Should the Sabres Extend Stafford?

[Beebe's Kid]

I am a relatively new to following hockey. I have always liked the sport, but never watched it with any more than a casual concern...

Last year I got into the Sabres pretty hard, as I started streaming WGR at work, and had a good level of exposure for the first time.

I knew of the team, and know enough about the past teams, I just wouldn't have said I was hardcore. I have been watching pretty much every game, and have even ventured up to see the boys live.

This morning this question was the poll at WGR, and I thought it was intriguing.

I know enough about Stafford that "it's about ****ing time" in relation to how he is playing this year.

I would extend him, I was curious to see what other Zoner's feelings were on the subject.

[Electrici]

Has he turned the corner finally, or is he playing for a new contract and then back to his old ways?

Who knows, I would probably extend him.. been a pleasant surprise this year.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

They will pretty much have to or cut him loose, he is an RFA after the season so unless they trade him or cut him, he isn't going anywhere.

[JD]

Ask the question again in march..too early to tell but I voted yes.

[chernobylwraiths]

His value will never be higher. I think he still may be a stud in the future, but his inconsistency over his whole career scares me from wanting to keep him at a really high salary.

The only way I would keep him, is if we can get rid of a big contract or two of players who will be on the team for next year, like Pomminville. That way if he doesn't live up to the deal, we don't have too many of those types of players on the team already.

[rbochan]

Dump the *****. Like Tallinder, he shows up when his contract is up.

[hydro]

Dump the *****. Like Tallinder, he shows up when his contract is up.

This.

He is playing for a contract and should be dealt at the trade deadline IMO. Wayyyyy too convenient that he is playing like this in his final year.

[Beebe's Kid]

This.

He is playing for a contract and should be dealt at the trade deadline IMO. Wayyyyy too convenient that he is playing like this in his final year.

Could it not be a conspiracy, and that he finall gets it?

He's 24, which I started to realize that I didn't know everything. Maybe it's working out that way for Drew.

I agree with Cher's take...the biggest issue would be locking him up, only to end up with another deal like JP's or Vanek's...or Roy's for that matter. If we are going to spend superstar money, let's get some superstar production.

Although last two hat tricks he turned in against Boston might make him worth it!

[OpIv37]

Stafford has been a pleasant surprise recently, but my honest opinion is that this team is ****ing garbage.

I hope Pegula buys the team ASAP, makes Darcy a seller at the deadline, and goes for wholesale changes.

Honestly, the only guys on this team I would keep are Miller, Myers, Ennis, and Kaleta. And Kaleta isn't even that good- it's just for toughness and intimidation.

[SabreEleven]

Stafford, Roy and Vanek will be great 2nd or 3rd line players once they bring in real 1st line players.

[tampabay25690]

Stafford stays.
This is the year I said in the begining of the year was his breakout year.
Eary was tough due to injury but he is showing promise and the kid is young.
He will stay and turnout to be a 30 goal scorer.....

[Ebenezer]

It's the NHL...almost everybody gets traded at least once in his career. Extend him at a reasonable price and if he doesn't live up to potential then trade him. The problem with the current FO is that they are unwilling or unable to make a deal. Many of these players could have been moved several times, I bet.

[hydro]

Could it not be a conspiracy, and that he finall gets it?

He's 24, which I started to realize that I didn't know everything. Maybe it's working out that way for Drew.

I agree with Cher's take...the biggest issue would be locking him up, only to end up with another deal like JP's or Vanek's...or Roy's for that matter. If we are going to spend superstar money, let's get some superstar production.

Although last two hat tricks he turned in against Boston might make him worth it!

I say he gets paid and becomes a lazy bum again. Time will tell but that is just my opinion. He has shown flashes of greatness plenty of times when he feels like it. Then there is the other 80% of the time where he doesn't use his size and doesn't look like he cares.

[RockStar36]

I'd trade him at the deadline while his stock is high. His production has been fantastic this year but I refuse to believe he has suddenly figured it out. The only thing he has figured out is that he is in a contract year. This doesn't suddenly erase the past few years of really disappointing hockey.

[hydro]

Rbochan, RS36 and hydro are some sharp mofo's...

[chernobylwraiths]

I didn't say he should be giving a huge salary. And FWIW, he still has value and a decent amount of it.