GM Speculation

[Hoss]

So this search is going well. Apparently a rich owner and a boatload of draft picks is not enough to entice a quality candidate.

 

Well there's our one.

 

:doh:

[bunomatic]

So this search is going well. Apparently a rich owner and a boatload of draft picks is not enough to entice a quality candidate.

 

Well there's our one.

 

And probably 40 million in cap space next year.

[Darryl Shannon's +/-]

I never understood the interest in Dudley, aside from Gleason pumping him up at every opportunity (Are they neighbors?). Draft record is abysmal, and he seems to wear out his welcome within 2 years at the majority of his stops. In my opinion, he's not the answer. We are poised for one of the biggest offseasons in NHL history. A wealth of draft picks, cap space, and two compliance buyouts to play with. If money is not an issue, we may be competitive well ahead of schedule.

[deluca67]

I never understood the interest in Dudley, aside from Gleason pumping him up at every opportunity (Are they neighbors?). Draft record is abysmal, and he seems to wear out his welcome within 2 years at the majority of his stops. In my opinion, he's not the answer. We are poised for one of the biggest offseasons in NHL history. A wealth of draft picks, cap space, and two compliance buyouts to play with. If money is not an issue, we may be competitive well ahead of schedule.

Money hasn't been an issue for a while now and look where that has gotten this franchise.

[Darryl Shannon's +/-]

Money hasn't been an issue for a while now and look where that has gotten this franchise.

 

My only contention would be that we haven't been able to use it to our advantage as much as we'd want. Kotalik's contract for a draft pick and frontloading deals for Myers, Leino, and Sekera is a small piece. The possibilities for 40M in cap room plus the two compliance buyouts are intriguing, especially if Terry gives the greenlight to think outside of the box. And if Pat is able to find a GM who can execute said plan.

 

The worst thing for Pegula as an owner was the NHL getting wise to the trick of frontloading contracts before he was really established.

[deluca67]

My only contention would be that we haven't been able to use it to our advantage as much as we'd want. Kotalik's contract for a draft pick and frontloading deals for Myers, Leino, and Sekera is a small piece. The possibilities for 40M in cap room plus the two compliance buyouts are intriguing, especially if Terry gives the greenlight to think outside of the box. And if Pat is able to find a GM who can execute said plan.

 

The worst thing for Pegula as an owner was the NHL getting wise to the trick of frontloading contracts before he was really established.

The Sabres could have $100 mil in cap room and a dozen compliance buyouts and it wouldn't matter. It would just be burning Pegula's money and make little difference in this team's ability to sign quality players.

 

If this team is going anywhere they need a GM that isn't here to follow any Pegula plan. They need a GM with a solid plan of his own. If Pegula insists on having any input other than his name on a check this franchise is doomed.

[LGR4GM]

So this search is going well. Apparently a rich owner and a boatload of draft picks is not enough to entice a quality candidate.

 

Well there's our one.

? :huh:

[Darryl Shannon's +/-]

The Sabres could have $100 mil in cap room and a dozen compliance buyouts and it wouldn't matter. It would just be burning Pegula's money and make little difference in this team's ability to sign quality players.

 

If this team is going anywhere they need a GM that isn't here to follow any Pegula plan. They need a GM with a solid plan of his own. If Pegula insists on having any input other than his name on a check this franchise is doomed.

 

I thought the Pegula plan was to win multiple Cups.....haha. In all seriousness though, I don't see Pegula as a meddler. I think if #16 hires the right guy, he will be given the resources and ability to make his own moves. This offseason is a time for optimism, unlike the regular season we're stuck watching.

[Huckleberry]

They'll announce botterill in one week

[dudacek]

They'll announce botterill in one week

 

He's checked off so many boxes, he's been my frontrunner since day one.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Patty should have been able to do 4-6 interviews by the end of this week and be in a position to offer someone the job by the end of the weekend.

I wouldn't be surprised if you are right.

[...]

 

If this team is going anywhere they need a GM that isn't here to follow any Pegula plan. They need a GM with a solid plan of his own. If Pegula insists on having any input other than his name on a check this franchise is doomed.

 

I think the hiring of LaFontaine signifies this very change. It's quite likely that Pegula has learned he doesn't need a yes-man to get his team where he wants it to go, rather he needs a guide. I see no other explanation for the back story, and Patty's acceptance of the challenge.

[deluca67]

I think the hiring of LaFontaine signifies this very change. It's quite likely that Pegula has learned he doesn't need a yes-man to get his team where he wants it to go, rather he needs a guide. I see no other explanation for the back story, and Patty's acceptance of the challenge.

