What would be the most effective shake-up?

[PASabreFan]

Why does everyone use Ennis as an example of a success. Do we really know that for sure yet. We are 1-3-1 and all I've seen him do is hold on to the puck too long and bump into his own players. People started anointing him before the season even started. Right now I would rather have Ennis go back down and Gerbe stay up when Pominville gets back.

 

Of course Ennis had to be anointed. Lindy did the honor, IIRC. The Kennedy Debacle had to be justified. Haven't heard anyone say there's no room on this roster for Kennedy lately.

[SabresneedaCup]

i voted head coach. its been 100 years he needs to go. now.

[shrader]

Why does everyone use Ennis as an example of a success. Do we really know that for sure yet. We are 1-3-1 and all I've seen him do is hold on to the puck too long and bump into his own players. People started anointing him before the season even started. Right now I would rather have Ennis go back down and Gerbe stay up when Pominville gets back.

 

I mentioned Ennis because he is an often forgotten part of that Campbell trade. Yeah, we don't know what we have with him yet, but we're the only ones from that Sharks-Sabres trade who actually have something to show for it anymore. There's also whatever they took with the pick they got for Bernier, but I'm too lazy to look that one up.

[OTTOnME]

Ideally, we will see both Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff replaced, and then the new man - perhaps (temporarily) a GM/coach - will make significant player moves, such as we've seen in Toronto.

 

However, if the Buffalo Sabres are on course for about 20 points by Thanksgiving (in the USA), and empty seats are seen increasingly at HSBC, we will first see Regier trade one of the top-six forwards - Tim Connelly? - and, if there is no significant improvement,* Regier's next big move will be to replace Ruff. If we still see no significant improvement - by Christmas - Darcy himself will be replaced.

 

Does anyone remember the big trade the Rangers and the Bruins made - many moons ago - when both teams needed a "shake-up"? Joe Zanussi was sent to Boston, along with Jean Ratelle and Brad Park, for Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais. A trade today - involving Sabres as important as those players were to their teams - would indeed "shake-up" the team in Buffalo. If the Ottawa Senators and/or the Calgary Flames continue to struggle - along with the Sabres - there would be the real possibility of a blockbuster trade.

 

Obviously, Jason Spezza is the big piece - the biggest possible piece - who might come to Buffalo from the Senators. Add another forward and/or a defenseman like Filip Kuba, and you have a significant addition. Derek Roy - an Ottawa boy - would presumably go the other way. Maybe Drew Stafford and/or one of the newly acquired defensemen would join him. Such a trade would be a good start on a "shake-up."

 

If the talking heads in Calgary are to be believed, Jarome Iginla could be traded in an effort to "shake-up" the Flames. Might he come to Buffalo - with Matt Stajan and/or a defenseman like Robyn Regehr? If so, might we see Thomas Vanek and Derek Roy or Tim Connelly go to Calgary? This - too - would be a significant trade.

 

Is there any possibility at all that Darcy Regier would - or could - pull off a trade as big as either of the ones suggested here?

 

* and can Connelly bring in someone able to make a significant difference?

[Kristian]

Of course Ennis had to be anointed. Lindy did the honor, IIRC. The Kennedy Debacle had to be justified. Haven't heard anyone say there's no room on this roster for Kennedy lately.

 

Just because Regier's a moron willing to pay obscene money to average hockey players, it doesn't mean Tim Kennedy at 1 mill. a year is a good deal though.

 

That said, I'm not going to dispute he'd most likely be an upgrade over anyone but Roy at this point, but that really says more about how much the rest of the forwards suck.

[Patty16]

I am not saying they should of kept Campbell. I am saying, they should have gotten a player who they were going to keep for years, and not just 17 games. When Bernier came here, i highly doubt they only expected him to be a rental and just keep the pick. I remember Jim Kelley saying on Sportsnet in Canada at the time of the trade, the Sabres thought of Bernier as a big time scorer for the future and passed up on Christian Ehrhoff. If there was any truth to that, i don't know. But, if you remember, TSN originally reported it was Bernier, Ehrhoff and 1st round pick for Campbell so i think theres some truth to it.

 

The argument of who is good or not is irrelevant anyways, my point is, back in the day, Darcy was able to find players on the down and got at them at the right time and they became impact players. He hasn't been able to find anyone like that in years. And the guys who do come in, are hurting us more then they are helping us.

 

 

And Campbell was a rental. His contract was up so how much more did you really expect them to get in return????????

