Time to trade Peterka

[Archie Lee]

17 minutes ago, JohnC said:

What's the source of JJP's "apparent" disgruntlement? Is it the "Jack" syndrome where he feels stuck in a losing system and irrelevant franchise? Or is it he just wants out for a change for the sake of change? Every year the Sabre players are watching the playoffs from their couches. That's got to bother them watching players they know having that opportunity while they don't. The underlying fear for many Sabre fans (me included) is that he gets dealt and has a breakout year. The recurring scene of former Sabres wearing other jerseys and thriving has to stop. 

I think some players probably look at the Sabres and can’t come up with a team that they would less like to play for. 14 years out of the playoffs, meddling owner, incompetent 1st time GM about to get his 6th year, oldest coach in the league who finished near the top of “coach I wouldn’t want to play for” polling this year, no front office accountability, an eroding fan base, etc..  Then they look around and see all these former Sabres thriving. Nobody is going to look down on a good player for not wanting to be a Sabre. There is no downside to wanting out and asking for it. You won’t be labeled a malcontent or a problem player by the rest of the NHL, for wanting out of Buffalo There is no situation in the league worse. So why not tear off the bandaid and do what you need to do to get out now. 

[ponokasabre]

Peterka for Crouse and Kesserling, I’d certainly do that type of move or that exact move

Id even add to it if Utah thought they needed a bit more 

[Believer]

12 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

There is no situation in the league worse.

Well said, Archie.

Think your post captures the likely given reality most Sabres are experiencing in unspoken public disappointment or discontent.

There is no quick fix with Pegula and Adams in place, imo.

Prime years wasted by disrespect for the players.

Money is not the currency of the spirit.

[Thorny]

21 hours ago, dudacek said:

Even Seravalli explicitly stopped short of saying Peterka won't re-sign.

The fact of the matter that seems to get forgotten in the hype and recent trend of locking young players up long-term is that Peterka has no arbitration rights and is under Sabre control for another 4 years. the team has the hammer.

He can sign an offer sheet and risk the Sabres matching. Or he can hold out.

Not sure he has any other leverage here if he actually wants to move.

His leverage was provided on day 1 of this regime “we want players who want to be here”

19 hours ago, Taro T said:

His only other leverage would be to publicly state "I don't want to be a Sabre anymore" to test Adams' "we only want guys that want to be here" rhetoric.  And even Adams can't be so stupid as to Larry Quinn himself into a move.  ("We will match ANY offer Thomas Vanek receives."  Idjit.)

I could have read one post more but no 

[JohnC]

9 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

I think some players probably look at the Sabres and can’t come up with a team that they would less like to play for. 14 years out of the playoffs, meddling owner, incompetent 1st time GM about to get his 6th year, oldest coach in the league who finished near the top of “coach I wouldn’t want to play for” polling this year, no front office accountability, an eroding fan base, etc..  Then they look around and see all these former Sabres thriving. Nobody is going to look down on a good player for not wanting to be a Sabre. There is no downside to wanting out and asking for it. You won’t be labeled a malcontent or a problem player by the rest of the NHL, for wanting out of Buffalo There is no situation in the league worse. So why not tear off the bandaid and do what you need to do to get out now. 

All the negative conditions you list can't be disputed. My worry is that there have been some reported rumblings made by Dahlin that the organization has to show that it is serious about changing things here to get on track. If he reaches that FU get me out of here threshold, then this franchise will have fallen completely into the abyss. And if Tuch doesn't want to sign another contract, that will be another indication that the players (insiders) know how bad things are within this ill-franchise. 

On a positive note, I really believe that if this front office, with the help of the former GM, can make a few consequential moves and do it adroitly without gutting the roster, there will be a glimmer of hope. I apologize for repeating myself but I strongly believe that if the goalie position is strengthened, that will be the most impactful move this franchise can make. That is not to say that other moves don't need to be made but the biggest bang for the buck is associated with that position. Losing Ullmark was a setback that hurt this franchise. I consider him to be a solid goalie and not an upper echelon goalie. With that type of backstopping this team is much better. Needless to say, this offseason is going to be intriguing to follow. The Sabres don't attract much attention from the hockey world during the season. Ironically, they may be the most compelling story this offseason. 

[Thorny]

So when do we all turn on JJ for asking out? 

[JohnC]

6 minutes ago, Believer said:

Well said, Archie.

Think your post captures the likely given reality most Sabres are experiencing in unspoken public disappointment or discontent.

There is no quick fix with Pegula and Adams in place, imo.

Prime years wasted by disrespect for the players.

Money is not the currency of the spirit.

Your last sentence captures essence that systemic losing is so corrosive and demoralizing to competitive players. 

[JohnC]

2 minutes ago, Thorny said:

So when do we all turn on JJ for asking out? 

