Archives for May 20, 2015

'Money was merely one factor in Babcock’s decision, but it’s an important one on several levels. In addition to adding to his own bank account, Babcock has talked often of boosting the salaries of NHL coaches. The source inside that fraternity said Babcock doesn’t understand why hockey coaches are paid so much less than their professional sports counterparts. By accepting the … [Read more...] about Mike Babcock is weighing a lucrative offer from the Sabres

'The NHL playoffs lose their charm for me when the Sabres aren’t involved. It’s not just the games, but the way the community gets caught up in a playoff run in the spring. There’s an inexorable momentum that pulls in marginal fans. People become emotionally invested in the team over a series of weeks.' … [Read more...] about Briere-Drury playoff thrills are a distant memory

'Fowler’s Chocolates, Clayton’s Toys and Gifts and Modern Nostalgia are set to move in early July into retail space on the Main Street side of HarborCenter.' … [Read more...] about Sabres identify last 3 retailers for HarborCenter mini-mall

'It’s widely known Babcock would like to set a new standard for NHL coaches’ salaries.' … [Read more...] about Reports: Sabres negotiating with Mike Babcock, decision expected by morning

'Several reports out of Buffalo had Sabres owner Terry Pegula offering Babcock a financial package worth more than $50 million ($5 million yearly salary).' … [Read more...] about Babcock in contract talks with Sabres

'The Sabres are owned by Terry Pegula, who has a reputation for getting what he wants, at any price. Pegula also owns the NFL's Buffalo Bills, and reportedly gave Rex Ryan north of $5 million annually to coach the Bills because that's who Pegula wanted. Bottom line, if Pegula wants Babcock badly enough, the Sabres may get him.' … [Read more...] about Red Wings or Sabres? Babcock entering decision phase

'Babcock spoke with Red Wings general manager Ken Holland Tuesday morning. Afterward he indicated he has not made a decision, saying in a text to MLive: "Not sure, decide by morning."' … [Read more...] about Detroit Red Wings or Buffalo Sabres? Mike Babcock says he’ll decide Wednesday morning

'Despite finishing with the worst record in the league in each of the past two seasons, the Sabres have a good supply of skilled, young players in their system, including 2014 No. 2 overall pick Sam Reinhart. They will likely select Jack Eichel with the second overall pick in June's draft. That gives them two potential future star centers to build around.' … [Read more...] about Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres: Five reasons why Mike Babcock would select one or the other

'The Sabres don’t have a roster that Babcock was looking for, a team that could contend immediately for a Stanley Cup, but they have a system loaded with talent because of drafting high for some time. That’s a young core that Babcock doesn’t see the Wings have.' … [Read more...] about It appears it’s Sabres or Wings for Babcock

'Is the grass greener? That’s what Babcock needs to determine.' … [Read more...] about Red Wings may not up the ante for Mike Babcock

'Buffalo's starting bid was $30 million for six years, according to an NHL source, but there were reports today that the ante has been upped to $50 million over 10 years. This would be an extraordinary opportunity to pass up -- no matter how much Mrs. Babcock loves her life in Detroit.' … [Read more...] about ‘Detroit or Buffalo’ a tune to accompany Babcocks’ decision

'Pegula, who managed to make his NFL Bills relevant on the national landscape again in just five months thanks to the hiring of coach Rex Ryan and a number of key trades (LeSean McCoy) and free agent signings (Percy Harvin, Charles Clay), can be very influential. Moreover, the Sabres do seem to have more of an upside than other rebuilding teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs … [Read more...] about Mike Babcock likely down to Red Wings or Sabres

'The person stressed said there were still a "few more deal points" to work out, and there was no agreement yet in place. Murray spent part of the afternoon in meetings with team scouts.' … [Read more...] about AP Source: Babcock in contract talks with Buffalo Sabres

'A Sabres source told ESPN.com that Babcock spoke again briefly with Buffalo on Tuesday morning and also exchanged emails with general manager Tim Murray about the team's second offer to him.' … [Read more...] about Mike Babcock aiming to make decision by Wednesday morning

'There were moments and natural growing pains this season when other young teammates needed reminders on how to behave like a pro on a daily basis. No one had to look far to point out someone like Rasmus who was keeping it youthful, yet when it was time to work, he was all business. I’m sure the coaching staff and veterans noticed.' … [Read more...] about Ristolainen has brought ‘youthful maturity’ to franchise