Kristian

At this point, it would make sense to waive him. Some would say "no, you need some sort of veteran presence on the team, otherwise all the AHL kids will be lost", but tell me - Does anyone SERIOUSLY belive Stafford adds any sort of experience, or veteran presence? All I see from Stafford, is a green light for youngsters to float and coast through their careers, while still getting one improved deal after another - The Regier Way. I wouldn't want this lazy, hideously overpaid bum anywhere NEAR the AHL call-ups.

That link is a good read.

Will be interesting to see if it'll also lead them to crack down on headshots. Eric Lindros, Brett Lindros, Pat LaFontaine, Keith Primeau, Adam Deadmarsh... I know these guys are still alive, but still. Headshots, fists or no fists, usually means trouble down the stretch.

Seeing as every other team has at least two, I agree.

Nope, could've told the Canucks that much.

While I agree they are somewhat comparable in talent (2nd or 3rd line wingers), I completely disagree that they are comparable in other respects. Dumont was a player who hustled and got his nose dirty more often than not, while Kotalik was a career loafer - In fact, I think Drew Stafford may be trying to mold himself after Kotalik.

Then why is he sticking with Regier, who is Mr. Play-it-safe himself? He's got the failing part down though, I'll give him that.

No, I don't wonder at all :flirt:

Not to hijack the thread, but this is where Darcy's loooong history of overpaying for his own roster began. Too bad it didn't start with Peca :wallbash: End hijack, carry on.

And hit while he did it, too....

That's exactly how I see it - Pegula most likely thought that top free agents would sign with the Sabres as long as he opened his wallet wide enough. Now, whether this belief came from Regier telling him so or not, I don't know, but I do know it certainly surprised the entire front office, that they got snubbed by anyone not called Ehrhoff or Leino, so far. And considering how grossly they overpaid for Leino, it's really no surprise he signed here.

No, but all the while you're playing, it will do it's best to "educate" you.

.... And the machine tells you that you need to suffer for a while.

And if their previous owner's "managing partner" had in fact taken over their jobs for the previous 5 years, pretty much any of said type-A NHL alpha males would've resigned right there and then. Regier is a "yes" man, if ever was one, which is why we keep attracting owners who either need tax-writeoffs or new toys. Not saying there's anything wrong with either, just too bad we so rarely see good hockey as a result.

Which is the real reason they're "rebuilding through the draft" - Nobody wants to play here, if they have anything to say about it. That said, the past 2 years of UFA classes have been pretty darn thin, as it was obvious neither Richards or Doan would ever come here. The fact remains though - Buffalo is not a place you want to sign, unless it's for an obscene amount of money (Leino, Ehrhoff), and the really interesting UFA's can get said obscene amounts from much more interesting franchises than Buffalo. "Rebuild through draft, here we come.....!".

If that is the case, then Darcy should immediately quit is job to pursue a career in acting, cause he looked downright bewildered at the "Ruff is fired" presser. I don't believe for a second this was in any way part of a front office plan.

I believe the premise. I don't believe he has the skill it takes to succeed with it.

Read my sig :P

The fact that they involve the fanbase as much everytime they open their mouthes is a red flag alone. I'd much rather hear them talk more of the Sabres. I guess the problem is there's not much to talk about. Guess nobody told them they're the ones with the power to fix that. I agree. And I feel bad for the players, since they are the ones who end up taking the heat, beeing booed on home-ice.

If Vanek and Miller are gone come October yet Stafford is somehow still on the roster, I'm flat out gonna lose it. For real.

The slow start and strong finish has been a team trademark since 2002, the 05-07 era was an anomoly, if ever there was one.

Well true, but they had the best goaltender in the world. Put Dwayne Roloson and Marty Biron in net for 60+ games, and things look different. This franchise has tried to build from the goal out since Hasek, and seeing as not even #39 in his absolute prime could carry the team to a cup, it's doubtful anyone else could. I'm ready to try the approach that involves serviceable goaltending, good D and guys who can actually score up front.

Good idea, might as well see what he can do with the extra skater. It's not like he can mess anything up.

I'm by no means a Hecht fan, but if it comes down to needing veteran presence, and the choice is between keeping him or Stafford? "Hello Jochen, care to sign a 5 year extension, like right now....??!!"

You know, for once I look forward to this one too. No injuries to blame this time, the coach was fired, and the deadline was a firesale. There are *no* excuses for Regier this time. Hopefully he won't even *be* at the end of the year presser, you ask me. While that wouldn't surprise me one bit, I find it interesting they don't have proverbial "key player injured" crutch to lean on, or any of the same old "core will continue getting better" crap this year.