Archives for July 24, 2006

Arbitration awards are creating cap nightmares…

Good for them and Dan…Had Dan played all 82 games last year he would have been among the league leaders in scoring. The Sabres need to do all they can to keep this team, that i believe could win multiple cups in the next several years, together.

'Buffalo general manager Darcy Regier was unavailable to comment on the team's financial plight on Monday. Over the next 11 days, Regier and the Sabres will go to arbitration with seven more players, including last season's leading scorer Maxim Afinogenov. Unless Regier can sign the Russian to a long-term deal, another hefty award could be in line.'

'In the four years Tallinder will receive 1.6-million, 2.5-million, 2.9-million and 3.25-million dollars. Spacek gets $3,225,000 this season followed by $3,475,000 and 3.3-million dollars.'

'The Sabres acquired Briere from Phoenix in 2003 in a deal that sent Chris Gratton to the Coyotes.'

'"I'm very happy the contract's done," Briere said by phone from his hometown of Gatineau, Quebec. "Of course, we have to wait to see if the Sabres pick it up."'

'The Sabres have a few options with Briere, none of which look overly appealing. They can walk away from the arbitration ruling and send Briere directly into unrestricted free agency. They can swallow the $5 million and risk him becoming an unrestricted free agent next summer, which is like duct-taping a water-main break. They can trade him knowing they'll get either a lesser player or a similar contract in return.'

'“I’ve always said it, and I’m going to say it again … I’d love to stay in Buffalo for a long time,” he said.'

'He's the team's most productive offensive player, he's 28 and likely to get even better and he's a hard-working and respected team leader.'

‘Originally believed to be a 48 hour window to accept or reject the award, the new NHL collective bargaining agreement gives the team more time. Now, they’ll have 48 hours after the last arbitration ruling for any member of the team. The final arbitration hearing is Adam Mair’s, scheduled for August 4. If the hearing takes place, the arbitrator will have 48 hours to rule on Mair. Then, the team will have 48 hours after that to make the final decision about Briere, and any other arbitration awards.’