I think, as for the big wingers we've been looking for...we should go for Downie or Malone. We could dish off Stafford and Gerbe, or really any other combination.
They are both gritty power forwards who can stand in front of the net and shovel in the garbage. They are what Stafford was supposed to be. Horton's gone, but these are two good options as well.
And for the Gerbe lover, although I like him and hope for the best....and look forward to seeing him and Myers celebrate together, do you really want to see another small forward. We have Roy and Ennis...that's enough..

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"Ah...composite sticks...you can't beat 'em...unless you have a wooden one..."-Harry Neale

In Pegula We We Trust!

Ennis-Roy-Pominville
Vanek-Connolly-Malone/Downie (instead of Drew)
Hecht-Kennedy-Grier
Kaleta-Gaustad-McCormick

Myers-Tallinder
Rivet-Sekera/Butler
(free agent/Lydman)-Montador

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"Ah...composite sticks...you can't beat 'em...unless you have a wooden one..."-Harry Neale

In Pegula We We Trust!

Malone is one of the vets that Yzerman will want to keep, and Downie should be a young player that he wants to build around. I doubt either will be available.

Yeah but Stafford has potential...
If you look at his stats, he just had a "slump" year. I'm sure he has some value. I'd be willing to give up Sekera or Butler too, who also have value being young and unproven. I think StevieY would negotiate with this. Both would be great for Lindy to coach...it will dramatically reduce our pussi-ness.

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"Ah...composite sticks...you can't beat 'em...unless you have a wooden one..."-Harry Neale

In Pegula We We Trust!

There is NO WAY I would want a lunatic like Downie on the Sabres.

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mechaphil

Thank-you... It had to be said. We already have a short fused looney tune in Kassian (and Kaleta to a lesser point) - We dont need 2...(or 3)

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Yeah, cuz I can't stand the energy the team has when Kaleta's on the ice...

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Downie is a loose cannon that's true. But with veteran guys like St. Louis and Vinny L he did well. I think that if you put him in a system with leaders like Miller, Rivet, Gaustad, and that one Austrian Euro Trash Floater...he'd do well again.

That being said, he's definitely not available. Especially not after the year he had last season.

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"She's like plan C after an 18 pack"

Squanto 7/27/2010

"and that one Austrian Euro Trash Floater"

I love it.

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I figure if I said Vanek nobody would know who I meant, since European players clearly dont do well at the NHL level...

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"She's like plan C after an 18 pack"

Squanto 7/27/2010

Wait. You meant Vanek? Get him the fuck out of here! That fat, lazy, donut eating slob

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I don't see Tampa dealing Downie.

And Malone's contract could be a bit of a tough fit depending on what other moves the Sabres make.

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Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

Well, Kaleta may throw borderline hits, but the tangibles and intangibles he brings to the team are prolific for a 4th liner - 10-15 goals, PK time, will drop the gloves sometimes. Kassian will probably max out at 25 goals, have PP and PK time, and will drop em like it's hot. Downie is known for his rule-breaking shenanigans and goonery - let's not forget his SLASHING OF A REFEREE in Feb of 2009.

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mechaphil

If you hit everything that moves, a slightly dirty hit HAS to come out. It's not like he's a trained hitman like Niel.

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

Downie is an unpredictable wild man. Anyone who compares him to Kaleta doesn't watch hockey (not saying you did, but the previous posters).

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mechaphil

I compared what a player with energy can do for our team. And sometimes the refs need a good fucking slashing.

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Downie is a fucking scumbag. I don't want him anywhere near this organization. Now, I would be all over Malone but the contract situation for him is iffy.

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

And when he tried to snap crosby's leg... granted it was only crosby but that's a bitch move.

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"Call a cop he robbed Delmore blind!!!"
Rick Jeanerette after Marty Biron's diving save back in 2000.

"I'm going to go to the spa and have a hot tub and massage and relax," Miller said. "That's it, and it's back to work tomorrow." Ryan Miller after clinching the North East division.

Pretty much this.

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mechaphil