Didn't Darcy actually tell him he'd match an offer sheet if Lowe tried to use one?

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mechaphil

Having not spent much time around here for the last few months, I had forgotten how often people try to put words in your mouth! Let's see: I apparently hate Vanek and blame him for signing his big contract!

Now the facts:
First, as I've already stated, I LIKE Vanek. He's a solid top line player. I just don't think he's a dependable go-to-guy or captain material.
Second, Why would I blame HIM for signing that deal? Seriously? Any player who wouldn't sign a deal for the most money he can get, is in the wrong business.

I blame the Sabres front office for allowing themselves to be painted into a corner PR-wise (Drury/Briere debacle), which so clearly caused them to pay whatever they had to to keep Vanek, preventing a complete fan meltdown.

You said he wasn't worth the price tag, basically implying you blame him for that price tag.

The pricetag issue was out of his hands really anyway, we have to live with it and can't use it as any sort of argument in anything.

I honestly don't think Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin should make 10 million dollars. No one should.

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Highlights from his 40 goal season. Yeah, he's not a big threat at all, especially in front of the net.

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Rest in Peace Nani. 10/3/10

Gerbacity



"Grier coming in over the line. He leaves it to Gaustad. The shot. THEY SCOOOREE!! RING UP ANOTHER ONE FOR THE GOOSE!!! HONK IF YA HEAR THE GOOSE!! 3-0 BUFFALO!"

I didn't imply he is to blame, but somehow you inferred it.

NO PLAYER is to "blame" for getting as much as they can. It would be absurd to blame a player for SUCCEEDING in making big bucks. You CAN blame a player for asking for an unrealistic price if it results in a contract stall, but that's a different issue. If a player succeeds in making a ton of money per year, then they've maximized their value. However, if that player is making more than they are worth, it is the TEAMS fault for allowing the dynamics to unfold that created that situation. The Sabres backed themselves into a corner with Vanek (thanks to Briere/Drury) and that's why Vanek got that kinda cash.

On an unrelated note: Does anybody wanna do my avatar?

It's the offseason, I'm mean during this time so I don't care what you say.

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Then you DO NOT have permission to do my avatar.

Good, because I wouldn't want to anyways.

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PP is right. If the Sabres didn't screw the pooch on getting Vanek signed, Lowe doesn't get the offer sheet out, and the Sabres can pay Vanek a salary more in line with what his value is.

Darcy also made a HUGE mistake telling Lowe that they'd match whatever the sheet was. Any GM worth their salt (which may not be Lowe :p ) is going to bump that offer sheet up to handcuff the other team. Yes, it's a risk, but in this case a good one. Everyone in the league knew that Darcy had no choice after losing Drury and Briere, and Lowe bent them over on it.

Rivet should remain the captain until he his no longer on the roster, IMO.

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Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

I'll be captain.

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Or This Captian

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I went with Grier...But to stick to the theme..

The bestest Captain

I will... lead... the Sabres... to a Stanley... Cup.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

17-16 in favour of NOT having Rivet as the captain for this year.

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Revenge is sweet... Revenge is best served cold... Revenge is ice cream.

Woah, I used to use that as my avatar on here before I got my SRV one or something.

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"The Stanley Cup...the final frontier...these are the voyages of the Buffalo Sabres. Their continuing mission: to explore new ways to win. To seek out new titles; new banners to hang in the rafter of HSBC Arena. To boldly go where no Sabres team has gone before!"

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mechaphil

From hell's heart I slash at thee; for hate's sake I throw my last check at thee! Ye damned Senator!

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Yep, my vote is cast - Ahab for captain

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mechaphil