VansTheMans Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 http://www.tsn.ca/columnists/scott_cullen/?id=279356 Pretty good read: Missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons has created a lot of unrest in Buffalo as the Sabres have more than enough talent to reach the postseason. Off-Season Game Plan examines what the Sabres could do to get back there in 2009-2010. The first order of business when the 2008-2009 season ended was to determine the fate of GM Darcy Regier and head coach Lindy Ruff, both of whom were retained. Of course, they were retained by owner Tom Golisano and managing partner Larry Quinn, who have come under fire for not investing in the team in recent seasons, consistently allowing top players (most notably Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Brian Campbell) to leave for bigger dollars elsewhere as well as cutting scouting staff, so it's hard to say whether Ruff and Regier are getting a real vote of confidence or if, already under contract, they were just the most cost-effective options. Even with front office issues, the Sabres only missed the postseason by two points in a season when they had injuries to Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek and Tim Connolly. It's to be expected in Connolly's case, unfortunately, but there is no need to obliterate the core of this current team because there is the talent here to be a solid playoff team. That's not to say all's just fine in B-lo. The Sabres have needs, but have enough assets that they can address those needs in both trades and free agency. Most notably, an offensive defenceman would help get the offence in gear and then, in more general terms, the Sabres would benefit from adding size and toughness up front. They already have the speed and skill, but an added dose of grit would make them tougher to play against. GM/COACH Darcy Regier/Lindy Ruff Returning Forwards Player Rating Salary Tim Connolly 82.81 $4.5M Thomas Vanek 79.91 $6.4M Derek Roy 77.90 $3.5M Jason Pominville 77.01 $4.5M Paul Gaustad 71.45 $2.5M Dan Paille 65.57 $1.35M Jochen Hecht 64.98 $3.8M Adam Mair 62.27 $775K Free Agent Forwards Player Rating Class '08-'09 Salary Drew Stafford 73.21 RFA $984K Dominic Moore 70.22 UFA $900K Clarke MacArthur 66.07 RFA $522K Maxim Afinogenov 64.52 UFA $3.5M Patrick Kaleta 64.03 RFA $500K Matt Ellis 63.91 UFA $475K Andrew Peters 53.98 UFA $550K Top Prospects: Tyler Ennis (43-42-85, plus-11 in 61 GP; Medicine Hat-WHL), Nathan Gerbe (30-26-56, plus-2 in 57 GP; Portland-AHL), Tim Kennedy (18-49-67, minus-2 in 73 GP; Portland-AHL) Though it's been a couple of seasons since Tim Connolly was last affected by a concussion, injuries continue to plague his career as oblique, hip, back and rib injuries have sidelined him at various times over the past few years. When healthy, though, Connolly is an elite talent and, while he played just 48 games in 2008-2009, it may have been his best season. Surely the Sabres had to swallow hard at offering him a contract extension, but a two-year commitment seems reasonable in the hopes that the 28-year-old can finally stay healthy. Thomas Vanek's game slipped some when he suffered a broken jaw, yet he still managed to score 40 goals. It says something about his knack around the net that Vanek can put up 76 goals over the last two seasons and still have untapped potential in reserve. While he was ths Sabres' leading scorer with 70 points, Derek Roy tailed off in the second half, some of which can be attributed to shuffling linemates as the Sabres were desperate to jumpstart the offence. Roy works hard to help overcome his lack of size and, signed to a reasonable long-term deal, should be a fixture as a scoring centre for many years to come. A strong finish (20 points in the last 19 games) helped salvage Jason Pominville's season, which was generally disappointing. Pominville hasn't missed a game in more than three seasons, so he's durable, but his goal-scoring numbers and plus-minus ratings have dropped in each of the past two seasons. The Sabres need him to be better. Paul Gaustad provides much needed size and toughness up front and he could be a 20-goal scorer in the right situation. He managed a career-best 12 goals in 62 games last season. After scoring 19 goals and 35 points in 2007-2008, Dan Paille took a step back, scoring just 12 goals and 27 points. Paille gives an honest effort and could still figure in as a third-line option, but offensive expectations have to be kept in check. The Sabres are committed to Jochen Hecht for three more seasons, so he needs to come up with more than 27 points and a minus-9 rating. Hecht is a low-maintenance, responsible player, but for the money he's getting, at least 40 points (which he's achieved in six of the last eight seasons) should be a reasonable expectation. Though last year's eight goals represented a career high for Adam Mair, he's a gritty checking forward who fits well on the fourth line. While he's steadily increased his production in three NHL seasons, Drew Stafford is capable of more than 20 goals and 45 points. If he gets a good opportunity on a scoring line right from the start of next season, Stafford should continue to improve. Clarke MacArthur established himself as an NHLer last season, scoring 31 points in 73 games, but his role diminished as the season went on. He provides roster depth with some offensive upside, at the very least. One of the league's most aggravating players, Patrick Kaleta is tough to play against because of his