I don't want to derail the topic, but I know the market for centers was non-existent in 2009. But throwing more money at same player and expecting different results is the definition of hockey insanity. Was the extra million going to make Connolly a better player?

I would have overpaid for Johan Franzen before I overpaid for Tim Connolly. I get that Connolly was more of a stopgap but we're looking at the same question 2 years later and the center market isn't much better.

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If your having goal problems, I feel bad for ya son....we got 99 problems but Vanek ain't one!

He did have 40 points in 48 games in 07-08, 47 points in 48 games in 08-09, and 65 points in 73 games last year.

This year he's been a disappointment even going by those three years.

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He was never dominant like he was at times in the 06 playoffs, but he put up decent numbers and he wasn't a hazard.

This season has been a train wreck for him.

At this point, we should try to move him and just keep Byron in the lineup. Go young.

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Wheelhouse

His 17 game point streak was a pretty dominate venture for him last year. I agree he hasn't ever been the same like he was in 06 playoffs, but 17 straight games with a point was doing something right.

His age and injuries are most likely the cure for him slowing down as much.

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You do know that he'll channel Stu Barnes, rip it up in the playoffs and we'll resign him....

I'm sorta kidding, but with Connolly, I'm a "Murphy's Law" proponent.

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If your having goal problems, I feel bad for ya son....we got 99 problems but Vanek ain't one!

I'm not saying this as a legit excuse, but I think his frustration level hit an all-time high after breaking his foot, not being able to skate for three weeks, trying his best and failing to produce immediately in the playoffs while not in game shape, and getting crucified once again by fans and media for it.

After all the concussion stuff, "glass man" crap every time he got hurt after that, and then getting ripped big time for trying in the playoffs when he wouldn't have been playing in the regular season, probably sapped the last bit of determination he had to make people happy or prove people wrong. Of course this season he hasn't had very good wingers and the team has been mediocre as well, so he's not too far out of place with the rest of the team anyway.

That said, it's time for him to move on, but I'll be very interested to see how he does elsewhere.

I wonder if he has started packing up his house/apartment whatever he lives in while in town.

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--Scott

He couldn't even lift the puck off the ice to give to the official 2 feet away. FAILED TWICE. Granted CEC ice is total shit, but for somebody with "world class hands" he looked like a world class clutz. And oh yeah he was a no show again on the ice, 5th rounder at best. Thanks for shitting away your trade value.

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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

No way. He'll definitely bring in a first rounder. He's a top 20 center in the NHL.

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Wheelhouse

Is it just me, or is it starting to look like Timmy actually cares again? After his little scrum with Downie last night, he looked juiced up and really into the game. I also thought his "no touch" pass to Leopold for the tying goal was sweet.

Maybe he'll come around enough to get us something of value by the trade deadline...

He has lifted the bar a bit lately which I hope he keeps doing. Selling high is always better.

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Too little, too late in my eyes. Timmy has shown a lack of passion far too long for me to ever be forgiving of him.

He'd have to lead us to a Stanley Cup THIS SEASON to make me change my opinion on him. And that's not very likely.

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Wheelhouse

He's gonna need another 18 game point streak to redeem himself in my eyes. Perfect time to start it would be game 81 of the Sabres' schedule.

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mechaphil

Unless they feel there's a better offer coming in tomorrow, that they didn't trade him today is just bewildering.

I mean all he's good for anymore is PK and it ain't like out PK is shutting down even average PPs consistently.

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If your having goal problems, I feel bad for ya son....we got 99 problems but Vanek ain't one!

It's already been said that Connolly isn't getting moved. Check WGR550

That could always just be a trade tactic, you know like boosting connolly's value by making him seem more improtant to the team than he really is.

Connolly not being moved has been a rumor, not fact. His hours are numbered now we acquired Brad Boyes from the Blues makes. Why would Regier want to fail for not trading him?

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Let's go Buffalo!

I wouldn't want to go on with only Boyes and Hecht as centers either. Had Roy not been injured the move to trade connolly would have happened.

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The mystery is now where Connolly would have gone and what we would have received in return. It does not matter now.

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Let's go Buffalo!