Yeah, other than Boyes, the only one that comes to mind is ShaMo. But who knows, maybe we can get something in return for him, if it comes to that. Either way, it's only one more year at just over 2 million, and I doubt we'll be right up against the cap next year anyway.
Nice to finally have some flexibility there if we need it though.
And ShaMo can just as easily be buried in the AHL if it comes to that.
Either way, several teams (Colorado, Florida, NYI top of mind) have to spend a ton just to hit the cap floor. We're not going to have any issues dumping contracts if we have to.
On topic: as long as you have that avatar, you're at the end of the list. :|
But seriously, if you call the arena, they'll let you know how far from the front you are. You could probably ask them how many people would be in front of you were you to sign up today if you wanted to know the size of the whole queue.
PK and I are toward the front of the waiting list right now, but we're waiting for 300 row 1 seats. They let you do that, which is cool.
On topic: as long as you have that avatar, you're at the end of the list. :|
But seriously, if you call the arena, they'll let you know how far from the front you are. You could probably ask them how many people would be in front of you were you to sign up today if you wanted to know the size of the whole queue.
PK and I are toward the front of the waiting list right now, but we're waiting for 300 row 1 seats. They let you do that, which is cool.
Yeah. Best part would be not having anyone blocking the view in front of us. It's funny, and it might just be, but I've noticed that over the years I've become more fickle about folks in front of me leaning forward and blocking my view, or worse, jumping up on breakaways and the like.
A perfect view, cushioned seat, and a cup holder? Want.
Yeah. Best part would be not having anyone blocking the view in front of us. It's funny, and it might just be, but I've noticed that over the years I've become more fickle about folks in front of me leaning forward and blocking my view, or worse, jumping up on breakaways and the like.
A perfect view, cushioned seat, and a cup holder? Want.
It's definitely not just you. I was sitting in the 2nd row of the 300 level for Games 3 and 6 in the playoffs and the person in front of me kept leaning forward. I had to ask him during each game to stop leaning forward and he did from there on out. It's definitely one of my pet peeves, the seats are set up so there is no reason to lean forward, yet the majority of people seem to do so and block the action on the near side for the people behind them.
It's definitely not just you. I was sitting in the 2nd row of the 300 level for Games 3 and 6 in the playoffs and the person in front of me kept leaning forward. I had to ask him during each game to stop leaning forward and he did from there on out. It's definitely one of my pet peeves, the seats are set up so there is no reason to lean forward, yet the majority of people seem to do so and block the action on the near side for the people behind them.
We're lucky- we sit on the end of row 8 in the 300 level, which is the row where the stairways going up merge into one stairway which means for just our two seats there's no one sitting in front of us. Instead there's a grey metal bar right directly in front of us with the stairs on the other side. When we first got season tickets in 2005 pretty much any seat was available and I chose those specifically for that reason- cheapest in the house and no one sitting in front of you on the end where the Sabres shoot twice.
That being said, I can only go to about 4 games a year these days. I miss my seats.
According to an email he got this week, my brother is between 2000-2025 on the list if I remember correctly. He signed up the day before the Pegula presser.
After finally listening to the entire session and hearing Black's open-minded stance on everything being in the "art of the possible", it will definitely be interesting to see this summer how - or if - that unrestricted approach will influence Regier's own philosophical beliefs:
1. Regier doesn't believe in long-term contracts of the 10+year ilk because of the lack of flexibility for the team and uncertainty of player's performance in that time.
2. Regier doesn't like the offer-sheet tactic of "stealing" other teams' players or, failing that, driving their own internal payroll up.
3. Regier doesn't want to get into bidding wars in free agency.
All of the above may have been somewhat shaped by Quinn looking over Regier's shoulder and setting mandates to operate under but the public statements Regier's made about all three topics do seem to be his own beliefs, independent of who the owner he worked for was.
From what Black said on WGR regarding RFAs, it sounded like he and Pegula have no preconceptions or fears about extending offer sheets if they think it will help bring a Cup. Pegula said at the onset that he intended to be very active in free agency.
I'm very curious to see which one will govern at the end of the day. Pegula seemed to hint he'd defer to Regier on many decisions - but will he take a more hands-on approach at some point this summer or give Regier a chance to do it "his way" this summer and if it fails, replace him next summer?
On topic: as long as you have that avatar, you're at the end of the list. :|
But seriously, if you call the arena, they'll let you know how far from the front you are. You could probably ask them how many people would be in front of you were you to sign up today if you wanted to know the size of the whole queue.
PK and I are toward the front of the waiting list right now, but we're waiting for 300 row 1 seats. They let you do that, which is cool.
I actually just got an email from them yesterday telling me im 2100
After finally listening to the entire session and hearing Black's open-minded stance on everything being in the "art of the possible", it will definitely be interesting to see this summer how - or if - that unrestricted approach will influence Regier's own philosophical beliefs:
1. Regier doesn't believe in long-term contracts of the 10+year ilk because of the lack of flexibility for the team and uncertainty of player's performance in that time.
