LET"S GO BUFFALO Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Why do I constantly hear about trades when we are not as far away from our goal as everyone might think, here are my thoughts..... 1. Defense- Alright this was a place that was up in the air at the start of the season and for good reason losing two veterans in Tally and Toni was not what we all wanted. Yet DR came a little under the radar bringing in Leopold (who I thought was a great snag) and Morrison. After struggles by Myers and the rookies at the beginning of the season here is how our Defense looks: Leopold- Right now playing like a Top 15 Defenseman (Last Night a Top 5) Montador- Still has the best plus/minus on the team, has brought more physicality to his game, a solid player Myers- Really has turned it on, no wonder Buffalo has as well, starting to become much more physical and a lot less fancy, a total 180 from October Sekera-He has great games, and he has bad games, but overall I think he has become a solid player, a lot of speed and decent hands, he has really come into his own Weber- What a turn around this guy has had...Going from hot headed young talent to a solid two way player, this guy keeps surprising me and is Harry's self proclaimed "most improved player" for the Sabres Morrison- I was the first to state what a bust this guy was a Boston first round pick, yet another surprise, my personal most improved player...since his overtime goal in Ottawa this guy has been a different play-physical, good skater, I think he has potential and him and weber make a nice pair Butler- Has weak games, but played well last night, he is okay to fill in, but is not ready for a full starting position Rivet- This guy is trade Bait, I love his heart but his biggest attribute, leadership and presence, does not occur when he is a healthy scratch. It is embarrassing there has not been a Sabre with a C on the ice since December. 2. Fowards- Obviously we all looked at this season with glee when we looked at this line up of forwards. Timmy C had seem to come back to life with solid numbers, Roy was looking to have his best season yet, Stafford had come back and was looking like a stud, and TV was ready to ride his end of the season hot steak to another solid season. Not to mention rookies like ennis and gerbe looked to be ready to contribute, and Mccormick looked to be another solid player with a lot of grit. Yet buffalo struggled heavily to put goals in the net, while sometimes it was feast, many times it was famine and when Roy went down the season looked lost...Fast Forward to today.... Vanek- Mr. Franchise, when people talk about what Ruff brings to a team, not to take anything from a player like Vanek, but what a two-way all round hockey player he has turned this guy into. He has gotten to the point of "lafontaine status" where when I see him with the puck below the hash marks I don't only want it to go in I expect it. He is living up to his contract for the most part and is the real heart and soul of this team (where is his C) Stafford- Trade him are you crazy. I have been waiting since 2005 to see this guy play like this, and we are thinking about getting rid of him. The offer better be good, Scary good, I'm thinking Dusting Brown or Inginla (not straight up) must be involved for him to move. He has finally gotten his game together and is turning into a threat at any portion under the oppositions blue. If DR gets rid of him for less then expected, he might as well follow him out the door Timmy C- What can I have good to say about him...more then you might think. Personally 3 weeks ago I asked my Dad when was the last time you saw Timmy C get a point, or you know do anything, he explained to me something along the liens of him being injured, I hadn't noticed his presence missing. Yet all of sudden he is making a little come back, and starting to shine again with a huge game leading goal last night...I still think his contract is not worth him and he can probably bring something decent in a trade Pommer- One of my personal favorite players, yet really has been lack luster this season. Minus a short two game stretch where he put two game winning goals in in a row, he has been no existent. His contract is quite pricey, yet my thoughts are don't trade him he is the type of player you will trade and he will bite you in the ass (excuse my language). Come playoffs we will see his importance to this team Hecht- TRADE BAIT...I use to support his play, but lately he is just not with the program, my frustration compiled last night when he has a chance to take the lead right after Leo's goal, and he buckles under the pressure, not a player I am worried about getting bit by, still he is another special teams guy like pommer who is big in the playoffs Ennis/Gerbe- These guys are getting lost in the shuffle...personally I think they both might have done better with another year in Portland, but yet here they are still playing. Both have shown flashes and their speed has really helped this team, gerbe is a great two way player and could be a future Briere, Ennis has all the speed, yet his hands don't always meet expectations...he kinda reminds me of affiny yet not as stupid or selfish with the puck, both of these players have had their share of rookie mistakes but have solidified positions with this team...look warm on trading either (ennis would bring more) McCormick- Another DR steal, what a player this guy has turned out to be...for a gritty ruff and tumbler he sure can get into position and make a play...I think he is a solid player to have and is inexpendable to this team Grier/ Gaustad/ Niedermyer- This line on paper you would not expect much, yet even though all of these players have struggled, together they seem to produce some sort of crazy mix--A LASERTRON Surprise (if any get the reference) so to speak...I like this line, I'm not in love with it, but so far it has worked out okay...Gaustad is the real keeper here , he has been performing ever since his rough mid season, Grier and Nieds will come up important