I know this post will create an uproar, but I just learned today that Kolvie's camp has turned down the first contract offer made earlier this pre-season from Atlanta. Even with the additions of players and the teams fast start Kolvy is still not impressed.

Kolvachuck for the following:

Vanek, Pomminville, a 3rd player and picks and/or prospects.

It would be well worth it. If there is a different combination cool, but bare in mind Vanek would have to be a part of this deal.

What do you think? Should an attempt be made to bring him in and if so, what's your combination to get him here?

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

I say "yes."
Darcy says "well um eh yeah uh so wait... other teams trade players?...I thought all the other GM's listened when I said the market was too tight...."

Man, you need a stage gig with that immitation of Darcy, PRICELESS!!!!

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

i like the vanek and pominville trade. i only wonder if atlanta would want to take on that much cap space. i'm sure they'd accept vanek. but the pominville cap space, especially b/c pommers is well over paid. you might have to consider a guy like stafford, or macArthur who are cheaper and have some value.

I know i was thinking of a trade that involves vanek to get the first overall pick or quite close to it pick up a guy like kabanov or hall (key word is involves, i know more would be needed probably). and then use the cap space to sign a guy like kovy, or kane.

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"Tis The Season, Fa la la la la LaFontaine" - Rick Jeanneret

As I thought on this Psyche, I looked the UFA situation in Atlanta and they have their hands full. They resigned Armstrong, but that has been it so far. They have alot of pressing issues with their roster. They could handle the Vanek contract and any other player on our team once a trade with Kolvachuck in it happens.
I honestly believe that a trade for Kolvachuck should be made. I am not saying that Vanek or Pommers or anyone else is not worth it, they could thrive in Atlanta, but it is clear that Kolvachuck would make either Roy or Connolly and which ever RWer we sit with him instantly more productive.

As I said, we could trade a total of 5 or 6 players and picks/prospects and have much more production out of our top 2 lines. We have depth at defense and there is a couple of forwards in Portland coming along. We would definitely be a contender with Kolvachuck in the lineup.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

We don't have enough Russians to make him happy.

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kabanov could help with that

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"Tis The Season, Fa la la la la LaFontaine" - Rick Jeanneret

Oh, definitely. Too bad it'll never, ever happen.

The Sabres don't have the cap space to absorb Kovy's deal.

And dream on about being able to move Hecht.

To get Kovy at the deadline, they'd have to move Pominville or Vanek at a minimum to make it work.

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Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

I wouldn't mind losing Vanek and Pommers for Kovi, but I don't think it'll work for ATL. The way they're producing now, plus the fact that it is a giant cap hit for Atlanta for those 2 players. I could see ATL making the trade for Vanek and Butler, or Myers, or even MacArthur, and a pick or 2 because I'm guessing they'd want a prospect as well instead of 2 over paid and under producing veterans.

Well I take that back. If ATL wanted Vanek, MacArthur, and a pick/prospect for Kolvi, I would take it in a heartbeat. I just wouldn't trade Butler or Myers though. There are a number of deals I would be fine with, as long as they don't trade Butler and Myers (those are the only 2 untouchables in my book, as well as Goose and Kaleta).

Doh , Miller too. No one touches our Miller!

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Maybe we could somehow sneak Hedberg into the trade as well. I mean if we're fantasizing about Kovalchuck, why not imagine killing 2 birds with 1 stone and getting a good backup in addition to a superstar forward.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

I agree, it is fantasy, not because it never could happen, but because Darcy doesn't have the balls to pull the trigger.
Also, Someone mentioned how Ruff treats Eastern European players, I tend to agree, Ruff has made a bad reputation for himself on this issue. But, at the end of the day, money talks. So, anything is possible, no matter how unlikely. And it is nice to know that a talent such as Kolvachuck is heading towards the end of this season without a contract in hand.

Hey, I like the guy, what can I say, his value speaks for itself through his skill and production levels.

_________________
Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

I think you all should stop smoking dubes. We have great chemistry right now and I think that trading Vanek or Pomms would throw off the flora and fauna of our team. Don't go throwing the baby out with the bathwater just because we lost a few games. We're off to a great start...I wouldn't change a thing. Especially with the history this team (correction - coaching staff/managment) has with treating Russians...we'll bring out the worst in the guy and wish we had the old ones back.

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Its NNYFAN, but you can just call me Kris.

Any team wanted him would have to balance cap w/ affordability (return) - Teams like PHX, NAS can't afford to up their payroll - Ticket sales are down and their budgets are in tatters. Whereas teams like TBL, LAK, NJD or COL (deeper pockets) might see the sense or the difference between earning wins/a Cup, or not.

And, Kovie would (obviously) want to go to a contender and not some bottom-feeder...

Lotsa playaz in this pool:

Team/Cap

PHX 42.789
NAS 43.317
NYI 44.279
CLB 48.753
DAL 49.647
TBL 52.5
ATL 52.565
LAK 52.694
NJD 53.292
STL 53.432
COL 53.743
AVG 55.093
FLA 55.154
BUF 55.415
ANA 55.653
CGY 55.882
CAR 56.644
OTT 56.729
NYR 56.875
MIN 57.146
PHI 57.257
PIT 57.258
SJS 57.825
MTL 59.203
DET 59.53
CHI 59.887
BOS 60.156
WAS 60.714
VAN 60.766
EDM 61.691
TOR 61.998

We're off to a great start because of Miller first off, finally a decent defense in front of him, and great 3rd and 4th lines. Our first 2 lines blow.

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"Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid." ~ Han Solo


We truly are not worthy of Miller!

Dubes? Someone has dubes? Someone mention dubes? Who's got dubes? C'mon, now...'fess up.

I'm betting on these "cats"

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"I don't feel like Satan, but I am to them"
Neil Young

That would be a smart trade when Kovalchuk walks as an UFA next summer and the Sabres have holes all over the place up front.

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Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

Jim Bob, the trade would include a long contract signing with Kolvy, this is to be pre considered as part of the trade. The reason it isn't mentioned in the post is because it is assumed that would happen.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

I think that's the fatal flaw in the idea.

No way Kovie signs any sort of long term extension with any team. He's looking at the ludicrous contracts that have been given out over the last couple years, and aiming there.