[Patty16]

Just because Regier's a moron willing to pay obscene money to average hockey players, it doesn't mean Tim Kennedy at 1 mill. a year is a good deal though.

 

That said, I'm not going to dispute he'd most likely be an upgrade over anyone but Roy at this point, but that really says more about how much the rest of the forwards suck.

 

 

Every team passed on Kennedy, the Rags finally picked him up and decided there was no room for him either. He's in the AHL

[spndnchz]

I mentioned Ennis because he is an often forgotten part of that Campbell trade. Yeah, we don't know what we have with him yet, but we're the only ones from that Sharks-Sabres trade who actually have something to show for it anymore. There's also whatever they took with the pick they got for Bernier, but I'm too lazy to look that one up.

 

Sharks got Drew Daniels, 7th round bust from the Campbell trade.

 

Brayden McNabb was acquired with a pick from the Bernier trade, another pick, 2010 second rounder went to Blue jackets along with Paetsch for Torres. 2010 pick ended up being Petr Straka currently PPG in QMJHL.

[fozzie92]

why is it all ex-sabres seem to play better when leaving buffalo ? is there something in the air here ?

[nfreeman]

Here's an observation: based on the results of this poll (and 52 respondents is a pretty high # -- nice work, 11) those complaining loudest and most often about Lindy also seem to be the fewest in #. It's good to know that there's a silent majority of grown-ups here.

 

BTW, I voted "no shake-up needed yet."

[carpandean]

why is it all ex-sabres seem to play better when leaving buffalo ? is there something in the air here ?

Do they? I'd say that it's been a mixed bag.

 

Drury certainly is the biggest example of a player getting worse after leaving. Briere simply continued to play well, though injuries did bite him in the first couple of years. Campbell has been, at best, the same as he was here. J.P. Dumont is probably one of the biggest examples of someone getting better. Max was good here for a while, then faded off due to injuries and an inability to stop overhandling the puck, causing numerous turnovers. He left here, found some chemistry with Kovalchuk and Antropov, but was still a -17 and is now playing in Russia. Clarke MacArthur is doing just what he did here; the question is will he actually do it consistently over the whole season, which he never did here. Paille only played better against Buffalo than he did for us, but otherwise actually put up worse stats in Boston. The list goes on ...

[SwampD]

Here's an observation: based on the results of this poll (and 52 respondents is a pretty high # -- nice work, 11) those complaining loudest and most often about Lindy also seem to be the fewest in #. It's good to know that there's a silent majority of grown-ups here.

 

BTW, I voted "no shake-up needed yet."

I can understand not voting to remove Lindy, but to vote that no shake-up is needed borders on the absurd. You must have really enjoyed the results of the last three seasons because without a shake-up, you're going to get it again.

[shrader]

Do they? I'd say that it's been a mixed bag.

 

Drury certainly is the biggest example of a player getting worse after leaving. Briere simply continued to play well, though injuries did bite him in the first couple of years. Campbell has been, at best, the same as he was here. J.P. Dumont is probably one of the biggest examples of someone getting better. Max was good here for a while, then faded off due to injuries and an inability to stop overhandling the puck, causing numerous turnovers. He left here, found some chemistry with Kovalchuk and Antropov, but was still a -17 and is now playing in Russia. Clarke MacArthur is doing just what he did here; the question is will he actually do it consistently over the whole season, which he never did here. Paille only played better against Buffalo than he did for us, but otherwise actually put up worse stats in Boston. The list goes on ...

 

I love how that theory lived on for years based soley on Ray Sheppard.

[PASabreFan]

Here's an observation: based on the results of this poll (and 52 respondents is a pretty high # -- nice work, 11) those complaining loudest and most often about Lindy also seem to be the fewest in #. It's good to know that there's a silent majority of grown-ups here.

 

BTW, I voted "no shake-up needed yet."

 

It's a public poll, so we know how you voted. I didn't vote -- I believe in the sanctity of the ballot.

 

Is wanting to replace your head coach after 13 years, with every indication you could very well miss the playoffs for the third time in four years, and sixth in nine -- really immature?

 

This post was utter hogwash.

[Eleven]

Do they? I'd say that it's been a mixed bag.

