tom webster

Look, I was wrong on timing and I’ll admit it but if anyone thinks it all summer to go from 8 years, $10M to 8 years, $11M, then I really don’t know what to say. But just for those who will have something to say I was wrong.

AHL contracts always had stipulation that contract would not prevent a player from signing an NHL contract with another team. It’s simple contract language. As you said, NFL practice squad contracts allow players to be poached all the time. I can get definitive answer in the next couple weeks but I know that as late as 2019, AHL contracts did not prevent a player from bolting to another organization for an NHL contract. Like Shrader says, google doesn’t help current situation but goes speak to past agreements. I’m not going to make a phone call to prove I’m right, it maybe wrong but next time I see someone that will definitively know, I’ll ask. Like I said, it may have been changed.

Unless it was changed in the last year, you are wrong. It’s always been exactly like the practice squad. Otherwise teams could hide guys with AHL contracts if they were over their contract limit.

I am not sure this is correct. I believe that he can sign with anyone although I don’t believe it has happened in awhile.

I’m really not sure it still is but everywhere I’ve gone there has been a strict policy of some sort.

I’m pretty sure this is standard at most venues throughout the country since 9/11.

What about Martin’s stats when he wore #9? Like Taro said, it was only a part of a season but…..

Yeah, I think that does include partials but that’s a significant improvement over last year. They haven’t sold out an opener in four years but they have less then 800 for this one so it’s a marked improvement

At least the home opener looks like a sell out.

I’m not really sure what happened there but I could guess. They agreed on term and we’re close enough to call it done around mid-June. Something seems to have changed but I’ll disagree with Peter’s, it’s not acrimonious and I still believe it gets signed very soon.

I think we agree more than we don’t. You might be a year behind but the numbers are close. Casey is an interesting situation. If he has a big year he will have to take less then market rate to stay with Buffalo. You can’t sign everyone and you definitely can’t give him more then Tage.

It means that with their top two centers locked up with below market deals, and a pipeline full of prospects that will be at low cap contracts for 3-6 years, the Sabres will have plenty of cap space to sign guys to market deals. In summary, If the team has any cap issues at any point between now and 2029-2030, they screwed up royally.

As I’ve said ad nauseum, the cap will approach $100M within five years. It is the true reason guys are considering Matthew’s lead and not comitting to 7 and 8 year deals. It doesn’t hurt that players have better leadership as well. This was the last year Buffalo had to take advantage of their cap space and so far, they have chosen not to. Time will tell if they made the right move.

Are you including Quinn in your 30 forwards or am I missing someone? Your forward breakdown equals 19.

I don’t remember the last 5-6 years but since 2005, my seats have gone from $39 each to $108.50 each

13K to 15K a game would be a huge improvement over last year, especially for October. The team has always struggled selling tickets till football season ends.

Haven’t read this whole thread, so maybe someone else mentioned it, but you do not have to look far to find an example of someone who made it big as an 18 year old. Our own Jeff Skinner scored 31 goals as an 18 year old after being drafted 7th. It doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of.

They wind up damaged because no one ever told them they weren’t good enough early enough or they didn’t put in the effort needed. Guys like Tage and Casey end up fine because they were always good enough, it just takes certain individuals longer to develop and mature. Guys like Girgerenko and Luke Adam were never going to be good enough no matter what development path you took. Sports teams are starting to realize that they are wasting some prime years by adhering to old school development paths.

I’m not making any judgement about this specific player. I’m leaving the judgement up to the team. However, if they decide he is part of a lineup that gives them the best chance to win the next game, then you keep playing him until he doesn’t.

If he helps you win any games the first couple of months, it could be the difference between making the playoffs and not. I know some see juniors and minors as some magic development tool but I’m on record as thinking that’s on par with “old wive’s tales.”

If the Sabres are serious about this being the year, then the best players make the team regardless of status. It’s really that simple, at least for me.

Oh, I didn’t see the two city part. What about Modano? Damn, forgot about the 40 games in Detroit.

I would venture to guess that several Montreal Canadians did.

I would agree with this. However, I could also see a role for Kane but I wouldn’t prioritize him. Like Brawndo, I fear a Kane signing would indicate a Terry push. I know the thought of finishing his career in Buffalo has intrigue Kane and I know TPEGS is interested. I never got the sense KA was interested. A couple of final points, I think he has grown up a lot. The false rape allegations really shook him up. However, doing nothing about the mess in Chicago doesn’t speak well of him. On the other hand, I think the leadership in Buffalo is strong enough to overcome any issues Patrick would bring.

Just wanted to mention two “old school things” as well, Billy Sheehan, originally of Talas is one of the country top bassist and is considered by some to be the grandfather of lead bass. Willie Nile is a critically acclaimed folk rock singer and has performed with a wide variety of acts including several appearances with Bruce Springsteen.