in the playoffs--yet they are expendable at the right price,especially with MR. CARUBA COLLISON KALETA returning soon... Byron- Too young and raw, plenty of speed and heart but probably just not ready yet, could have a great future in Buffalo, but he reminds much of T. Kennedy, and we don't want to make the same mistakes like we did with him Goaltending- There is an upside and a downside to this section. Upside-- IT's RYAN MILLER. Your right when you don't say he is good he is FANTASTIC. Yet although he stuggled early with injury, he has performed back to his number one goal status in the stretch of games he has played. Downside- Miller has started 28 straight games and with good reason... Lalime needs to go...I mean the 2 periods this guy steps in he is liek a dead fish flopping around on the ice, never in position, I think every shot is going to be a goal. Miller can't play forever yet Ruff and the team has no confidence in playing Lalime in any game, much that a big game. Why is Enroth still in Portland. I love this guy he performs and I feel much more confident with him around if anything should happen to Miller, or by golly we wanted to give him a break. IF you have read this far I applaud you attention and your dedication to this team...you are a true fan and I am happy that you may or may not have enjoyed this PleskowPlayer OUT
Realist Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Although, Connelly has been playing better lately, I still wouldn't mind getting rid of him. Other players that could go and wouldn't bother me, would be Hecht, Pomminstein, Niedermyer, Gerbe, Rivet and Butler. Under no circumstances would I trade Stafford now, I'd be getting him a new contract. Throw Lalime in there too, they could just get on the team bus and leave him behind in Tampa for all I care.
LabattBlue Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/18387-trade-deadline-are-the-sabres-buyers-or-sellers/
thesportsbuff Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Good post. I had high hopes when the season started and by mid December I was finally ready to join the majority who felt the Sabres were toast. And all of the sudden here we are playing the best hockey we've played in months, four points out of 8th place w/ two games in hand against Carolina, not to mention a 4-point swinger at home against them next month, and two very winnable games this week against Florida and NYI. I haven't been this confident in the team since early October. Defensively, I think we have the best group of guys we've had since maybe the 06/07 season with Soupy and company. Leopold was a great under rated pickup. I was happy when we signed him but I certainly didn't expect him to contribute the way he has. Early in the season he and Roy were our only bright spots. Between Leopold, Montador (who we should keep), Myers, Weber, I've been totally impressed this year. You can even toss in Sekera, as aside from an occasional brain lapse, he has been effective moving the puck in the attacking zone and joining the rush as much as Myers (who has noticeably cut down on his end-to-end rushes he used early in the season). Morrisonn is growing on me, him and Weber add a nice balance of physical play to the back end and for once I think Miller feels well-protected (more on this in a bit). With Rivet, Butler and Gragnani all in the mix, we have great depth and a few names to throw around in a trade. Tradeable: Sekera for the right price, Butler, Gragnani, Rivet On the offensive side of things, it seems like every player on the besides Neidermayer has done a complete 180° since November. I do find it strange that it took Derek Roy being out for the season before the Sabres started playing well. I don't know what, if anything, that says about Roy's chemistry, but all I can think is if we had a healthy Roy playing as well as he did early on, meshing with the group playing as well as they are right now -- wow! But moving on from that little wet dream.... Vanek is playing like a star. Stafford is playing like a star. Connolly has picked it up the last 2 or 3 games and while it's hard to consider him a key piece of the puzzle, it's gotten to the point where I don't want to touch too much of the roster. Neidermayer, Hecht, Grier and Gaustad are the four players I've been frustrated with all season. Goose gets a pass for his faceoff %, but the others are the only pieces I would risk moving at this point and their value isn't exactly through the roof. Really hard to say what will happen at forward. And going back to Miller feeling more protected, I think McCormick's willing ness to drop the gloves has contributed to that a lot. The other game against Toronto where Gerbe and Byron were taking a beating from Komisarek and probably four times McCormick tried to get at him but wasn't able to, and finally he did and that was the end of Komisarek's night as far as being effective. I don't think we need to bother bringing in a back up goalie. It's clear at this point that the team will have to ride Miller if they want to make playoffs and go anywhere. What really tickles my mind is how does playing every night really affect a professional goalie, and how important is practicing for them? I'll never know, but I'm hoping that at this point maybe Miller is getting free passes to miss a practice and rest up or something of that sort. If he burns out we are screwed. Pretty much, unless we can swing a deal for a defenseman (Kaberle, however unrealistic, comes to mind as pretty much the only guy I can think of who I want) or a pure sniper/goal scorer, I'd rather see what this group can do one last time and wait until the draft/free agency to rebuild the team. And by the draft I mean making trades at the draft, not just drafting players. Anybody find it curious that Roy hasn't really had any media attention since he was hurt? Does he even attend the games? Has he given any interviews? If we make it to the second/third round of playoffs and he's healthy, do we bother playing him? It's gonna be an exciting few months!
