If you actually read my comment you would see I did not talk about anyone else on the team except the 2 new additions Ott and Scott. Who were west coast players. You’re correct I do not know much about the sabers. However I’ve seen Ott and Scott play quiet a bit. So I will stick to my team. In the west where 2 of your new players came from.

I never said anything about making a splash in free agency, so don’t skew my words. There is a big difference between saying that we need an elite skater, and saying that we need to make a big splash in free agency. Leino was a splash (or should I say belly flop?) but he is nothing close to an elite player along with many many other UFAs that are paid elite money in desperation. Now, if there is an elite guy in UFA, then yes I am all for a big splash, but the point is that we need to get that player whether its through the draft, free agency, or trade, it doesn’t matter. Take a look at a list of teams in the league that do not have an elite skater (understand that I said skater which does not include goalies)

Coyotes
Islanders
Jets
Panthers
Avalanche
Blue Jackets
Leafs
Oilers ? (I question this because they have young guys that are expected to be elite but have not proven it)
Canadiens
Flames ? (I included the Flames because I’m not sure that Iginla is elite anymore)
Sabres

Now, how can you look at that list and not think elite players are important? I really don’t think it’s a coincidence that these teams are never really “contenders”. The Coyotes and Sabres are the only two on the list that are ever even a thought in the “contender” discussion, but we all know how that goes.

Obviously anything is possible, but you can’t run a team with that philosophy. We have a goaltender, now we need an elite skater(s). There is always a chance we drafted that player, but once again, you can’t sit around and hope, you have to do everything in your power to build a cup team (even if it means giving up more than your getting) which was their creed at the start of the Pegula Era.

And finally…. Everyone needs to stop this ignorant idea that if you question the Sabres, or have anything less than positive things to say about them that you either aren’t a fan, or are a bad fan. If you want to be a homer, that’s fine, but I choose to be objective. It is possible, trust me.

2- I’m not saying Ott or Scott are the same skill wise as Drury but they have the same attitude, which has been sorely missed since Drury left.

3- Also what I meant was I didn’t think the Sabres needed to add a big name player to be a playoff contender. They have enough skilled players to make it work, Vanek, Pominville, Stafford, Ehrhoff, Myers and Miller plus alot of younger guys that could make a big difference.

4- I’ve always been A Derek Roy fan but the last year just seemed his heart wasn’t with them team and it’s no secret that him and Lindy didn’t get along and I think that had big effect on team because it was last year when they started the big winning streak that Roy was out injured. The Sabres were the most winning team from Feb till Apr and barely missed the playoffs. Pretty good since they were one of the worst teams in the league before that and were at the bottom of the eastern conf.

I’m a Sabres fan, but I’m capable of objectivity. Regier had the offseason to make up for the loss of Gaustad at center, he instead traded another (in Roy) away without recouping one. I’m convinced he’s scratching his head wondering why Drew Stafford and a 2nd rd. pick won’t get him Evgeni Malkin. Gun-shy, and incapable of pulling off a “blockbuster” even when the owner promises “multiple” cups. Passive G.M.’s don’t work in hockey, and Regier is the prototypical passive G.M.

Barring a big move prior to camp opening, I’d be less surprised if TOR, CAR, MTL, NYI got in and left my guys finishing 9th as it stands right now.

Of course you have to have good goaltending, but this has nothing to do with my point about having elite players, so I’m not sure what you’re arguing about.

And yes they are nothing like Drury because they are tough guys which was my point. Once again, I have no idea what the argument is.

Why is it that trying to be factual makes the rest of you look bad?? I’m pretty sure saying things that aren’t true is what makes you look bad.

Sorry, but Roy was part of the turnaround? Then why did you trade him???? I’m going to go out on a limb and say that, yes, the recent winners have had “Big Name Players”, but look at the last 2. Spectacular goaltending is what got those 2 teams Lord Stanley. Miller is a better goaltender than Thomas, and he can be just as good as Quick was during their run. I’d say we have some of the best depth across the board in the East, excpet maybe the NYR. You’re right, Scott and Ott are nothing like Drury, and thats because Drury was a scorer not a tough guy. Again, another Sabre fan making the rest of us look bad.

A west coast fan should not be commenting on the prospects of an east coast team. Ott fills the hole left by Goose, even if he doesn’t play center. If Adam can bounce back, or Girgs can step in as a viable center, then this team is easily a Top-5 east team, Ehrhoff and Sulzer came on late last season to be our best defensive pair, and Ehrhoff really came on offensively.Myers should bounce back if he stays healthy, and that leaves us with Regehr, Leopold, Weber, and McNabb for 3 spots. Not a bad place to be defensively. This is Millers first full offseason off since the Olympics, this should be a good thing. Ott won’t be asked to be the primary pest like he was in Dallas. We have Gerbe and Kaleta here, so he shouldn’t have to carry the load. I hate how every Sabre fan thinks that we need 12 forwards who score 20 goals. The Sabres have always had a hot line. It shows the depth of the team. If we didn’t have to constantly call up AHL’ers last season, ecspecially on offense, we would have made the Playoffs, and could have made a deep run. I won’t even go into the SJ Sharks, and thats because I don’t know enough about them, so take some of my advice, and stick to your own team, because you obviously don’t know mine.

Are you “Bulldog” from WGR?

BUT miller is one of best goalies AND esp. the head coach – R.P so well knows about this team, which can make whole story change

The fact that you think Ott can carry the sabers to a final might show that you are the one that does not know anything.

Ott is good at hockey but racking up 156PIM in 76 games is not going to help the sabers. Sorry to bury your bubble.

I could be completely wrong, hockey is so unpredictable.