Maybe some people do but I suspect most people understand why he or anyone else would want out of the stench house. 

[Thorny]

2 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Maybe some people do but I suspect most people understand why he or anyone else would want out of the stench house. 

Ya maybe we got there in the end.

[LabattBlue]

15 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Maybe some people do but I suspect most people understand why he or anyone else would want out of the stench house. 

Yep. At this point, I am not even sure why more Sabres aren’t tapping out.   

[Mr. Allen]

13 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

Yep. At this point, I am not even sure why more Sabres aren’t tapping out.   

Maybe we need all the stars of this team to go directly to Terry and tell him they want out if there’s no changes.  Something big needs to happen for Terry to wake up. 
Dahlin was a start.  Now we need more. 

[JohnC]

13 minutes ago, LabattBlue said:

Yep. At this point, I am not even sure why more Sabres aren’t tapping out.   

Believe me, a lot of fans have tapped out. Compare the somnolent fans at Sabre games with a lot of empty seats to the raucous Bandit fans sitting in a full house arena.
 

If the obtuse owner knew what he was doing the arena would mostly be filled on hockey game days. The irony is if the non-talking owner knew what he was doing he would be generating so much more revenue. He saved a pennies with how he operated his hockey business and ended up losing dollars. Not a very smart approach to business for a billionaire!

[Archie Lee]

46 minutes ago, JohnC said:

All the negative conditions you list can't be disputed. My worry is that there have been some reported rumblings made by Dahlin that the organization has to show that it is serious about changing things here to get on track. If he reaches that FU get me out of here threshold, then this franchise will have fallen completely into the abyss. And if Tuch doesn't want to sign another contract, that will be another indication that the players (insiders) know how bad things are within this ill-franchise. 

On a positive note, I really believe that if this front office, with the help of the former GM, can make a few consequential moves and do it adroitly without gutting the roster, there will be a glimmer of hope. I apologize for repeating myself but I strongly believe that if the goalie position is strengthened, that will be the most impactful move this franchise can make. That is not to say that other moves don't need to be made but the biggest bang for the buck is associated with that position. Losing Ullmark was a setback that hurt this franchise. I consider him to be a solid goalie and not an upper echelon goalie. With that type of backstopping this team is much better. Needless to say, this offseason is going to be intriguing to follow. The Sabres don't attract much attention from the hockey world during the season. Ironically, they may be the most compelling story this offseason. 

I am generally a “the off-season is a time for optimism” guy. I’m trying to engage in my usual off-season routine of considering what I think are reasonable options for improving the roster and moving to being a playoff squad. I just can’t quite get there though. The best scenario that I can imagine realistically unfolding, is that we fluke into a line-up configuration that includes 2-3 players who have career type years and/or who have personalities that transcend the doom and gloom (or both), and we get to a wild-card position. The downside of that is that it will likely mean an extension for Adams and he will then need to prove it wasn’t a fluke, which I would bet against him doing.

I’m not a cynic, but I am capable of cynicism. No team in the league for this coming season, will be worse positioned than the Sabres for a “that went south quickly” moment. There is a far higher than zero chance that they get booed off the ice at the home opener. I don’t think the players  are going to go through any walls for this owner, GM, and HC. 

[sabremike]

32 minutes ago, Mr. Allen said:

Maybe we need all the stars of this team to go directly to Terry and tell him they want out if there’s no changes.  Something big needs to happen for Terry to wake up. 
Dahlin was a start.  Now we need more. 

He's too ***** stupid to care. Worst owner in hockey history.

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

I am generally a “the off-season is a time for optimism” guy. I’m trying to engage in my usual off-season routine of considering what I think are reasonable options for improving the roster and moving to being a playoff squad. I just can’t quite get there though. The best scenario that I can imagine realistically unfolding, is that we fluke into a line-up configuration that includes 2-3 players who have career type years and/or who have personalities that transcend the doom and gloom (or both), and we get to a wild-card position. The downside of that is that it will likely mean an extension for Adams and he will then need to prove it wasn’t a fluke, which I would bet against him doing.

I’m not a cynic, but I am capable of cynicism. No team in the league for this coming season, will be worse positioned than the Sabres for a “that went south quickly” moment. There is a far higher than zero chance that they get booed off the ice at the home opener. I don’t think the players  are going to go through any walls for this owner, GM, and HC. 

I have been blunt in my contempt for this clueless stubborn owner. What he has done to the Sabres in degrading the franchise and fanbase is similar to what Danny Snyder, the sleazy former owner did to the Washington Redskins/Commanders. Dan Snyder surrounded himself with sycophants so he could play/meddle with his toy football team. Eventually, he was forced out by the other owners who got tired of him and his sleazy act. But the underlying reason for wanting him gone is that he dramatically diminished the value of an NFL franchise and indirectly detracting from their value. He walked away with many billions $$$$ in profit after the sale but he was so scorned that he had to leave the country for a while to get away from the national and local scorn. He's rich but an un-respected human being. (I want to stress that I'm not comparing the two owners from a personal character standpoint but am do so from how they manage their respective franchises.)