LET"S GO BUFFALO Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Posted February 9, 2011 This is more of a team breakdown then a buyer and sellers portion....People need to understand that this team has most of the pieces, we are not as far away as people think
LET"S GO BUFFALO Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Posted February 9, 2011 This is not if this team makes the Playoffs it is when....if you look at the last 10 games the best between the teams fighting (NYR, Carolina, Atlanta, Buffalo, and Florida) Buffalo has been shoulders above...we finally got our swagger back...my favorite thing about last nights game...having to listen to the VS announcers eat all of their D loving of Tampa they had before the game, and hearing them have to say that Buffalo is going to Make a push for the playoffs post game. I understand it is their job to appeal to the markets, but Buffalo is a top 10 market for the NHL, well above Tampa before this year, and this team has impressed as of late, yet there was no words before the game by the announcers. They were all too busy talking about stamkos, who straight up stamsucked in that game. All that Englom pressure must have got to him...time to make a run boys PleskowPlayer
dumb_dumb88 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 There is some merit to the thought process here, but with a new owner coming in which he views his purchase of the team as a "Rebranding of the Franchise", I cannot see how keeping some of those you mention would even be a possibility. I believe Mr. Pegula is fully aware that a playoff run can be made this season, but I also believe he is taking a strategical longterm view of the team. When the guy states that we're going to win a cup, then ya know what, we're going to win another one, he is most likely not looking at the short term situation with this roster.
SwampD Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I say just make Shakira a forward and Hecht a defensemen and the team would be fine.
thesportsbuff Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 There is some merit to the thought process here, but with a new owner coming in which he views his purchase of the team as a "Rebranding of the Franchise", I cannot see how keeping some of those you mention would even be a possibility. I believe Mr. Pegula is fully aware that a playoff run can be made this season, but I also believe he is taking a strategical longterm view of the team. When the guy states that we're going to win a cup, then ya know what, we're going to win another one, he is most likely not looking at the short term situation with this roster. In my opinion he hasn't had enough time to even start "re-branding" anything this season. It makes no sense to, really. I assume Pegula has been keeping tabs on the team for a while but he'll have about a week to find out what his players value is around the league, who should stay or go, etc. There's just not enough time for him to go make some bone-headed trade at the deadline. I would wait til the off-season to make any moves spare a Connolly/Sekera package for another goal scorer or playmaking center -- which neither grows on trees.
dumb_dumb88 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 In my opinion he hasn't had enough time to even start "re-branding" anything this season. It makes no sense to, really. I assume Pegula has been keeping tabs on the team for a while but he'll have about a week to find out what his players value is around the league, who should stay or go, etc. There's just not enough time for him to go make some bone-headed trade at the deadline. I would wait til the off-season to make any moves spare a Connolly/Sekera package for another goal scorer or playmaking center -- which neither grows on trees. I disagree. The process should take 30 days or so, but, in all referrences since the Golisano presser, it appears to have been moved up to at or around the 22nd of Feb. The very reason you would do that is to garner control of the team before the deadline in an effort to attempt to make some moves at that time. As soon as he gains control officially, he is going to start the process of jettisoning dead weight within the organization, including the roster in order to begin the process. The trade deadline may be an important part of his plan for all we know, given the opportunity to grab a roster player or some picks or prospects. This is the most likely scenario.