contact physical play and good speed. His game is limited, so he's not going to climb the depth chart, but he can continue in his role as long as he stays healthy. While the Sabres have some prospects that could crack the lineup up front, most are on the smaller side, which means that some free agent shopping could help. Oswego, New York native Erik Cole was a flop in Edmonton and has struggled in the playoffs, but finished the regular season with 17 points in his last 18 games and, when he's on, he is the kind of big winger that could help the Sabres. Further down the depth chart, the Sabres could have some interest in wingers with size and toughness like Travis Moen, Chris Neil or how about oldtime Sabre Brad May? Returning Defencemen Player Rating Salary Craig Rivet 70.12 $3.5M Toni Lydman 69.86 $3.15M Nathan Paetsch 67.46 $1.05M Chris Butler 67.06 $585K Henrik Tallinder 63.91 $3.25M Free Agent Defencemen Player Rating Class '08-'09 Salary Jaroslav Spacek 76.17 UFA $3.3M Teppo Numminen 65.72 UFA $1.1M Andrej Sekera 66.19 RFA $659K Top Prospects: Tyler Myers (9-33-42, plus-31 in 58 GP; Kelowna-WHL), Mike Weber (1-7-8, plus-5 in 42 GP; Portland-AHL) Veteran Craig Rivet was a nice steady addition to the blueline, though a shoulder injury resulted in his playing fewer than 70 games for the first time since 2001-2002. He's a terrific leader, but needs some help. Toni Lydman is another solid veteran, who has developed into a very sound defensive defenceman and he led the Sabres in both hits and blocked shots. He's a nice fit as part of a shutdown pair. Ideally, Lydman's partner on that shutdown pairing would be Henrik Tallinder, who has been effective with Lydman in the past, but injuries have slowed Tallinder over the past couple of seasons. Heading into the final year of his contract, he needs to rebound. While his rookie season had some ups-and-downs, Chris Butler showed plenty of promise, leading Sabres defencemen with a plus-11 rating after getting called up from the AHL. As he continues to improve, Butler will be an integral part of the defence corps. Despite the troubles the Sabres have had on the blueline, Nathan Paetsch's role has declined to the point that he played just 23 games last season. He didn't play poorly, so it's possible he could figure into the mix again, or it might be best to get a fresh start somewhere else. Sorely in need of a puck-moving defenceman, the Sabres tried to force-feed Andrej Sekera and he ended up with a team-worst minus-11. Sekera has potential, but is just 22, so it could take some time before he's ready to handle a top-four role on a playoff team. Towering prospect Tyler Myers has had a terrific season with Kelowna and could challenge for a spot on next season's club. The Sabres shouldn't rush him, but he has the makings of a future stud on the blueline. What the Sabres really need, though, is someone to come in and quarterback the power play. With Jaroslav Spacek a free agent, there could be a gaping hole in that spot if he's not re-signed. If the Sabres aren't in the running for Jay Bouwmeester, then possibly a veteran power play specialist like Mathieu Schneider or Marc-Andre Bergeron would help fill the void. With a dearth of quality puck-moving defencemen on the free agent market, the Sabres may look to the trade market, using some of their depth up front to address the need. Returning Goaltenders Player Rating Salary Ryan Miller 84.03 $6.25M Patrick Lalime 56.33 $1.0M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating Class '08-'09 Salary Mikael Tellqvist 69.50 UFA $800K Top Prospect: Jhonas Enroth (26-23-6, 2.75 GAA, .914 SVPCT, 3 SO in 58 GP; Portland-AHL) Ryan Miller's ankle injury, which kept him out for nearly five weeks in the second half of the season, was a crushing blow to the Sabres' playoff hopes. The 28-year-old enjoyed his best NHL season, setting career marks in goals against average, save percentage and shutouts. The Sabres, perhaps optimistically, expected Patrick Lalime to provide stability in the backup role. It didn't work out all that well, but if Miller can play closer to 70 games again, it's possible that the backup role won't be all that important. Buffalo also has prospect Jhonas Enroth on the way. He had a strong rookie season as a 20-year-old in the AHL and another year of seasoning could have him ready to make the jump. DRAFT 13th - Zack Kassian, Ryan Ellis, Jordan Schroeder, Scott Glennie. FREE AGENCY The Sabres have approximately $45.8-million committed to salaries for next season. Needs: Top pair defenceman, depth forwards. What I said the Sabres needed last year: One top pair defenceman, one top six forward, depth forwards, backup goaltender Who did they add? Craig Rivet, Matt Ellis, Chris Butler, Patrick Lalime. TRADE MARKET Jochen Hecht, Dan Paille, Clarke MacArthur, Henrik Tallinder, Nathan Paetsch. So, the Sabres take a run at Jay Bouw? Add a couple gritty, veteran forwards? Mike Knuble maybe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreeman Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Good read. Thanks for posting. However, the Sabres aren't going after Bouwmeester or any other $7MM UFA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calvin Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Good read. Thanks for posting. However, the Sabres aren't going after Bouwmeester or any other $7MM UFA. I agree.. we shouldn't be going after super-high-priced FAs, even if they are called Bouwmeester.. Eric Cole might be a good fit, but after the postseason he's having at the Canes I doubt they'd let him go.. Gritty forwards like Knuble, Moen or even Chris Kunitz could be really useful, especially because they score more often than Paille does. I'd rather we keep Spacho than let him walk and take on lead-skated defensemen like Schneider.. anyone remember Goose sweeping by him to score shorthanded last season?