OpIv37
02-23-2011, 11:19 AM
Over the past few years, the Sabres have been fence-sitters at the deadline.
They weren't afraid to unload a guy they knew we couldn't re-sign (ie, Campbell), but they weren't really sellers. At the same time, they didn't commit to spending what it would take to put this team on a playoff run, instead opting for average guys like Torres, Dominic Moore and Zubrus, and hoping they could put the team over the top. This kind of half-assed approach is not acceptable.
Now, my personal opinion is that this team is broken and the current incarnation of the Sabres needs to be dismantled, starting right now. However, I'm willing to give Reiger the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do with a Pegula budget, as long as he goes all-in.
So, commit.
If the Sabres are sellers, unload. Give Connolly, Rivet, Neidermayer and maybe even Grier away for peanuts. If we can't get rid of these guys at the deadline, at the very least, do not re-sign ANY of them. If you can find a taker willing to accept Pominville or Hecht's contracts, give them away too. Send Lalime to Portland and let Enroth help finish out the year.
If the Sabres are buyers, get some talent in here, preferably guys that we might be able to re-sign and keep beyond this year. Don't be afraid to trade an up-and-comer like Ennis if it gets us a proven player in return (although I'd make Myers off-limits).
I expect Pegula and his staff to pick a strategy and hit the ground running. I've had enough of the fence-sitting status quo nonsense.
They weren't afraid to unload a guy they knew we couldn't re-sign (ie, Campbell), but they weren't really sellers. At the same time, they didn't commit to spending what it would take to put this team on a playoff run, instead opting for average guys like Torres, Dominic Moore and Zubrus, and hoping they could put the team over the top. This kind of half-assed approach is not acceptable.
Now, my personal opinion is that this team is broken and the current incarnation of the Sabres needs to be dismantled, starting right now. However, I'm willing to give Reiger the benefit of the doubt and see what he can do with a Pegula budget, as long as he goes all-in.
So, commit.
If the Sabres are sellers, unload. Give Connolly, Rivet, Neidermayer and maybe even Grier away for peanuts. If we can't get rid of these guys at the deadline, at the very least, do not re-sign ANY of them. If you can find a taker willing to accept Pominville or Hecht's contracts, give them away too. Send Lalime to Portland and let Enroth help finish out the year.
If the Sabres are buyers, get some talent in here, preferably guys that we might be able to re-sign and keep beyond this year. Don't be afraid to trade an up-and-comer like Ennis if it gets us a proven player in return (although I'd make Myers off-limits).
I expect Pegula and his staff to pick a strategy and hit the ground running. I've had enough of the fence-sitting status quo nonsense.