Just not strong enough at center

[Sabre fan]

When all is said and done, and after all the improvements this summer, the glaring weakness was, is, and will remain at center. History has shown you need to be strong down the middle to be a "powerhouse" and/or Cup winner. The best Sabre teams themselves were strong at centre (Briere, Drury, Roy and Goose was very good). We now are weak at best at that position, and it is coming back to haunt us already. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we really should have aggressively pursued at least one front-line centre this past summer. Maybe it is time to pull the trigger on a trade for a centre or two. Any thoughts?

[Matty Ice]

When all is said and done, and after all the improvements this summer, the glaring weakness was, is, and will remain at center. History has shown you need to be strong down the middle to be a "powerhouse" and/or Cup winner. The best Sabre teams themselves were strong at centre (Briere, Drury, Roy and Goose was very good). We now are weak at best at that position, and it is coming back to haunt us already. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but we really should have aggressively pursued at least one front-line centre this past summer. Maybe it is time to pull the trigger on a trade for a centre or two. Any thoughts?

 

I wouldn't go as far to say that it is a glaring weakness. Adam has been giving quality minutes, Roy has been looking better in the last couple of games, and I think Gaustad is also playing well. Could we use another top 6 center? I think every team could. But remember, Boston won it all last year with little center depth. If we were to make a trade, I would hope we would bring in more size, and ship out one of Gerbe, Ennis, or Roy (Roy, as long as we get another center back.)

[X. Benedict]

Roy has been playing a smart game so far and playing within himself. (Didn't see sat) But he hasn't looked dangerous in the sense that defenses needs to back off the blue line to respect his burst or worry about Roy crossing them over.

 

I think he will get there but I do think that has limited his lines production.

[HopefulFuture]

I tend to agree with the OP, center depth and skill level is a very real issue and, as such, should be addressed.

 

Should have been in addressed in the off season to be quite frank.

[RazielSabre]

I tend to agree with the OP, center depth and skill level is a very real issue and, as such, should be addressed.

 

Should have been in addressed in the off season to be quite frank.

Adam-Roy-Leino-Gausted isn't a bad center lineup though. Don't forget Roy missed most of last season and Leino is brand new here and known as a late bloomer. :)

[Weave]

I wouldn't go as far to say that it is a glaring weakness. Adam has been giving quality minutes, Roy has been looking better in the last couple of games, and I think Gaustad is also playing well. Could we use another top 6 center? I think every team could. But remember, Boston won it all last year with little center depth. If we were to make a trade, I would hope we would bring in more size, and ship out one of Gerbe, Ennis, or Roy (Roy, as long as we get another center back.)

 

I don't agree with the bolded part. Boston had darned good center depth. What they lacked was a star center.

[Matty Ice]

I don't agree with the bolded part. Boston had darned good center depth. What they lacked was a star center.

 

After looking at the Bruins roster, I respectfully withdraw my comment. That is definitely a better way to put it.

[dEnnis the Menace]

I tend to agree with the OP, center depth and skill level is a very real issue and, as such, should be addressed.

 

Should have been in addressed in the off season to be quite frank.

 

and who should we have gotten to address this during the offseason? The only center worth a lick was Richards (not talking possible trades, I'm talking just FAs). He is grossly overpaid IMHO, we were not bringing back the tin man, so who else was there to strengthen up our center position during the offseason?

 

There's still 72 games to be played and still 3+ months until the trade deadline...I'm sure there will be some sort of movement with this roster between now and then.

[HopefulFuture]

Adam-Roy-Leino-Gausted isn't a bad center lineup though. Don't forget Roy missed most of last season and Leino is brand new here and known as a late bloomer. :)

Not bad, no.

Not fantastic though either, and I am referring to game changing fantastic.

And Leino isn't a Center, he's already requested a return to the wing, you can pretty much scratch his name off that list.

 

Side note on this subject:

Regardless if Darcy couldn't or could find a deal this off season, I am very curious to know what the Sabres are willing to give up to bring in a true game changer. Let's say Brad Richards for example.

If the sign Richards to the same contract as the Rangers and don't sign Leino, who would have been the odd man out to fit the remaining roughly 2.2 million of that type of Richards contract?

 

My money would have been on Leopold or Boyes.

And with Hecht and Boyes coming off at the end of the season (or the deadline for picks/prospects?) combined with the more than over abundance of scoring wingers on this team, it is looking more and more like picking up a puck dishing pivoter like Richards is exactly what this club could have used.

