tom webster

For all the talk of teams in trouble and lack of support, there are only 2 or 3 teams that play to less then 95% capacity. The only team truly on trouble now that Phoenix has been sold is Florida. New Jersey is more of an ownership issue that might be solved shortly.

Didn't know or remember that, not sure but thanks

I understand this argument but I have a hard time accepting them using up 2 of his three year entry level deal all in Rochester.

Sabres on record as preferring Foligno on wing

I'm pretty certain that changes this year. Whether they can sustain and ride the momentum will be the bigger question.

Defining moment to me would be Patrick hitting cross bar before no goal. Most memorable would be Robert winning fog game. Under how far we have comie category, thank you Sabre chant while being eliminated by Canadians to getting booed off home ice while leading.

Danny White has high ambitions. I can't see him wanting to share anything with anyone except on a temporary basis. Maybe the Pegulas will have to find room for a fourth rink.

Like everything else in life, people fall into 3 categories when it comes to debating issues. 1) black 2) white 3) shades of gray I can be disappointed with what has happened the last 15 years or so, without totally dismissing the notion that there is some reason for optimism.

Before Neal joined Pittsburgh he was a 20/25 goal scorer on par with Stafford. Dupuis is just another Warren Young type guy, a grinder who benefits immensely from his line mates. Shero's acquisitions haven't fared much better then DR's, he just had 87(sorry for the typo), Malkin and Letang to bail him out. Just to be clear, my feelings on DR have always been clear and guys like Stafford and Connolly et al have been a tremendous disappointment to me as well. But every year starts anew and while prior years results are usually indicative of future years, it is not always the case. Stafford is only 27 and most of his biggest detractors admit he has world class talent. Clearly they are not going to get anything for him at this time. So if the bet is either Stafford or a 2nd round pick, I will give Stafford another chance.

A) Pittsburgh is successful because they won a lottery to get 89 B) Dupuis and Stafford are about equal in their roles on the team and contract is similar C) Neal.'s contract befits a number 3 forward as it should Think you made my point

He is not getting top 4 money, $4 million per is going to be 5 or 6 money this year and 7 through 9 money every year after.

My point is that Stafford has produced like a second line player and is getting paid as such the next two years. As long as he is not counted on to be a top 4 forward, I think he can be a valuable piece and definitely worth more then he would get on market right now.

I understand that the frustration with Stafford, however, if you dismiss last season, he has been as productive as any second line winger in the league. If Darcy traded today for a 27 year old winger who in his last full season scored 20 goals and had over 100 hits and was going to be paid 2nd or 3rd line money for two more years a lot of people on this board would be singing DR!s praises.

I understand that argument even if I don't agree with it. In my opinion, rfa offer sheets are way under utilized as a way to improve your team.

That should happen today. What about Derek Stepan? I could see an offer sheet for him if the going rate is $4.5/5 million. Rangers would probably figure a way to pay it but might not be easy.

Can't say I disagree. The mental game is what separate most of these guys and some guys never get over the "confidence" hump

Not when cap is $75 million heading toward $77 million

I didn't say I expect it, just that it would be a huge addition if it did happen. By the way, no reason for you to believe me but I said it before. Those close to situation will tell you, it's not being lazy or not caring. In fact, they will tell you he cares too much and is too effected by outside opinions. They will also tell you it may never change so it still may be best to move him.

For all the bitching about Stafford and Myers, fact remains is if they both play up to their perceived abilities, this team could be really good. Even their biggest detractors seem to believe they have a lot more ability them they have shown the last two years.

There were at least three highly thought of defenseman last year most notably Dekeyser from Detroit and the kid from Tampa whose name escapes me. We all saw what Jrug did for Boston in the the playoffs last year. By most accounts, Ruhwedel and Schaller who Buffalo also signed, were ranked between 10 and 20 by most experts of last years college free agents. We both know they are not always right so who knows.

Peter Chiarelli might have, but point taken

My guess is that Rhuwedel is about the 10th best of last years class.

I broke my ankle last week so I have nothing to do for about four weeks so maybe ill do some research but if only 3 or 4 third rounders make it per year, ill guarantee you that that many college free agents do as well. For the record, my original point was that the Flynn has shown a knack for scoring goals throughout College, the minors and last year scored at a 20 goal clip. I know it is a small sample size but to just write him off in favor of some "hyped" prospect is short sighted.

Slew may have been an exaggeration but guys like Teddy Purcell, Tyler Bozak and Matt Read show that it does happen. In fact, I would bet it happens as frequently as it happens with any player drafted past the 2nd round in the entry draft.

Why wouldn't they hope that he turn into Jason Pominville and surprise everyone? There are a slew of college free agents that turned into very good, too tier hockey players. The guy skates well, has good hands, noes where the slot is and is defensively aware. If was a draft choice he would be one of those hyped prospects