interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

[trapezeus]

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1841498-buffalo-sabres-why-the-2014-draft-is-the-key-to-the-rebuild

really kind of lays out how exciting this draft or the next draft is based on the woahs of the islanders. They need to keep sucking. either way the Sabres will make out like bandits.

[OpIv37]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

I used to say "you know you're a Buffalo fan if your football team can out score your hockey team" (and yes, there actually were several weekends where the Bills would only manage 3 points in a game whereas the Sabres would put up 4+).

Now, it's "you know you're a Buffalo fan if you're already talking about the hockey off-season before the football regular season is over."

Or, "you know you're a Buffalo fan if both your football team and your hockey team are eliminated from playoff contention in early December.
Gotta love Buffalo sports.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

i agree with this, especially in trading later firsts for younger players. derek stepan is a pipe dream, but thats what this organization needs to do. go after younger, impact players. early to mid 20s who will be around for a while (hopefully)

floflo, what are the chances new york deals stepan for a first?

[Downinfloflo]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

i agree with this, especially in trading later firsts for younger players. derek stepan is a pipe dream, but thats what this organization needs to do. go after younger, impact players. early to mid 20s who will be around for a while (hopefully)

floflo, what are the chances new york deals stepan for a first?

About as good as seeing big foot riding a unicorn through Atlantis.

Brad Richards will be on the market in the off season, But I have a feeling he want's to play for a Canadien team.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

i dont think richards is what the sabres need. i mean, dont get me wrong, he would help the team, but in a rebuild? hes what? 33?

[coastal]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

This offseason isn't the time to target free agents, restricted or not.

Let the tank play out through next year... get your three or four high first round picks over next two years onto the team... then scout the free agent talent.

[Downinfloflo]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

i dont think richards is what the sabres need. i mean, dont get me wrong, he would help the team, but in a rebuild? hes what? 33?

You still need those type of players on your team.

A bunch of 20 somethings is a disaster waiting to happen.

[OpIv37]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

This offseason isn't the time to target free agents, restricted or not.

Let the tank play out through next year... get your three or four high first round picks over next two years onto the team... then scout the free agent talent.

The problem is that the new CBA has a cap floor and the only significant contract that will be on the books after this year is Leino. The Sabres are going to have to spend somewhere.

I agree with your premise- this team has been broken down and needs to be rebuilt through the draft and player development. Trying to Snyder in some high-priced FA's won't solve the problem. I just don't know what they are gonna do about the cap floor.

- - - Updated - - -

You still need those type of players on your team.

A bunch of 20 somethings is a disaster waiting to happen.

Look no further than the current Sabres record to see that.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

You still need those type of players on your team.

A bunch of 20 somethings is a disaster waiting to happen.

theres no doubt. but as a rebuilding team, i wouldnt trade high draft picks for an aging player. i think you can acquire leadership through free agency this offseason, like the pens did getting leclair out of the lockout.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

This offseason isn't the time to target free agents, restricted or not.

Let the tank play out through next year... get your three or four high first round picks over next two years onto the team... then scout the free agent talent.

i think the sabres should target free agents. just not high end free agents. get a vet guy or two, for a year or so. someone who will help, but wont set the rebuild off track.

[Downinfloflo]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

theres no doubt. but as a rebuilding team, i wouldnt trade high draft picks for an aging player. i think you can acquire leadership through free agency this offseason, like the pens did getting leclair out of the lockout.

He's going to be a free agent..

He will be bought out after this season.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

He's going to be a free agent..

He will be bought out after this season.

so will leino. so maybe use leino money on richards.

[ckg927]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

You still need those type of players on your team.

A bunch of 20 somethings is a disaster waiting to happen.

Just look at Edmonton if you don't believe me. They've got a boatload of 20-somethings and they're still lousy.

[Night Train]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

I'll give Lala time to do something. He just got here and must evaluate the roster...deciding who to actually keep.

[JATMtheJATM]

Re: interesting take on the 2014 draft importance

heres a nice read on your next buffalo sabre

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Reinhart+appears+ready+right/9243079/story.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+canwest%2FF6949+%28The+Province+-+Canucks+%2F+Hockey%29