[Weave]

After looking at the Bruins roster, I respectfully withdraw my comment. That is definitely a better way to put it.

 

 

But.. but... but.... how can we debate if you are going to agree? :P

 

It really suprises me how effective Boston was with a bunch of 2nd tier centers. makes me wonder how different last season would have turned out if Darcy would've been succesful in signing Koivu and Matt cullen as FA's.

[HopefulFuture]

and who should we have gotten to address this during the offseason? The only center worth a lick was Richards (not talking possible trades, I'm talking just FAs). He is grossly overpaid IMHO, we were not bringing back the tin man, so who else was there to strengthen up our center position during the offseason?

 

There's still 72 games to be played and still 3+ months until the trade deadline...I'm sure there will be some sort of movement with this roster between now and then.

 

I would have garnered the services of Brad Richards.

You may think him over paid, but if you look at what this team has (an over abundance of scoring wingers) and what this team needs (a superstar puck dishing pivot man), Brad Richards is just what the doctor would have ordered in my humble opinion.

 

But it's neither here nor there, the move wasn't made, nor any move for that matter. I was merely curious as to what the Sabres were or still are willing to give up to address the need.

[X. Benedict]

I think Darcy is still looking for a center.

 

The trade Market starts to open up around Thanksgiving when GMs start feeling the heat from a bad start after 25 games.

[RazielSabre]

I would have garnered the services of Brad Richards.

You may think him over paid, but if you look at what this team has (an over abundance of scoring wingers) and what this team needs (a superstar puck dishing pivot man), Brad Richards is just what the doctor would have ordered in my humble opinion.

 

But it's neither here nor there, the move wasn't made, nor any move for that matter. I was merely curious as to what the Sabres were or still are willing to give up to address the need.

 

So Richards would have solved what problem? we already have a perfectly good 1st line, it's the 2nd and 3rd lines that need to start performing even if they just make sure they outwork the opposing line.

[korab rules]

I would have garnered the services of Brad Richards.

You may think him over paid, but if you look at what this team has (an over abundance of scoring wingers) and what this team needs (a superstar puck dishing pivot man), Brad Richards is just what the doctor would have ordered in my humble opinion.

 

But it's neither here nor there, the move wasn't made, nor any move for that matter. I was merely curious as to what the Sabres were or still are willing to give up to address the need.

 

Brad Richards wasn't coming to Buffalo, it's why they backed out of attempting to land him, and focused on Leino. Acquiring a top center is in their plans. There aren't many of them and they don't come available very often. These things take time, even when money is no object.

[dEnnis the Menace]

Brad Richards wasn't coming to Buffalo, it's why they backed out of attempting to land him, and focused on Leino. Acquiring a top center is in their plans. There aren't many of them and they don't come available very often. These things take time, even when money is no object.

 

well put Mr Korab.

[X. Benedict]

Brad Richards wasn't coming to Buffalo, it's why they backed out of attempting to land him, and focused on Leino. Acquiring a top center is in their plans. There aren't many of them and they don't come available very often. These things take time, even when money is no object.

 

It quixckly became apparant that Rchards agent was only leveraging other offers to get the best deal from the Rangers.

[HopefulFuture]

Brad Richards wasn't coming to Buffalo, it's why they backed out of attempting to land him, and focused on Leino. Acquiring a top center is in their plans. There aren't many of them and they don't come available very often. These things take time, even when money is no object.

Let me clear this up before people start suggestive posting.

1. I never stated that Richards was coming to Buffalo

2. I merely stated that's the type of player needed after another poster listed him

3. I agree there aren't many and don't come available often, I disagree that they can't be had or brought available in so far as what you are willing to offer to pry them loose from existing rosters.

4. They do take time, but it still doesn't belay the fact that Leino was not what we needed. I smell a bit of a gamble move here and it appears as though (atleast early on) it isn't going to pay off

 

I was looking at it not from a this is what I'd do prespective, but more to the thoughts of what is reasonably thought of by Regier and company as a fair compensation package for those type of skills/services and what players would be on that checklist is all.

[Weave]

I think Darcy is still looking for a center.

 

The trade Market starts to open up around Thanksgiving when GMs start feeling the heat from a bad start after 25 games.