2. Regier doesn't like the offer-sheet tactic of "stealing" other teams' players or, failing that, driving their own internal payroll up.
3. Regier doesn't want to get into bidding wars in free agency.
All of the above may have been somewhat shaped by Quinn looking over Regier's shoulder and setting mandates to operate under but the public statements Regier's made about all three topics do seem to be his own beliefs, independent of who the owner he worked for was.
From what Black said on WGR regarding RFAs, it sounded like he and Pegula have no preconceptions or fears about extending offer sheets if they think it will help bring a Cup. Pegula said at the onset that he intended to be very active in free agency.
I'm very curious to see which one will govern at the end of the day. Pegula seemed to hint he'd defer to Regier on many decisions - but will he take a more hands-on approach at some point this summer or give Regier a chance to do it "his way" this summer and if it fails, replace him next summer?
I think of the 3 things you stated, the most likely to happen might be Regier getting into a bidding war over a FA he or Ruff wants (ex: Eric Brewer to be that shut-down D-man Ruff wants)
Im a bit too young to fully remember this, but I do remember him trying to throw money around when he first became GM (The Francis/Gilmour thing comes to mind)
According to the WGR interview with Black, there are 2200 names on the waiting list, of which he said natural attrition (people not renewing and corporate tickets being reduced) would allow the Sabres to take 300-500 off the waiting list.
I think of the 3 things you stated, the most likely to happen might be Regier getting into a bidding war over a FA he or Ruff wants (ex: Eric Brewer to be that shut-down D-man Ruff wants)
Probably so - if the term fits into his preferred range and the dollars leave enough room under the cap for mid-season moves.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptPantalones
Im a bit too young to fully remember this, but I do remember him trying to throw money around when he first became GM (The Francis/Gilmour thing comes to mind)
True - although it wasn't as much a case of throwing big bucks around as it was targeting a big name and pursuing them amidst competition from other solicitors.
After finally listening to the entire session and hearing Black's open-minded stance on everything being in the "art of the possible", it will definitely be interesting to see this summer how - or if - that unrestricted approach will influence Regier's own philosophical beliefs:
1. Regier doesn't believe in long-term contracts of the 10+year ilk because of the lack of flexibility for the team and uncertainty of player's performance in that time.
2. Regier doesn't like the offer-sheet tactic of "stealing" other teams' players or, failing that, driving their own internal payroll up.
3. Regier doesn't want to get into bidding wars in free agency.
All of the above may have been somewhat shaped by Quinn looking over Regier's shoulder and setting mandates to operate under but the public statements Regier's made about all three topics do seem to be his own beliefs, independent of who the owner he worked for was.
From what Black said on WGR regarding RFAs, it sounded like he and Pegula have no preconceptions or fears about extending offer sheets if they think it will help bring a Cup. Pegula said at the onset that he intended to be very active in free agency.
I'm very curious to see which one will govern at the end of the day. Pegula seemed to hint he'd defer to Regier on many decisions - but will he take a more hands-on approach at some point this summer or give Regier a chance to do it "his way" this summer and if it fails, replace him next summer?
I think that when you have a new, big-money boss come into your organization who agrees to keep you but very clearly wants you to do X... there's no benefit in doing Y.
If Regier is the same old Darcy it means that Pegula isn't who we thought he was, because there is simply no way that Darcy doesn't change his style to suit his new overseer's wishes, which by all rights would indicate spending more money and spending it competitively
I think that when you have a new, big-money boss come into your organization who agrees to keep you but very clearly wants you to do X... there's no benefit in doing Y.
If Regier is the same old Darcy it means that Pegula isn't who we thought he was, because there is simply no way that Darcy doesn't change his style to suit his new overseer's wishes, which by all rights would indicate spending more money and spending it competitively
There have been some mixed signals to be sure - in his initial PC, Pegula sounded very deferential to Regier's experience and spoke how highly he was regarded around the league, adding that he would rely on Regier's judgment. That made me think that Regier, while not being able to use the excuse of financial restrictions anymore, still may be allowed to follow his long-held philosophical beliefs about contracts, free agency and developing from within.
Yet, at the same time, Pegula's stated pledge about the team definitely "being active" in free agency this summer and the timetable for winning a Cup says that patience ad infinitum won't be in effect either. Reports documented how Pegula and Black were part of meetings on trade deadline day, as well as recent end-of-year meetings about player personnel - so maybe Regier does have a short leash.
Hard to say right now how long the leash is or how long Regier is given the benefit of the doubt. From what I've read and listened to, my sense is that Regier will be allowed this summer and the upcoming season to prove himself; if the results this time next year aren't better than what they are now, Pegula will replace Regier.
Longtime caller, first time listener. I mean, longtime reader, first time poster.
Wanted to tidy something up here.
Ted Black said the Sabres would "probably" increase "player salary" by 15-20%. Player salary, not player budget. I think the distinction is important.
Jeremy White smartly jumped in to ask for a clarification, perhaps sensing semantic tomfoolery at hand.
