HopefulFuture

So, what's the word, has Doan signed yet?

while the terms of the current offer are something to give pause, I'd like to look at the after Doan signs here tease possibilities former a moment.Leopold, Weber, Regehr and Myers I see staying on the blueline. As for forwards, I think its up in the air. Thoughts?

I'll say here, and following that move a significant trade with the ennis signing in tow.

spot on.

Doan comes to Buffalo and I can see several benefits. He's worth every penny of the offer for sure, but that is specific to the Sabres situation IMO.

its true to an extent, yes.But if Phoenix can't get it together, it becomes more of an issue I would think.

Looking at the Ennis situation is just as interesting. If we speculate for a moment, Darcy and his agent waiting on these shoes to drop? Does make some sense, atleast in my view of the situation. As for the implications as to if Doan excepts, I believe he plays out all 4 seasons.

While I agree the risks are high, I'd assume all of these defensemen signings were not only for depth or Rochester. Regier and Co. Have something in mind I'm assuming, even if Doan doesn't sign.

If Doan excepts the Sabres offer, a coming trade or 2 is a no brainer. I think many fans on here are rushing to judgement on that aspect.

Those that are stating its to much money for him, your living in the past. Doan is what the team needs. True in that one player isn't the answer.

Side convo put aside, signing Doan would open a door to further the roster remake.

Actually, I believe Noyes signed with the Islanders.

So the inevitable question immediately came to mind. If Doan excepts the Sabres offer, who's leaving from the forward ranks? And if he does except, is that a precursor to a possible Ryan move? Does make the possibilities interesting.

So.........I see the Doan as a possibility has gone into the Micheal Fox HJ territory........ :unsure:

Just catching up on the reading BullWinkle. It is about the only area I can see as well. What caught my attention after the trade deadline this past season was Hodgson and the way Lindy was shifting players in and out of his Wing positions to try and get a match. It was obvious by Hodgson's frustration that it was like trying to put a square peg into a round hole. What's the next move in line then? Well, to me, it's getting wingers in here that can capatilize on Hodgson's playmaking ability at center. Bobby Ryan sure would look good on Hodgson's wing I would suspect. Mueller I believe has been snatched up. With his injury history would I? Not likely. Can't say whether Nash would or would not be interested. I can definitely see Pominville and either Leino or Ott on the young center Grigorenko's wings for the first season.

I don't believe I stated Stafford sucks, a little sensitive, aren't we?

Then we'll amiably agree to disagree on Stafford. Other than that one subject, thoughts on improving the wing position, in particular for Hodgson.

I fail to understand this thinking, and let me explain my view on this. So, some fans believe bringing in a center "instead" of scoring wingers is the way to go. Let me ask a question..... If Hodgson wasn't entirely happy as the 3rd deep center in Vancouver, how do you think he'd feel as the 3rd depth center in Buffalo? My guess is not good. Hodgson will be one of the top 2 centers in Buffalo this year. Ennis.....Foligno and him found real chemistry at the end of the season, Stafford was just an after thought on that line, enough said. So, we trade high valued pieces for what? A 3rd line center? Not gonna happen, I hate to burst peoples bubble, but our 12th pick overall this year is going to be in that position, Divine, Regier, and a slew of hockey people agree he is NHL ready. He isn't going to sniff the minors again, he's here to stay. So, Regier says he'd like a big center with some skill, wouldn't all 30 NHL teams like that? It's going to be on the wings where this season is made, and not just in size and grit either, but an actual improvement in overall roster production in my most humble opinion.

Honestly, I'm not concerned with statements on salary going their way, if the deal works, Anaheim has the room to eat a bit, not much, but a bit. Since we are attempting to shore up the center depth and Regier's comment of not moving Ennis or Hodgson, I can't see either of the 1st rounders this year being included. As for a package, I'll guess they'd like a winger in return, bye bye Stafford. They have been addressing their defense in FA, admittedly with mid tier talent, at best. I'd say it's safe to say Sekera or McNabb would be in the mix as well. But I wouldn't believe both are. I'd also believe with their forward ranks a bit depleted, they'd be looking for another roster piece, but, I could be mistaken and they want something like Armia instead. Like I said, I don't see Regier giving up the two 1st round centers from this draft class, but, one may have to come from somewhere. Of course, the package is just a guess, as the line in The Hunt For Red October goes: "Son, your average Darcy Regier doesn't take a dump without a plan". I believe Regier is making moves when he's making them and with certain personnel for a specific reason, and that's to better the roster, not the locker room. I don't buy into the Roy is a cancer crap talk. Regier I am sure is aware he's added the supporting cast, i.e. Ennis and Hodgson down the middle on the front 2. He's addressed the beef issue to a large extent, now it's time to bring in a signature player, one that can feed off of the playmaking centers we have. Oh, and I don't believe it's just one either. Think of this for a moment, what if Ennis, Folingo and ? (Stafford for now at least) don't click as they did in that condensed run at the end of the season? Where does that leave the scoring threat? In shambles, that's where, and Regier has to be aware of that as well.

wow, T-Pegs on nhl 12 testing the trade markets and a love fest breaks out for Gerbe. I like that the Pegger is checking up to see if Regier is working honestly ;) As for Gerbe, he's skilled enough to be a 3rd line winger, he's shown an immense amount of grit and determination. The kid has earned his spot on the roster, until someone else takes it from him. And that is a sad statement about the Sabres, nobody from Rochester could take his spot (hey Luke Adam, you dummy, a chuckie doll took your spot:))

Bobby Ryan will be a Buffalo Sabre before the season starts. I'm wagering a bit of a big guess, but looking at Philly now standing pat and other suitors just not having the ability to field a package that Regier can. The consistent rumors from earlier this past season up to the present has just about everyone in the know realizing Regier is in on Ryan heavily. I'll bank on Ryan in a Sabres Jersey, after all, I hear the number 9 is available ;)

Regier has the entire off season make moves, so no, I don't think something happens soon, but I do believe something happens before the season starts.

Enter Mikhail Grigorenko, he's Russian, he's a center, he's a very promising talent, and even Divine conceded he was most likely NHL ready. I could see Semin on his right wing with maybe Ott, Gerbe or Leino on the LW. Should give the kid some comfort in transitioning and it wouldn't surprise me if they lit up the score board. Defensively, it may be a disaster though ;)

I happen to agree with you about the possibility of Parise. Regier always keeps things very tight to the vest. I guess we'll find out what his moves are over the next couple of months.

Thanks.