Punch

Someone posted a link here sometime last year that includes a lot the behind the scenes details--- I never knew the full story, but it's an incredible tale. "Freedom."

What about Gerry Meehan?

X marks the spot of Artem Kriukov's NHL contract.

I've seen estimates that Del Zotto should get something like $1.75-2mil/year over 3 years--- I don't know how high the Rangers would go to match, especially with so many other FAs coming up in the next 2 years, but if the Sabres gave him up to $3.1mil/year the compensation would only be a 2nd round pick. If they're considering moving either Sekera or Leopold in a deal for Ryan or whomever then it might be a savvy move. I'm not certain I'd go much higher, though--- he's not exactly a sure thing at this point of his career (only 22yo) and anything over $3.1mil starts including 1st round picks.

Following LeBrun, McKenzie and Dreger simultaneously seemed to make sense, initially--- but it's more or less a practice right out of the Dept. of Redundancy Department. That's true, but sometimes retweets have the best info--- I've discovered a few new interesting legitimate reporters to follow from retweets, anyhow, so I really can't win. I'm not totally sure which of Dante's 9 levels of hell I've trapped myself in here, but I know it only fits 140 characters at a time.

http://www.mynhltraderumors.com/ is a website that collects breaking NHL news multiple times throughout the course of each day--- increasingly via twitter feeds of writers and reporters. It's a good resource for discovering new useful twitter feeds to follow, even if to do so only temporarily. For instance, when the Sabres were rumored to be making inquiries with Columbus about Nash awhile back, I started following Aaron Portzline ‏@Aportzline, a reporter that covers the Blue Jackets for the Columbus Dispatch. Michael Russo ‏@Russostrib was a terrific resource for the Parise/Suter drama, as it unfolded, and he turned out to be the only reporter that knew Minnesota had a legitimate shot, meeting Parise at the airport and whatnot--- not unlike Paul Peck and Mario Williams. It's a good idea to drop the local beat guys once your interest fades on the goings on of a particular team so as to not permanently clutter your feed with retweeted instagram photos of restaurant fare by the Phoenix Coyotes' AHL prospects.

Both sides of the coin make a heckuva lot of sense to me--- that's why I'm so conflicted. The Concept of Doan image being projected by fans and media is not inaccurate at all. His handling of the Phoenix ownership situation is admirable, and being so loyal to that franchise and community for so many years is almost unheard of in this day and age. He could easily have gone to a bigger market and been a huge star. It leads me to believe that your bolded is not far off. If Nashville matches the offer sheet, Philly walks away with nothing--- aside from a very interesting piece of autographed Shea Weber memorabilia. Their D corps will look very good with Weber eating up big minutes, without him it's kind of a hot mess. Assuming they don't acquire anyone else of significance: JVR (who was hurt for much of last year, so losing him is almost a wash), Jagr and Matt Carle for Luke Schenn and Bruno Gervais. Of course, they're still in on Ryan and Doan, so anything is possible. Sutter slots in so nicely as a 3rd line center behind Malkin and Crosby that I think there will little to no dropoff from Staal. Getting a healthy (theoretically) Crosby back from day 1 of this coming season is a huge upgrade from the Pens of last year and is hard to quantify. Even when Crosby came back flying it was mostly adrenaline. He started to fade in the series against Philly as he ran out of gas. The Pens will be better, although they could use a D man.

I would hope Darcy has been on the phone with Murray a few times in the past hour or two. The Jackets' return will absolutely affect what will be offered for Ryan, but it won't define it. Ultimately, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ducks get more for Ryan than Columbus got for Nash yet it's still relatively fair for both sides.

I'm all over the map on this Doan situation--- would he feel like a passenger on a roster like the Rangers (or Pens) or is that actually enticing to a 35 year old vet that wants to win a Cup? I know what I want to believe--- and it's definitely clouding my judgement.

That's a good point. If they could somehow pull it off for that one year, they have Gaborik's $7.5mil cap hit coming off the books the next year, when they need to extend Callahan and Lundqvist. The Rangers have played it smart the last few years, but now might be the time be big and bold.

And with Nash, the Rangers have $13.4mil or so in cap space, with only Del Zotto to sign as an RFA--- still plenty of room to overpay for Doan.