White asked if the increase was "based on where the salary cap is going to be and the team payroll." Black said "correct, correct."
As noted here, Black went on to say the Sabres' "sweet spot" for a cap figure could be one million, or five million, under the cap.
Make of it what you will. I hope the explanation for all this is that the Sabres have decided there is no strategic advantage to announcing to the rest of the league exactly what they're going to spend, and how.
It sounds like double talk that would make Larry Quinn say, "Wow, he's good."
There have been some mixed signals to be sure - in his initial PC, Pegula sounded very deferential to Regier's experience and spoke how highly he was regarded around the league, adding that he would rely on Regier's judgment. That made me think that Regier, while not being able to use the excuse of financial restrictions anymore, still may be allowed to follow his long-held philosophical beliefs about contracts, free agency and developing from within.
Yet, at the same time, Pegula's stated pledge about the team definitely "being active" in free agency this summer and the timetable for winning a Cup says that patience ad infinitum won't be in effect either. Reports documented how Pegula and Black were part of meetings on trade deadline day, as well as recent end-of-year meetings about player personnel - so maybe Regier does have a short leash.
Hard to say right now how long the leash is or how long Regier is given the benefit of the doubt. From what I've read and listened to, my sense is that Regier will be allowed this summer and the upcoming season to prove himself; if the results this time next year aren't better than what they are now, Pegula will replace Regier.
This is a great post and I find this subject extremely fascinating.
When Terry Pegula said the Sabres would be active on July 1 (or active in free agency in general, I don't remember how he put it), I found the comment to be quite disrespectful to Regier. Regier is the GM, not Pegula. I don't believe Darcy believes in July 1. I could be wrong.
You wonder if Darcy is ever going to be given the mission, the resources and absolute free reign to get the job done. From the get-go and his orders to offer Ted Nolan a bogus deal the board of directors knew he would reject, it's like Darcy has been someone's puppet.
This is a great post and I find this subject extremely fascinating.
When Terry Pegula said the Sabres would be active on July 1 (or active in free agency in general, I don't remember how he put it), I found the comment to be quite disrespectful to Regier. Regier is the GM, not Pegula. I don't believe Darcy believes in July 1. I could be wrong.
To be fair, Pegula admitted that the entire hockey ownership process was new to him so I characterize some of the proactive vs. deferential contradictions to him sometimes letting the fan in him speak (i.e. the free agency comment) and other times the businessman in him speak (i.e. trusting the experience of Regier & Ruff).
Quote:
Originally Posted by puckish66
You wonder if Darcy is ever going to be given the mission, the resources and absolute free reign to get the job done. From the get-go and his orders to offer Ted Nolan a bogus deal the board of directors knew he would reject, it's like Darcy has been someone's puppet.
I don't think there has been a Board of Directors or any committee making decisions - when Rigas was in charge, he was a Nolan fan. Quinn hired Regier and knew the P.R. fallout of not even offering Nolan a contract would be worse than giving him the olive branch they did.
I don't think there has been a Board of Directors or any committee making decisions - when Rigas was in charge, he was a Nolan fan. Quinn hired Regier and knew the P.R. fallout of not even offering Nolan a contract would be worse than giving him the olive branch they did.
There was a board of directors in the summer of '97. Bob Swados writes of the events in his book, "Counsel in the Crease." According to Swados, the board wanted Nolan gone -- and so did Regier, described by Swados as "acting as if he had power." Swados writes that Quinn and Regier hatched the idea of an offer Nolan could and would refuse, and the board OKed it.
The point is on the day he was hired, he didn't have the power to name his coach, the prerogative of any strong GM. Regier couldn't retain Nolan. Even recently, it was Terry Pegula who announced that he wanted Lindy Ruff to return as head coach. I'm sure Darcy agreed, but what if he hadn't?
Longtime caller, first time listener. I mean, longtime reader, first time poster.
Wanted to tidy something up here.
Ted Black said the Sabres would "probably" increase "player salary" by 15-20%. Player salary, not player budget. I think the distinction is important.
Jeremy White smartly jumped in to ask for a clarification, perhaps sensing semantic tomfoolery at hand.
White asked if the increase was "based on where the salary cap is going to be and the team payroll." Black said "correct, correct."
As noted here, Black went on to say the Sabres' "sweet spot" for a cap figure could be one million, or five million, under the cap.
Make of it what you will. I hope the explanation for all this is that the Sabres have decided there is no strategic advantage to announcing to the rest of the league exactly what they're going to spend, and how.
It sounds like double talk that would make Larry Quinn say, "Wow, he's good."
So you're saying that his wordings is not as Black and White as you've hoped? Despite their names.
(sorry, had to say the pun, I'm not really commenting on anything)
So you're saying that his wordings is not as Black and White as you've hoped? Despite their names.
(sorry, had to say the pun, I'm not really commenting on anything)
I'm sure, at his age, Howard Simon offered the shades of Gray. Although I shudder at the idea of where you'd probably have to look to get a glimpse of it.
