Disappointing Sabres
More than twenty hours into free agency, and the Sabres still haven't signed the impact defenseman they were seeking. It's pretty disappointing, especially when you see the moves other teams have made since free agency began.
GM Darcy Regier (above) says the team moved off Brooks Orpik shortly after the signing period began at noon yesterday, because of money issues. What's interesting, is that Orpik re-signed with Pittsburgh today, for $22.5 million over six years. That's $3.75 million a year, and that's not bad. It certainly is where the market has been set, for better-than average defensemen.
So, what were the Sabres waiting for? Mike Commodore got the same money from Columbus on Tuesday--the market was set. Now Orpik is gone, along with all the other free agent defensemen who might have made a difference in Buffalo.
I understand fiscal responsibility. I know the Sabres will not go into debt, and do not intend of spending to the salary cap this year (maybe never).
But the fact is, for the THIRD consecutive year, they have either misjudged the free agent market or chosen not to participate. The first two years, they sat back and watched their roster get picked apart by the rest of the league (McKee, Grier, Briere, Drury, etc.). This year, they sit back and let other teams make moves, while they prepare to play with essentially the same lineup that failed to make the playoffs last year. Very disappointing.
Let us know what you think about the Sabres performance so far in free agency.
posted by John Murphy at
8:39 PM
4 Comments:
I couldn't agree more with John's thoughts. Year after year it's the same old song and dance with the Sabres front office. It's a slap in the face to a community that absolutely adores their hockey team. Granted, some of the FA signings are ridiculous. There were others that were somewhat reasonable. This team is no better than what they were last season. I sure hope our draft picks pan out....
It's ridiculous that we never made a move for Orpik even after he expressed interest in joining the Sabres. It just goes to show how much of a joke this managment is. Now all there is left to do is resign Pominville and Miller before they become free agents next year, but considering our history I don't see this happening either
I ditto Murph's comments. Don't be biased from the comments of our only sports talk radio station in town, which basically shills for the Sabres.
The next step now is Miller. If the Sabres want to keep him, they best offer a minimum of 7 million a year over a minimum of 7 years. He's a very good goalie (I can think of only 3 others in the league I know I'd rather have over Miller)...he's young...he has proven playoff experience...and he's a leader.
If we're not going to sign any free agents, and on top of that jerk Miller around like so many others and let him go, there will be a mutiny of Sabres fans. At some point, we will stop rooting for a team that's a joke.
Golisano, take your next move very seriously.
you know what I love about the sabres? Seeing them operate in the free agent market is like watching a handcuffed swimming event. They are in the pool, but they're not doing so good. Maybe its time for a new GM.
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