There's always that fear that the hiring of LaFontaine and Nolan was more of a goodwill offering to fans than a directional change for the franchise. Does LaFontaine have a legitimate plan for turning the franchise around or is here simply to smile, press some flesh and make people think back to a better time in the franchises history. LaFontaine's first move was to bring in a popular coach from the franchise's history who has little success in the NHL. Four seasons, 1 playoff series win and has never had a team finish over .500.

 

The choice for GM is a monstrous decision. Each game this team plays shows how far they are away from turning this around. We're probably looking at least a 80% roster turn around over the next 3-4 years before this team will be a serious playoff contender, and that's a best case scenario. If they get the GM hire wrong? I hate to think how long we are talking.

[wjag]

The Sabres could have $100 mil in cap room and a dozen compliance buyouts and it wouldn't matter. It would just be burning Pegula's money and make little difference in this team's ability to sign quality players.

 

If this team is going anywhere they need a GM that isn't here to follow any Pegula plan. They need a GM with a solid plan of his own. If Pegula insists on having any input other than his name on a check this franchise is doomed.

 

With all due respect, I don't understand how you can make these statements, so matter of factly. Unless you are in the inner circle of the Sabres and genuinely know who does what, says what and overrules what, it is pure supposition on your part.

[Marvelo]

There's always that fear that the hiring of LaFontaine and Nolan was more of a goodwill offering to fans than a directional change for the franchise. Does LaFontaine have a legitimate plan for turning the franchise around or is here simply to smile, press some flesh and make people think back to a better time in the franchises history. LaFontaine's first move was to bring in a popular coach from the franchise's history who has little success in the NHL. Four seasons, 1 playoff series win and has never had a team finish over .500.

 

The choice for GM is a monstrous decision. Each game this team plays shows how far they are away from turning this around. We're probably looking at least a 80% roster turn around over the next 3-4 years before this team will be a serious playoff contender, and that's a best case scenario. If they get the GM hire wrong? I hate to think how long we are talking.

 

Agreed.

[HopefulFuture]

Money hasn't been an issue for a while now and look where that has gotten this franchise.

 

While I understand the sentiment behind the point you attempt to make with this statement, it's worth pointing out that taking the financial constraints this team was under during the previous owners tenure is a broader part of a tool chest being assembled in an all out effort to actually contend for Lord Stanley's Cup.

 

If anyone noticed, and I'm sure many did, throughout the 1st 2 years of Pegula's ownership, Regier properly failed to address the elite forward ranks, the defense wasn't the primary problem, goaltending wasn't either, it all rested in the elite talent on the team, or, in this case, the lack thereof.

 

My hope for the future of the organization is that they truly do bring in an individual in the GM's position that will immediately address the forward ranks shortcomings.

 

The Sabres could have $100 mil in cap room and a dozen compliance buyouts and it wouldn't matter. It would just be burning Pegula's money and make little difference in this team's ability to sign quality players.

 

If this team is going anywhere they need a GM that isn't here to follow any Pegula plan. They need a GM with a solid plan of his own. If Pegula insists on having any input other than his name on a check this franchise is doomed.

 

I cannot subscribe to your opinion on Pegula's input. Yes he was a fan, yes he made some mistakes. I fully expect him to have input, mainly by inducing an environment of accountability. Failure to adhere to that principle after his most recent mistake of retaining Regier for so long past his purchase would leave me very concerned, as it should all fans IMHO.

 

There's always that fear that the hiring of LaFontaine and Nolan was more of a goodwill offering to fans than a directional change for the franchise. Does LaFontaine have a legitimate plan for turning the franchise around or is here simply to smile, press some flesh and make people think back to a better time in the franchises history. LaFontaine's first move was to bring in a popular coach from the franchise's history who has little success in the NHL. Four seasons, 1 playoff series win and has never had a team finish over .500.

 

The choice for GM is a monstrous decision. Each game this team plays shows how far they are away from turning this around. We're probably looking at least a 80% roster turn around over the next 3-4 years before this team will be a serious playoff contender, and that's a best case scenario. If they get the GM hire wrong? I hate to think how long we are talking.

 

The Lafontaine hiring was PR in part, yes. But Patty isn't a greenhorn in the ranks. Let's see how it pans out on the Prez of Hockey Ops end, we won't know for another 3 to 5 years given the full on rebuild of both the middle management positions and roster.

 

They are already turning it around. By the very nature of jettisoning the old Rochester core and rebuilding the core ranks. Once again, the only thing I see lacking for the future is elite talent, which we should get in the next couple of drafts. And it's 100% of roster turnover, not 80%. It's going to be 3 to 5 years anyways, as I've always stated. When you enter into a full on rebuild, to expect anything else is not realistic.

