Sabres Budget to be $30-$35 mil in 2003

[Ebenezer]

WNSA is reporting that the Sabres will carry a budget of about $30-$35 mil nin 2003-2004. The Buffalo news reported yesterday that the Rigas family was going to slash the payroll for 2002-2003 to $20mil. Can you imagine how bad the team would have been if that had been true? Certainly, there would have been no Satan or Zhitnik or Gratton or Barnes from the beginning of the season.

[don137]

As we stand right now, what is the salary of the current roster and whose contracts are up? I thought it is in the mid 20's. Low to mid 30's is a big step up. The problem is the Sabres don't exactly have a lot to offer besides a goalie.

[Ebenezer]

After last weeks trade it is around $27 mil...nobody is an UFA but there are a couple of RFA...what you see is what you get next year. Zhitnik would be the one player who could move in the offseason...maybe a goalie.

...the bigger news is that NOBODY is under contract for 2004-2005. If there is no lock out this team will have to sign at least 20 players in order to play.

[don137]

thanks Eb...I think Zhitnik and a goalie for a prospect :D

[don137]

I also don't think this team is as bad as it has played. Between Ruff and not knowing the future of the franchise the players just didn't seemed motivated.

[Buffarama]

Originally posted by Ebenezer


...the bigger news is that NOBODY is under contract for 2004-2005. If there is no lock out this team will have to sign at least 20 players in order to play.

You know I thought I had heard that before, I just couldn't believe it. So if there is a lockout they have no payroll. I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

[BillC]

They still have Bills to pay , and no income either