thesportsbuff Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I disagree. The process should take 30 days or so, but, in all referrences since the Golisano presser, it appears to have been moved up to at or around the 22nd of Feb. The very reason you would do that is to garner control of the team before the deadline in an effort to attempt to make some moves at that time. As soon as he gains control officially, he is going to start the process of jettisoning dead weight within the organization, including the roster in order to begin the process. The trade deadline may be an important part of his plan for all we know, given the opportunity to grab a roster player or some picks or prospects. This is the most likely scenario. I just highly doubt any major moves are made at the deadline. Who knows what Pegula's plan is but from a fan's perspective, the general consensus is that Connolly, Montador and Rivet are the players most likely to be traded. There is absolutely no reason to trade Montador in the middle of a playoff run, and I highly doubt many teams take a chance on Rivet. If he couldn't earn a spot in the lineup when the Sabres were near dead last in the league, he's not going to make it on most teams. That leaves pretty much Connolly as the only serious threat of being traded. All three of them are UFAs and to me it would make much more sense to ride this momentum as far as we can and then use the additional ~$10 million freed up by their expiring contracts on July 1st. The trade deadline is not the time to rebuild your team. Save it for the off-season. The fact of the matter is our most valuable trade bait is our first round pick, which could be packaged with Connolly to bring in a roster player. But that is it. No way does he trade a Stafford or Pominville now. And the fact that he's only gonna have a week to work the market certainly hurts the chances of a deal being made. Not everybody values players the same way and having never been associated with a pro hockey team, I just don't think there's enough time for him to learn the market and adequately discuss every possibility.
dumb_dumb88 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I just highly doubt any major moves are made at the deadline. Who knows what Pegula's plan is but from a fan's perspective, the general consensus is that Connolly, Montador and Rivet are the players most likely to be traded. There is absolutely no reason to trade Montador in the middle of a playoff run, and I highly doubt many teams take a chance on Rivet. If he couldn't earn a spot in the lineup when the Sabres were near dead last in the league, he's not going to make it on most teams. That leaves pretty much Connolly as the only serious threat of being traded. All three of them are UFAs and to me it would make much more sense to ride this momentum as far as we can and then use the additional ~$10 million freed up by their expiring contracts on July 1st. The trade deadline is not the time to rebuild your team. Save it for the off-season. The fact of the matter is our most valuable trade bait is our first round pick, which could be packaged with Connolly to bring in a roster player. But that is it. No way does he trade a Stafford or Pominville now. And the fact that he's only gonna have a week to work the market certainly hurts the chances of a deal being made. Not everybody values players the same way and having never been associated with a pro hockey team, I just don't think there's enough time for him to learn the market and adequately discuss every possibility. Well, we'll just agree to disagree then and sit back and watch where the chips fall as the deadline approaches. And on a side note, Mr. Pegula is well versed in the NHL markets already. His transition team I am told, was put together very well. Take it with a grain of salt.
