Bullwinkle III

But at least it's hockey fiction...the best kind!

That may be, but at this time of year where else can you get hockey talk? (except here of course)

I see the Panthers are done with Mueller. Should the Sabres give him a try? He'll be cheap!

I think he's taking a pass this year...despite my better judgment.

Now you're teasing me. This is the guy I wanted the Sabres to go after and they rarely do what I think they should. I'll pretend it's true because it makes me feel better. If they can convince Brunner that as a young guy, he could be a big part of this team's future, perhaps that will do it. At 25 he would fit right in. Also, most of the Cup contending teams are rather full right now or up against the cap.

Suddenly the Sabres have competition for being the worst team next season. I'd like to get their 1st in 2015 for starters in any Vanek trade.

Brunner - a two year contract at $3 mill each is a good deal IMO.

Yeah, I realized that after I posted but I decided to keep it anyway because they're still going to be entertaining to watch.

Dallas signs Mueller. I'm glad I have the Center Ice package because they are going to be a fun team to watch this season. Certainly more fun than the Sabres.

I didn’t say that OV couldn’t be traded. But to us? Seriously? Oh, I forgot, you’re not being serious. Well, in that case, sure! Let’s do it now! Forget the fact that he doesn’t fit into the plans for a team that’s rebuilding. Forget the fact that he doesn’t have equitable talent to play with. Forget the fact that his huge salary could cause cap problems down the road. Forget the fact that he is the face of the Capital’s franchise and losing him would cause a fan revolt. Forget the fact that Washington has their goalie tandem set and Miller would disrupt Holtby’s continued growth. In fact I think we ought to look into Crosby’s availability too, while we’re at it. We’re just kidding here, right?

This idea is absurd on so many different levels, I wouldn't know where to begin.

Welcome to the world of 'suffering'.

Not the young players that will help this team in the long term future. Plus they are overpriced. The exception to this IMO is Brunner, who can help in the long term future and he has yet to be signed so I'm hopeful. Darcy won't overpay.

His "Master Plan" is to have the team rebuild. You don't do that by overpaying for mediocre talent. You sit and wait to get the right guy for the right price. That is just what he's doing.

That judgment is primarily done by his scouting department - at least as far as the draft is concerned. That department may need to be changed. Missing Karlsson was a big mistake - although it was also made by several other teams as well. And IMO missing out on Nichushkin will also prove to be a gaff of equal proportion. But Darcy himself did recognize the talent in Briere, who was languishing in Phoenix. And although they didn't work out here, players like Boyes, Zubrus, and Torres have found positions on other teams, meaning that they did have something to contribute. Why not here? Ask Ruff. Old Fart of the board is more like it.

I was 25 when I witnessed the first home game of the Sabres existence, so that makes me probably the oldest guy on this site. And yes, I am concerned about my time left vs. the Sabres winning the Cup. I wouldn't say I've been depressed, but definitely concerned over their future vs. my own. I swear if it doesn't happen in my lifetime, I'm coming back as a ghost to witness it anyway!!!

It's good to finally hear a rational voice. If we were a contending team, we might have been part of the madness. But since we are not, it was prudent to sit and wait.

Do you follow the NHL or only the Sabres?

Stop it.

He also makes outstanding gaffs at the blue line...if you recall.

I think Darcy is doing the right thing...laying low and letting these other GMs overpay for mediocrity. We're not going to win the Cup next year and Darcy isn't going to ruin the cap structure by overpayment when the goal is not in sight. We did the free agency thing two years ago with Leino & Ehrhoff. Why would you guys want to see a repeat of that? Darcy is calm and cool and smart enough to bring in the guys we need to move this team ahead. So don't be looking for a big name signing. It will (and should) be small.

I'm still hoping for Brunner. Scoop is that he will have a new team.

I still think we should go after Brunner. He could be a part of our future.

You are aware that Byfuglien clocked in at almost 300 lbs this season. No thanks.

No surprise here. Attitude issues I believe. Ericksson had problems last year with Dallas, not sure of the cause. Somehow players who go to Boston get a second wind it seems, so I expect he will do well. Ruff + Seguin? That should be interesting. Danny did what I expected him to.