chernobylwraiths
08-21-2005, 08:13 AM
In the NHL free-agent marketplace, the Buffalo Sabres haven't been competing only with the other 29 clubs. They've also been forced to contend with ghosts from their past.
Although some dismiss the possibility, many Sabres are convinced they're paying the price for all those disgruntled players who have left amid unpleasant circumstances in recent years.
Former and current Sabres as well as some agents have told The Buffalo News that a group of influential players, over time, has spread word around the league: Don't play for the Sabres. Most who spoke to The News for this story declined to be quoted.
Players on the roster are restless because - after the top goal scorer and best defenseman walked - the team has made just one new acquisition since the lockout ended last month, and the Sabres probably overpaid for defenseman Teppo Numminen. He signed for $2 million, while the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes reportedly were offering half that.
link (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050821/1047009.asp)
I wonder what the spin on this will be.
Although some dismiss the possibility, many Sabres are convinced they're paying the price for all those disgruntled players who have left amid unpleasant circumstances in recent years.
Former and current Sabres as well as some agents have told The Buffalo News that a group of influential players, over time, has spread word around the league: Don't play for the Sabres. Most who spoke to The News for this story declined to be quoted.
Players on the roster are restless because - after the top goal scorer and best defenseman walked - the team has made just one new acquisition since the lockout ended last month, and the Sabres probably overpaid for defenseman Teppo Numminen. He signed for $2 million, while the Dallas Stars and Phoenix Coyotes reportedly were offering half that.
link (http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20050821/1047009.asp)
I wonder what the spin on this will be.