 

 

Ooooo..... I can't wait for the Eklund trade rumor posts to start. :wallbash:

[ROCBuffalo]

Adam-Roy-Leino-Gausted isn't a bad center lineup though. Don't forget Roy missed most of last season and Leino is brand new here and known as a late bloomer. :)

 

Leino better start coming around soon!! He's pissing me off

:wallbash:

[LastPommerFan]

Let me clear this up before people start suggestive posting.

1. I never stated that Richards was coming to Buffalo

2. I merely stated that's the type of player needed after another poster listed him

3. I agree there aren't many and don't come available often, I disagree that they can't be had or brought available in so far as what you are willing to offer to pry them loose from existing rosters.

4. They do take time, but it still doesn't belay the fact that Leino was not what we needed. I smell a bit of a gamble move here and it appears as though (atleast early on) it isn't going to pay off

 

I was looking at it not from a this is what I'd do prespective, but more to the thoughts of what is reasonably thought of by Regier and company as a fair compensation package for those type of skills/services and what players would be on that checklist is all.

 

Remember, it's not really that high risk of a gamble. He does not have an NMC. It's way too early to consider, but if he turns into a long term bust, he's just another player on the Amerks.

[dEnnis the Menace]

Let me clear this up before people start suggestive posting.

1. I never stated that Richards was coming to Buffalo

2. I merely stated that's the type of player needed after another poster listed him

3. I agree there aren't many and don't come available often, I disagree that they can't be had or brought available in so far as what you are willing to offer to pry them loose from existing rosters.

4. They do take time, but it still doesn't belay the fact that Leino was not what we needed. I smell a bit of a gamble move here and it appears as though (atleast early on) it isn't going to pay off

 

I was looking at it not from a this is what I'd do prespective, but more to the thoughts of what is reasonably thought of by Regier and company as a fair compensation package for those type of skills/services and what players would be on that checklist is all.

 

the point I was making is that there was only 1 good star center available. Just 1. and he wasn't going anywhere that wasn't the Rangers.

 

I know what you're trying to say, but realistically speaking, there was no one on the market, and no one that any team was willing to give away yet (aside from Philly making room to sign Bryz). Most teams will wait to see how the first quarter or so of the season goes before they start trading pieces. Unless we offered something outlandish, there was no way were prying away a good center prior to the season.

[frissonic]

It quixckly became apparant that Rchards agent was only leveraging other offers to get the best deal from the Rangers.

the current 11th place rangers. yes, yes yes ... i know they've played less than 10 games this season. so have the capitals. brad richards and his agent wanted money--not a stanley cup contender. they got what they wanted. they can have the big money. i would take a potential shot at lord stanley's glory over a fatter pay check any day, but that's just me.

 

leino's numbers in detroit weren't spectacular. nor were they during the flyers' regular season. in fact, he didn't really have that great a playoff campaign last year either. 3 goals, 2 assists in 11 games? not exactly write-home-to-mom numbers. yes, he had a game-winning goal against us. i'm not convinced that makes him the big-money player DR sees him as.

 

guess we'll see ...

[korab rules]

Not bad, no.

Not fantastic though either, and I am referring to game changing fantastic.

And Leino isn't a Center, he's already requested a return to the wing, you can pretty much scratch his name off that list.

 

Side note on this subject:

Regardless if Darcy couldn't or could find a deal this off season, I am very curious to know what the Sabres are willing to give up to bring in a true game changer. Let's say Brad Richards for example.

If the sign Richards to the same contract as the Rangers and don't sign Leino, who would have been the odd man out to fit the remaining roughly 2.2 million of that type of Richards contract?

 

My money would have been on Leopold or Boyes.

And with Hecht and Boyes coming off at the end of the season (or the deadline for picks/prospects?) combined with the more than over abundance of scoring wingers on this team, it is looking more and more like picking up a puck dishing pivoter like Richards is exactly what this club could have used.

 

 

I would have garnered the services of Brad Richards.

You may think him over paid, but if you look at what this team has (an over abundance of scoring wingers) and what this team needs (a superstar puck dishing pivot man), Brad Richards is just what the doctor would have ordered in my humble opinion.

 

But it's neither here nor there, the move wasn't made, nor any move for that matter. I was merely curious as to what the Sabres were or still are willing to give up to address the need.

