I had something completely different for my first post to the NHL Arena Program, but this deserves more attention than what I originally had to say.
It’s 15 minutes before the Sabres press conference concerning Vanek’s offer sheet from the Oilers. The offer sheet that will pay him 5 million the first two years of his contract, and 6.2 the final 5 years. This is the kind of contract that despite the price being high, is a contact that fans would’ve liked to see offered.
There’s an ominous quote hanging over the heads of Sabres fans that was recently distributed among the masses from the last press conference.
We’ll retain his rights, no matter what.
The question I want to ask everybody before I summarize the press conference is this: Will you, Larry Quinn, or will you let him walk like Briere, and Drury before him.
The Sabres Nation is watching.
Part 2: The Sabres have matched his offer sheet. The deal pays 10 million in his first year with bonuses plus his base salary (5 million a piece) – 8 million for his second year (5 million plus 3 million in bonuses) – and 6.2 million in base salary after this.
Sabres management reports that the agent was using his leverage to try to gain an offer sheet to force the Sabres hand, which was quoted as a smart move by management. (whoa.) Unfortunately the rest of the conference is being jammed up by our beloved Bucky Gleason grilling Regier and Quinn over their contract practices, so nothing more noteworthy from the conference.
