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Posted

Briere has fallen heavily out of favor in Philly. With Richards on the cusp (not to mention Gagne, Carter, etc), their offense is set. And with serious lack of depth on their defense and goalie position, I'd be willing to bet Philadelphia would take next to anything reasonable to unload Briere's contract.

 

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing Briere back in blue and gold. His contract, while bloated, still isn't THAT bad. He has a yearly cap hit of 6.5 million. High no doubt, but I believe he would have a very positive effect on the team. He is indeed a game changer and an elite playmaker.

 

Having said that, bringing back Briere would seem to be quite contradictory to my previous stance on this team. I've been a big proponent of the Sabres becoming stronger and more physical. What sense would it make to bring in a 6.5 million dollar dwarf center? I think to answer that question, you'd have to look at the intangibles he brings to the table. First, he would bring leadership and a veteran presence to an offense desperately seeking just that. Secondly, he would bring back a great deal of confidence and swagger to the team. Those are two very important attributes, something which is rare in the NHL. We remember Briere's lack of defensive play, and his smallish size. No doubt, those are two very strong knacks on his play. And for a team that needs to get stronger/bigger, bringing in a small player who lacks physical play seems to be counterproductive. However, Briere's ability to work along the boards and behind the net helps greatly to ease my concerns regarding his size and lack of physical play. No player currently on the Buffalo roster has the puck handling skills (save Tim Connolly) that Briere brings to the table. I believe that if skilled enough along the boards, a smallish player with superior puck handling skills can outwork a larger, grinding opponent. This is not to say that you can compose your entire team of smallish finesse players (something we already know). But bringing in one small player with great hands doesn't stand to hurt the team either (Andy McDonald on the Ducks), as long as the player has some physical support from his team.

 

If by some long shot Briere lands back in Buffalo, some trades would/could be made to restructure the team. I still believe that the team would need to become bigger, meaning a few other acquisitions would need to be made. Upon the return of DB, some offensive players could be traded away. Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, J Pom; anyone of them could be traded. Im not entirely sure which player(s) should be dealt. Connolly could be dealt for fear of further injuries. Roy could be dealt due to his size. J Pom could go due to his soft play. Either way, any one of those players could be traded for someone quite valuable. The Sabres could no doubt pitch one of those players and acquire a strong dman, or a gritty scoring winger.

 

Upon acquiring a desired player via trade, the Sabres would then be wise to acquire a veteran gritty forward such as Mike Knuble, who could be had via free agency. The team would look quite different after this restructure.

 

The Sabres would have to take a chance on Danny Briere. His contract is large, and he's signed long term. But I feel the intangibles he brings to the table are difficult to put a price on. He'd return a great deal of confidence to this squad, and his arrival would spark some changes to the make up of the team. I hope those changes would lean towards acquiring stronger, grittier forwards and possibly a solid blue liner. Either way though, I feel with Briere back in Buffalo, the Sabres would be in a better position than they are now in.

Posted
Briere has fallen heavily out of favor in Philly. With Richards on the cusp (not to mention Gagne, Carter, etc), their offense is set. And with serious lack of depth on their defense and goalie position, I'd be willing to bet Philadelphia would take next to anything reasonable to unload Briere's contract.

 

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing Briere back in blue and gold. His contract, while bloated, still isn't THAT bad. He has a yearly cap hit of 6.5 million. High no doubt, but I believe he would have a very positive effect on the team. He is indeed a game changer and an elite playmaker.

 

Having said that, bringing back Briere would seem to be quite contradictory to my previous stance on this team. I've been a big proponent of the Sabres becoming stronger and more physical. What sense would it make to bring in a 6.5 million dollar dwarf center? I think to answer that question, you'd have to look at the intangibles he brings to the table. First, he would bring leadership and a veteran presence to an offense desperately seeking just that. Secondly, he would bring back a great deal of confidence and swagger to the team. Those are two very important attributes, something which is rare in the NHL. We remember Briere's lack of defensive play, and his smallish size. No doubt, those are two very strong knacks on his play. And for a team that needs to get stronger/bigger, bringing in a small player who lacks physical play seems to be counterproductive. However, Briere's ability to work along the boards and behind the net helps greatly to ease my concerns regarding his size and lack of physical play. No player currently on the Buffalo roster has the puck handling skills (save Tim Connolly) that Briere brings to the table. I believe that if skilled enough along the boards, a smallish player with superior puck handling skills can outwork a larger, grinding opponent. This is not to say that you can compose your entire team of smallish finesse players (something we already know). But bringing in one small player with great hands doesn't stand to hurt the team either (Andy McDonald on the Ducks), as long as the player has some physical support from his team.

