Things look grime, at least for the next several years. After the article today in TBN about the two hour press meeting with Ted Black. I believe Miller and Vanek will decide NOT to re-sign with the Sabres, if they haven't already. I know they have a crap load of picks that could, theoretically, be used to package for a trade. Obviously with Black's comments, their plan is to draft and draft a lot of players to build this team. I'm almost convinced now that the secret plan is to have a weak team for a few years in hopes that they tank enough to draft in the top 3. At the very least they will possibly dish Miller and/or Vanek for a top pick next year.

So my thoughts, this team will be no where near competitive, let alone playoff bound, for 5+ years. There will be no huge free angency signings but there may be interesting trades next season.

Not a sermon, just a though...

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With the salary cap going down next season, and the need to dump salary, I don't think we're necessarily rebuilding hard core. We could have dealt Stafford and Hecht because there was interest from around the league this past trade deadline, but It's hard to ignore that it looks a LOT like a rebuild.

Management is going to have a hard time convicing Miller and Vanek to stick around if they plan to rebuild around those two. Based on getting ANOTHER goaltender at trade deadline, I think it screams Miller's gone. I think Vanek wants mostly to think he's got a chance at a cup in the next two to three years, because he's expressed interest in staying here as his family's doing well here. I don't think he's going to get that vibe come time to resign him, and that will push him away.

I hope that Miller and Vanek stick around, but everything I've read says otherwide. You want to build a truly great foundation then you have to tear down the whole building and start from scratch. I'm guessing that this is really what management wants.

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5+ years for a rebuild without playoffs? That is a terrible rebuild and no one would have that kind of patience.

If done proper, that rebuild period of sucking lasts two-three years. Look at Pittsburgh and Chicago respectively. Pittsburgh sucked for a hair longer, but once they got their pieces, they were constantly playoff bound.

The Oilers are not a very good example yet since they completely dismissed Defense with their top picks. Had they picked up D instead of all forwards, they'd be a playoff team right now.

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ok, maybe I was harsh to say 5+ years. It does depend on what is presented in the next few drafts but if the Sabres do not get a top three pick in the next few drafts, it will take longer. Like a few top 3-4 draft picks, consecutively... But that also depends on what they do for a coach. There is no way I want to see rolo as a bench boss next season

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Right now, the Sabres would be 7th overall, and the first overall is within reach if they completely tank. Not saying they should tank, but the option is there.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

The last two games have been utterly pathetic efforts. I didn't see the New Jersey game, but apparently they got booed at home despite winning. This team should tank. They fucking suck. Time to make lemonade out of these lemons.

I've been in the tank cheering section for two years

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Got to remember, every team in not in the playoffs has a chance at the number one overall draft pick.

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Which is something I find incredibly dumb.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Except, unless things changed in the new cba, isn't true. Every team has a shot at winning the lottery, yes, but the most you can do is move up four or five spots, and down one. Case in point, the New Jersey devils.

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PSA: I am an overly sarcastic person. If you take me at my word, then i will most likely anger and offend you.

It changed in the CBA I think.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Yes, it did change. The team that wins the lottery wins the 1st overall pick, meant to be just like the NBA.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

We need a big time player from this draft. We have two 1st rounders and ours a potential to be a good one. Get it done, Darcy.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Big time player, fuck.... I would worry about a coach before I worry about a "big time player."

All teams can, theoretically, be #1 but it is weighted. The worse you are, the better chance you have for #1

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You'd worry about a coach? Rolston is fine. We've been better with him. it's time for personnel change.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

Only the 14 non playoff teams can get the number one pick though, it is of course still weighted though.



I still think it should be in order of how you finish the regular season and the other 16 spots by the order of elimination of the playoffs.

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That's sort of obvious.

Also, food for thought: Rolston has points in 17 of his 26 games as coach.

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Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever.

@TJLuckman550

They have been better because half the team has been under him at one point in their career, but I'm still not convinced. He may be the best for the job since they'll be basically an AHL team for a few years.

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There are more proven coaches out there without a team and to not look at them as options here in Buffalo would be foolish. Rolston may very well be the coach this team needs but a few weeks of bench time isn't enough to base that kind of opinion on. I would like to see this team get a new GM, new coach and new assistant coaches. Anything Darcy and Lindy related needs to be burned like leprosy blankets. I hope they look at available GMs as well who have had success with teams during rebuild years....but you know what happens to Buffalo fans who hope for logic and common sense.

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We need a player more than a coach. Vanek is our best point producer, a guy who is constantly injured and very streaky. With Pommers gone and our team filled with guys from our AHL team, we need players! If Rolston starts to do bad, then get a new coach. But until then, we need PLAYERS. Ennis plays with Stafford and Foligno, which both combined only have 3 more points than Ennis... Although now with Pommers gone he's probably playing with Vanek and Hodsgon.

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.