 

Drury certainly is the biggest example of a player getting worse after leaving. Briere simply continued to play well, though injuries did bite him in the first couple of years. Campbell has been, at best, the same as he was here. J.P. Dumont is probably one of the biggest examples of someone getting better. Max was good here for a while, then faded off due to injuries and an inability to stop overhandling the puck, causing numerous turnovers. He left here, found some chemistry with Kovalchuk and Antropov, but was still a -17 and is now playing in Russia. Clarke MacArthur is doing just what he did here; the question is will he actually do it consistently over the whole season, which he never did here. Paille only played better against Buffalo than he did for us, but otherwise actually put up worse stats in Boston. The list goes on ...

 

McKee

[R_Dudley]

Here's an observation: based on the results of this poll (and 52 respondents is a pretty high # -- nice work, 11) those complaining loudest and most often about Lindy also seem to be the fewest in #. It's good to know that there's a silent majority of grown-ups here.

 

BTW, I voted "no shake-up needed yet."

 

Well I have been on the it's time for a change bandwagon but when looking at the probability of a coaching only change making any real difference this season I voted the better odds of sending a message to shake up the top 6. Now come end of season regardless of final results it is time for front office makeover including coaching change. In fact w/o looking back at past posts I seem to recall you having the same sentiment if major change didn't happen to top 6, DR and LR should be gone.

 

My biggest disappointment is that one of the candidates I would have liked for GM(e.g my tag name) was hired this past off season in Atl, be interesting to see how that team does over the next couple of seasons.

[bunomatic]

I voted for letting 'stand pat' go but the poll is a tough one because along with $hit canning Regiers sorry a$$ one would think that the real G.M. coming in would shake up the team by moving 1 or 2 members of the top 6 as well as letting Ruff go. The new guy wouldn't necessarily have to audition Ruff since he's had a decade to observe him. Along with a new head coach one would hope that a power play coach would come in to work with the new forwards in the top 6 and the new power play specialist on defence to get the maximum potential out of the aquisitions. Its clear from recent play as well as the latter half of last season and the playoff debacle that this team needs a new culture or direction. Good teams don't take nights off and don't refuse to go through a wall for their team mates and or coach. One or more of these moves should have been made in the off season but unfortunatly Regier choose to wait and see if his precious group would develop,mature or grow into their roles. Too bad for us.

[nfreeman]

I can understand not voting to remove Lindy, but to vote that no shake-up is needed borders on the absurd. You must have really enjoyed the results of the last three seasons because without a shake-up, you're going to get it again.

I voted for "no shake-up needed YET." If they are 3-15 in a few weeks I'm fine with any or all of the shakeup choices.

 

As for the results of the last 3 seasons -- what I've seen over the last 3 seasons was an embarrassing mismanagement debacle in the summer of 2007 that I believe was forced on DR from above, followed by steady, marked improvement each year and culminating in a very disappointing loss in the playoffs last spring. It wasn't enough, but it wasn't bad enough that I want to blow the whole thing up.

 

It's a public poll, so we know how you voted. I didn't vote -- I believe in the sanctity of the ballot.

 

Is wanting to replace your head coach after 13 years, with every indication you could very well miss the playoffs for the third time in four years, and sixth in nine -- really immature?

 

This post was utter hogwash.

I assume you meant the secret ballot, yes? So I take it you're against card check?

 

If they miss the playoffs this year, or even if they make it but get bounced in the 1st round, DR and LR should both be gone.

 

I will note for the record the obtuseness of the "missing the playoffs 3 out of 4 years and 6 out of 9" meme.

 

My point was simply that firing the coach 9 days into the season, when they've lost 4 games in regulation, 3 of which were by a single goal, would be a pretty panicky move.

 

Well I have been on the it's time for a change bandwagon but when looking at the probability of a coaching only change making any real difference this season I voted the better odds of sending a message to shake up the top 6. Now come end of season regardless of final results it is time for front office makeover including coaching change. In fact w/o looking back at past posts I seem to recall you having the same sentiment if major change didn't happen to top 6, DR and LR should be gone.

My biggest disappointment is that one of the candidates I would have liked for GM(e.g my tag name) was hired this past off season in Atl, be interesting to see how that team does over the next couple of seasons.

Well, what I think I've said was that if DR's approach didn't lead to good results, he and Lindy should both be gone. I was as disappointed as anyone in last spring's playoff performance, but I found it just barely enough to bring them back for this year. I also said that I would be very PO'd if DR didn't make any changes to the top 6. He didn't, and I am. If his approach turns out to have been wrong -- which so far seems to be the case but can't really be judged until the season is over, unless they are 20 games below .500 at the halfway point -- then he should be gone.