 

If by some long shot Briere lands back in Buffalo, some trades would/could be made to restructure the team. I still believe that the team would need to become bigger, meaning a few other acquisitions would need to be made. Upon the return of DB, some offensive players could be traded away. Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, J Pom; anyone of them could be traded. Im not entirely sure which player(s) should be dealt. Connolly could be dealt for fear of further injuries. Roy could be dealt due to his size. J Pom could go due to his soft play. Either way, any one of those players could be traded for someone quite valuable. The Sabres could no doubt pitch one of those players and acquire a strong dman, or a gritty scoring winger.

 

Upon acquiring a desired player via trade, the Sabres would then be wise to acquire a veteran gritty forward such as Mike Knuble, who could be had via free agency. The team would look quite different after this restructure.

 

The Sabres would have to take a chance on Danny Briere. His contract is large, and he's signed long term. But I feel the intangibles he brings to the table are difficult to put a price on. He'd return a great deal of confidence to this squad, and his arrival would spark some changes to the make up of the team. I hope those changes would lean towards acquiring stronger, grittier forwards and possibly a solid blue liner. Either way though, I feel with Briere back in Buffalo, the Sabres would be in a better position than they are now in.

 

hey and let's not forget that once DB is back in blue and gold he'll start recruiting biron to re-join the team as a part time goalie!

 

seriously though, the idea is intriguing. like you said: another 5'8 forward isn't really what the team needs, but at the same time, we're talking about a player who sort of made a name for himself in Buffalo. there's obviously other pieces missing that contributed to his success, but the thought of Briere back in with the core of Pommer, Roy, Stafford, and a healthy Connolly gives me a little more confidence. and 6.5 mil is a reasonable price, MAYBE. he has struggled in Philly (albeit probably mostly due to injury) and depending what we'd have to give up, it may not be worth the risk.

 

I guess the best thing to do would be just assume this isn't going to happen, based on the source.

Posted
Philly are going to have to GIVE UP a 1st to unload Briere.

agreed!

 

i'd rather we picked up Lupul or Knuble before we even think about Briere.. if we had to make a deal like that i'd prefer we went for JP Dumont ahead of Briere.. we don't need yet another flimsy-pansy forward!

Guest Sloth
Posted
agreed!

 

i'd rather we picked up Lupul or Knuble before we even think about Briere.. if we had to make a deal like that i'd prefer we went for JP Dumont ahead of Briere.. we don't need yet another flimsy-pansy forward!

 

I was beyond mad when Dumont was let go. I know the Sabres couldn't afford him for the 06/07 season, but they could've found a way to keep him. JP is still playing good hockey, too. I know his contract just got extended w/ Nashville, but I'd love it if Buffalo some how acquired him. I would definitely want JP over Briere.

Posted
Briere has fallen heavily out of favor in Philly. With Richards on the cusp (not to mention Gagne, Carter, etc), their offense is set. And with serious lack of depth on their defense and goalie position, I'd be willing to bet Philadelphia would take next to anything reasonable to unload Briere's contract.

 

Honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing Briere back in blue and gold. His contract, while bloated, still isn't THAT bad. He has a yearly cap hit of 6.5 million. High no doubt, but I believe he would have a very positive effect on the team. He is indeed a game changer and an elite playmaker.

 

Having said that, bringing back Briere would seem to be quite contradictory to my previous stance on this team. I've been a big proponent of the Sabres becoming stronger and more physical. What sense would it make to bring in a 6.5 million dollar dwarf center? I think to answer that question, you'd have to look at the intangibles he brings to the table. First, he would bring leadership and a veteran presence to an offense desperately seeking just that. Secondly, he would bring back a great deal of confidence and swagger to the team. Those are two very important attributes, something which is rare in the NHL. We remember Briere's lack of defensive play, and his smallish size. No doubt, those are two very strong knacks on his play. And for a team that needs to get stronger/bigger, bringing in a small player who lacks physical play seems to be counterproductive. However, Briere's ability to work along the boards and behind the net helps greatly to ease my concerns regarding his size and lack of physical play. No player currently on the Buffalo roster has the puck handling skills (save Tim Connolly) that Briere brings to the table. I believe that if skilled enough along the boards, a smallish player with superior puck handling skills can outwork a larger, grinding opponent. This is not to say that you can compose your entire team of smallish finesse players (something we already know). But bringing in one small player with great hands doesn't stand to hurt the team either (Andy McDonald on the Ducks), as long as the player has some physical support from his team.

 

If by some long shot Briere lands back in Buffalo, some trades would/could be made to restructure the team. I still believe that the team would need to become bigger, meaning a few other acquisitions would need to be made. Upon the return of DB, some offensive players could be traded away. Tim Connolly, Derek Roy, J Pom; anyone of them could be traded. Im not entirely sure which player(s) should be dealt. Connolly could be dealt for fear of further injuries. Roy could be dealt due to his size. J Pom could go due to his soft play. Either way, any one of those players could be traded for someone quite valuable. The Sabres could no doubt pitch one of those players and acquire a strong dman, or a gritty scoring winger.