Paul Hamilton had mentioned on several occasions last season that Stafford had been dealing with a pretty serious personal issue, but the nature of it was never alluded to specifically. At one point, Lindy acknowledged it in an interview as well but it was left alone probably out of respect for Drew's privacy. I'm certain the comments can be found in interviews and discussions located on the WGR audio vault, but they're not marked as such and are basically a needle in a haystack situation without knowing specific dates.

If Grigorenko goes back to the Remparts then it sorts itself out--- but I'm wondering what happens if Doan is signed and Grigorenko is good enough this year to make the team. I'm sure Ellis and Tropp are not Sabres out of training camp this year, but I included their names because they're in the mix. That's very interesting. Stafford is certainly a tough nut to crack. I'm willing to believe his struggles last season were due, at least in part, to whatever personal issues with which he was reportedly dealing.

With the alleged twin $100mil offers to Parise and Suter the Sabres are apparently willing and able to part ways with current roster players if upgrades are available. The apparent dogged pursuit of Shane Doan begs the question: who stays and who goes? IF Doan is signed and Grigorenko makes the squad, the roster looks something like this (specific line combinations notwithstanding): Vanek - Hodgson - DOAN Foligno - Ennis - Stafford Ott - Grigorenko - Pominville Leino - McCormick - Kaleta Plus: Gerbe, Scott, Tropp, Ellis I sort of like the idea of a 4th line consisting of Gerbe, McCormick and Kaleta but I'm not married to it. I have been an advocate (which is truly an understatement) of moving Stafford, ASAP, but I now feel that a winger with size and a hard, accurate shot is a key component to join Ennis and Foligno. Plus, even with his struggles this past season, I really like Leino's game and fully believe he will be a key contributor this upcoming season. So--- what happens? Who moves? Something drastic needs to take place not only with the D but also within the forward group.

Your entire post is dead on in all respects, but this quoted snippet is why I believe the Sabres have a legitimate shot. For Doan's agent to publicly acknowledge to multiple media outlets that he is interested in Buffalo is not a small thing. Terry Bross is Shane Doan's mouthpiece, and effectively anything he reveals is to be considered as a statement coming from the man himself. One of the reasons Doan is so revered by media, coaches, players and fans is his Character. His handling of the Phoenix situation is further evidence. Of course, his agent knows that publicly acknowledging mutual interest between his client and Terry Pegula will ratchet up the cost from any and all other suitors--- but Doan will not allow his reputation to be that of the guy that publicly jerked the Sabres around to raise his own payday. His agent's comments are worth a hearing with Buffalo brass at the very least. If Pegula & company can lay on the charm as they did with Regehr--- as well as offer the most greenbacks, which I'm certain will (already?) happen--- then we have a hell of a chance.

Nothing new, but WGRZ Channel 2 also received word from Doan's agent--- this just further clarifies the WKBW comment on why he met with the Flyers and Rangers: "Agent Terry Bross confirms that Doan has visited both the New York Rangers and the Philadelphia Flyers. By email he told Two On Your Side's Stu Boyar "We visited both teams because we were in the city for NHLPA meetings. Shane is still waiting to see what happens with Coyotes ownership. The Sabres are still in the mix and a team of interest ." Bross adds that Doan is expecting to narrow down the list of teams soon and go from there. Bross says six official offers have been made to his client." http://www.wgrz.com/rss/article/175457/4/Sabres-Still-Player-in-Doan-Sweepstakes-

I understand the sentiment completely--- in fact, it was my first thought upon reading it. But, the Penguins are also reportedly interested, and certainly an attractive destination, but Doan not visiting Pittsburgh doesn't really indicate his intentions. I think sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. It's entirely logical, as his agent stated, that whilst he was meeting with the NHLPA in NYC he met with the Rangers and Flyers out of geographical convenience. I'm afraid your assertion is correct, but I remain cautiously (perhaps fatally) optimistic.

