X-pensfan wrote:
Okay, well. I just listened to the entire press conference and here are my thoughts on the matter.
1. While playing on NHL ice, nobody cares where you grew up. I know how it feels, because I am a Ryan Malone fan from Pittsburgh. But look at the team on the ice for what it is. Calm your emotions and just pretend everybody on the team is from your back yard. Not your city, but literally your back yard. Or if you don't have a yard, the nearest patch of grass (10'x10') will do. Then, base your opinion of the team as a whole without Kennedy on it. With all due respect to him, he is not blessed with the physical attributes needed to thrive as a checking line winger in the NHL and his skill level is half that of an Ennis. I love his heart and feistiness, I really do. And I wish he was on the team with that 2-way contract that was offered him. But he's not, and I wish him well.
2. The team has a self proposed cap. Not a hard cap mind you, but for whatever reasons MGMT are NOT spending to the NHL cap ceiling this summer. Could be that there isn't anybody worth spending that kind of money on this summer. Could be that they need to cut back a little now, so they can spend more later. Could be that they are preparing for Myers gigantic contract extension next year or the year after. Could be that they are bracing for a trade at the deadline. Speculate away.
3. Regier did right by the team. He sacrificed from a position of abundance, and lets face it the Sabres have a lot of REALLY good wingers of all ages on the team. So that he could strengthen a weakness on the team. A defense man that will protect the teams most important asset, pick up a great deal of the slack left behind from Lydman, and continue to provide the team with better size for those long grueling playoffs runs that we all want to happen VERY soon. And he's only 27, probably a better catch then Sutton due to his discipline and durability. And he's not a douche either, I don't like Sutton.
Finally, I think Sabres MGMT once again conducted themselves in a professional, compassionate manner and DR in particular has said all the right things once again.
1. This wasn't ever nor is it right now about Kennedy being from Buffalo. People need to friggin get over it.
2. It came out today that Kennedy was informed he'd get waived if the team didn't have the option to walk away from an award they didn't like. Management should have been transparent enough to disclose that before he had been waived so this whirlwind shitstorm didn't happen.
3. Again, this isn't about the players, but yea Morrisonn is a good signing for only $2.075M