Samson's Flow

I think this is one of the primary criticisms with DR. Not every GM move needs to be a huge blockbuster. Making the sound player for pick type trade in order to get something in return rather than let (name your defenseman cut in numbers game) walk in the coming weeks. Sometimes you just have to get what you can in a trade and move on.

I'm in again too for the one I took over for. Maybe having a full year and a draft to myself will change things... :devil:

That's what I keep thinking of. It seems odd to me that CBJ traded for the other Foligno early on, unless that was a piece the Sabres wanted and OTT wouldn't give it straight up because of in-division rivalry factor. I would be fine on the three way trade not getting Nash but getting Ryan and Foligno instead.

Thanks NS. I think Parise would much rather have that type of deal than an evenly spread out that could get the 15% rollback over the next 5-10 years.

Ok Eleven, I see where you are coming from now. It's not that you don't value draft picks; rather you value the more proven production of a RFA player in that you have a better idea of what you are getting and will get production immediately instead of waiting for development. My counter point is that the growth and excitement of this team currently is a direct result of good drafting over the past ~3 years. The culmination of Myers, Ennis, McNabb, Foligno etc. now as well as the potential of Armia, Grigs, Girgs a few years down the line gives the Sabres the potential to be a contender. These players wouldn't all be here if we took the RFA plunge on a $5MM + player. Is the net of that RFA plus the remaining 2nd and 3rd rounders better than all those players listed above? I argue no.

This makes total sense to me given the potential for a salary rollback in the new CBA. He wants to get the money in the contract upfront so it is protected from salary rollback. Even after snagging Grigs and Girgs in this past draft? Members around here are slotting Grigs as a potential starting C from day 1...

I agree completely, however it is really hard to have the true 'holiday feel' when it lands on a wednesday and most people don't even have off of work. I think that is where DeLuca was coming from in that for some people celebrating the 4th on the actual day makes less sense logistically so the party gets moved to the weekend.

I think the priority last offseason was to upgrade the defense given the available talent in the FA and trade market. I would think that from Regier's perspective the defense is at a certain comfort level as is. That said, I think from the fan's perspective every facet of the team can always be upgraded, but I don't think management feels they need to actively pursue blueline upgrades this year.

Wouldn't that give more incentive for the huge front loaded contracts discussed in the Parise thread? If parise got a huge signing bonus from TP on July 1, he keeps that money no matter what happens in the new CBA. This was discussed earlier by a poster here (sorry I don't remember so if it was you claim it accordingly) that surmised that Parise could be landed theoretically at a $6MM cap hit by giving him a huge first few years. If that was all signing bonus that could give us a leg up in negotiations since its almost a given for new CBA salary rollback. UFA's should get their money now before they lose ~15% of total value.

For all of you taking days off for baseball opening day you should just do what I do - stop working at noon and stream the games online :nana:

As far as I remember the swimming unit in high school is now optional, and most certainly clothed. I did hear stories from "back in the day" that swimming naked was the norm. Glad I wasn't in high school in the 70's...

Speaking of odd dreams, I had a dream last night of sexy time with my best friends fiance. It was certainly interesting... ...probably shouldn't tell him about that one though :blush:

I think this attitude from a young guy in the locker room could be the start of turning around the Derek Roy club med locker room (*purely speculation*) to a real NHL group with a little more resilience. The effect can only be fully examined years into the future though

Good read, it was very interesting reading the comments from the Vancouver fans that were trying to rationalize the trade in thier favor by using the mythical "concept of Kassian". It was definitely meant to be a long term trade and should be evaluated as such, but short term we are definitely winning this trade and it isn't close. The injury to Sedin only puts salt in the wound.

Didn't give you quite the same fight as at the end of the regular season. It was fun while it lasted but as usual the #7 seed doesn't usually make it to the finals.

sucking up to the mods eh?

i don't know man, I never saw him as the type of guy that could turn around a franchise and that you build around. He racked up all those stats when TO and Chad Johnson were in their prime and were in the conversation for the best wideout tandem in the league. IMO he's on the wrong side of the hill in terms of age and skill and two firsts are way too much to give up for a retired QB from a bad team.

Makes sense. I think the main point here is that in the NFL teams that don't have a elite QB will pay a steep price and take risks on marginal players for the chance to have the QB spot be set, even if its only for a few years...

:oops: I meant to say "Hadn't played well in two years". It's amazing how dumb you sound when you leave out one word...

Really?! A QB who hasn't played in 2 years and was coming off an injury season was guaranteed to draw a hefty sum? I just can't see how anyone could see the terms of the Raiders trade and not instantly think that the Raiders massively overpaid for a marginal starting QB. Definitely a factor. I think he wanted to stay in the AFC, make it to the playoffs, and not play the Colts twice a year. Denver was the only team that fit that criteria.

Right, which IMO is a good return since he can't really throw the ball at higher than a 50% completion rate. They were foolish to pick him in the first round - sunk cost now. Getting a 2nd or 3rd for him will help more than him sitting on the sidelines "working on his throwing motion" Edit: Although did anyone think the Bengals would get anything more than a mid round pick for Carson Palmer? He drew two first rounders and change. The market for starting QB's (and I use the term starting loosely) in the NFL is wonky.

ESPN is widely speculating/reporting that once the Broncos sign Manning they will look to trade Tebow. It's pretty telling that Elway never really felt that Tebow was his guy and a worthwhile long term project at the QB position. Thye might actually get nice value for him since he is coming off his miracle season and playoff win.

I know I feel like I'm that hot team that had to make the surge to make the playoffs that nobody wants to face. Hopefully the hot play keeps up. Here's to hoping for a good match this week d4rk...

Only in Buffalo is this sound move to improve the team ridiculed and compared to the PR move that was the TO show. Criticizing Brandon I can understand but the arguement could be phrased so much better.

My cinderella worst to first season continues. It was a close one with Vanek Man in the first round. Now I have to go up against the juggernaut that is Filet o' Fish. This low seed thing is a killer... good luck!