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom webster Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I agree.. we shouldn't be going after super-high-priced FAs, even if they are called Bouwmeester.. Eric Cole might be a good fit, but after the postseason he's having at the Canes I doubt they'd let him go.. Gritty forwards like Knuble, Moen or even Chris Kunitz could be really useful, especially because they score more often than Paille does. I'd rather we keep Spacho than let him walk and take on lead-skated defensemen like Schneider.. anyone remember Goose sweeping by him to score shorthanded last season?? 3 assists and a -3 in 15 games. He was very good down the stretch but has done nothing in the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Pretty good write up. The only thing I disagree with is the Sabres "trade market". I still contend that this team needs a shake-up in a BIG way and I'd be dangling Derek Roy at the draft. IMO he has a ton of trade value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampD Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Pretty good write up. The only thing I disagree with is the Sabres "trade market". I still contend that this team needs a shake-up in a BIG way and I'd be dangling Derek Roy at the draft. IMO he has a ton of trade value. Of course he has a lot of trade value. That's because he has a lot of value. period. I don't think that giving up your top points getter is the way you shake things up. Not if you want to win anytime soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X. Benedict Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I agree.. we shouldn't be going after super-high-priced FAs, even if they are called Bouwmeester.. Eric Cole might be a good fit, but after the postseason he's having at the Canes I doubt they'd let him go.. Gritty forwards like Knuble, Moen or even Chris Kunitz could be really useful, especially because they score more often than Paille does. I'd rather we keep Spacho than let him walk and take on lead-skated defensemen like Schneider.. anyone remember Goose sweeping by him to score shorthanded last season?? I like the idea of Cole. Similar size as JP Dumont...the kind of player that really open up the center and is a bitch to play against whether he's scoring or not. Ruff would love using him floating up and down lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Not if you want to win anytime soon. Do you mean "win anytime soon" like the last two years? <_< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreeman Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Pretty good write up. The only thing I disagree with is the Sabres "trade market". I still contend that this team needs a shake-up in a BIG way and I'd be dangling Derek Roy at the draft. IMO he has a ton of trade value. Of course he has a lot of trade value. That's because he has a lot of value. period. I don't think that giving up your top points getter is the way you shake things up. Not if you want to win anytime soon. The only way Roy is getting traded is for a real star player with plenty of miles left in return -- i.e. a true #1 defenseman or #1 center. They aren't going to dump him for a decent player just to send a message to the rest of the roster. I like the idea of Cole. Similar size as JP Dumont...the kind of player that really open up the center and is a bitch to play against whether he's scoring or not. Ruff would love using him floating up and down lines. I would take Cole in a heartbeat. He's making $4MM this year and is a UFA this summer. He had a down year (18-24-42) in his contract year and turns 31 in November. He'll probably still cost at least $3MM as a UFA. Even so, he has size, good hands and plays physical. I'd be happy to see him on the #2 line with Roy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 "Of course, they were retained by owner Tom Golisano and managing partner Larry Quinn, who have come under fire for not investing in the team in recent seasons, consistently allowing top players (most notably Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Brian Campbell) to leave for bigger dollars elsewhere as well as cutting scouting staff, so it's hard to say whether Ruff and Regier are getting a real vote of confidence or if, already under contract, they were just the most cost-effective options." Hmm... Sounds alot like what I have been saying here... Take that, Schroder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 3 assists and a -3 in 15 games. He was very good down the stretch but has done nothing in the playoffs. And they have ~$43 million in cap space committed already for next year with a lot of holes opening up due to free agency. It'll be tough to throw a decent contract at Cole if they do want to keep them. I'm sure they'll be looking to lock up Ward this summer too, since he's one year away from RFA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 The only way Roy is getting traded is for a real star player with plenty of miles left in return -- i.e. a true #1 defenseman or #1 center. They aren't going to dump him for a decent player just to send a message to the rest of the roster. I didn't say that they should dump him for garbage in order to make a statement. I just am not that in love with the core of this team that they must stay intact for the next several years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PASabreFan Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Sabres don't need a top pair. Just a pair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wonderbread Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 Sabres don't need a top pair. Just a pair. Nicely played. My sentiments exactly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That Aud Smell Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I like the idea of Cole. I would take Cole in a heartbeat. me too. Sabres don't need a top pair. Just a pair. well-played. