Based on my assessment and some discussions with folks that I know, Bryan Allan may be a likely early target for Buffalo. Why I asked?
He hits, he is big, blocks shots and eats minutes.....the perfect pairing for 2 to 3 years for Myers, until McNab is ready and Myers matures some more. The stay at home Allan may provide the stability for a twin tower pairing with Myers that will give Myers more opportunity to jump into the rush.. This move would allow Buffalo the luxury of moving Sekera in a deal for someone like Gagner in Edmonton or perhaps Sekera and Hodgson to get Getzlaf and or Weber with Adam for Ott....assuming that they cannot sign any other free agents.

However, besides Allan, I think they will target Parise.
Parise has always been a target, but do not be surprised if Buffalo also signs Langenbrunner right at the buzzer to help persuade Parise to come to Buffalo. Arnott is also a possibility, but he and Langenbrunner will need to be reasonable in contract demands as they were with St. Louis.

If Parise chooses to go elsewhere, Jokinen and Doan will likely become the main target (like Leino and Cole became last year, when Richards gave indications of NY being his preferred destination), although if there is any indication already that Parise intends to head elsewhere, then these two guys will become the primary targets right away.

In summary, Allan, Jokinen and Doan...likely would cost about 10 to 12 million cap hit per year on some long term contracts.....
Parise on his own will cost $10 million. Arnott and Langenbrunner should not cost more than $4 million combined cap hit for the next 2 years

If all else fails, Jay McClement will be targeted. Why? Buffalo must come away with someone who can play center and win draws on the PK like Gaustad did. This guy can do it very well, without this Buffalo will need to bring in a specialist like Zigomanis.

One year deal. Can one year hurt that much? Give the guy a chance to show what he can do. Don't re-sign him if he sucks.

79pts in 62 games
84pts in 73 games.


Like boos, *shrugs*


AND he plays the bongos.
- CaptainRivet

Also would give one year for Grigs and Girgs to get ready.

Rico!!!!!

Off to read that post...

I wan't both 1st rounders to play this season! Lol I like seeing new faces and they would be a upgrade over the garbage we have on the 3rd/4th

i dunno, i just kinda don't want any lazy Ruskies on the team.
- EricNearBuffalo

which is understandable.

did some math for the past 6 years.

Semin averages 64.3 pts in 69.5 games a year

Vanek averages 66.5 pts in 77.6 games a year

Both are labeled lazy, Semin probably more so.

Idk, to me, a one year deal wouldnt be the end of the world. but I really doubt it happens. REALLY doubt.

Why?
- rmiethaner

Hes not a superstar, dont need to trade Ennis+ for him

which is understandable.

did some math for the past 6 years.

Semin averages 64.3 pts in 69.5 games a year

Vanek averages 66.5 pts in 77.6 games a year

Both are labeled lazy, Semin probably more so.

Idk, to me, a one year deal wouldnt be the end of the world. but I really doubt it happens. REALLY doubt.
- CaptainRivet

Semin said he HATES buffalo... Why would he sign here?

Semin said he HATES buffalo... Why would he sign here?
- Smittyx36

I said I REALLY doubt he would sign here.

and that was Kovalchuk who said that.

For the last 18 years or so the Sabres have been built around 2nd line and lower talent. Sure, they'll have maybe one or two top line players like Hasek and almost Vanek and hopefully Myers. Stanley Cup winning teams are built around top line players. Look at the LA Kings, Penguins, Blackhawks just to name a few.

The Sabres can settle for their 2nd line "nice" players like Tyler Ennis, or they can deal him and try to get another 1st line player/winger and not settle anymore.

I said I REALLY doubt he would sign here.

and that was Kovalchuk who said that.
- CaptainRivet

pretty sure it was semin. I'm 99.9% sure. He said buffalo is the worst to play in. The place is boring and cold. Something like that.

Hes not a superstar, dont need to trade Ennis+ for him
- sbroads24

So Ennis is a superstar?

