The cap will likely rise back to $70M+ for the 14-15 season. If the NHL didnt have a lockout, they were on pace to break $4B in HRR which is $0.8B more than they made in 11-12. Next season the NHL will probably make no less than $4.5B in HRR. Especially with all the outdoor games.
- theblueandgold

Yes, but you forget, the players make much less as a percentage of the overall revenue now under the new agreement. You also have to accept that Minny's only chance is if they make playoffs the next two years. If they don't, Leiopold will find himself in a financial bind. Trust me, as a Predator fan, I know. This coming year, I see Minny fighting for the 4th spot. The next year, I don't see the competing unless they get thier financial situation in order. And my whole family is from Minny, so I have followed this team for 30+ years. I know the team.

Yes, but you forget, the players make much less as a percentage of the overall revenue now under the new agreement. You also have to accept that Minny's only chance is if they make playoffs the next two years. If they don't, Leiopold will find himself in a financial bind. Trust me, as a Predator fan, I know. This coming year, I see Minny fighting for the 4th spot. The next year, I don't see the competing unless they get thier financial situation in order. And my whole family is from Minny, so I have followed this team for 30+ years. I know the team.
- dgutzman

Who did you follow from 93 to 97? Do you really know the team? Really?

Who did you follow from 93 to 97? Do you really know the team? Really?
- bjm1717

Well, I did what everyone else did. I paid more attention to the gophers and UMD. Granted they were average at best during that time frame and their best years were a few years away, but it was better then nothing. It wasn't like I could have been a Predator fan during that time either.

Who did you follow from 93 to 97? Do you really know the team? Really?
- bjm1717

1993-2000 (they were established in 97, but didnt play til 2000)

would you deal foligno+ 2nd round pick (+ maybe 5th rounder)
for michael del zotto?

would you deal foligno+ 2nd round pick (+ maybe 5th rounder)
for michael del zotto?
- webleedblue

Not a chance
Nothing against Del Zotto,
But our defense is pretty set for quite a while
Ehrhoff is a lock
Then we have FOUR guys that were 1st round picks
Myers & Pysyk, and then the two guys we drafted this year in Ristolainen & Zadorov
Plus we have Mike Weber, who some Sabres fans think should be named Captain... not me, but he is signed for 3 more years
And we also have McNabb, who is NHL ready... & Ruhwedel who was prob the 2nd best college free agent last year
Also, we have McCabe coming soon & he looked GREAT as the teamUSA captain for the World JRs where we won gold

Even if you only consider Weber a good 3rd pair guy,
We still only need 3 of the other 7 to become solid top4 guys to go with Ehrhoff

And since we're clearly "rebuilding" we have time to let them develop

Not that Del Zotto doesn't also have nice potential,
"Defense" just happens to be a strength of our organization looking into the future

I'm not a Darcy Regier fan but I don't think he was getting offered what Vanek is worth, this situation is the same as Columbus trading Nash. Nash and Vanek are the same yet their games are completely different power vs finesse but the results are .43 goals per game for each so I am sure Regier is looking for the same type of return as Columbus received. What do you think is fair value for Vanek? Here is what I think using the NYI's as a trade partner:

Vanek and Adam to NYI

to Sabres...Brock Nelson, a 2014 1st round, a mid level roster player and a conditional 2014 3rd rounder if Vanek resigns. We take a little less unless Vanek resigns with the Islanders

Most will want Strome instead of Nelson but don't think he is available and maybe some will say Reinhart but D isn't our need. So your thoughts on what Vanek's trade value is?

But you said.....

I'm not a Darcy Regier fan but I don't think he was getting offered what Vanek is worth, this situation is the same as Columbus trading Nash. Nash and Vanek are the same yet their games are completely different power vs finesse but the results are .43 goals per game for each so I am sure Regier is looking for the same type of return as Columbus received. What do you think is fair value for Vanek? Here is what I think using the NYI's as a trade partner:

Vanek and Adam to NYI

to Sabres...Brock Nelson, a 2014 1st round, a mid level roster player and a conditional 2014 3rd rounder if Vanek resigns. We take a little less unless Vanek resigns with the Islanders

Most will want Strome instead of Nelson but don't think he is available and maybe some will say Reinhart but D isn't our need. So your thoughts on what Vanek's trade value is?
- Leninthebuff

Nelson and a 1st + a decent player would be a good return. He won't get a Nash return, unless he signs first.

I think vanek will get about the same return at the deadline as he would this summer (im thinking a pominville or bobby ryan type of deal).

The problem is having him on the roster all season is detrimental- more meaningless wins and one less spot in the lineup for a developing player. Not to mention a player with one foot out the door in a room full of kids.

I wish something would happen but honestly at this point the trade market always goes very quiet as we head into August.
- sabresfandan

Also I just don't know who'd pay fair value for Vanek/Miller. Vanek is a fantastic player but a rental. Same thing with Miller and I haven't looked at him the same way since that Lucic incident. He's also older than Vanek.

