It all started several years ago when John Boutet, curator and owner of the Buffalo Sports Museum, which is currently a virtual museum, link below, began calling for some recognition in Buffalo’s new winter sports arena for the Buffalo Braves.
The Braves made a huge impact on Buffalo in a short period of time (1970-78) before being moved to Southern California by a new owner who did not deal with the city or the fans in good faith.
Boutet stated it was only fitting that the new arena have a banner or retired Braves jerseys or both to commemorate the momentary greatness that lived in HSBC’s predecessor, Memorial Auditorium. He contacted various officials at the city, the arena, the Buffalo Sabres with no success, but he continues to press.
One of Boutet’s ideas was to arrange a pre-season game between the LA Clippers, the new name of the old Braves franchise, and the Braves old rivals, the Boston Celtics. The Clippers could wear throwback Braves jerseys. At halftime a commemorative banner could be hung. Bob McAdoo and other former Braves greats could be invited to speak.
Randy Smith is one of the former Braves on Boutet’s short list to appear for his dream event, but since Smith passed unexpectedly at the age of 60-years-old, on June 4th, that is one less notable who can be invited.
Recently Boutet met with Andrew Kulyk and Peter Farrell, who are the ultimate road trip guys that have viewed games in every major and almost every minor league park in the country. They have agreed to work with Boutet to organize a Braves banner campaign by which McAdoo and Smith’s numbers would be retired. The photo above is a hand-drawn rendering of the banner that could be installed.
Kulyk and Farrell are especially enthusiastic about the chances of accomplishing this goal after observing the way other cities have done something similar for teams that have moved on.
For instance, in the new Molson Center, Montreal has memorialized the Expos, with their four retired numbers.
“Even Seattle has a banner for the Pilots who played a total of one season in MLB!” Boutet exclaimed. The Pilots moved to Milwaukee in their second season to become the Brewers.
Fans in the Buffalo media market will have numerous opportunities to read and hear about the campaign, as Kulyk and Farrell will be featured in Artvoice, and interviewed on the WGRZ, Channel 2 (NBC) morning news on Monday, July 6th.
Link to Buffalo Sports Musem:
http://www.buffalosportsmuseum.com/
It all started several years ago when John Boutet, curator and owner of the Buffalo Sports Museum, which is currently a virtual museum, link below, began calling for some recognition in Buffalo’s new winter sports arena for the Buffalo Braves.
The Braves made a huge impact on Buffalo in a short period of time (1970-78) before being moved to Southern California by a new owner who did not deal with the city or the fans in good faith.
Boutet stated it was only fitting that the new arena have a banner or retired Braves jerseys or both to commemorate the momentary greatness that lived in HSBC’s predecessor, Memorial Auditorium. He contacted various officials at the city, the arena, the Buffalo Sabres with no success, but he continues to press.
One of Boutet’s ideas was to arrange a pre-season game between the LA Clippers, the new name of the old Braves franchise, and the Braves old rivals, the Boston Celtics. The Clippers could wear throwback Braves jerseys. At halftime a commemorative banner could be hung. Bob McAdoo and other former Braves greats could be invited to speak.
Randy Smith is one of the former Braves on Boutet’s short list to appear for his dream event, but since Smith passed unexpectedly at the age of 60-years-old, on June 4th, that is one less notable who can be invited.
Recently Boutet met with Andrew Kulyk and Peter Farrell, who are the ultimate road trip guys that have viewed games in every major and almost every minor league park in the country. They have agreed to work with Boutet to organize a Braves banner campaign by which McAdoo and Smith’s numbers would be retired. The photo above is a hand-drawn rendering of the banner that could be installed.
Kulyk and Farrell are especially enthusiastic about the chances of accomplishing this goal after observing the way other cities have done something similar for teams that have moved on.
For instance, in the new Molson Center, Montreal has memorialized the Expos, with their four retired numbers.
“Even Seattle has a banner for the Pilots who played a total of one season in MLB!” Boutet exclaimed. The Pilots moved to Milwaukee in their second season to become the Brewers.
Fans in the Buffalo media market will have numerous opportunities to read and hear about the campaign, as Kulyk and Farrell will be featured in Artvoice, and interviewed on the WGRZ, Channel 2 (NBC) morning news on Monday, July 6th.
Link to Buffalo Sports Musem:
http://www.buffalosportsmuseum.com/
It is probably a die-hard Braves’ fan’s most impossible dream, but it isn’t beyond speculation.
