Sabres Trying To Avoid Mediocrity
The Buffalo Sabres have gone from being the best team in the league 2 years ago, to a middling franchise that is too good to get high draft picks but not good enough to be a playoff team.
The organization seems caught in a rut which they cannot seem to get out of. They have endured quite a bit of personnel losses with stars like Drury, Briere and Campbell moving on. It has taken some of the edge this team had that made them one of the league's most exciting teams and they must find a way to get it back.
Buffalo Signs Tim ConnolyThe Buffalo Sabres have signed Tim Connoly to a new 2 year deal this morning. 2 years 4.5 per year.
HTR notes that the value of Olli Jokinen has just gone up due to the fact that Connoly is off the market.
Pominville stays in BuffaloJason Pominville has just agreed to a 5 year contract extension with the Sabres. The deal is believed worth 5.3 millions per season, for a total of 26.5 millions. Pominville set career-high last year in assists and points, with 53 and 80 respectively. He's also the front-runner for wearing the C next year in Buffalo. He's linked to the Sabres through 2013/2014.
This may be the beginning of a new era in Buffalo, as the owner seems to be willing to give pay raises to his star players in order to keep them. After seeing McKee, Drury, Briere and Campbell leaving, Buffalo couldn't afford seeing Pominville packing his bags too. With Vanek and Roy, he'll be the cornerstone of this franchise for years to come. Good signing by Darcy Regier.
Sabres Looking To ReboundAfter a rough couple of years where a significant number of their leadership core left the organization, the Buffalo Sabres appear more settled and ready to get back to playoffs.
They have managed to lock up some of their key core players like Roy, Vanek and Miller and this time dont really have a heart and soul player due to be unrestricted after this year.
Penny Pinching Sabres Need to Save Some Players For A ChangeIf you are a Buffalo Sabres fan, you should feel happy that the team is not owned by someone who will be going bankrupt any time soon. What you should not be happy about is the way ownership is going about business to ensure no significant losses.
Tom Golisano, the Sabres owner, has certainly done all he needs to do to save a few dollars. In the meantime, his methods have begun to alienate the loyal fanbase of the team.
Regier disappointed Campbell halted negotiationsBuffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier admitted today that he's disappointed with defenseman Brian Campbell's decision to suspend negotiations on a new contract with the team.
"He wants to leave it till after the season and work on it at that point," Regier said following practice in HSBC Arena.
Sabres have to plot their courseIn the next six weeks, as the NHL trade deadline nears, the Buffalo Sabres’ hierarchy is certain to hold a meeting in one of the cozy upstairs HSBC Arena offices concerning their plans for the future. The questions before them are simple, unlikely to short-circuit the melons of the franchise’s deep thinkers.
Sabres sign PrattThe Buffalo Sabres have come to terms with unrestricted free agent Nolan Pratt. The 32 year old defenseman came off a good season with the Lightning last year collecting 8 points in 81 games. He is a very solid defenseman, but has very few offensive characteristics. He will suit the Sabres penalty kill.
Sabre RattlingMost people would contend that this year was Buffalo’s greatest chance at contending for the cup since the finals. Everything was roaring during the regular season for the small market team.
