daz28 wrote:
I really don't know. As someone said, the guy used to be a champ dealer, but maybe circumstances have changed a bit. Has he adapted? Imo, no. The guy used to talk 38 million self-imposed cap, and had good teams. Sadly enough, we aren't that team anymore. 2 seasons w/no playoffs, and a hasty bouncing by the Bruins is not a President's trophy memory. It's also probably expected that no moves will be made in the near future. The guy really has become predictable. Maybe he still has something left in his bag of tricks. We can only hope so. He's what we have to deal with, and that's why I understand all the anti anti-Darcy sentiments. It is, however, a hockey message board, and GM criticism always flies around July 1st. Just take half a hydro, and wait it out.
The Sabres got raped by the cap and free agency, you can't just replace all of that talent over night! I mean literally, 80% of the core was removed from the lineup, a young core at that! Considering that, I think MGMT has done a great job of rebuilding without tanking. Providing entertaining hockey while building a strong foundation for a brighter future. It looks like the team is on the cusp of that future, and things could accelerate quickly with a couple of key acquisitions.
I went through this with former Penguins GM Craig Patrick, once an epic wheeler and dealer, he got left behind in the new NHL. Rumor has it he didn't even haave an internet connection in his office! IMAGINE THAT, doing business by phone only! Hiring Ed Olczyk as coach after a rumored 134 applicants had applied for the job was the final straw. He also had severe financial restraints over the years, it was a tough situation for any GM. I think that Regier has been through some really tough years too, but the two things that remain at a high quality level are scouting and player development. He does seem to need a good free agency move or a trade to get things rolling again.