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OK...We've got 2 weeks to think about it...two weeks to talk about it. I'm taking trade offers. What does your team need? Goaltender? Scoring forward? Offensive defenseman? Make me an offer...and I'll post all the potential trades in the next blog. Please, make ANY offer you want...but, as always, there are untouchables.
Don't make an offer involving Ryan Miller, Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, or Thomas Vanek. Miller and Vanek have too much of the future in them...and Drury and Briere are too important to the room. It's a strong core of players on the team...and it starts with those two. Other than those guys...I'm listening, and I'll let you know where I'm at...
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The Buffalo Sabres have 2 weeks to figure out what kind of team they have. I see it from both sides, and it's up to General Manager Darcy Regier to figure it out.
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Mindset #1
This team has the talent to be considered a contender. Buffalo is in 4th place in the East, with 77 points, just 2 behind Ottawa in the Northeast Division. The Sabres go to the break on a 9 game point streak, with wins over Ottawa, Philadelphia, and the New York Rangers in that stretch. The Sabres also got a point in Carolina, suffering a shootout loss. Simply put...they can skate with any team. Can they beat any team? Hmmm....
The Sabres are lacking one thing that comes in handy by playoff time � EXPERIENCE. It's probably what the team is looking for, and thinking of adding in the next few weeks.
It's a young team, with a lot of young guys stepping in on a regular basis. Thomas Vanek, Derek Roy, Jason Pominville, and Paul Gaustad have made HUGE contributions to this team, and the youth movement gives everyone reason to be excited.
That said...it's about to get crowded. Tim Connolly, Jochen Hecht, Daniel Briere, and Dmitri Kalinin are all slated to return after the Olympic break. Someone is going to have to sit...or be moved. Perhaps the Sabres would package a few guys, in the interest of "going for it".
It's been a while since the Sabres were in this position, so the fans are starting to say "let's do this...we can do this." I would agree. Given the right moves at the deadline, the Sabres could better their chances THIS year. However...it's a voice inside my head...it's back there...and it's screaming...
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Mindset #2
Youth. Depth. Salary cap era. If the Sabres trade away any current players...any young players that are showing promise...they're turning their backs on what could be MORE than just one year. If you're willing to trade Derek Roy, or Jason Pominville, or Daniel Paille (limited NHL action so far), then you're saying, "We're deep enough to make these moves, and say goodbye to these young talents."
I think Darcy Regier will play the trade deadline the SAME WAY he did free agency. He will NOT feel pressured to do anything. This team has the youth and the depth to remain competitive for many years to come, and that won't be sacrificed in the interest of getting PLAYER X, who comes in for 38 games, and then leaves town.
The Sabres have a number of "homegrown" talents on the team, that they can keep around for a while. Closing in on the trade deadline, is not a pressure packed time for Buffalo. They don't need a "spark". They aren't SEVERELY lacking in any one department. They could get better...but the weaknesses aren't completely obvious. With that in mind, why not just play out the season, reassess in the offseason and pick and choose new pieces from the free agent pool?
That's my bet. Stick it out...and remember it's about MORE than just this year.
So...NO TRADES...ahem...unless the right offer comes along...
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P.S. Hey Edmonton, Vancouver, and Colorado...didn't you want a goalie? I'm still listening...
P.P.S. Anyone want Max Afineganov? In my world...he's on the block...
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