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Originally Posted by mdoak
First off, lets just assume Satan gets resigned, simply because he will do them alot more good signed that trading him. Now, IMHO, here are Buffalo's biggests needs:
#1. Toughness up front- A capable, physical 2 way foward who can chip in 20-30 goals from the 2nd line and has a great work ethic and some decent wheels. Preferably somewhat young (under 26) with upside.
#2. Toughness on the blueline- If Mckee resigns it would fix the problem immensly, however, i think a tough as nails blueliner who could fit in the 6th/7th spot would do this team a world of good.
#3. Leadership- I'm hoping Buffalo picks up Steve Thomas, because i think he would fill alot of the void on this team. However, a veteran leader who can fill any of the above creditials would be welcome
Assets:
Tim Connolly, Brian Campbell, Jay McKee (must bring tough #3-#4 blueliner back) Curtis Brown, Afinogenov or Dumont. Any draft pick in next years draft. Also, any 2nd tier prospect (i.e Not Vanek, Miller, Roy).
Feel free to make proposals!
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Why are the Sabres, if they need Leadership, looking to trade Curtis Brown..? Isn't he their captain?
Here's a couple proposals:
Bryan Allen for Jay McKee (RFA). An unsigned McKee is worth less than he should be, and I don't think his value is off the charts. The Canucks are 'going for it', and Allen, whom is coveted by Regeir, would add instant toughness to the Sabres blueline. Allen is 6'5, 225 or so, and is quite punishing physically. The Canucks risk getting softer on the blueline here, but with Sami Salo really playing tough in camp, perhaps they can afford to move Allen for some help *now* to win the cup.
Problems with the above: Buffalo fans might not feel enough is coming back, but that's up to debate. Can the Canucks afford McKee's contract demands?
JP Dumont for RJ Umberger (RFA). Umberger, #16 overall pick in the '01 draft class can't seem to ink a contract, and Burke is sounding like he is really PO'd with his demands. When Burke gets like this, he often stays very stubborn. Rather than see Umberger wilt away another year in the NCAA & not play pro hockey, perhaps a trade? Dumont would add instant scoring punch to the Canucks and create a happy dilemna for Crawford - every night he'd have to choose to scratch Ruutu or May.
Problems with the above: Regeir may not like Umberger, Umberger is big but is by no means aggresive with his size (he gets the Daze comparison). Can the Sabres continue to wait for young players to develop? Does Burke want to add an underacheiving forward?
(The below is just for fun, don't get too uppity!)
Matt Cooke, Kirill Koltsov, and the Canucks' 1st round pick for Miro Satan. Cooker adds toughness, leadership, and a whole wack of other abilities that the Sabres desperatly need. He's ULTRA cheap too. Koltsov is the Canucks' highest potential prospect, put up great numbers in the RSL. Satan instantly brings a ton of credibility to the Canucks 2nd line.
Problems: Sabres lose top scorer (albiet an unsigned one). Canucks would likely have to add $4 million in salary. Burke no likey salary raises.