To trade or not to trade Miller, that's Sabres' question
What happens between now and the NHL trade deadline will reveal how the Sabres feel about Miller and a few others. He has a 0.63 goals-against average and .976 save percentage in his last three games. The better he plays, the greater his value. The better he plays, the more tempted they are to keep him.
And that's what makes the coming weeks so intriguing. Do they trade him with the idea they can make significant upgrades in other areas, assuming they can find a trading partner to take his salary? Or do they keep him with the risk he'll have another season like this one?
Sabres' Black hints at possible changes among 'core' playersans hoping for change at the top should abandon their efforts, though. For the umpteenth time, Black expressed his support for General Manager Darcy Regier and coach Lindy Ruff.
"If this was a court reporter, I'd ask to read back the record on prior answers," Black said regarding his support for the NHL's longest-tenured duo.
The players may not be as safe.
Roy brushes aside trade rumorsDerek Roy has enough issues. The Buffalo Sabres' center has a balky shoulder that will likely keep him out of the lineup tonight in Toronto for the second straight game, he's on pace for his worst offensive season in six years and he's getting plenty of blame from fans for the team's continued struggles.
Now there's this: Roy is the hottest name in the rumor mill if the Sabres make a trade.
Miller's future in BuffaloMiller clears the air
Ryan Miller doesn't want out of Buffalo.
A weekend note in the Edmonton Journal by respected hockey columnist Jim Matheson caused a stir with some fans in Buffalo, with the veteran writer saying he kept hearing that Miller wouldn't mind if the Sabres traded him.
Sabres cry foul over hit on ConnollyThe way the Buffalo Sabres see it, they shouldn't have to deal with Philadelphia Flyers captain Mike Richards in Game Seven. Richards got a two-minute boarding penalty for drilling Sabres center Tim Connolly into the boards with 6:03 left in the second period Sunday. Connolly did not return and will miss Game Seven. The Sabres think Richards should be suspended and miss it, too.
Ruff or roster, something's got to give OK, so what, exactly, is the breaking point?
The Sabres have lost four straight games, fallen into last place in the NHL and are in serious trouble in the first week of November. Their roster was built by a general manager who has been here too long and consists of players who have been here too long who are underachieving for a coach who has been here too long.
More Than Just Miller Needed For SabresThe Buffalo Sabres had a big bounce back year getting 100 points, winning the Northeast Division and getting back to the playoffs. However the season ended rather disappointingly with a quick 1st round exit.
This year, the team hopes to move forward and take things to another level. Armed with elite goaltending, a ton of speed and excellent coaching, they certainly have the tools to get better.
It will be interesting to see though how a new, revamped defence will work .Also, the same group of forwards who did not fare well in the playoffs, return and will need major redemption this season if the Sabres are going to make any noise.
Sabres Trying To Avoid MediocrityThe Buffalo Sabres have gone from being the best team in the league 2 years ago, to a middling franchise that is too good to get high draft picks but not good enough to be a playoff team.
The organization seems caught in a rut which they cannot seem to get out of. They have endured quite a bit of personnel losses with stars like Drury, Briere and Campbell moving on. It has taken some of the edge this team had that made them one of the league's most exciting teams and they must find a way to get it back.
Buffalo Signs Tim ConnolyThe Buffalo Sabres have signed Tim Connoly to a new 2 year deal this morning. 2 years 4.5 per year.
HTR notes that the value of Olli Jokinen has just gone up due to the fact that Connoly is off the market.
Pominville stays in BuffaloJason Pominville has just agreed to a 5 year contract extension with the Sabres. The deal is believed worth 5.3 millions per season, for a total of 26.5 millions. Pominville set career-high last year in assists and points, with 53 and 80 respectively. He's also the front-runner for wearing the C next year in Buffalo. He's linked to the Sabres through 2013/2014.
This may be the beginning of a new era in Buffalo, as the owner seems to be willing to give pay raises to his star players in order to keep them. After seeing McKee, Drury, Briere and Campbell leaving, Buffalo couldn't afford seeing Pominville packing his bags too. With Vanek and Roy, he'll be the cornerstone of this franchise for years to come. Good signing by Darcy Regier.
