Archives for May 2007

'Is this a guy the Sabres want on their team while they’re trying to keep co-captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere? Afinogenov is a seductive talent, an electrifying player who puts people in the seats. He also gets them out of their seats when he’s not drawing teammates offside and giving away the puck. And while his 134 points in 133 games in two regular seasons … [Read more...] about Max leaves something to be desired

'Thomas Vanek is worth more than this season's $942,000 salary. Center Derek Roy (career-high 21 goals and 63 points) was a bargain, given his $627,000 salary. Forward Dainius Zubrus will be highly coveted, meaning he should earn more than this year's $1.85 million. Adam Mair and Daniel Paille were key role players making a combined $1.35 million. So let's … [Read more...] about Sabres have some expensive decisions to make

'Will the ENTIRE team be back? In a word, no. It's quite likely two or more big contracts will be moved in one way or another, with Ales Kotalik still marketable elsewhere, and replaceable here, as one example.' … [Read more...] about Could Briere and Drury BOTH be Back? Yep!

'Everyone knew going into these playoffs that Ottawa was coming on strong. They won almost every game late in the season, dispatched their first two playoff opponents with ease and looked like the better team, the hungrier team, against the Buffalo Sabres.' … [Read more...] about Post Mortems

'I think that no one said it better than Chris Drury, echoing Lindy Ruff's comments that you have to do things out of character to win in the playoffs. His comments were very revealing; that several of his teammates did not pay the price necessary to win in the post-season. Lindy Ruff seemed to say that this was another step for a young team. But, I would argue … [Read more...] about Sabres Fall Short

'Quinn also looked ahead to the future as he prepares to try and resign both Chris Drury and Daniel Briere this offseason. He defended the team's practice of not negotiating contracts during the season because it may look like the team is favoring one player over another. "I do think it works," Quinn said, "because unless you're prepared to do … [Read more...] about Larry Quinn Talks Shop With Schopp And Bulldog

'We really are living in a Hockey Nation, and Buffalo is its undisputed capital. We’re a city with Sabres Fever. Everywhere, from grocery stores to construction sites, is bursting with pride and love for our boys in blue and gold. We think of you as family. When Marty Biron was traded, we felt we were losing an old friend. When Chris Drury took that cheap shot, … [Read more...] about Thank you, Sabres, for a season to remember

'A free agent this summer, Zubrus is completely open to the prospect of signing with Buffalo next season. As time wears on, Buffalo has grown on Zubrus. "Why not? Right now I'm a Sabre," said Zubrus. "I'm a Sabre till July 1st. Honestly, I enjoyed it here. I honestly didn't know what to expect when I was coming here. But from day one the … [Read more...] about Zubrus disappointed at lost chance

'"I wish something would've been done earlier in the year with either me or Chris," Briere said. "The tough part is nobody knows what's going to happen."' … [Read more...] about Can Sabres keep Briere, Drury?

'Says another: “I am so proud of the city of Buffalo and ‘our’ fans. Where else would 10,000 people show up to watch an away game on a Jumbotron? Where else would 10,000 people stand outside to watch a home game on a big screen TV (God love ’em)? . . . That’s Buffalo . . . a great city with great sports fans who always get their collective … [Read more...] about One heck of a ride

'“To be honest with you, I have no clue what’s going to happen. There hasn’t been any discussions as far as contracts go with the Sabres, and I didn’t even have any talks with my agent yet about the game plan.”' … [Read more...] about Briere leaves wiggle room

'For the record, I suspect the Sabres will make a strong play in the next five weeks to keep Drury and hope they still have enough left over for Briere. Then again, as both players know, you should never assume anything.' … [Read more...] about Big contracts could&#8217ve been done sooner

'“I enjoy it here,” Zubrus said while taking a break from cleaning out his locker in HSBC Arena. “I didn’t know what to expect when I was coming here, but from Day One the guys in the locker room, the coaches and everybody made me comfortable. The fans have been good to me. So there’s no reason why not.”' … [Read more...] about Short-timer Zubrus wants to stick around

'This just shouldn’t happen to a major sport during its playoffs.' … [Read more...] about Network Shuffle Leaves N.H.L. Out in the Cold

'With the Sabres unlikely to sign all unrestricted free-agent forwards Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Adam Mair and Dainius Zubrus, the gritty Milwaukee native is just about guaranteed a roster spot for the 2007-08 season. Stafford is the latest of the Sabres seemingly endless supply of very good forward prospects.' … [Read more...] about Sabres 2006-07 rookie review