Week one of the free agency period is in the book in the NHL, and one can argue that the hardest hit team was the Buffalo Sabres. They all but unwillingly took a back seat as $87,250,000 was thrown at their captains in 24 hours. Then, about 5 days later, they watch another $50,000,000 thrown at Thomas Vanek, to which they matched, although begrudgingly so, knowing that Vanek’s market value was obliterated through Kevin Lowe’s offer sheet.
It’s been the toughest week to date for Thomas Golisano and his management team. The question that needs to be asked is, can the Sabres rebound from such a staggering blow?
You betcha.
If anybody knows the assets he has available to him, inside and out, it would be the head coach, Lindy Ruff. Even he realizes he has a long road ahead of him after losing his two superstars, but I’m sure he didn’t sign his contract last month not having though about the reality of not having either Briere or Drury. The biggest challenge on his plate this year is keeping the team motivated after such an impact, and managing the 23 year old Vanek, who will be making league maximum salary this year. Vanek and Ruff both have massive expectations of them due to the sheer monster of a contract Vanek has, and it will be interesting to see if Vanek and Ruff both manage this properly.
Despite the news surrounding the teams three superstars, we seem to have forgotten about a few key names. Tim Connolly ring a bell? If he keeps his head up and doesn’t play scared, the Sabres have replaced the assist machine of Briere. The Mayor of Pominville hasn’t gone anywhere either, bringing to the table some offensive firepower that can be easily loaded up by Connolly. Derek Roy, Maxim Afinogenov, Drew Stafford, Jochen Hecht, the list keeps going.
The reality is that the only real loss we’ve incurred is Drury. You don’t replace his leadership and attitude. Connolly at full form could be an upgrade from Briere, and Zubrus was a rental anyway.
For those who think the Sabres are going to disappear in the East? Get back on the bandwagon, because it’s full steam ahead. One key trade between now and March, which Darcy Regier has a knack of if you decide to forget about Bob Corkum, and the Sabres are in the show once again.
So get off the ledge, keep your season tickets, and get ready for another fantastic ride, because the Sabres aren’t going away anytime soon.
