JohnC

The reason why the wallets in the area are not opened for the Sabres is because the product has consistently been inadequate. Compare that to the Bils and the Bandits where the wallets are opened and the seats are filled? If you count southern Ontario and the surrounding region as part of the hockey market, then the market is wider than many people portray.

Old and new school hockey people don’t like the Sabre approach for the primary reason that it hasn’t work. There are a variety of methods to success. The problem for the Sabres is that it is ineptly implemented.

There is no question that Krebs played his best last offseason. But even acknowledging that what is his upside and highest role? I don’t seeing him being able to earn a top two line role. However, he should be able to play well as a third or fourth line player. I’m not pushing to get rid of him because he is a contributing role player. But if he was included in a trade deal that brought us back a second line caliber of player, I would be receptive to that type of deal.

One person to watch is Tuch. If he decides not to sign another contract this season it will be very troubling. It will let everyone know that he is riding out his contract and considering better options.

Even in the best run franchises, the hockey people are going to make misjudgments on personnel decisions. It's the nature of the business. In the end, it's the body of work. As you point out, squandering a first round pick on Lehner, a player who turned out to be very troubled, was one of the big miscalculations. Murray was good at blustering but wasn't too adept at doing the day-to-day work required to build a successful franchise.

Your last paragraph's point that this fervent market has been squandered is what has been so galling about the Pegula ownership. As an out-of-towner, I watched a Buffalo Bandit game on TV. The arena was filled to capacity and the fans were rocking the place. They were having a marvelous time. I said to myself that if Pegula was wiser in how he managed the hockey franchise, the building would be filled on a regular basis. It's really embarrassing to see the Toronto fans take over the arena when they play us in Buffalo. The irony is that if the owner knew what he was doing, he would be making money instead of worrying about losing money. He's a good example of being penny-wise and dollar foolish. It need not be that way.

The difference is that when Toronto got Matthews they were more successful in adding talent around him. After the Sabres got Eichel they were not very successful in bringing in enough support players to maximize his talents. And the same roster building failures can be applied after using a high draft picks to acquire Dahlin and Reinhart. The Sabres squandered the significant assets they had on hand.

Yes. That's exactly where we are at. We are on an icy and snow filled road without snow tires. Slippery and dicey situation that calls for luck beyond one's control.

Do you really think that I’m unaware of the limitations of KA? Have you read my posts about his lack of ability as a GM and his less than mediocre performance during his tenure? You may expect him to act beyond his ability but I don’t.

You don’t believe that it is true and an inhibiting factor in pursuing higher level players?

KA is the GM. Did you expect boldness and creativity from him?

I’m not wedded to Chenakov. Jarmo’s input about this player should be helpful.

I strongly believe that internal improvement by the young core(Power, Quinn, Kulich and Benson, and to a lesser degree Samuelsson) will be a big determining factor for success this season. It’s apparent that the GM is betting on it.For me, a big gamble is being placed on UPL by the GM. I’m very queasy about that.

Most good players have no move clauses which limits our options in pursing bigger deals. It’s an ugly reality that this troubled franchise has to contend with.

I like Krebs as an effort player. However, I see him as being very replaceable.

What about Krebs and non- first round pick?

If it was a straight up Quinn or Kulich, I would give a hard no. I like Krebs because he is an effort player but to me is a replaceable player. Right now, I'm getting the sense that if a second-line forward is added it would be a veteran player who has already peaked and is on the downside and less costly. Maybe someone who is in the Zucker stage of their career.

The general point that the commentators seem to be making is that beyond the talent level, which they find within a competitive range, is a mindset and belief that they are a worthy team. It just seems that the psychology of losing has overshadowed this franchise for a very long time. It is said every year but maybe just more so this year is to have a good start and stay in the mix and not have to have the added stress of playing a catch-up game. For me, the most important issue for this team is its goaltending. If it can be at a consistently solid level, then we should vying for a playoff spot. If that doesn't materialize, then this will be another sunk season.

If it simply was Krebs for him I would be open to a deal. The Columbus player is not someone I would stretch too far to get.

The problem isn't that he shouldn't be considered but rather what would you give up for him? Hypothetically, would you give up Quinn or Kulich for him? I wouldn't. Would you give up one of our top prospects such as Helenius and a first-round pick? I wouldn't. Would I give up Krebs and maybe Helenius? I would seriously consider such a proposal.

Of course, some people do. So what? Taking a big swing just to give an appearance of doing something significant makes little sense if in the end it is make your roster worse.

Absolutely not! There's a big difference between taking a big swing and a dumb swing. There has to be a general balance in value between what you give up and what you give back. I'm sure that Byram was dangled on the market. Apparently, the return was inadequate. So he was signed on a short-term deal. That was the right course of action, at least as I see it. It was known that JJP wanted out. So he was dealt. In my opinion, the return for him was reasonable.

With respect to the first three names you gave you are giving up more than you get in return. That’s not a prudent way to go.

Trading either Bryan, Quinn or Benson would be a grand mistake. Krebs is another issue. I don’t believe Krebs has much market value.

If you feel offended I apologize. I didn’t intend it to make you upset.