I think Darcy is in a Mike Gillis/Bobby Lou situation. He has a player that he clearly wants to move but he can't find fair value anywhere. Ultimately he might just have to keep them around for the time being.

Also I just don't know who'd pay fair value for Vanek/Miller. Vanek is a fantastic player but a rental. Same thing with Miller and I haven't looked at him the same way since that Lucic incident. He's also older than Vanek.

I think Darcy is in a Mike Gillis/Bobby Lou situation. He has a player that he clearly wants to move but he can't find fair value anywhere. Ultimately he might just have to keep them around for the time being.
- TheJerseyDevil1

Also I don't see Stafford as having much value with his deal. I think Buff would have to take back a poopty contract in order to move him out. I think he's in it for the whole rebuild, which isn't the worst thing in the world. Have to have someone who isn't a kid in the lineup in any good rebuild.

Also I just don't know who'd pay fair value for Vanek/Miller. Vanek is a fantastic player but a rental. Same thing with Miller and I haven't looked at him the same way since that Lucic incident. He's also older than Vanek.

I think Darcy is in a Mike Gillis/Bobby Lou situation. He has a player that he clearly wants to move but he can't find fair value anywhere. Ultimately he might just have to keep them around for the time being.
- TheJerseyDevil1

What about the incident specifically changed your view of him?

What about the incident specifically changed your view of him?
- Buffalo--Sabres

Honestly not trolling, but I don't know I don't feel like he's been the same goalie. You guys've watched him more than me though, how do you think he's looked? He just doesn't seem to be the same guy that was in the olympics a few years back.

Honestly not trolling, but I don't know I don't feel like he's been the same goalie. You guys've watched him more than me though, how do you think he's looked? He just doesn't seem to be the same guy that was in the olympics a few years back.
- TheJerseyDevil1

He seems to have let a lot more goals in high glove since then.....oh wait, he always did that.

Honestly not trolling, but I don't know I don't feel like he's been the same goalie. You guys've watched him more than me though, how do you think he's looked? He just doesn't seem to be the same guy that was in the olympics a few years back.
- TheJerseyDevil1

I don't think its incident related. I just think he peaked in the Olympic year. Then to make things worse for his image out team since has tanked. Statistically we've had horrible puck possession and awful defense.

***Note to Sabres posters, lets not start a Ryan Miller pissing contest. I thank you in advance. ***

I don't think its incident related. I just think he peaked in the Olympic year. Then to make things worse for his image out team since has tanked. Statistically we've had horrible puck possession and awful defense.

***Note to Sabres posters, lets not start a Ryan Miller pissing contest. I thank you in advance. ***
- Buffalo--Sabres

That's true, didn't think about that. Hope I didn't open the flood gates on Miller hate, just looking for anything to talk about during this time of year.

I survived!!!!

He seems to have let a lot more goals in high glove since then.....oh wait, he always did that.
- sambarugh

Every goalie does. Jonathon Quick is weak high glove side, same with the guy that just won the cup

I don't think its incident related. I just think he peaked in the Olympic year. Then to make things worse for his image out team since has tanked. Statistically we've had horrible puck possession and awful defense.

***Note to Sabres posters, lets not start a Ryan Miller pissing contest. I thank you in advance. ***
- Buffalo--Sabres

So you'd agree his best days are behind him.

Do you think he's due a new multi-year contract and a salary raise to go with it, whether here or elsewhere?

I do not.

That's true, didn't think about that. Hope I didn't open the flood gates on Miller hate, just looking for anything to talk about during this time of year.
- TheJerseyDevil1

Its not your fault. Some people cant help themselves.

Its not your fault. Some people cant help themselves.
- Buffalo--Sabres

You stated an opinion that Miller's play was not affected by the Lucic hit, AND that he peaked in 2010... I agreed with the peaking in 2010 part and asked you a legit question. Be a man and answer, or stay away from it.

If this is Miller bashing in your view, then take off the dress.

I think vanek will get about the same return at the deadline as he would this summer (im thinking a pominville or bobby ryan type of deal).

The problem is having him on the roster all season is detrimental- more meaningless wins and one less spot in the lineup for a developing player. Not to mention a player with one foot out the door in a room full of kids.
- battelmt

I guess it depends, but I don't think Vanek is going to garner 2 top prospects and 1st and 2nd round picks at the trade deadline. Not unless that team knows with absolute certainty that he will sign long term.

Yes, but you forget, the players make much less as a percentage of the overall revenue now under the new agreement. You also have to accept that Minny's only chance is if they make playoffs the next two years. If they don't, Leiopold will find himself in a financial bind. Trust me, as a Predator fan, I know. This coming year, I see Minny fighting for the 4th spot. The next year, I don't see the competing unless they get thier financial situation in order. And my whole family is from Minny, so I have followed this team for 30+ years. I know the team.
- dgutzman

Maybe you should have said you've followed Minnesota hockey for 30+ years. The Preds have been around for 15 years, and the Wild were established after them. It makes your math a bit impossible.

OMG 14 HOURS WITHOUT A NEW SABRES BLOG WHAT WILL I DO