He's basically playing his farewell season this year. He could be that vet that puts a team over the top, he gives the Sabres proper scoring depth, he'd be cheap (made $2.2M last season, so maybe $2.5M?), and if the Sabres make no other center move it'd give the team a corps of Roy/Connolly/Modano/Goose.

Sarcastic comments about his advanced age aside, whatdya guys think?

_________________
mechaphil

ftw. Id take him

_________________

LETS GO BUFFALO!

Insert sarcastic comment about his age here.

(I'd still take him though.)

I'd take him also.

He'd be good enough for 30-40 points still. He would be an instant leader also.

_________________

He would a great pick-up. Similar to Koivu with leadership, scoring capabilities, and depth...
I think he may retire though since Dallas is not re-signing him. I think that they only way he wouldn't retire is if he got offered a contract in Dallas. He woulld be a great pick-up though.

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

In Pegula We We Trust!

I would also take Modano! His leadership alone along with helping out some of the younger players I would think would be extremely valuable.

Oh, and given that it is in fact Mike friggin Modano, I'm willing to look past the methods in which he won his Stanley Cup ring (coughNOGOALcough)

_________________
mechaphil

it would be pretty cool if we signed him or if minnesota signed him. he started his career there why not end it there.

_________________
It's sad that as long as Quinn is in charge Regier will be here, and as long as Regier is here Ruff is here. Say hello to more years of mediocrity Buffalo. However it is urged that you don't accept it.

RIP K.E.G. 3-16-2004

Meh. Too old.

_________________

I would give him Grier's deal to add center depth.

I wouldn't go as high as $2.5M.

That being said, I'd be surprised if he wanted to move to the Sabres. I think he'll hang em up or MAYBE sign with Minnesota to sort of go back where he started.

_________________
Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

"Assisted" on the "No Goal"...boy I don't know.

_________________
"...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

Not sure why he'd get a raise this year. His salary is in decline. Anywho's, he's not tenacious enough(because of age) to be a 3rd line center. That guy has to hustle every second, and be terrified about his defense(see D. Bolland). He'd be better suited to be a 2nd line center on a weaker team. With that said, he'll probably retire.

I've thought for awhile that we needed some leadership up front. I mean we have vets on the D but it would be nice to have an old guy up there sparking the younger guys. I also think that his experience would do a lot to calm the guys down and add consistency.

_________________

That's all fine and dandy, but where ya gonna put him? Tim Connolly is a much younger version. You sure as hell aren't gonna sit him for Modano, and he don't fit on the 3rd or 4th lines.

For all the reasons you said, I was for getting Big Bert, but he re-signed already.

He doesn't fit on the third line? Grier brings defensive responsibility, Ennis/Kennedy/FA acquisition (Stemps?) provides goal-scoring, and Modano brings the entire package plus would be the sage mentor. He could turn into the Sabres' 09 Guerin or 06 Weight and Recchi.

_________________
mechaphil

You're convincing me Phil. I'll go make this trade happen.

_________________

modano had 30 points in 59 games last year. that averages out to 42 points over 82 games, which is more then half a point per game. which is solid scoring depth.

so... theres some more pro modano material.

_________________

Maybe that's a good home game 3rd line, but I don't want Ennis and Modano vs. some top lines for sure on the road. I think our 3rd line needs to remain mostly defensive, and chip in. That's what is gonna fit Ruff's mentality anyways. He'd never roll 4 "scoring" lines now.

btw, I do understand the chemistry perspective you applied, phil.

I saw that. Honestly, I do like your idea for a defensive third line. That's why I would be perfectly fine with Darcy claiming Pandolfo off of waivers and signing Madden to play with Grier.

_________________
mechaphil

Really good ideas but you know what this means it won't happen in Sabres land.

_________________
just call me Brad

Twitter @BUrbanowicz13