pathshot
Verified Trader,
Miller was in form, but they had let Briere walk and couldn't entice Drury to stay. I didn't like Vanek - his immaturity was always on display. Matching the offer sheet is what caused me to walk away. They spent that July 1 in damage control rather than trying to keep competitive. Regier is basically a less successful Chiarelli; he built a good team despite his efforts. It only seemed natural that Buffalo, a team that would pass up a life raft in the draft because they liked drowning better, would miss the playoffs and be just spectacularly awful. Keeping Vanek was the path of least resistance, the move of a man who wanted to keep his job. 4 early picks and not paying Vanek's salary, alongside however bad the Sabres would have been for a year or two and getting their own early picks, would have allowed them to rebuild aggressively.
With Botterill as GM, and the parts he's got to start with, he's two years of competent drafting and prudent contracts away from a playoff run. He's got a great business mind, he knows how to work the salary cap, and already knows what it takes to win a Cup. I really hope his work sets the franchise in the right direction.
With Botterill as GM, and the parts he's got to start with, he's two years of competent drafting and prudent contracts away from a playoff run. He's got a great business mind, he knows how to work the salary cap, and already knows what it takes to win a Cup. I really hope his work sets the franchise in the right direction.