The idea occurred to me when I read an article by a Clippers (formerly Buffalo Braves) correspondent stating the obvious about his team—that they are not loved in LA and have been unable to win there. He cited “location,” as the problem and suggested a move to Anaheim.
The following is the article I posted with a Clippers label. I’m guessing it has more interest in Buffalo, so I’m posting a link here, for your information and entertainment.
Would Buffalo Welcome the Braves Back? Apparently, L.A. Wouldn't Miss Them!
I’d be interested in hearing from Buffalo fans regarding this idea, were it to actually take place.
Also, be sure to listen to my commentary on NPR’s WBFO 88.7 FM in Buffalo or www.wbfo.org (click listen live) on July 8th, regarding Randy Smith, the Braves, and the demolition of the Aud. The commentary will run at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and will be available at the website for some time afterward.
It is probably a die-hard Braves’ fan’s most impossible dream, but it isn’t beyond speculation.
The idea occurred to me when I read an article by a Clippers (formerly Buffalo Braves) correspondent stating the obvious about his team—that they are not loved in LA and have been unable to win there. He cited “location,” as the problem and suggested a move to Anaheim.
The following is the article I posted with a Clippers label. I’m guessing it has more interest in Buffalo, so I’m posting a link here, for your information and entertainment.
Would Buffalo Welcome the Braves Back? Apparently, L.A. Wouldn't Miss Them!
I’d be interested in hearing from Buffalo fans regarding this idea, were it to actually take place.
Also, be sure to listen to my commentary on NPR’s WBFO 88.7 FM in Buffalo or www.wbfo.org (click listen live) on July 8th, regarding Randy Smith, the Braves, and the demolition of the Aud. The commentary will run at 6:30 and 8:30 a.m. and will be available at the website for some time afterward.
I have a friend whose lone reminiscence of tough guy defenseman Steve Montador is, in his words, “Getting his face broken by Taylor Pyatt.”
And since Pyatt’s rep consists mainly of sending droves of teenage girls into a frenzy with his looks and picking up the Sedin twins’ garbage in Vancouver, that probably doesn’t bode too well for Montador and the Buffalo Sabres.
But, if you’re Sabres general manager Darcy Regier, and 143 PIMs, 21 points and a +17 looks good to you, then so be it.
Montador signed with the club Wednesday, the first day of the National Hockey League’s free agency period. The 29-year-old unrestricted free agent signed a two-year deal worth $3.1 million, according to The Buffalo News.
Regier is looking to instill some grit and leadership on a team with very little of either at the moment. A team which finished with 91 points, 10th place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference.
He’s also looking to bolster a blueline corps which lost Jaroslav Spacek to free agency.
Spacek signed a 3-year, $11.5 million contract with the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday according to the Boston Globe and reported on TSN.
Montador split time between the Anaheim Ducks (65 games, 4 goals, 16 assists) and the Boston Bruins (13 games, 1 assist) in 2008-09 while suiting up for 11 playoff contests with the B’s, recording a goal and two assists.
Apparently, Buffalo Sabres GM Darcy Regier has changed his mind.
Regier, who had previously said that the Sabres would be acquiring new players through trade only, has signed defenseman Steve Montador on the first day of free agency.
The deal is reported to be for 2 years, $1.55 million/year.
Montador, who spent last year with the Anaheim Ducks before being traded to the Bruins, is a gritty defensemen who finished last season with four goals and 17 assists, a plus-17 rating and 143 penalty minutes in 78 games.
The 6-foot, 211-pound defenseman could fill one of several empty spots on the Sabres blue line this year, as both Jaroslav Spacek and Teppo Numminen are free agents.
However, Numminen has yet to announce whether or not he will be returning to the NHL at all for the upcoming season.
The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Steve Montador. This will be Montador’s fifth different NHL team in 10 seasons.
Montador, 30, had 21 points (4G, 17A) in 78 games this season for the Anaheim Ducks and then Boston Bruins, who acquired the D-man at the trade deadline.
Jesse Connolly of HockeyBuzz.com reports the deal is in the range of two years, at $1.55 million per season.
At 6-foot, 210 pounds, Montador adds size to the Sabres’ blueline. He also adds much needed toughness, as he recorded 143 penalty minutes last season.
The signing immediately brings up a few questions. Jaroslav Spacek, Sabres free agent defenseman, will likely receive big offers from teams looking for a veteran offensive-defenseman. Spacek had 45 points for the Sabres last season.
This also means that Darcy Regier is likely to pass on former Sabre and veteran defenseman Jay McKee.
Jul. 1—what a glorious day. The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and being outdoors is the place to be. It’s Canada Day, so Buffalo’s neighbors to the north are all celebrating their country’s founding. Oh yeah, it’s also the start of NHL free agency.
