"back to the team direction Buffalo has four of the top 44 picks in this June’s draft. Regier has already told me he’s going to use those picks as assets to get better talent. I’m hoping it’s to move up into one of the top three spots."
http://wgr550.com/pages/12809660.php
Is this statement being overlooked by fans? Everyone has us keeping our pick and drafting at 12. Is something exciting going to happen at the draft?
It could be nitpicked sixty six ways. I think it's vague, almost a cushion for us using all of the picks. Not that I'm opposed to that, but something like....he's shopping, but comes up short and uses all of the picks. Then circles back and says he used them as assets to get better talent - via the draft.
I know Kris Baker in the WGR radio interview stated he's almost certain that Buffalo will not be choosing players with all 4 of its top picks, and that Regier will be looking to move up in the draft to grab an impact player.
I think that Regier will move picks and players for an established player that will be an upgrade, rather than a high draft pick. I just think that will mesh with his new, more aggressive m.o. That will get rid of a core player and bring in a fresh core player to further transform chemistry of the team and the "new core" ( not the Rochester core).
I think that quote deserves its own thread....it was largely ignored with all the cut my writsts end of the world nonsensical pessimism that is that other thread. Honestly, since he is controlling almost 10% of the top 50 picks in this draft, darcy would be foolish not to try and make at least one move. Personally with the fqct that darcy has prooved to be willing to move his guys, and the abundance of picks they have, the sabres probably have more ammo to make a move then probably almost any team in the league right now. I think when the dust settles on draft day, there will either be a new traded for player in a sabres sweater, or a top 5 pick in a sabres sweater. Id even go so far as to say the dreaded "book it!"
I think that quote deserves its own thread....it was largely ignored with all the cut my writsts end of the world nonsensical pessimism that is that other thread. Honestly, since he is controlling almost 10% of the top 50 picks in this draft, darcy would be foolish not to try and make at least one move. Personally with the fqct that darcy has prooved to be willing to move his guys, and the abundance of picks they have, the sabres probably have more ammo to make a move then probably almost any team in the league right now. I think when the dust settles on draft day, there will either be a new traded for player in a sabres sweater, or a top 5 pick in a sabres sweater. Id even go so far as to say the dreaded "book it!"
Probably not the bolded. Top-5 picks are rarely traded. Since Hamilton didn't give us an actual quote--because he's a hack of a writer--we don't know precisely what Regier said. Plus, what is he really saying? I intend on using those picks to get better talent...for what? The pipeline? The NHL roster? Really, doctor, you don't intend on using those picks to get worse talent.
We all know Darcy is going to try to improve the team, and the picks will sometimes be a part of his offers, and sometimes not. We'll see what happens.
It could be nitpicked sixty six ways. I think it's vague, almost a cushion for us using all of the picks. Not that I'm opposed to that, but something like....he's shopping, but comes up short and uses all of the picks. Then circles back and says he used them as assets to get better talent - via the draft.
This. Of course he'll use the picks to get better talent. He'll draft them with the picks, parlay them into higher picks, or trade them for players not in the organization.
I feel regardless of how many picks teams have, every GM, for every team, every year makes some kind of comment like this. No one wants to hear "We're pretty content with where we're at- I think we'll just stay at our slot."
With that being said, I strongly believe with the picks Buffalo has, they'll make a move. But that's really just logically looking at things, this quote didn't do much for me.
I'm guessing Regier wants to use them to get current NHL talent. I don't see him moving up in the draft. I think you'll see him move a couple of those picks and a roster player/prospects for better talent.
I'm guessing Regier wants to use them to get current NHL talent. I don't see him moving up in the draft. I think you'll see him move a couple of those picks and a roster player/prospects for better talent.
I'd rather move up in the draft personally. Get a guy who's gonna be a superstar for a long time.
Only problem with that is you need a team to be willing to move down, and most teams won't be willing to do that. Moving up to the bottom half of the top 10 might be realistic, but I highly doubt any of the teams in the top 5 will give up their picks, but then again who knows.
I think that Regier will move picks and players for an established player that will be an upgrade, rather than a high draft pick. I just think that will mesh with his new, more aggressive m.o. That will get rid of a core player and bring in a fresh core player to further transform chemistry of the team and the "new core" ( not the Rochester core).
I happen to fully agree with your thoughts here.
If the stated goal is a contender, then it doesn't suit the situation to move up in the draft. I don't believe for a second they will move up.
But, they will most likely attempt to package picks/prospects and a member or 2 of the current roster known as the "Rochester core" in order to bring in fresh talent.
My money is on Vanek or Roy, but I'm leaning much more toward Vanek.
The reasoning is actually very simplistic, Vanek lacks speed, and he is not very physical. Oh sure, he takes a beating in front of the net, but his 40+ goal seasons he scored much more when he was away from the front of the net.
I happen to fully agree with your thoughts here.
If the stated goal is a contender, then it doesn't suit the situation to move up in the draft. I don't believe for a second they will move up.
But, they will most likely attempt to package picks/prospects and a member or 2 of the current roster known as the "Rochester core" in order to bring in fresh talent.
My money is on Vanek or Roy, but I'm leaning much more toward Vanek.
The reasoning is actually very simplistic, Vanek lacks speed, and he is not very physical. Oh sure, he takes a beating in front of the net, but his 40+ goal seasons he scored much more when he was away from the front of the net.
I just think he is gone.
He also has a contract that makes him much more difficult to move than Roy.
He also has a contract that makes him much more difficult to move than Roy.
very true Myllz, my only thought on that is a combo package with prospects/picks to sweetin the pot to move him for some real talent.
I'd like to believe Parise is on the radar, but barring an FA signing for him, if it were Vanek to move, I'd be looking hard at some LW talent that could potentially be targeted in a trade that may suit the needs of the team with the physical and speed philosophy.
And honestly, I wouldn't begin to know what specific players that could potentially be.
But your point is very valid on the contract side, especially with the new CBA coming up.
He also has a contract that makes him much more difficult to move than Roy.
Perhaps, but not by as much as you might think. Roy's single year remaining is a significant drawback from the perspective of a trading partner. While Vanek's cap hit is high, he has the perfect number of years left: two. A team viewing itself as a serious contender in the next couple of years, with a bit of cap to burn, will be looking to splurge on players exactly like Vanek to put themselves over the top for multiple deep playoff runs. Whether it works out for them or not, they can let Vanek walk or resign him for less after two years.
Honestly don't know what to make of that quote because it could mean so many different things. Really hoping that Regier doesn't try and move up in the draft (and if he does, it better be Galchenyuk because nobody else interests me).
It's a dream scenario, but there's been general speculation about trading Vanek, and serious talk about trading Roy. What if we offered Vanek, Roy, and two 1sts to Anaheim for Getzlaf +? If Darcy's smart, he'll talk to Anaheim in the offseason. after firing Carlyle and having a bad season they might be looking to make a splash. Then Darcy would be looking to add Parise. Then we'd be a cup contender.
