Sabres-Vanek

[CatScrap]

This past season is his second worst season since his rookie year, and barely. Anybody here think this is just an off year for him or did we waste ALOT of money and cap space signing what is turning out to be a mid level sniper? I mean he's basically got the same stats as Knuble and Samuelsson.

 

[mattola]

This past season is his second worst season since his rookie year, and barely. Anybody here think this is just an off year for him or did we waste ALOT of money and cap space signing what is turning out to be a mid level sniper? I mean he's basically got the same stats as Knuble and Samuelsson.

imagine if you let him go to Edmonton

 

[puckhead]

imagine if you let him go to Edmonton

ooooohhh... low blow
what was the comp - FOUR 1st round picks?

 

[mattola]

ooooohhh... low blow
what was the comp - FOUR 1st round picks?

I believe so. would that have included this years? I still think they would have been worst in the league too.

I meant no kick in the berries to Sabres fans.... sometimes the non signings are the best...

 

[gtown27]

I believe so. would that have included this years? I still think they would have been worst in the league too.

I meant no kick in the berries to Sabres fans.... sometimes the non signings are the best...

Yeah, hindsight is 20/20, but everyone knows that when Briere and Drury departed on July 1, if they let Vanek walk, the city would have possibly burned to the ground. It was a huge PR blunder, and Vanek was their last gasp to remotely saving their situation. Vanek's contract is something I will never blame management for.

To reply to the OP, I never really was a fan of Vanek. Never. But I wouldn't be objective if I didn't say he is a good player. He's probably the Sabres' lone first-line guy.

Give him a center who can carry the load with him, and a winger not named Drew Stafford, and he's going to fetch 40 goals a year.

 

[CatScrap]

Two things.

First even after the Drury, Briere debacle I was astonished we matched the oilers offer, I would have much rather had the picks as we were obviously entering a rebuilding era.

Second, I agree if he had a real center to help load his stick I think he would do much better, but unfortunately there are none on the FA market this July and Regier said he is only going to improve his team in the off season through acquisition and not through trading. This being said, and assuming a small signing forward will be signed in FA, it appears that the best lines We will have is probably going to be

VANEK ROY/CONNOLLY POMINVILLE
HECHT CONNOLLY/ROY STAFFORD
GRIER GAUSTAD ENNIS
MAIR NEW FORWARD KALETA

In otherwords, Status Quo.

 

[CatScrap]

OT: If Stafford has another year like last year do you think the sabres will extend him the required 2.3 million qualifying offer or just let him goto free agency?

 

[gtown27]

OT: If Stafford has another year like last year do you think the sabres will extend him the required 2.3 million qualifying offer or just let him goto free agency?

He shouldn't be on the roster right now. He should have been sent off for a draft pick. It just shows how unwilling the Sabres are in separating themselves with potential. Stafford is a lost cause. He's proven it for three-straight seasons. Bust. Trade him while you can

 

[CatScrap]

He shouldn't be on the roster right now. He should have been sent off for a draft pick. It just shows how unwilling the Sabres are in separating themselves with potential. Stafford is a lost cause. He's proven it for three-straight seasons. Bust. Trade him while you can

He has not trade value right now. If he wasn't on our team would you trade a pick for him? He's overpaid at 2.3 million this season with a 1.9 million cap hit that is too high, add to that he's in a contract year and your basically trading for a rent-a-player. I don't think we could trade him unless it was for another bust like cheechoo.