http://www.wgr550.com/Regier-will-stand-behind-Kassian--Negotiations-ope/7419841

So Regier has decided to call off signing Kassian this summer, but is working on bringing back both Tallinder and Lydman and is talking to their agents about it already.

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mechaphil

I'd like to see Tallinder back, and I could handle Lydman even if it doesn't excite me in any way. Frankly, it's not really the defense I'm concerned about, or I should say, I'd be a lot more happy to see no changes on defense than I would no changes on offense.

I like the way Regier handled that with Kassian. Message sent, time for the kid to show a little self discipline.

I really like Lydman's game, I think he's one of the more under rated stay at home guys in the league, but I would rather Tallander's money went elsewhere. Talent wise, I think they can do better and they should try to. He seems like a great team guy though, so I wont be terribly upset if he returns.

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

I want to keep Loods, I think he's seriously under-rated, even by sabres fans.

I feel the opposite about hank, i'd like him gone, I think he only played 'well' this year because of Myers, he's paid too much and I think OVER-rated, even by sabres fans.

I don't know. I like to talk Lydman up something fierce.

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I'd keep tallinder for another year just to help guard against a sophomore slump for Myers.

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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.

I like how Darcy is dealing with Kassian so far. He's got to understand that he hasn't earned anything yet, and he's got to know how important it is to act like a professional if you're going to be a professional.

As for Tallinder/Lydman...I'm not against either coming back, but they don't deserve their current contracts. Each of them should be around 1.7-2.1 mil. If Darcy can re-sign both for 4 mil per combined, there would be cap room to sign another d-man and force Butler and Sekera into 7th/8th man slots. Tallinder played well with Myers, and even if anyone would look good with Myers, there's not a big need to upgrade there. Lydman is a shot blocker and solid defensively, and I wouldn't be unhappy with him as the 4th/5th d-man, as long as a solid 3rd/4th d-man can be signed to upgrade the whole d-corps.

Tallinder-Myers
Lydman-(new guy)
Weber-Montador
Sekera/Butler

When Rivet returns he can pair up wherever and Butler can be traded or sent through waivers. I just want a scenario that ends up with Sekera and Butler as the 7th man or off the team. If that's the case, and there is someone new that can QB or shoot well on the PP, that means the d-corps has been improved.

*ahem*

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mechaphil

I could definitely get behind that d-corps. I'd love the new guy on the second pairing to be a good puck mover and be able to mentor Myers on the PP. Also, it'd create healthy competition when Rivet returns, assuming he'll be an upgrade over someone.

I'd just be nervous of Tallinder reverting back to himself of 2 seasons ago when he was so frustrating to watch. A 1 year deal around 1.7-2 would be ideal.

I'll take Lydman personally over Tallinder. Lydman has always been a quietly solid shot-blocking, hitting defensemen... while Tallinder only really showed any upside once Myers came in and there's no guarantee that'll continue this season, especially if Myers slumps at all in his sophmore season. In a ideal world, I would say sign Lydman, dump Tallinder and do everything we can to sign a Kaberle-esque, PP QB d-man.

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Keep 'em both. They know the system and buy in, they obviously like it in Buffalo and seem to be good in the locker room, and they get the job done most of the time.

These 2 will never be to Buffalo what Lidstrom is to the wings (hopefully Myers will...), but they do play defense, and they play it well enough for Buffalo to win quite a few games when we get a couple of goals. as long as Miller's around all the D really needs to do is keep the shooters outside, and they can do that.

1-2yr. deals for both, same or marginally less money. (could get into trouble by low balling - if they were both to walk - Butler could be our #3 guy)

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Keep Loods. Please...

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Wheelhouse

Regier has alot of tough decisions to make with this team and I will point out the players.

1. Kassian-Yes we all want to see him in a Buffalo uniform but even if he is signed before the season most likely he will be in Portland for the majority of the year. I don't think Kassian has talent to be on Buffalo right away. You want the guy to develop alittle in the minors before he comes to Buffalo and that all depends on how his assualt charge might effect his entry into the U.S.
2&3. Tallinder and Lydman- I'm up in the air about these guys because if you sign them the defense is the same as last year and it would be nice to see the defense get tougher. Plus if their not re-signed are Butler and Weber ready to fill their spots? If their not then the defense just got downgraded.
4. Connolly- Yes he was decent during the season and still has great hands but let face it when this team needed him most he didn't do shit. That's alot of money sitting in a player that can do nothing when it matters most.
5. Stafford- Let's face it folks he's another version of Kotalik! He can score goals but just seems lazy and never know what kind of effort he's gonna bring. Plus it seems like he's filled out to his best potential.
6. Gaustad- I know I might hear shit about this but he's overpaid for what he does. Yes he hustle's and hits and he's a good face off man but he's making alot of money to be a third line center. Plus he doesn't have much upside to his game.
7. Gerbe, Ennis, Roy, and Kennedy- Just way too many small guys on offense and I just don't seem them keeping all of them. Ennis has to stay but the other 3 I have questions about. Roy was nonexistent when it matters the most. He doesn't shoot the puck enough and just tries to be way too fancy with the puck. Kennedy and Gerbe- I know they are both young and upcoming but keeping them both doesn't seem like a logical move. This team needs to add some size up front to protect a small forward. It's not like Kennedy or Gerbe have the same skill as Gomez, Gionta or Cammalleri.


The whole Northeast division is getting more competitive and the Sabres are going to be in a fight for the next few years with Montreal, Boston and yes even Toronto because I know Burke will make the necessary changes to make the Leafs a playoff team in the near future.

Of course. Keep the D exactly the same. We got eliminated 1st round but hey. We don't need to make changes.

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

The problem wasn't the D or Miller, really, but moreso the offense. If the D only makes one move, make it for a PP QB. Otherwise, staying the same isn't so bad as compared to the front 12 skaters.

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mechaphil

i still feel like lydman and tallinder make too much

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Proud LGBTQQ Individual

They should put Lydman with Myers, and upgrade Tallander with a puck moving d man

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"I love that you know how to do that." Cheryl/Carol/Crystal

"And I love that I have an erection that doesn't involve homeless people." Kreiger

I say you have to sign Kassian now. He will not benefit from another year in Jrs. Much like Myers last year. I've heard it many times and seen it watching him play, "He's a man playing in a boy's league." If he plays in Portland all season it will help his developement more than another year playing Jrs.

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We were biting this morning. We were biting this morning.

I wonder if we'll use Kassian as trade bait now?

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"...they came down into the stands and asked if I knew how to do play by play. I said...No. But. I'll take a shot at it if you want".- Rick Jeanneret

I'm wondering the same thing especially if he's guilty of that assualt charge! Should be interesting to see how this all plays out.