Buffalo Sabres my offseason

by Steve

Sure, in a perfect world Linda and Darcy would be fired, Briere would be kicked to the curb, a slight rebuilding would occur. Didn't a so called rebuilding after last season work for the Senators? Linda and Darcy will be back, shit maybe even Briere will be back, but what, would I do?

The salary cap for the 2007/08 season looks to be around $48 million. Players under contract for next season are Afinogenov ($3.5 ), Campbell (1.75 and in a walk year), Connolly (3.2) Gaustad (.75 in a walk year), Hecht (2.35 walk year) Kalinin (2.25 wy), Kotalik (2.5), Lydman (2.9), Miller(2.5), Pominville (.925), Spacek (3.475), Tallinder (2.5) That equals $28.35 mil although the NHL salary cap takes the life of the of the contract and spreads it out equally against the cap for the life on the contract but its around $28 mil and leaves the Sabres (assuming they will spend up to the cap, who knows Golisano didn't have a choice last year, we'll see this off season) $20 mil under the cap. (All numbers taken from http://www.sabresinsider.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=
index&req=viewarticle&artid=129&page=1)

Ideally you dump Kalinen and Spacek but that will be close to impossible even more so with Jaroslav. Drury is the top priority, but he could easily hold the Sabres hostage as he knows he is their #1 priority. Lets face it this is Chris Drury's last huge contract for the rest of his life. "He's a winner, Captain clutch, little league world series mvp" etc etc. He wants to get paid. While the Sabres will try to pay him they may lose out on Briere who has said he doesn't need to "max out" his contract. Both will be looking at $6.5 to $7 mil per for at least 4 years to get either of them. Perhaps Drury will get less than Briere based solely on the stats but who knows.

Goals and assists (Briere) are easier to replace than heart and determination (Drury) also his size and experience out weigh Briere. Their difference in age isn't much of a deterrent, so throw the jack at Drury, see what Dan wants and if someone isn't out there that can score 35 goals for $1.5-$2 mil less, then add up the numbers and see if it works.

Vanek is next, he is a restrict free agent along with Derek "dive" Roy so the Sabres own their rights unless someone swoops in and offers them a huge contract the Sabres wouldn't be willing to match. Well if that happens the Sabres would get at least 2 first round picks and up to 4 first round picks if the contract is north of $5 mill or so. So both should/will be with the Sabres next season.

Bring up Paetsch to replace Numminen who, thank god will be gone, although the Sabres haven't brough up a defenseman from the farm as a part of their top 6 since 2002. Hope someone takes a flier on Kalinen, and then see where we are on the blue line. Let Mair walk, bring in a solid forward like Mair but with more scoring touch or an ability to get under someone's skin ala Chris Neil or bring back Mair and lock him in a room with Tucker and Rob Ray and see what happens.

Obviously promoting from within is a cheaper and perhaps smart method than goin' crazy in free agency. There are players like Paille and Stafford who should/could be on the team next year. Mike Ryan is unrestricted and probably will end up else where. Another interesting piece to the puzzle is Dainius Zubrus. He is an UFA but shouldn't cost too much. He has the size and grit, although failed to score a goal in the post season but tallied 24 in the regular season (although mostly with Ovechkin) he should be pursued by Darcy but not at an exuberant expense.

The Sabres defense needs to get tougher and meaner. Sure Tallinder and Lydman are a solid pairing but are opposing teams forwards afraid to go in the corners and bang with them? Doubt it, so the Sabres need to look defense in free agency and quickly. All you need to do is look at what Mckee got last year and shake your head. Perhaps a trade with the pool of the young forwards on the farm and a veteran for a highly touted beast in the corners. The possibilities are endless.

The Sabres had their best look at a Cup last year after the lock out. They were a few bounces and over time goals away from a chance this year. The team is and probably will remain good. They have a coach that can get them some what deep into the playoffs and retaining Briere/Drury will keep the nucleus in tact. Players like Pommers Roysey and Vans still have upside so this shit doesn't need to be blown up. So, what I'm tryin to say is I'll give Darcy and Linda one last chance to AT LEAST GET TO THE FINALS or big changes may need to come next summer. Darcy and B. Tom are on the clock.