[PASabreFan]

 

I assume you meant the secret ballot, yes? So I take it you're against card check?

 

If they miss the playoffs this year, or even if they make it but get bounced in the 1st round, DR and LR should both be gone.

 

I will note for the record the obtuseness of the "missing the playoffs 3 out of 4 years and 6 out of 9" meme.

 

 

I don't know what card check refers to.

 

What's obtuse about saying the Sabres would miss the playoffs for the third time in four years etc.?

 

Am I dense today or something?

 

The main problem here is that all you need to agree to bringing back Ruff and Regier is a second round loss in the playoffs. Why? The goal of the organization, stated time and again (and Ruff says they are Cup contenders NOW), is to win the thing. Ruff and Regier have had over a decade to do it.

[North Buffalo]

I think both a front office change and trading Connolly and Stafford with Vanek as an option. I am agreeing with Sullivan for once:

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/columns/jerry-sullivan/article223900.ece

[nfreeman]

I don't know what card check refers to.

 

What's obtuse about saying the Sabres would miss the playoffs for the third time in four years etc.?

 

Am I dense today or something?

 

The main problem here is that all you need to agree to bringing back Ruff and Regier is a second round loss in the playoffs. Why? The goal of the organization, stated time and again (and Ruff says they are Cup contenders NOW), is to win the thing. Ruff and Regier have had over a decade to do it.

Card check refers to the ongoing push by unions to repeal the law that requires votes by workers as to whether or not to unionize to be conducted by secret ballot.

 

Holding Lindy accountable for missing the playoffs in 2008 and 2009, as well as 2002 through 2004, is obtuse because, as we've argued about many times before, you are ignoring extreme circumstances -- owner getting arrested, team going bankrupt and almost moving, losing Dominik and Peca, and losing Briere, Drury and Soupy due to gross incompetence by senior management.

 

I want to win the Cup as much as anyone here. I think the best way to do that is to build a team that is in the hunt every year. That's what they had in 2007 before they butchered it. If this team gets to the 2nd round this year, that will say to me that they are either at that point or very close to it -- and if that is the case I think it would be foolish to replace either DR or Lindy, even though they didn't sign Kovalchuk and even though Vanek only gets 16 minutes per game.

[Marvelo]

Balsille replacing Golisano.

[SwampD]

Card check refers to the ongoing push by unions to repeal the law that requires votes by workers as to whether or not to unionize to be conducted by secret ballot.

 

Holding Lindy accountable for missing the playoffs in 2008 and 2009, as well as 2002 through 2004, is obtuse because, as we've argued about many times before, you are ignoring extreme circumstances -- owner getting arrested, team going bankrupt and almost moving, losing Dominik and Peca, and losing Briere, Drury and Soupy due to gross incompetence by senior management.

 

I want to win the Cup as much as anyone here. I think the best way to do that is to build a team that is in the hunt every year. That's what they had in 2007 before they butchered it. If this team gets to the 2nd round this year, that will say to me that they are either at that point or very close to it -- and if that is the case I think it would be foolish to replace either DR or Lindy, even though they didn't sign Kovalchuk and even though Vanek only gets 16 minutes per game.

Don't you think that just by us having a discussion about a shake-up means that there is a need for one? Don't you think that Lindy himself would say that a shake-up is needed? I'd really have to question his coaching ability if he didn't.

 

 

 

This sucks.

[otis]

I was at the game in Chicago and the Sabres actually looked like the better team for most of the game. It was an improved effort in a hostile environment, particularly by the 3rd and 4th lines.

 

But Rivet cannot let Bolland blow past him from the boards on the blue line and walk right in front of the net to score the tying goal when you are protecting a lead in the 3rd period. Inexcusable, especially for a captain. He can no longer keep up with the young skaters in this league and will continue to cost us games, especially on the road when opposing coaches can send out their young legs on matchups.

 

Leopold and Morrison are also a huge drop-off from Tallinder/Lydman defensively. I predict both will be -25 or worse by the end of the year. They do not fit in Lindy's system. In Leopold's case, he doesn't fit in anybody's system if you consider he's on his fifth team in three years.

 

Otis

[Eleven]

Don't you think that just by us having a discussion about a shake-up means that there is a need for one? Don't you think that Lindy himself would say that a shake-up is needed? I'd really have to question his coaching ability if he didn't.

 

 

 

This sucks.

 

It's a legitimate position to say that six games in, there's no need for a shake-up. It's not my position, but it's legit.

 

This DOES suck.