting in the Buffalo airport yesterday having a beer with Peter Forsberg and George Siefert then.
nfreeman Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 The point being that with 7 forwards, 4 defensemen and 2 goalies signed at a $41 million cap hit and assuming both Stafford and Sekera are signed, unless you deal Hecht you aren't signing anyone. or Tallinder. Drury? No. That was a surprise. Briere? Yes. When he went to arbitration he was done as a Sabre. Campbell? Yes. He is nowhere near worth the amount of money he got. They didn't plan to let Campbell go. They tried to sign him. They just butchered it out of incompetence, just like they did with Drury. And Drury's departure shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone -- once he chose not to sign in the fall, they should have immediately seen the writing on the wall. Would anyone pay $2.5 million for a 6' 2" 225lb 23 year old with 9 goals 13 assists and leading their team with 77 hits? I would, that is the year Steve Bernier is having. I still don't understand why the Sabres would give up the talent and size. There had to have been other deals that could have been made. To me that is a clear sign that the Sabres don;t value size and toughness as much as the fans do. They will easily trade away a player like Bernier away but hold on to players like Max and Connolly. It just doesn't make sense. I think it's safe to assume there was zero demand for TC and that they weren't able to get for Max what they got for Bernier (a 2nd rounder, which they needed to get Rivet).
LabattBlue Posted January 12, 2009 Report Posted January 12, 2009 It's hard to tell what the Sabres are going to do. 1. Sellers? More than likely they will either be in a playoff spot or close to one come the trade deadline. So what message do they send to the fanbase if they are selling? Does it depend on who they are selling? Dump Connolly, Kotalik, Spacek or Max who are soon tp be UFA's and probably won't be re-signed? I wouldn't expect them to deal all 4, but it wouldn't bother me if they got rid of Max and one of the other 3. Do they attempt to sell better assets like Tallinder, Hecht, Stafford, etc... in order to improve current team weaknesses(2nd line center or a more physical defenseman) or reduce payroll. I don't see it happening. 2.Buyers? Trade prospects/picks in order to improve the overall roster and "make a run" this year? It's hard to see the Sabres mortgaging the future in a year where they don't appear to be ready for a deep playoff run. More than likely, I expect them to stand pat for the most part, let the UFA's walk at the end of the year, promote a couple of guys from Portland next season and sign one or two lesser know FA's.
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