gonna be interesting to see what murray can do...it ain't a great fa year, but he seems more hell-bent on trading anyways...wonder if he has something up his sleeve with Edmonton (other than Orphen's McDavid rumor)
- Michael Pachla

I keep bringing up the Sabres being "Edmonton East," but what Murray can do in this offseason is going to be the deciding factor as to how they look next year. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to who's available or has a year on their contract or whatever, But if we can find someone with a year left than can play legit first line center for us, we would be in great shape. I think Rinehart could use some AHL time and if Eichel demands NHL time or he's going back to School, he' should be eased in on the 2nd/3rd line....leaving Girgensons as the other 2nd/3rd line center. If we can get someone to hold down the #1 center position until the trade deadline, we might actually look okay next year....

Some guys are the exception and can put money aside and actually want to win. I would put Boyle and Ehrhoff in that category. Ehrhoff just came off getting paid a zillion dollars by us and Boyle is getting to a stage where he has made a lot of money and wants his best chance at winning. NYR and Pitt were better short term options for winning.

I have a buddy that was an assistant GM for years in the NHL and he told me that for most guys winning is way down on a guys list of places to go as a FA unless they have made a lot of money in their career and just want a chance to win.
- BigStew

nice, stewie...that's why all the vets went to Detroit on the cheap...a shot at the cup with the latest being Daniel alfredsson...

seems as if the wings have dropped down a bit in that area

I keep bringing up the Sabres being "Edmonton East," but what Murray can do in this offseason is going to be the deciding factor as to how they look next year. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to who's available or has a year on their contract or whatever, But if we can find someone with a year left than can play legit first line center for us, we would be in great shape. I think Rinehart could use some AHL time and if Eichel demands NHL time or he's going back to School, he' should be eased in on the 2nd/3rd line....leaving Girgensons as the other 2nd/3rd line center. If we can get someone to hold down the #1 center position until the trade deadline, we might actually look okay next year....
- seedy

am of the belief that Girgensons can hold the fort on the top line until eichel is ready...

*shrugs*

I just think he's that good of a player

am of the belief that Girgensons can hold the fort on the top line until eichel is ready...

*shrugs*

I just think he's that good of a player
- Michael Pachla

I totally agree with you. I could just see people complain that he's not "doing enough" as a top line center...."20 goals? What a joke!"
....something along those lines. If there's one player on our team I don't want to see "ruined" it's him.

i'm with ya, my brotha...I know you're not a big fan, but that's one of the reasons I want to see the team reel in babcock if possible...instant credibility...

if not, it will be a slow process that can only be helped along by winning, imo
- Michael Pachla

I don't have a problem with them hiring Babcock I think it's a great hire and he will put in a system that these young and old players can go with to take this team where it should be.

gonna be interesting to see what murray can do...it ain't a great fa year, but he seems more hell-bent on trading anyways...wonder if he has something up his sleeve with Edmonton (other than Orphen's McDavid rumor)
- Michael Pachla

They want McDavid in the blue and gold as do I but, we would be giving up a lot to make that deal and in the long run is it worth it ?

They want McDavid in the blue and gold as do I but, we would be giving up a lot to make that deal and in the long run is it worth it ?
- SABRES 89

I almost kind of prefer Eichel (not that we have even actually drafted him yet.) I think for a working class town, a guy who has to prove he is better than second place and actually plays the entire 200 feet of ice could be a real good thing. Him and Girgensons as our top two centers creates an identity for the team and the city. What has Crosby done for Pittsburgh lately?

Doesn't sound like Detroit is his top choice does it?
- Pierceme69

If he really wanted to stay, no.

They want McDavid in the blue and gold as do I but, we would be giving up a lot to make that deal and in the long run is it worth it ?
- SABRES 89

No. Then we'll end up like Edmonton with no "D".

They want McDavid in the blue and gold as do I but, we would be giving up a lot to make that deal and in the long run is it worth it ?
- SABRES 89

Nope. We would be idiotic to give up Eichel + a great piece to make that trade

Nope. We would be idiotic to give up Eichel + a great piece to make that trade
- sbroads24

I love what McDavid could do for us but the gap between McDavid+Babcock is not Ristolainen and more. Especially since they may get out of this with a very good coach anyways.

Nope. We would be idiotic to give up Eichel + a great piece to make that trade
- sbroads24

News Flash............ it would be a hell of a lot more then the #2 pick +

News Flash............ it would be a hell of a lot more then the #2 pick +
- SABRES 89

I know

at one time they could get almost any free agent the wanted...doing some back reading they offered boyle more money than the rangers but he landed in ny...they offered a longer term for ehrhoff at the same salary the penguins signed him for, but he went to Pittsburgh...

perhaps there's something to it...perhaps not

it's just unusual
- Michael Pachla

Detroit is a hell of a hockey franchise, but let's be real here. If there is a city in the US with a worse reputation than Buffalo it's Detroit.

Nope. We would be idiotic to give up Eichel + a great piece to make that trade
- sbroads24

If it's just Eichel and 1 piece I think you make that trade all day. When it's all said and done, IMO, you will see McDavid is a far superior player than Eichel. Which is not to disparage Eichel in any way.

I know
- sbroads24

You're going to see more of Darcy's (projects) picks be moved.

How many games will Brady get suspended?

If it's just Eichel and 1 piece I think you make that trade all day. When it's all said and done, IMO, you will see McDavid is a far superior player than Eichel. Which is not to disparage Eichel in any way.
- Pierceme69

Eichel plus Ristolainen sets us back so far. We would be searching for 2 top pairing defensemen to eventually be competitive

They want McDavid in the blue and gold as do I but, we would be giving up a lot to make that deal and in the long run is it worth it ?
- SABRES 89

any other players they're interested in?...oilers have forwards, sabres have defense...seems like a pretty good match

You're going to see more of Darcy's (projects) picks be moved.
- SABRES 89

Whiffed on that job in Vegas. Gonna have to just keeping visiting every year for now.

You're going to see more of Darcy's (projects) picks be moved.
- SABRES 89

Not for McDavid. Won't happen

If it's just Eichel and 1 piece I think you make that trade all day. When it's all said and done, IMO, you will see McDavid is a far superior player than Eichel. Which is not to disparage Eichel in any way.
- Pierceme69

It will be both 1st rounders we have +++ and who's to say if that will work. IMO, if the Oilers do move the pick I can't see many other teams getting involved. I doubt the Oilers want to move very far down in the draft, I would say we have the best chance.

Not for McDavid. Won't happen
- sbroads24

I didn't say for McDavid.

Whiffed on that job in Vegas. Gonna have to just keeping visiting every year for now.
- Pierceme69

Sorry to hear that.

Eichel plus Ristolainen sets us back so far. We would be searching for 2 top pairing defensemen to eventually be competitive
- sbroads24

I'd hate to lose Risto, but would you be surprised if a team with McDavid and Babcock were able to land a Doughty or Weber type FA? I wouldn't.