Today marks the start of either spot-on or fatal changes to the rosters of hockey clubs all over the league. The latter has been plaguing the Buffalo Sabres for the past couple years—dare I say it’ll happen again?
The chances, unfortunately, are probable. General Manager, Darcy Regier, wants to trade rather than sign free agents. It may take a while for anything to get done this summer because, according to Darcy, the market isn’t exactly set in stone yet.
Let’s first address what the Sabres covered in this year’s entry draft. Hard-nosed, gritty players were drafted by the blue and gold, and that is exactly what Buffalo needs (and what the fans have been screaming for). Players like Zack Kassian and Marcus Foligno are sure bets to make grounds in the NHL when their times come.
If the Sabres want to be a playoff contender in the 2009-2010 season, the management has to be honest with themselves. Major improvements are needed in every area.
The defense has been lacking for years. The offense is clearly missing a vital player or two. And the goaltending situation tends to be the significant difference in making the playoffs or not.
Buffalo has enough defensive depth to cart the unnecessary players out. Prospects like Chris Butler (a shoo-in), Mike Weber, and Tyler Myers are all players that can possibly fill the gaps. An experienced defenseman or two brought in via free agency or trade would complete sufficient balance between young and old.
A prospect like Tim Kennedy or Nathan Gerbe can add energy and prowess to scoring, or if Mathieu Darche is re-signed, leadership to the forwards.
Everyone knows the goaltending situation. Coach Lindy Ruff will lose faith in the backup goaltender and will overplay star goaltender Ryan Miller. That simply cannot happen if any team wants to make a viable playoff push.
Luckily, the chances of Maxim Afinogenov returning are slim to none. His flashy play has only hampered the Sabres offensive chances when he was seldom in the lineup the past two seasons. Luckily, he doesn’t want to return. That’s $3 million or so of salary cap saved. If he signs anywhere, it will most likely be the KHL, the safe haven of all Russian wash-outs.
Andrew Peters is another player that money shouldn’t be wasted on. Peters is a great guy, and he brings a lot of character to the dressing room and community, yes, but he only played 29 games last season. His services aren’t needed any longer since many players are willing to step up to the plate and defend their teammates whenever needed.
Take what would be given to Peters as a contract renewal and overpay Matt Ellis. A few teams might be willing to pay him that amount of money since Ellis proved himself as a grinder who can score with the right linemates.
Dominic Moore’s name hasn’t even been a blip on the radar. Moore should be given another shot because he led by example every time he stepped onto the ice in a Sabres uniform after he was traded here Mar. 4. He didn’t get off on the right foot; starting the season with the team could be a pleasant surprise.
Whether the two oldest defensemen on the team return is entirely up to Teppo Numminen and Jaroslav Spacek. Numminen has shown how he has aged and retirement could be up his alley. While Spacek will most likely test the free market since Regier only wants to sign him short term and Spacek is looking for the opposite. If Spacek and his booming shot returns, it will be for far too much money.
But considering Regier wants to mainly trade this summer, that should be discussed. The players on the chopping block are easy to identify.
Jochen Hecht is a possibility and for good reason. He played quite well two seasons ago and was just dismal this year. Yet, knowing the front office and their forgiving qualities, he’ll be given the opportunity to redeem his sub par season.
The once dynamic duo of Toni Lydman and Henrik Tallinder are also names being thrown around. If either stays, it will be Lydman because his shot blocking ability was useful, but if the rumors about Jay McKee are true, he’ll be moved along.
Nathan Paetsch could be added to a packaged deal due to his savvy with playing offense or defense.
San Jose’s Ryan Clowe is a restricted free agent Sabres fans would love to see on the roster. Too bad he was offered a qualifying sheet so the Sharks still retain his initial rights. The personnel would never have the guts to send an offer sheet over after what happened with Thomas Vanek two summers ago.
There is some hope this summer, though. By signing Tim Connolly to a contract extension and extending qualifying offers to up-and-coming stars Drew Stafford, Patrick Kaleta, Clarke MacArthur, Andrej Sekera, and Mark Mancari, the Sabres are proving they are willing to keep key players.
Mind-boggling changes to the roster will not be seen this summer. This is due to both finances and the management’s feeble attempts at making much-needed adjustments.
Just sit back, don’t fret, and hope that enough subtle changes are made to make it to the playoffs. And don’t think about how you’ll receive a higher quality level of entertainment from the Buffalo Bandits after buying season tickets for roughly the same price as a jersey.