 

Upon acquiring a desired player via trade, the Sabres would then be wise to acquire a veteran gritty forward such as Mike Knuble, who could be had via free agency. The team would look quite different after this restructure.

 

The Sabres would have to take a chance on Danny Briere. His contract is large, and he's signed long term. But I feel the intangibles he brings to the table are difficult to put a price on. He'd return a great deal of confidence to this squad, and his arrival would spark some changes to the make up of the team. I hope those changes would lean towards acquiring stronger, grittier forwards and possibly a solid blue liner. Either way though, I feel with Briere back in Buffalo, the Sabres would be in a better position than they are now in.

 

 

I appreciate your sentiment but there is no way in hell that DB comes back this way. If DR refused to pay him anything above 5.0 2 yrs ago what makes you think that he will take on 6.5 this year? Plus with his history of injury no thanks. If we were to let Philly off the hook by taking him and that salary we would be doing way more damage than good. I say let Philly keep that albatros around their necks.

Posted
I appreciate your sentiment but there is no way in hell that DB comes back this way. If DR refused to pay him anything above 5.0 2 yrs ago what makes you think that he will take on 6.5 this year? Plus with his history of injury no thanks. If we were to let Philly off the hook by taking him and that salary we would be doing way more damage than good. I say let Philly keep that albatros around their necks.

 

Danny has a NTC....but I still think they'd take him in Montreal if they don't land Lavaliere with a Tampa deal.

Posted

My moves, as if it matters for defense...... lol

 

Draft Despres

 

Let Teppo walk (no kidding)....

Move Talllinder

Resign Spacek for reasonable $

Sign Beauchemin

 

 

D-lines:

Spacek-Beauchemin

Lydman-Butler

Sekera-Rivet

Posted

Let's not forget the fact that Briere doesn't have a functioning groin (yeah, I'm waiting for Inky to take a shot at this comment).

 

The whole "bring back this former Sabre, bring back that former Sabre" thing really needs to end. It's not happening. How often does it really happen that a player willingly goes back to a former team? Yes, there are the rare Weight and Tkachuk situations that were essentially pre-arranged, but it almost never happens and it won't happen here. Thanks to the no movement clause, Briere would have to agree to coming here. Biron is a free agent and so it's his call too. Those ties are cut. Both the team and those players need to move forward and not to live in the past.

Posted
Let's not forget the fact that Briere doesn't have a functioning groin (yeah, I'm waiting for Inky to take a shot at this comment).

 

The whole "bring back this former Sabre, bring back that former Sabre" thing really needs to end. It's not happening. How often does it really happen that a player willingly goes back to a former team? Yes, there are the rare Weight and Tkachuk situations that were essentially pre-arranged, but it almost never happens and it won't happen here. Thanks to the no movement clause, Briere would have to agree to coming here. Biron is a free agent and so it's his call too. Those ties are cut. Both the team and those players need to move forward and not to live in the past.

 

 

Good post. I coundn't agree with you more on this subject. "Everybody talking bout the good old days."

Its time to move on.

Posted
Let's not forget the fact that Briere doesn't have a functioning groin (yeah, I'm waiting for Inky to take a shot at this comment).

 

The whole "bring back this former Sabre, bring back that former Sabre" thing really needs to end. It's not happening. How often does it really happen that a player willingly goes back to a former team? Yes, there are the rare Weight and Tkachuk situations that were essentially pre-arranged, but it almost never happens and it won't happen here. Thanks to the no movement clause, Briere would have to agree to coming here. Biron is a free agent and so it's his call too. Those ties are cut. Both the team and those players need to move forward and not to live in the past.

 

Good post. I coundn't agree with you more on this subject. "Everybody talking bout the good old days."

Its time to move on.

So true, and yet you can be sure there will be a high # of new threads (let alone posts), between now and the start of next season, calling for the Sabres to bring back Peca/Drury/Briere/Grier/Marty/other. Any Vegas types care to provide an over/under? I'll say 15.

Posted
So true, and yet you can be sure there will be a high # of new threads (let alone posts), between now and the start of next season, calling for the Sabres to bring back Peca/Drury/Briere/Grier/Marty/other. Any Vegas types care to provide an over/under? I'll say 15.

IMO, we're looking at "who replaced them" as the question. And for a few of these old guys, there is no replacement on the current roster.

Posted
Let's not forget the fact that Briere doesn't have a functioning groin (yeah, I'm waiting for Inky to take a shot at this comment).

Thinking of professional athletes and the women who covet them, would lead me to offer a surrogate groin in it's absence but upon further review: :unsure:

post-151-1245341368_thumbjpg

Posted
Thinking of professional athletes and the women who covet them, would lead me to offer a surrogate groin in it's absence but upon further review: :unsure:

 

She sort of...looks like him.

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