Edit: Not trying to fight.

Based on my assessment and some discussions with folks that I know, Bryan Allan may be a likely early target for Buffalo. Why I asked?
He hits, he is big, blocks shots and eats minutes.....the perfect pairing for 2 to 3 years for Myers, until McNab is ready and Myers matures some more. The stay at home Allan may provide the stability for a twin tower pairing with Myers that will give Myers more opportunity to jump into the rush.. This move would allow Buffalo the luxury of moving Sekera in a deal for someone like Gagner in Edmonton or perhaps Sekera and Hodgson to get Getzlaf and or Weber with Adam for Ott....assuming that they cannot sign any other free agents.

However, besides Allan, I think they will target Parise.
Parise has always been a target, but do not be surprised if Buffalo also signs Langenbrunner right at the buzzer to help persuade Parise to come to Buffalo. Arnott is also a possibility, but he and Langenbrunner will need to be reasonable in contract demands as they were with St. Louis.

If Parise chooses to go elsewhere, Jokinen and Doan will likely become the main target (like Leino and Cole became last year, when Richards gave indications of NY being his preferred destination), although if there is any indication already that Parise intends to head elsewhere, then these two guys will become the primary targets right away.

In summary, Allan, Jokinen and Doan...likely would cost about 10 to 12 million cap hit per year on some long term contracts.....
Parise on his own will cost $10 million. Arnott and Langenbrunner should not cost more than $4 million combined cap hit for the next 2 years

If all else fails, Jay McClement will be targeted. Why? Buffalo must come away with someone who can play center and win draws on the PK like Gaustad did. This guy can do it very well, without this Buffalo will need to bring in a specialist like Zigomanis.
- RicoMartin

I said I REALLY doubt he would sign here.

and that was Kovalchuk who said that.
- CaptainRivet

Oh Myy!

So Ennis is a superstar?

Edit: Not trying to fight.
- rmiethaner

No he's not

For the last 18 years or so the Sabres have been built around 2nd line and lower talent. Sure, they'll have maybe one or two top line players like Hasek and almost Vanek and hopefully Myers. Stanley Cup winning teams are built around top line players. Look at the LA Kings, Penguins, Blackhawks just to name a few.

The Sabres can settle for their 2nd line "nice" players like Tyler Ennis, or they can deal him and try to get another 1st line player/winger and not settle anymore.
- GilPerreault

I could not agree more.

Nick Antropov is in Buffalo now, came in this morning just found out.

So Ennis is a superstar?

Edit: Not trying to fight.
- rmiethaner

perhaps the Sabres DO trade Ennis for Ryan. This leaves a gaping
hole at center.

But what if they turn around then and trade Vanek for a top flight center?

pretty sure it was semin. I'm 99.9% sure. He said buffalo is the worst to play in. The place is boring and cold. Something like that.
- Smittyx36

Kovalchuk stuck up for Max and said the place is boring, Lindy sucks and that there is "no smiling in Buffalo"

No he's not
- SABRES 89

This is U.S. History, I see a globe right there.

Nick Antropov is in Buffalo now, came in this morning just found out.
- SABRES 89

is he a free agent?

Nick Antropov is in Buffalo now, came in this morning just found out.
- SABRES 89

You think he's a KISS fan???

Nick Antropov is in Buffalo now, came in this morning just found out.
- SABRES 89

Really? He is signed for another year at just over 4 mil per.

Kovalchuk stuck up for Max and said the place is boring, Lindy sucks and that there is "no smiling in Buffalo"
- CaptainRivet

maybe its a russian thing... i know semin said he disliked b lo

maybe its a russian thing... i know semin said he disliked b lo
- Smittyx36

probably is a Russian thing.


Grigo

is he a free agent?
- CaptainRivet

No, but I just got a call that he's in Buffalo checked in until Monday. Don't shoot the messanger.