LET"S GO BUFFALO Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Posted February 9, 2011 Something is going to happen at deadline...whether it be to make a run in the playoffs, or for next season, will be determined by the next week and a half of play by the Sabres...in the next 11 days the Big Bad Buff plays 6 games ( side note it bothers me that NHL.COM refers to Buff as that gu ywho plays in Atlanta, that is Buffalo's short name not some anchor on a drowning team). We create our own fate starting tomorrow night: Thurs @ Florida--This is an obvious must win, another fighting team, Buffalo needs to play spoiler and make them sellers at the Deadline Sunday vs. NYI- This has just got to be a win, I know our struggles in the past month with this team, but last game we took it to them and we will ahve plenty of rest between games P.S. I love sunday afternoon games to replace football Tuesday @ Montreal- Second toughest game of the stretch, I feel like this is going to be a an OT game, we are going to need to perform, but I could be happy with 1 point out of this Weds vs Tornonto- A game not to be overlooked but should be a win, we own the Leafs in our House, and it will be a big win as we don't need Tronna to make a late playoff push (only 8 points out) Friday vs St.Louis- The sabres have faired well against the west coast, but playing a team we rarely see is tough, this team has struggled since their start out of the gate, but still have talent, did us a favor last night against Florida last night but don't look for the same next week Sunday vs Washington-- The hardest game on the schedule and most likely a "turning point" of the season for buffalo so to speak...another afternoon game (I'm looking for tickets if anyone is offering) The way I look at it Carolina has a tough schedule in the same span Philly- Should be a loss Tampa Bay- As long as our trouncing doesn't destroy their team again should be a loss Atlanta-Win NJ- Win Philly- Another Loss NJ- Win This is a rough prediction and realistically with the way NJ has been playing who knows, and this Atlanta team has tow in sometime This gives them 65 points in 60 games Essentially buffalo needs to win 3 of the 6 games to still look good ( 62 points in 58 games)--this still keeps us alive Anything more then 3 wins in this span is gravy, or for that matter anything less by Carolina I am not going to worry about the other teams because of their play as of late, NYR and Atlanta are in some hot water, and the amount of games Buffalo has on them
LET"S GO BUFFALO Posted February 9, 2011 Author Report Posted February 9, 2011 I apologize it is 61 points Buffalo will have, 62 if we lose in OT on of the games, either way we are still playing with the canes and are making strides on NYR
Eleven Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I'm going to start with defense and get to forwards later when I have more time... DO NOT TRADE: Leopold/Montador, which is a top-notch pairing IMO; Myers, whom we all hope will be the face of the blueline for the next decade; Weber, who has been terrific. TRADE ONLY IF they can improve at D: Sekera, Morrisonn. I generally like these guys--they're not the best in the NHL by any means, but they certainly are a LOT better than what the Sabres have in Portland. TRADE for decent return: Butler--the kids in Portland can do what he does. TRADE for any return: Rivet--I can do what he does, and in fact, I currently pay to do what he does, which is sit in the stands and watch games. Generally, I don't think the Sabres have a big problem at the blueline. I would not be upset at all if they kept the same starting six.
SabresFan526 Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 At this point, in my mind the only guys you really want to trade for sure are Niedermeyer and Rivet, and perhaps Butler. At this point, you just can't trade Stafford. He and Vanek are the best forwards on the team. I would trade Connolly, but at this point the return has to be good and it has to be a roster player and center who can score goals. The reality is that you are likely not going to get that at the trade deadline for Connolly. Trading Connolly without a center coming back in return will absolutely decimate the already lack of center depth this team has. While I am always pro-trading Connolly, if the return for him does not net a top 2 center, it's not a good idea at this moment in time. Offseason, I would look to trade Hecht as he would have one year left on his contract. I am not as anti-Hecht as some people are on here. He is good defensively, plays well on the PK, and has been the center for Vanek who has started hitting his stride. So, if you trade Hecht, I would do it after the season, not at the deadline. If it were me, I'd look to trade some of the UFA guys who are unproductive and Chris Butler and see what you can get back in prospects and draft picks at the deadline. I'd start reshaping the team in the offseason when Connolly comes off the books and see what you can do to go after a number 1 center and a top line winger. I don't think this team is that far off, and they are still pretty young. They need a top notch center who can provide some leadership. This team is two players away from being a real difference maker even in the playoffs. But, those two players have got to be impact players immediately, and those are tough to find. Either way, I'm enjoying the run right now. We'll see where it takes the Sabres.
SwampD Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Man, this thread has a lot of words. It hurts my head. I like hockey. It's fun.
shrader Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I'm going to start with defense and get to forwards later when I have more time... DO NOT TRADE: Leopold/Montador, which is a top-notch pairing IMO; Myers, whom we all hope will be the face of the blueline for the next decade; Weber, who has been terrific. I mentioned it last week and I'll mention it again. Trade Montador and then bring him back in the offseason. Give another fanbase something to complain about for once.