Twas the night before NHL Free Agency, tomorrow a day filled with wows
no player was more eager, than in the Heatley house.
The managers evaluated their free agents with care,
in hopes that their acquisitions would bring a cup this year.
Gary Bettman was nestled, all snug in his bed
for he’s only happy no team’s in Hamilton.
And in the town, that bares the leaf
Brian Burke brings the 42-year-old cup drought fans relief.
When out on this day we expect contracts to shatter
and our old buddy Eklund for bringing crazy rumor chatter. (the guys nuts)
Away to the teams, these players go oh so fast
all who hope their former salaries are now surpassed.
For each players destination, for no body knows
for only the biggest contract, is where that player will go. (so true)
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
Brian Burke and Bob Gainey, fighting up there!
With a loud booming voice, so fiery and loud
one only knew that Glen Sather was around.
More rapid than ever, the GM’s a’came
all playing the newly acquainted Heatley game.
“Once Thrasher! now Senator! Now leaving for new!
“On fire he twas!” shouted the Bidders adieu!
To the front of the league! To the Top of the scoring of all!
Now come to us, come to us Danny, and end this rugged brawl!
Then Mr. Bettman sprang to his phones, to his managers gave a whistle
and the free agency period began, like a shot of a missile.
But I heard his exclaim before he hung up the phone
“HAPPY SHOPPING, AND FOR WHERE THE PLAYERS GO IS UNKNOWN!”
Good luck to every ones favorite teams tomorrow, and happy bidding!
(PS. Hope you enjoyed this article!)
The last two seasons have not been what Sabres fans would call a success. Three years removed from back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals, Buffalo fans are not going to settle for a third straight 10th place finish.
General Manager Darcy Regier and Head Coach Lindy Ruff both were placed on the chopping block after the season, and they both survived, thankfully. But the pressure is now on them both to turn this franchise back into a winner. That task will begin in earnest tomorrow when free agency officially is underway at noon.
At noon, Jaroslav Spacek, Dominic Moore, Maxim Afinogenov, Andrew Peters, Teppo Numminen and Matt Ellis will be up for grabs. Drew Stafford, Andrej Sekera and Clarke MacArthur will be able to be extended offer sheets as restricted free agents. Only Sekera and MacArthur are seen as locks to be back.
Spacek will command a similar salary to his current $3.3 million per season and was the Sabres’ highest scoring defenseman last season. The Sabres would love him back, but he may simply be in the way of the likes of Mike Weber, Tyler Myers or any one in their deep defensive prospect pool.
Stafford is rumored to have a target on his back much like Thomas Vanek did a few summers ago. While Stafford will not be offered the same ridiculous deal, he may be able to net the Sabres a few first round draft picks. If that is the case, I would not be surprised to see Darcy jump on the picks to free up some money for other use.
Stafford has shown flashes, but he has not established himself as Vanek did with his 40-goal season. It simply is not worth the money to keep him when the opportunity to grab a few more first-round talents presents itself.
If Stafford goes, as well as Numminen, Spacek and Afinogenov, the ability to go out and secure a top-6 forward is now a reality. Three names spring to the top of the list: Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta, and Martin Havlat.
Havlat is the biggest stretch of the three because he could easily command $7 million a year if teams look past his reputation of being an eggshell. The last thing the Sabres need is another Tim Connolly on their hands. But his grit was on display in the Western Conference Finals when he played after being knocked out cold the previous game.
Gionta has the ability to score 40-goals a year, but he falls into the small category that has dogged the Sabres the past few years. He also had a down year last year and may not be worth the $5 million plus he’ll command. But he is not afraid to mix it up and he is a hometown boy, as he’s from Rochester, N.Y. and played for the Buffalo Junior Sabres.
Cammalleri seems to be the best fit, and he has expressed interest in coming to Buffalo in the past when he played with the Los Angeles Kings. He would cost somewhere in the $6 million range and if paired with Vanek, Connolly, or both, could be just as productive as he was this year with 39 goals. Again, the knock is his size (5’9/185), but he has only missed more than one game once in his career and has definitive goal scoring talent.
No matter, Regier needs to make a statement in the next few weeks that shows that he is willing to do what it takes to make the Sabres a contender. The draft Friday was a great step forward with the selection of Zack Kassian 13th overall. Widely regarded as the meanest player in the draft, the selection was a far cry from what the Sabres have been characterized as the past few seasons: small and not physical.
A top-6 forward and a steady defenseman should propel the Sabres back into the playoffs and put the Sabres back on the track that netted them the President’s Trophy.