And yes, the GM position will be key in this later rebuild phase, but let's call as it we see it, they already have acquired via the draft what should be some very nice support players in Girgs, Larsson, McNabb, Risto, Zadorov (who I fully believe with be a Norris candidate) and so on.

Remember, it will take time, and patience is the word that will be served regularly and rightfully so. Let's hope they do get the GM candidate we need to move forward with.

[Eleven]

There's always that fear that the hiring of LaFontaine and Nolan was more of a goodwill offering to fans than a directional change for the franchise. Does LaFontaine have a legitimate plan for turning the franchise around or is here simply to smile, press some flesh and make people think back to a better time in the franchises history. LaFontaine's first move was to bring in a popular coach from the franchise's history who has little success in the NHL. Four seasons, 1 playoff series win and has never had a team finish over .500.

 

The choice for GM is a monstrous decision. Each game this team plays shows how far they are away from turning this around. We're probably looking at least a 80% roster turn around over the next 3-4 years before this team will be a serious playoff contender, and that's a best case scenario. If they get the GM hire wrong? I hate to think how long we are talking.

 

Umm, didn't that happen in Buffalo twice?

 

I do think the ship is lost at sea, though, and I'm not sure LaFontaine is the guy who's going to steer it back to port.

[Derrico]

Money hasn't been an issue for a while now and look where that has gotten this franchise.

 

Now I'm just spit balling here but here's my theory on Pegula's money. The Sabres have publically said and acted accordingly in bottoming out for a high draft pick. Many times it's been mentioned by upper management that the elite players come from the very top end of the draft. Would previous ownership's watchful eye on the bottomline limit Regier (who I'm not defending) from such a move? There are some owners out there looking to make a round of the playoffs to help the bottom line. With the team in full tank mode we obviously won't be seeing the playoffs this year and likely next year and possibly the following season. Plus ticket sales may fall some over the next couple of years. However, it appears project tank is still in full go mode right now. My question is would an owner carefully watching his bottom line allow a team to go through a full and complete rebuild?

[beerme1]

 

 

Umm, didn't that happen in Buffalo twice?

 

I do think the ship is lost at sea, though, and I'm not sure LaFontaine is the guy who's going to steer it back to port.

 

Seems to me you are underestimating him. He has been successful after hockey and I believe has the drive to right the ship. The GM hire is the single most important decision he will make. If he hires someone who is going to teach him the job then he goes down with the ship.

If he hires a smart guy with his own ideas and plans then it's turn the ship and full speed ahead. And that is what I expect to see happen.

[deluca67]

Umm, didn't that happen in Buffalo twice?

 

I do think the ship is lost at sea, though, and I'm not sure LaFontaine is the guy who's going to steer it back to port.

He has never had a team win more than 40 games in a 82 game season.

[Ghost of Dwight Drane]

 

He has never had a team win more than 40 games in a 82 game season.

 

Umm.....there was no DeLuca .500 back then. No shootout, no loser points.....the average team had 82 points and Nolan led them to 92.

[Robviously]

He has never had a team win more than 40 games in a 82 game season.

Meaning what? We used to have these things called "ties" -- which means 40-30-12 was legitimately 10 games over .500 and good enough for a division championship and the 3rd most points in the conference (and 6th in the NHL) back in 1997.

 

He's also hit exactly 40 wins in two of his four NHL seasons as a head coach. Making the cut-off winning "more than 40 games" seems like you moved the goalposts exactly where you need them to be to complain.

[MDFan]

 

 

Umm.....there was no DeLuca .500 back then. No shootout, no loser points.....the average team had 82 points and Nolan led them to 92.

You are right. They were over .500 that year.

[K-9]

Meaning what? We used to have these things called "ties" -- which means 40-30-12 was legitimately 10 games over .500 and good enough for a division championship and the 3rd most points in the conference (and 6th in the NHL) back in 1997.

 

He's also hit exactly 40 wins in two of his four NHL seasons as a head coach. Making the cut-off winning "more than 40 games" seems like you moved the goalposts exactly where you need them to be to complain.

 

Well, there's .500 and then there's The DeLuca 500. It's a Formula 1 thing.

 

GO SABRES!!!

[IKnowPhysics]

I wonder if the Prendergast hiring makes promoting Kevin Devine to GM easier.

[Hoss]

I wonder if the Prendergast hiring makes promoting Kevin Devine to GM easier.

 

I'm 100% convinced that they're not stupid enough to make that move.