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Pegulas Always Get Their Man |
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Buffalo sports fans have perfected the fine art of waiting and winning.
For coaches and star players that is.
The anxiety and mood swings were well worth it when the Buffalo Bills landed coveted free agent defensive end Mario Williams. In the end, Bills fans got their man. Then Bills owner Ralph Wilson and his management team assessed their organizational needs and aggressively courted Williams. In the end, Williams saw the value in Buffalo's organization and signed a long term deal there. Williams embraced Buffalo and the rest is Bills history.
The Pegulas shocked the hockey world when they charmed NHL a-listers Steve Ott, Robyn Regehr and Christian Ehrhoff to Buffalo to play for their Sabres.
Terry and Kim Pegula also convinced Rex Ryan that Buffalo is the best place for he and his family, too.
Now, we sit and wait for Mike Babcock to make up his mind. His final decision will be known hopefully by this time on Wednesday. Babcoxk has spoken with Buffalo, Toronto, San Jose, St. Louis and Detroit. He has heard their pitches and seen their compensation package proposals. Today, he will meet briefly with his boss Ken Holland. Then, he will go home to speak with his wife and kids. Then, he will render his final decision.
The Toronto Star reported late Monday night Babcock is leaning towards re-signing with the Detroit Red Wings on a short-term basis.
Why?
Are the Red Wings going to win the Presidents Cup and Stanley Cup next season? Are Jimmy Howard and/or Petr Mrazek going to lead the NHL is goals against and save percentage? Is 37 year old Pavel Datsyuk going to win the Selke? Is 35 year old Henrik Zetterberg going to score 50 goals? Is 36 year old Nik Kronwall going to win the Norris Trophy? Are Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha going to play in Detroit next season and battle for rookie of the year honors?
Babcock knows the Wings like the back of his hand. He knows every scouting report on every player and prospect. Chapter and verse. So, why sign a short term deal to stay in Detroit?
Babcock hasn't made a major impulse purchase yet. So, why the buyer's remorse? Buying Buffalo isn't like buying an expensive blue and gold convertible.
Mike, nut up and tear off the damn bandage already.
Take your two year, $6.5 million contract extension in Detroit. Say goodbye to $40+ million in guaranteed salary and the opportunity to build a powerhouse in Buffalo using golden bricks Jack Eichel, Evander Kane, Zemgus Girgensons, Sam Reinhart, Rasmus Ristolainen, Nikita Zadorov, Tyler Ennis, Matt Moulson, Zach Bogosian, Mark Pysyk, Jake McCabe amd others. Tim Murray may end up trading for Datsyuk clone Ryan O'Reilly. Maybe Tyler Toffoli, too.
Buffalonians have been down this road before.
If Babcock stays in Detroit fine. So be it. Tim Murray would be wise to hire Luke Richardson and Jeff Blashill as his co-head coaches in Buffalo.
The Pegulas still have time left on the BabClock.
Is Babcock open to change?
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