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
X. Benedict Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 me too.well-played. The thing you have to like about that hit is it was Orpik that broke Cole's neck in 2005. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreeman Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I didn't say that they should dump him for garbage in order to make a statement. I just am not that in love with the core of this team that they must stay intact for the next several years. I think we agree generally. This core hasn't done anything to deserve "untouchable" status except Miller and perhaps Vanek. I'm just saying that the only way Roy would be traded would be as part of a major trade for an elite player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I think we agree generally. This core hasn't done anything to deserve "untouchable" status except Miller and perhaps Vanek. I'm just saying that the only way Roy would be traded would be as part of a major trade for an elite player. I agree about Miller and am not as anxious to see Vanek moved as I am about Roy, but if the right offer comes along DR should be open minded about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carpandean Posted May 21, 2009 Report Share Posted May 21, 2009 I agree about Miller and am not as anxious to see Vanek moved as I am about Roy, but if the right offer comes along DR should be open minded about it. We better be getting a true scoring line center (directly or indirectly) or moving Roy makes a bad situation far worse. We've had 1-1/2 scoring-line centers for two years now (OK, you could argue that acquiring Moore gave them more depth than that, but that also happened to be the one time that Connolly wasn't hurt ... hmm, maybe it's like the old saying "if you take and umbrella, it won't rain") and it has been a major problem with this team. Trading away Roy makes Hecht #2 behind the oft injured Tinman. That's a long way (at least two centers) from being a comfortable situation. If I had my druthers, we'd find a way to move Hecht's contract (if only because the money isn't there otherwise, unless it's for a one year deal and you move Tallinder and/or Lydman) and look for a trade like Lang's last year (Montreal traded a second-round pick for a capable, veteran center with a couple of years left), moving Roy over to left wing opposite Pommer or Stafford. So, your top six would look like: Vanek-Connolly-Stafford Roy-<Lang type>-Pommer That would give us depth at scoring-line center and fill the hole at #2 left winger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LabattBlue Posted May 22, 2009 Report Share Posted May 22, 2009 We better be getting a true scoring line center (directly or indirectly) or moving Roy makes a bad situation far worse. We've had 1-1/2 scoring-line centers for two years now (OK, you could argue that acquiring Moore gave them more depth than that, but that also happened to be the one time that Connolly wasn't hurt ... hmm, maybe it's like the old saying "if you take and umbrella, it won't rain") and it has been a major problem with this team. Trading away Roy makes Hecht #2 behind the oft injured Tinman. That's a long way (at least two centers) from being a comfortable situation. If I had my druthers, we'd find a way to move Hecht's contract (if only because the money isn't there otherwise, unless it's for a one year deal and you move Tallinder and/or Lydman) and look for a trade like Lang's last year (Montreal traded a second-round pick for a capable, veteran center with a couple of years left), moving Roy over to left wing opposite Pommer or Stafford. So, your top six would look like: Vanek-Connolly-Stafford Roy-<Lang type>-Pommer That would give us depth at scoring-line center and fill the hole at #2 left winger. I agree that we should never have to see Hecht again as a scoring line center. It's DR's job to go out and find a center if he trades Roy. He(or the puppet master) is the knucklehead that decided to hand over big money "once again" to The Skill instead of using the money more wisely in the offseason. Something has to change other than letting Max go in the offseason and promoting a player or two from the minors. I have no facts to back it up, but watching these guys play the last two years makes me believe there is something rotten at the "core". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FearTheReaper Posted May 22, 2009 Report Share Posted May 22, 2009 Tsn reports that we need a puck moving defenseman eh? Offensive defenseman = Marc-Andre Bergeron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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