Forget about making Buffalo a destination spot for players OUTSIDE the organization, the brass here needs to figure out a way to keep the top players already here without overpaying them. Until this team is comprised of a solid group of players that win consistently, why in the world would star players WANT to sign here when their contracts are up.
Signings like Leino are happening because it is the ONLY way to get the tier 2 players to arrive in Buffalo. Terry's pitch to Ehrhoff and others worked once because everybody thought the Sabres were heading in the right direction (or were overpaid). They are back to ground zero and everyone knows it. The only thing we can hang our hats on right now is that this youth movement has the right mix of players in it.
If Buffalo is not a destination spot right now, it is Ted, Terry and Darcy's job to make it one - they have nobody to blame but themselves. Winning is the only solution and that has been a problem far too long. I really think the future of this organization hinges on what the returns are for Miller and Vanek. Is that why they are still here (not traded yet)? Does Darcy know this will be his last chance at GM in the NHL? If he blows this one, you might as well add a couple more years to the rebuild.
Having said all of that, I have a strange feeling that when Miller and Vanek are traded, it will be worth the wait and if there is ONE thing Darcy has been fairly good at recently, it's getting a good return. There are some players here that I am pretty excited to see in a couple years but the returns for these two are going to be just as important for the immediate well being of this team.