What are my expectations for the upcoming season? I still believe that if the organization handles its business smartly that it should be vying for a wild-card position. When one watches a fraction of the playoffs games the realization how far back we are from SC contention is starkly evident. My mentality is to take one step at a time. It's tough to handle knowing that the owner and pigmy GM are still running the show. 

 

[Second Line Center]

So Pegula’s play is get to about 5,000 fans a game and thus have the excuse to finally sell the team to an owner that will be moving them to Houston? 
 

Or Atlanta for the 3rd time? 

Is that how this plays out?  

[DarthEbriate]

10 minutes ago, Second Line Center said:

So Pegula’s play is get to about 5,000 fans a game and thus have the excuse to finally sell the team to an owner that will be moving them to Houston? 
 

Or Atlanta for the 3rd time? 

Is that how this plays out?  

Dahlin and TNT would've been traded long ago and Pegula would be icing an AHL team at the cap floor, with a coach he didn't have a personal connection to, to do that.

This is worse. They're just this inept and haven't really learned anything about roster construction after 14 years of ownership. They've made a couple strides in the last couple years: they're trying to slowly build around a couple very good players (Dahlin, TNT), they found a good middle six player (McLeod) and haven't lost him yet, and I think Ruff's input last year finally showed that roster roles are more important than friendships and potential (keeping Zucker/Greenway, but moving Cozens). Still no clue with goaltending, defensive defensemen, or center strength -- you had ROR and Eichel (and Reinhart, who's proven to be a wing) and were like... nah, let's go with TNT (a winger) and Mittelstadt, who the coaches didn't like enough to start the season on the active roster over an 18 year-old Cozens, and Cozens himself who will also probably prove to be a wing in the long run.

[That Aud Smell]

3 hours ago, Thorny said:

So when do we all turn on JJ for asking out? 

when did you start peddling in troll sh1t?

[PerreaultForever]

The latest 32 Thoughts comment (that is that Buffalo was not interested in moving him but is now open to listening) makes me think they made Peterka a solid offer and he rejected it and/or has asked to be moved. I suspect he's going to be moved and we just have to hope it isn't the start of another exodus. 

3 hours ago, Thorny said:

So when do we all turn on JJ for asking out? 

I won't. I do not blame any Sabre for wanting out. If you were drafted by them and after 5 years of futility saw this stay the course attitude wouldn't you want out? 

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Second Line Center said:

So Pegula’s play is get to about 5,000 fans a game and thus have the excuse to finally sell the team to an owner that will be moving them to Houston? 
 

Or Atlanta for the 3rd time? 

Is that how this plays out?  

 No. My understanding is that when Golisano sold the team to Pegula he had a clause in the sale contract that prevented the buyer to sell the team to anyone who was going to relocate the franchise. Is that clause enforceable or are there work arounds? I don’t know. It should be considered that Pegula also owns two other franchises in the area so maybe that will be an inhibiting factor to who he sells to if that is what he wants to do.

The hiring and retention of KA after a failed stint should disqualify this big boat guy as a hockey owner. These were reckless and stupid decisions. Frankly, I’m tired of this rich and stubborn fellow.

[Brawndo]

Joe Marino suggested a JJP for Jordan Kyrou swap. It needs to be done before 7/1 as Kyrou has a NMC starting then. This would be a great deal for Buffalo. Kyrou is signed long term at 8.125 AAV

[JohnC]

4 minutes ago, Brawndo said:

Joe Marino suggested a JJP for Jordan Kyrou swap. It needs to be done before 7/1 as Kyrou has a NMC starting then. This would be a great deal for Buffalo. Kyrou is signed long term at 8.125 AAV

What’s really sad is that we know that when a player has a NMC there is  good chance that Buffalo is on that ”hell no” list. Thank you Mr. Pegula for putting us on the stench list of undesirables.

[LGR4GM]

9 minutes ago, JohnC said:

What’s really sad is that we know that when a player has a NMC there is  good chance that Buffalo is on that ”hell no” list. Thank you Mr. Pegula for putting us on the stench list of undesirables.

Omg we get it. Every post doesn't need to be about Pegula and how much he sucks. 

[JohnC]

1 minute ago, LGR4GM said:

Omg we get it. Every post doesn't need to be about Pegula and how much he sucks. 

For me it is He’s crushed this franchise. If you  don’t like the comment just ignore it. Simple solution. 

[Pimlach]

4 hours ago, Thorny said:

So when do we all turn on JJ for asking out? 

I think we are past that.   We can see how poorly this run.  Loyalty goes both ways.