 

 

Brad Richards wasn't coming to Buffalo, it's why they backed out of attempting to land him, and focused on Leino. Acquiring a top center is in their plans. There aren't many of them and they don't come available very often. These things take time, even when money is no object.

 

 

Let me clear this up before people start suggestive posting.

1. I never stated that Richards was coming to Buffalo

2. I merely stated that's the type of player needed after another poster listed him

3. I agree there aren't many and don't come available often, I disagree that they can't be had or brought available in so far as what you are willing to offer to pry them loose from existing rosters.

4. They do take time, but it still doesn't belay the fact that Leino was not what we needed. I smell a bit of a gamble move here and it appears as though (atleast early on) it isn't going to pay off

 

I was looking at it not from a this is what I'd do prespective, but more to the thoughts of what is reasonably thought of by Regier and company as a fair compensation package for those type of skills/services and what players would be on that checklist is all.

 

No problem HF - your first two posts led me to believe you were arguing that Brad Richards should have been acquired this summer, which is what I was responding to.

 

I think its crazy to suggest that the Sabres could trade for Richards - the Rangers just signed him, and he is performing well. They certainly aren't going to trade him.

 

If you were just throwing out Richards name and wondering what it would take to acquire him, well, it's not a very fruitful way to spend your energy, but have at it if that's what turns you on. I hear Stamkos could be had for Boyes, a prospect and a third round pick!

[HopefulFuture]

the point I was making is that there was only 1 good star center available. Just 1. and he wasn't going anywhere that wasn't the Rangers.

 

I know what you're trying to say, but realistically speaking, there was no one on the market, and no one that any team was willing to give away yet (aside from Philly making room to sign Bryz). Most teams will wait to see how the first quarter or so of the season goes before they start trading pieces. Unless we offered something outlandish, there was no way were prying away a good center prior to the season.

The bolded part is a very important comment to make.

The underlined portion is probably somewhat accurate, especially in Philly's case where they moved both centers to the Western Conference, In this case, I'd agree with you whole-heartedly that the offer from a club such as the Sabres would have appeared outlandish.

I'd have gone with Richards over Carter given his ability to be a dishing pivot. Not to say Carter wasn't successful or still won't be in his own right, but Richards to me is more of the type of player I'd have like to of seen brought in is all.

Also a moot conversation however, it didn't happen.

 

But I think you get my point, yes.

 

Who is available?

I think that depends on the potential offer on the table.

Personally, I'd look to San Jose as a real viable trading partner.

They have some depth at the center position, they need some defensive depth and could use some scoring help at the RW position (a position the Sabres have depth in by the way).

As for which name to look at, I'll leave the speculation up to everyone else, my own thoughts are Pavelski or Couture with the emphasis on Pavelski.

Both would come at a hefty price, depending on what we'd offer in return.

Would the fan base be open to moving Stafford and Sekera or Leopold in some type of multi player deal that meets the Cap requirements of both clubs (since we are both close to the cap ceiling)?

 

I would be.

How about you all?

[dEnnis the Menace]

The bolded part is a very important comment to make.

The underlined portion is probably somewhat accurate, especially in Philly's case where they moved both centers to the Western Conference, In this case, I'd agree with you whole-heartedly that the offer from a club such as the Sabres would have appeared outlandish.

I'd have gone with Richards over Carter given his ability to be a dishing pivot. Not to say Carter wasn't successful or still won't be in his own right, but Richards to me is more of the type of player I'd have like to of seen brought in is all.

Also a moot conversation however, it didn't happen.

 

But I think you get my point, yes.

 

Who is available?

I think that depends on the potential offer on the table.

Personally, I'd look to San Jose as a real viable trading partner.

They have some depth at the center position, they need some defensive depth and could use some scoring help at the RW position (a position the Sabres have depth in by the way).

As for which name to look at, I'll leave the speculation up to everyone else, my own thoughts are Pavelski or Couture with the emphasis on Pavelski.

Both would come at a hefty price, depending on what we'd offer in return.

Would the fan base be open to moving Stafford and Sekera or Leopold in some type of multi player deal that meets the Cap requirements of both clubs (since we are both close to the cap ceiling)?

 

I would be.

How about you all?

 

I typically try to stay away from making trade proposals. That said, if we were to trade for a center, if I had to guess, that player would come from a Western team.

 

Honestly, there is a list of players I don't want to see leave, but more so because of fan-dom rather than non-biased hockey eye filters...