don't be so sure...I believe one of the reasons he signed with buffalo was the proximity to his hometown near Rochester...and don't forget, he has his name on the cup already
- Michael Pachla

Fair point. Hadn't thought of that. All though to play devils advocate. Couldn't management tell Gionta we likely aren't going to bring you back after the year and if you're considering hanging up the skates wouldn't you want another decent shot at the cup? Gionta doesn't strike me as a guy who doesn't want to win. I'm sure if you asked him would he rather get a second cup or retire without being in the playoffs again he'd take the playoffs. So I guess we'll see.

So we all agree that there is too much dead weight on this team, and we eagerly look forward to replacing them with our prospects, and others via trade or FA.
Me thinks this team is still in a world of hurt, as is shown in the "analysis" below ... we just don't have enough in the pipeline ... which leads me to the realization that Murray is going to need to go the FA route to fill a couple of holes even in view of Trade Deadline deals...

Deadweight:
Forwards
Moulson, Grant, Gionta
DeLo,

Defense
Franson, Gorges

On-the-Fence
Forwards
Girgenson, Ennis
Defense
Bogo, Kuli

Replacements, Ready Now
Forwards
Bailey, Baptiste, Fasching?, Carrier?
Defense
Guhle

Replacements, 1 year or more away
Forwards
Nylander, Asplund, Pu
Defense
Borgan, Fitzgerald, Martin


- IonSabres

you have players in the dead weight category that i would be pretty happy with moving for a pick. they are taking up cap space that can be used for ufas or (probably better) allow the sabres to actually take on salary in a trade. i dont quite understand the deslauriers hate, hes our 13th forward, we barely score 2 goals a game, hes not anywhere near the problem.

Fair point. Hadn't thought of that. All though to play devils advocate. Couldn't management tell Gionta we likely aren't going to bring you back after the year and if you're considering hanging up the skates wouldn't you want another decent shot at the cup? Gionta doesn't strike me as a guy who doesn't want to win. I'm sure if you asked him would he rather get a second cup or retire without being in the playoffs again he'd take the playoffs. So I guess we'll see.
- bluengold12

When he signed with Buffalo he knew he probably wasn't going to get another run at the Cup and he signed the NMC to be sure he could stay close to his family during this time. He's not going to waive.

you have players in the dead weight category that i would be pretty happy with moving for a pick. they are taking up cap space that can be used for ufas or (probably better) allow the sabres to actually take on salary in a trade. i dont quite understand the deslauriers hate, hes our 13th forward, we barely score 2 goals a game, hes not anywhere near the problem.
- rover16

The problem with Deslauries is guys like him Grant and Girgensons don't belong in the top 12 of an NHL club right now. Okay Girgensons maybe is at best a 4th liner. But when you have two young guys in the top 15 in scoring in the AHL in Bailey and Baptiste it's utterly and completely ridiculous not to give them a shot. Carrier is a much better version of Deslauries. He's faster, has just as great - if not more of a work ethic and about 10x more talent.

When he signed with Buffalo he knew he probably wasn't going to get another run at the Cup and he signed the NMC to be sure he could stay close to his family during this time. He's not going to waive.
- Der Kaiser

I guess we'll see about that. Regardless I think a trade centering around Bailey, two seconds and another cheap effective NHL forward Girgensons maybe? would be appealing to Anaheim for Fowler

When he signed with Buffalo he knew he probably wasn't going to get another run at the Cup and he signed the NMC to be sure he could stay close to his family during this time. He's not going to waive.
- Der Kaiser

Adding he loves it here and so does his family. Pretty much wants to retire here.

I guess we'll see about that. Regardless I think a trade centering around Bailey, two seconds and another cheap effective NHL forward Girgensons maybe? would be appealing to Anaheim for Fowler
- bluengold12

Maybe, i still dont believe fowler is good enough. We need better. Plus isnt he a ufa next year? not down to give him a massive raise.

Maybe, i still dont believe fowler is good enough. We need better. Plus isnt he a ufa next year? not down to give him a massive raise.
- Sabresfan-365

He's been on fire this year. He's definitely good enough. Would be the best LHD we've had here since Jay Mckee and Brian Campbell. Worth the money.

Maybe, i still dont believe fowler is good enough. We need better. Plus isnt he a ufa next year? not down to give him a massive raise.
- Sabresfan-365

Chances he ends up being the same as Franson or Bogo? A High priced expectation ?

He's been on fire this year. He's definitely good enough. Would be the best LHD we've had here since Jay Mckee and Brian Campbell. Worth the money.
- bluengold12

Hes been sheltered on a great anaheim defense. still a lot of holes in his game.

Chances he ends up being the same as Franson or Bogo? A High priced expectation ?
- cabin

This is exactly what im worried about cabin. Take him away from a juggernaut D and give him more responsibility then watch him crumble

Hes been sheltered on a great anaheim defense. still a lot of holes in his game.
- Sabresfan-365

That and he's slowed down since his hot start. I'd be fine getting him, but that's another guy you end up giving up assets for and then signing to a big contract. Pass

That and he's slowed down since his hot start. I'd be fine getting him, but that's another guy you end up giving up assets for and then signing to a big contract. Pass
- sbroads24

I wouldn't be because we've got one more shot at a big move via trade. it can't be wasted on a guy like him. If we were flush that'd be a different story. Get me someone we don't have to worry about.

Tim Graham – Verified account ‏@ByTimGraham

I'm told Bills WR Sammy Watkins will have another foot surgery this week

People in Buffalo are irritating waiting for a parking space and the person behind me is beeping the horn

People are irritating
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Fixed for accuracy

People in Buffalo are irritating waiting for a parking space and the person behind me is beeping the horn
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Reminds me of the sub counter.

This is hilarious and this is terrible

Oh to be a Bills fan

Reminds me of the sub counter.
- cabin

Good point.
Do you understand now, junior?

Whaley's going down in flames

Whaley's going down in flames
- Michael Pachla

Whaley's going down in flames
- Michael Pachla

How the hell he still has a job right now is beyond me

- cabin

the media's murdering him

How the hell he still has a job right now is beyond me
- Stripes77

because he's willing to face the firing squad for the organization