Will the Sabres sign Brad Richards?

[nfreeman]

I voted yes, today, and $8MM x 7 years.

 

I'm officially a believer.

[SDS]

Yes. Consider it done.

[Claude_Verret]

I'm in for the same as nfreeman. A few days ago I had my doubts as to whether the Sabres would even try to land Richards. Now there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that they will pursue him hard. The only question is whether the Pegula team can work it's Buffalo selling magic one more time.

[SabresFan526]

I actually believe we can get this done. It's going to be a stretch, but Terry Pegula has made me a believer, and I think we can actually get it done. If so, I may move back to Buffalo.

[spndnchz]

No.

 

Hope I'm wrong.

[LastPommerFan]

i think the contract will be way more creative than the options listed. he has 9 years of capworthy seasons left under the kovy rules. I expect a 9 year deal wherever he signs.

[Lanny]

9 years, $60M

[HopefulFuture]

9 years, $60M

This, front loaded and worth every penny.

[Iron Crotch]

No.

 

Hope I'm wrong.

 

Unfortunately, I agree with this. I think he'll end up in Manhattan. But, it sure is nice to be relevant in free agency this year!

[Taro T]

9 years, $60M

That looks about right.

 

$60MM total over whatever length keeps the Kovy police out of the party.

[Knightrider]

Whether or not it is Richards (I doubt it, as well), I have no doubt we will land a stud center.

[X. Benedict]

I don't think we'll land Brad Richard's, but what will happen is the team that lands him will have to overpay because Buffalo will be right there.

[LGR4GM]

Unfortunately, I agree with this. I think he'll end up in Manhattan. But, it sure is nice to be relevant in free agency this year!

if he lands in manhattan lets use that to our advantage and pry Dubinsky out of manhattan

[Taro T]

if he lands in manhattan lets use that to our advantage and pry Dubinsky out of manhattan

I'd be fine w/ that.

[Iron Crotch]

if he lands in manhattan lets use that to our advantage and pry Dubinsky out of manhattan

 

I like how you think. :thumbsup:

[McD]

Would like to see it, but I doubt it will happen.

[Doohicksie]

Just think, in probably a half dozen other cities, fans are having the exact same convo. There are several teams that have made Richards their number one priority. Only one will land him. I think the Sabres' chances are as good as anyone else's but I don't want to get my hopes up. The worst case scenario I see is not being able to land Richards, nor being able to accomplish a trade for another top center, and giving Capt. Clutch Drury a 1-year deal to bridge the Sabres over to the next FA season which should have more to go around.

 

The one thing that makes me optimistic is that Pegula's vision of making the Sabres a marquis franchise that players want to go to has been given a feeling of concreteness with the signing of Erhoff and Rehger (yes, I need to learn to spell their names). For all the speculation by the sports pundits, their views were probably set prior to that activity. Only Richards knows whether or not the Sabres made the proper impression with them. It gives the Sabres obvious momentum, though, as portraying the team as the up-and-coming place to be. Even if Richards goes elsewhere, the recent acquisitions send the message to other players that might consider Buffalo that this is where they want to be.

[korab rules]

i think the contract will be way more creative than the options listed. he has 9 years of capworthy seasons left under the kovy rules. I expect a 9 year deal wherever he signs.

 

This. 9x63, as front loaded as is legal.

[LastPommerFan]

This. 9x63, as front loaded as is legal.

 

With some help, I put the most front loaded allowable contract at that number in the brad richards thread.

[CallawaySabres]

The wait is going to be painful because you know nothing will be decided until tonight at the earliest. If he does not choose Buffalo, I certainly hope that it will be one phone call by Regier to target their #2 option via trade.....

[Braedon]

The wait is going to be painful because you know nothing will be decided until tonight at the earliest. If he does not choose Buffalo, I certainly hope that it will be one phone call by Regier to target their #2 option via trade.....

 

 

There has to be contingency plans in place.

 

 

I don't know why but I'm getting uncomfortable with the level of insanity surrounding BR. You'd think he's Super Mario reincarnated.

[Doohicksie]

I'll be thrilled if we land him, but I think the Sabres will manage to put a good team out on the ice this year without him. So far, Darcy is exceeding expectations since he's had T-Peg's checkbook to work with.

[korab rules]

I'll be thrilled if we land him, but I think the Sabres will manage to put a good team out on the ice this year without him. So far, Darcy is exceeding expectations since he's had T-Peg's checkbook to work with.

 

Good isn't good enough for TPegs. Go big or go home!

[beerme1]

Yes he does sign with us. And he signs today at 6:02 edst via fax.

 

I don't care how much he signs for. He fills so many holes on the team and it's not my money.

[Doohicksie]

Good isn't good enough for TPegs. Go big or go home!

That was an understated "good".

 

But really, I'm not sure T-Peg and D-Reg (kinda rhymes?) can keep hitting 'em outta the park like they have so far, so I would rather go with understated... until we sign Richards.