"Shane has interest in the Sabres," Doan's agent Terry Bross tells Eyewitness Sports Anchor Shawn Stepner via email. "We have been in contact. Shane is headed home to Kamloops for a few days, then we will contact teams and let them know if they are a possibility. As of today, [the] Sabres are a possibility." http://www.wkbw.com/sports/Doans-Agent-Sabres-a-Possibility-163298806.html

An update, of sorts, linked from GARTH's blog --- Doan speaks: Katie Strang of ESPN New York "I've got a few teams that you look at and that you're serious about. That being said, I've also talked with some teams that I didn't think I was, but that kind of made their case," the biggest of the Big NHL Kahuna UFAs who has yet to be signed. After a brief meeting at the NHL offices in Manhattan, Doan visited with the Rangers on Friday. Doan kept his options open about leaving Phoenix. "I've got a few teams that you look at and that you're serious about. That being said, I've also talked with some teams that I didn't think I was, but that kind of made their case," "When it comes down to it, I'll really make my decision. I don't want to put anybody in a situation where you feel like, you know, if you impress me, I'll come," he said. "Until I make my decision, I don't want to force anyone's hand." Doan has said like a broken record that he would prefer to stay and play in Phoenix. Waiting for the Jamison group to get approval to buy the Coyotes has been the biggest bugaboo. Doan did say: "I want to make it as soon as I can," Doan said. He also said: "Teams have been great about being patient with me and I appreciate it so much, because I know the fluidity of the market and the way that it moves," Doan said. "The teams have been so kind to my family and understanding the situation we're in. That being said, eventually I have to make a decision, and it'll have to probably be without all the information." Might this be the Pegula Charm in full effect on Doan and his family? Lets wait and see what tomorrow brings. Maybe a trip to Buffalo, New York to visit the team that most believe wants him more than any of the six contenders for his services? ESPN New York's Katie Strang's blog update from this evening, where Garth's info originated: http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/18472/doan-continues-with-the-waiting-game Another item (including video) posted in that same blog update may also be of interest to some regarding the son of former Buffalo Bill Carlton Bailey, Justin, being chosen to play in the Ontario Hockey League, rather than play at Michigan State. I recall there was a video piece last year, either on Hockey Night in Canada or a Sabres broadcast, about Bailey's midget team, the Long Island Royals coached by Pat LaFontaine. According to the blog post, they just won the Triple A Midget Championships which were played in Buffalo.

It's just the start of meetings with potential landing spots--- apparently, he was in NY on Thursday for an NHLPA meeting, although I don't have a link. If he has any interest in signing in Buffalo you'd have to expect he visits there sometime in the next few days. http://arizonasports.com/43/1560290/Shane-Doan-in-New-York-visiting-with-Rangers

Kimberly Jones ‏@KimJonesSports Am told that Penn State plans to take down the Paterno statue this weekend. Retweeted by Tim Graham

You may be right... I'm not sure about all the details behind some of the estimates I've seen for Philly's cap space because I haven't really taken a hard look at it. Even with Pronger coming off the books (assuming LTIR excemption) they'll apparently be within something like $5mil of the cap ceiling. With so many RFAs in the next several years amongst their forward group, Philly management may decide to not invest too much in Voracek if he's offer sheeted. In this new era, the Sabres' approach to player acquisitions has been totally out of character---- even though offer sheets seem to be anathema for Darcy, I sort of think it's not quite out of the realm of possiblity.

Voracek is 6'2" 214 lbs--- he's not a finesse speedster although he has exceptional skill; he's most effective using his size along the walls to create offensively and he's actually defensively responsible for the most part. At 22 years old he's developing nicely. I'm not suggesting he's a superstar in the making but I'm not sure we're talking about the same player. If the Sabres signed him to an offer sheet the Flyers would certainly match, but I'd like him on this roster.

FWIW, this article apparently confirms the Sabres as the team making the big 4 year offer, but the writer believes Doan is reluctant to sign with Buffalo--- Inside Pittsburgh Sports appears to be legitimate but that's probably debateable: "Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres have made a massive four year offer to Doan but continue to be regarded as a big longshot as Doan is not believed to be too keen on going to Buffalo. In the West, Vancouver, Detroit, San Jose and possibly LA Kings have been teams that Doan is or was considering as of this past weekend." http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story/doans-camp-becoming-increasingly-skeptical-about-jamison-being-able-to-close-deal-with-coyotes-more-rumblings/50948/