Sabres Fan in NS Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 I have a conspiracy theory, which may just have some substance. The reports a Russian named Antipin was coming here surfaced March 14th. We end up firing not only our coach, but also GM. Strangely, this doesn't faze him at all - still says he's signing with the Sabres. We also heard he was considering the Pens, but no, he's still signing with the team with no HC instead of the SC contender. JBot was hired and comes out and says plans haven't changed in regards to Antipin signing Sabres. Then we hear rumblings that Pegs had contacted JBot while GMTM was still employed, at some point at the end of the season. Just what if JBot was the person who oringally recruited Antipin, but not for Pens, but the Sabres? This would mean JBot would've had a gentleman's agreement with Pegs before March 14th. As well as GMTM being dead man walking before March 14th as well. This is the most believable and likely scenario yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorny Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 Oh man you mentioned Lord Voldemort's name, gonna get the snatchers down on us. It's taboo!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 I gotta say, looking at Lee's career tempers my already tepid enthusiasm. I'm more convinced than ever that the KHL is a MUCH lesser league. I hope this kid can help us, but I'm not expecting much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted May 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 He confirmed to Sports Express he will sign with the Sabres in the next couple days Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrueBlueGED Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 I gotta say, looking at Lee's career tempers my already tepid enthusiasm. I'm more convinced than ever that the KHL is a MUCH lesser league. I hope this kid can help us, but I'm not expecting much. Eh, he was named first team all-star in the league. I wouldn't be even remotely excited about a run of the mill KHLer, but he was one of the best players in the league. I don't have huge expectations or anything, but if he simply holds down a solid 3rd pairing role, he's a nice addition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dudacek Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 Eh, he was named first team all-star in the league. I wouldn't be even remotely excited about a run of the mill KHLer, but he was one of the best players in the league. I don't have huge expectations or anything, but if he simply holds down a solid 3rd pairing role, he's a nice addition. This. Saying he will be a legit top-four guy right off the bat is a stretch. But I don't think it's unreasonable to hope he can be a Jason Woolley-esque, puck-moving #5, while expecting him to at least be as good or better than Fedun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
French Collection Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 This. Saying he will be a legit top-four guy right off the bat is a stretch. But I don't think it's unreasonable to hope he can be a Jason Woolley-esque, puck-moving #5, while expecting him to at least be as good or better than Fedun. Good comparable, we could use a Keith but Woolley will help. He may also help on the PP. I watched him play a bit in the IIHF WHC and he wasn't a standout but he can skate and helped the Russians move he puck. He seemed comfortable on their PP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorny Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 This. Saying he will be a legit top-four guy right off the bat is a stretch. But I don't think it's unreasonable to hope he can be a Jason Woolley-esque, puck-moving #5, while expecting him to at least be as good or better than Fedun. And if he's coming here, it's to be in the top 6. Realistically, for better or worse, our right side is likely set with Ristolainen, Antipin, and Bogosian. Who plays what pair will depend on fit. Our left side is the question mark. We have McCabe, Gorges, Falk, and Guhle. Guhle may be in the A. Gorges and Falk really shouldn't be in the top 6 on a consistent basis. Lots of room for upgrade on the left side. Looking at you, JBot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I-90 W Posted May 24, 2017 Report Share Posted May 24, 2017 And if he's coming here, it's to be in the top 6. Realistically, for better or worse, our right side is likely set with Ristolainen, Antipin, and Bogosian. Who plays what pair will depend on fit. Our left side is the question mark. We have McCabe, Gorges, Falk, and Guhle. Guhle may be in the A. Gorges and Falk really shouldn't be in the top 6 on a consistent basis. Lots of room for upgrade on the left side. Looking at you, JBot. Once again, Derek Forbort comes to mind :ph34r: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Will Oliver Stone direct the movie? Don't forget, Botterill is reportedly good friends with Antipin's agent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That Aud Smell Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 I can't believe the Sabres haven't signed this guy yet. What are they waiting for? (Sorry - just wanted to get one more in.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGR4GM Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 I can't believe the Sabres haven't signed this guy yet. What are they waiting for? (Sorry - just wanted to get one more in.) Waiting for Monday when the guy is actually available to sign his contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derrico Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 I thought he was coming in on Saturday? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGR4GM Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 I thought he was coming in on Saturday? Says the 29th, which is Monday. "Antipin told reporters he plans on leaving for Buffalo on May 29th." so he might actually not be here until Tuesday (depending on where he leaves Russia from and how long it takes him. http://www.wkbw.com/sports/sabres/who-is-viktor-antipin-what-can-sabres-fans-expect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFAN Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Enough with the conspiracy theory. Antipin is signing here because this might be his best chance ever to earn top 4 minutes in the NHL. TM looked at Vaitsev up the road and realized that if he succeeded maybe there was another "similar" player who could succeed here and he went and found Antipin. The GM change did nothing to change the facts on the ground. We still need inexpensive puck moving D with upside potential. Because Jbot has a good relationship with Antipin's agent just made the transition to the new GM easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That Aud Smell Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Waiting for Monday when the guy is actually available to sign his contract. Likely story. WHAT IS GOING ON REALLY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shrader Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Likely story. WHAT IS GOING ON REALLY. He's playing a game of chicken with Toronto's front office, waiting for them to swoop in last second. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LGR4GM Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Likely story. WHAT IS GOING ON REALLY. Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon Jam, Crushed Cheez-its, and jalapeno jack cheese go on the REALLY. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
That Aud Smell Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 He's playing a game of chicken with Toronto's front office, waiting for them to swoop in last second. :o Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon Jam, Crushed Cheez-its, and jalapeno jack cheese go on the REALLY. :w00t: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
North Buffalo Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Lettuce, Tomato, Bacon Jam, Crushed Cheez-its, and jalapeno jack cheese go on the REALLY. made me hungry for some wings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derrico Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Says the 29th, which is Monday. "Antipin told reporters he plans on leaving for Buffalo on May 29th." so he might actually not be here until Tuesday (depending on where he leaves Russia from and how long it takes him. http://www.wkbw.com/sports/sabres/who-is-viktor-antipin-what-can-sabres-fans-expect My bad. I thought I heard 27th for some reason. He's playing a game of chicken with Toronto's front office, waiting for them to swoop in last second. :w00t: :unsure: :cry: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwampD Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 So, did this happen? Yep. GR just said one year deal. Yeah, I guess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted May 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Officially official NEWS: The Sabres have signed defenseman Victor Antipin to a one-year, entry-level contract. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nfreeman Posted May 25, 2017 Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 Does anyone know whether he's an RFA (vs UFA) at the end of the one year? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brawndo Posted May 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted May 25, 2017 One year ELC, he is a RFA afterwards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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