Weave Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Vanek - Keep. Every SC contender needs that big sniper that other teams fear on the PP. Hecht - Keep (maybe?). But I want enough new players coming in that he ends up on a 3rd scoring line. Pommer - Trade. I think we can get his level of performance cheaper in the FA market. I doubt he is moveable at that salary though. Ennis - Keep. Second line LW Connolly - Trade. Get whatever value we can at the deadline. He's is not part of the future. Roy- Keep. Not that we could trade him anyway with his injury. I see him as our #2 C next year. Byron - If Sabres get a decent offer take it. Otherwise I expect him in Portland next year. Stafford - Big dilemma here. I guess it depends on what's coming back. It'll need to be a helluva trade at this point. Gerbe - Trade. I don't think he's good enough to be a top 6 winger and he's too small for the 4th line. And his value is at a peak right now IMO. Kaleta- Trade. I think Foligno is going to be a better, healthier Kaleta next year than Kaleta is. McCormick - Keep. Good 4th line player. Tough, competitive, can score and pass. Grier - Trade. He isn't part of the future. Get what we can for him. Goose - Trade. But only if the value is decent. IMO he should bring good value back because of his faceoff prowess. McCormick can center the 4th line next season. Niedermayer - Trade. Aww, who am I kidding. He's unmoveable. Myers - Keep. 'nuff said. Sekera - Trade. We have enough D depth on the farm to replace him. Leopold - Keep. He is going to be Myers' mentor. Monty - Trade. Get the 2nd rounder for him. I do like the idea of signing him back in the offseason. :thumbsup: Morissonn - Tough call. I am open to keeping or moving him. I lean towards keeping him because our next shutdown D in the system is a few years out (McNabb). Weber - Keep. Rivet - Trade. If we can. Butler - Trade. If we can. Miller - It would take a blockbuster for a Miller trade to make sense. I probably could be convinced to trade Leopold and Hecht. Hecht is overpaid for what he brings. I like Leopold's game alot but could see where we should get alot of value back with him.
Eleven Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 I mentioned it last week and I'll mention it again. Trade Montador and then bring him back in the offseason. Give another fanbase something to complain about for once. Can't we accomplish that simply by trading Rivet?
Drunkard Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Definite Keepers: Miller Vanek Roy Myers Leopold Montador Weber McCormick Kaleta On the fence: Stafford Morrison Pominville Gerbe Ennis Look to upgrade over: Lalime Rivet Sekera Niedermayer Hecht Grier Gaustad Connolly
shrader Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Can't we accomplish that simply by trading Rivet? One or both of them are definitely gone this year. Just once though I'd love to see this team trade someone away and then immediately re-sign him, especially in the spot we're in now. It would really feel like the glove have come off and they're ready to get down and dirty.
ParkMeadow Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 The greatest divergence of opinion in this thread relates to Hecht. Some want to keep him and others feel he must go. I think he is an adequate third line winger (not center - although the versatility helps in a pinch), but the problem with him is that he is paid about twice what he is actually worth. That makes him nearly impossible to trade, because of the salary cap and the fact that NHL GM's are much more savvy than they were in Darcy's heyday ten years ago! We are therefore stuck with him as our TOP LINE center, where he doesn't have the speed, talent or toughness to compete. This is probably our biggest Achilles heel right now, and no solution seems imminent (unless T. Pegula has a big surprise for us when he takes over).
Weave Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 The greatest divergence of opinion in this thread relates to Hecht. Some want to keep him and others feel he must go. I think he is an adequate third line winger (not center - although the versatility helps in a pinch), but the problem with him is that he is paid about twice what he is actually worth. That makes him nearly impossible to trade, because of the salary cap and the fact that NHL GM's are much more savvy than they were in Darcy's heyday ten years ago! We are therefore stuck with him as our TOP LINE center, where he doesn't have the speed, talent or toughness to compete. This is probably our biggest Achilles heel right now, and no solution seems imminent (unless T. Pegula has a big surprise for us when he takes over). Yep. Hecht's salary is what makes me pause before placing him on any "keep" list. In a perfect world Hecht would be LW on a 3rd scoring line that also doubles as a late game checking line and be a featured PK'er. I am pretty confident a defensively responsible 3rd line LW with some scoring ability can be had on the FA market for less.
shrader Posted February 9, 2011 Report Posted February 9, 2011 Yep. Hecht's salary is what makes me pause before placing him on any "keep" list. In a perfect world Hecht would be LW on a 3rd scoring line that also doubles as a late game checking line and be a featured PK'er. I am pretty confident a defensively responsible 3rd line LW with some scoring ability can be had on the FA market for less. You'd be surprised. With the free agent market comes inflated prices. Take a look at what Vancouver is paying Manny Malhotra.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.