Buffalo Sabres

[hockeyhound]

With the latest press release that Campbell rejecting the Sabres alleged final offer. It seems to me the Sabres have quite a problem on their hands.

The thing that keeps coming up over the last 3 years is, 5 years 25 million dollars. Brier, Drury, Campbell, etc.. It seems like the magic number that tells the fans this player is moving on. It is the same old story. "I wish they could have made the deal earlier" It was reported on TSN that the Sabres organization rejected Campbell's offer of 5 yrs. 25 mill.

Should Sabres fans hope that someone else takes ownership of the team? Is the Sabres ownership just happy to give the fans an occasional appearance in the playoffs? Do they keep telling them we will be better next year?

How does management expect the fans to swallow that line when it appears that they are ready to get rid of their best defensemen? Brier, Drury, Campbell, Captain Campbell fly's away!!! Yeah! But we will be more competitive, no!; we can't say that, let's just tell them we won't be as competitive, and when they ask for their money back tell the to shut up and sit down, we know what is best.

Hubris!!! At least I now know the magic words. "5 Years 25 Million Dollars"

[hockeyhound]

What has happened to the great Sabres fans that pontificated over whether or not the BC was a good idea, and how great Bernier the BEAR is?

Let's talk about Loseman - yeah, good idea, Lose - Man; we lost BC and we are going to keep on losing as Darcy puts it. "we won't be as competative this year."

All last week fans ranted and raved about the condition of the Sabres organization, and to my suprise, several forum users sonded like Tommy G. The idea of people trying to sound like hockey guru's while they defend the crap Sabres management put's out is more than I can handle.

We the fans pay the bills. It seems to me that sports fans can simply slip into the mode were they will accept anything team owners throw at them. How easily people forget the head line, "John Regas heads to prison today".

www.dbsforums.com/...ve/index.php/t-13163.html

By TOM PRECIOUS
News Albany Bureau 12/22/2002

Last week, Pataki said it would be "extraordinarily difficult" for the state to provide money for a Sabres package given that the state is facing a $10 billion deficit over the next 16 months.

The Buffalo Sabres and the Buffalo Bills have the same problem, Money! Face it, it takes a lot of jack to run these organizations, and the citizens of New York have less and less desposible income. New York State is in trouble.

Does this have anything to do with hockey?

Have you heard of the trickle down effect?

It is obvious to me that the Buffalo sports organizations are having a tough time justifing their exsistance. Last time I checked the Bills organization is currently conducting a financial experiment that takes the team over the boarder. Why?

Does any of this effect the Sabres ability to keep top tierd talent?

I don't know, but I am starting to believe it does.

The discussion regarding the Sabres ability to retain the services of guys like Brier, Drury, Campbell, and especially J.P.Dumont, seems to center around the business model. Unfortunatly the business model most likely will not allow for a buget increase proportianate with the increase of the salary cap.

Translation: "We propably won't be as competative." Didn't Darcy say something like that?

The Sabres organization got themselves into trouble when the Rigas family with all their arrogance drove the team into the ground. Now the fans have to suffer patiently as current management conducts damge control.

Do not forget Tommy G. is a politician and businessman.

My opinion does not count for much, but it stands to reason that Tommy will not take financial risks with the Sabres that may damge his political aspirations. He has a lot to gain if he continues to look like the savior. He did not get were he is flying by the seat of his pants. This organization does things deliberatly.

Is Tommy willing and able to commit the resources necessary to win the cup?

All we can do is wait and see.

[hockeyhound]

Why is the league returning to the pre lock out numbers?

Once again Buffalo has a business model that will not allow them to exceed their team budget. It's business.

Tommy G. has no intention of deviating from this model.

Politition and businessman

The fans do not have any idea how bad the Rigas family screwed up the organization. There maybe a lot of outstanding debt etc.. Who knows?

The facts are that the cap will go up and Buffalo will not spend anymore.

Like it or not teams like Detroit seem to have access to more resources, thus they have wiggle room. They are willing to pay to play.

I don't know how true it is, but I have a feeling that hockey players consider their legacy. If it is not true ask Gordy Howe. Why did he come out of retirement?
That was a crazy thing to do just because you don't want your record broke.

Is Miller immune from this? I think everyone that plays in the NHL wants to win the Cup.

Miller might be looking at the big picture, and decide Buffalo is not the team that is able to get the job done.

Also, I do not think Lindy Ruff is going to be around much longer. Who is going to manage all this young talent when he is gone. After all is he not one of the best developmental coaches out there?

Detroit is going to need a franchise goalie and they have a great chance of winning the cup. Ask the Dominator!!! Bingo! Can you say Stanley Cup Champion?