Ryan Miller was handed an invitation to the 2010 Olympic Camp Aug. 17-19 in Woodridge Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, according to CTVOlympics.ca.
The roster was announced today, and Miller will have company. Boston Bruin Tim Thomas and Jonathan Quick join the Sabre stalwart between the pipes.
The goaltenders bring one question to mind. If these are indeed the goalies headed to the Olympics, who starts?
Miller, arguably, has had the more consistent early career, but Thomas was phenomenal this past season, leading the Bruins to the Eastern Conference title.
One thing’s for sure: Team USA, this time around, selected better talent and more accomplished players.
Miller was snubbed out of the Olympics in 2006 when Rick DiPietro headlined a trio that included Robert Esche and John Grahame, both of whom are career backups.
As the article states, this Team USA is a youthful one, with only five players who have prior Olympic experience in their hip pocket.
Before the 5 p.m. deadline to extend qualifying offers to restricted free agents, Darcy Regier announced yesterday the Buffalo Sabres’ organization offers to Drew Stafford, Andrej Sekera, and Clarke MacArthur.
In terms of importance and how well they played, Drew Stafford is probably the top priority within this young group—but how much is he worth?
Stafford was seventh last year in the scoring department on the Sabres team and tied for third with Jason Pominville in goals.
Every time I pop open an article about Stafford being an RFA, I keep reading about the offer sheet Thomas Vanek received from Edmonton two years ago that the Sabres absolutely had to match.
This could turn out the same way if the team isn’t careful.
This is why I ask, how much is Drew Stafford truly worth?
If you compare both players’ stats in the year they became an RFA, Vanek’s are a lot higher.
You have to remember to compare the two teams though. In 2006-07, the Sabres were almost unstoppable (let’s forget about the ECFs for a bit). Vanek didn’t have to deal with first-line players because he was a third-line, left winger.
Stafford’s stats are pretty good considering how different the team was this year. Points were more evenly spread out. The Sabres were up and down but he managed to get 45 points in 79 games.
Regier has said that he wants to keep all of the RFAs here and that they will match any offer, but would they if Stafford received a lucrative offer just like Vanek did?
It may not be well deserved, but it just goes to show how crazy the league has become with deals nowadays. GMs are afraid of their prized players possibly being nabbed when they’re RFAs. In turn, they offer them contracts that include long-term deals with a large amount of money spread throughout.
I can only imagine what will happen when the salary cap is eventually lowered.
Coming from the little city of Peterborough, Ontario, I have grown up watching and idolizing players that played for the hometown team.
You may or may not have heard of the organization before, but the Peterborough Petes are one of the, if not the most historic, junior teams in Canada. Founded in the late 1950’s, the Petes have been a factory for NHL players.
They pump out more players then any other franchise in the world: Steve Yzerman, Bob Gainey, Larry Murphy, Steve Larmer, Chris Pronger, and more recently Eric and Jordan Staal (just to name a few).
The puck doesn’t stop at the players either. Legendary coaches like Scotty Bowman, Roger Neilson, and Mike Keenan all got their start in this humble little town. Even though many players go through this organization to the big leagues, it still makes me very happy to see the next batch strike gold.
One player in particular is Zack Kassian, recently drafted thirteenth overall in this recent entry draft to the Buffalo Sabres. Zack had a particularly hard road to travel and it makes me very happy to see him overcome it to make the most of the opportunity given to him.
Zack was born in LaSalle, Ontario just near Windsor. At the young age of 12 he lost his dad to a heart condition. When Kassian was growing up he relied on his older brother Mike, who was always there for him. Mike kept Zack out of trouble, driving him to all his games, and was a pivotal part in raising him. If you were to ask him who his idol was without a doubt the first name out of his mouth would be his brother Mike.
Zack Kassian finally caught his break in 2007 when he was drafted fourth overall in the OHL Priority Selection to the Peterborough Petes. Appearing in 58 games in his rookies campaign, Zack had a less then stellar season, only tallying 9 goals and 21 assists.
What may have seemed like a bust turned right around the next season. After the offseason he came into camp with a new life. Storming out of the gates, Zack reached his previous season totals before a third of the season even finished. In that season he managed to triple his previous years totals and assert himself as a premier power forward in the league. He even became one of the toughest, meanest players in the league (you may recall when Kassian knocked John Tavares out of a prospects game).
These gained attributes propelled him to one of the top prospects in the league and eventually a great pickup for the Buffalo Sabres.
Congratulations Zack, nobody deserves it more than you.
Some will come, and some will go.
The age of free agency and arbitration is upon us; that inevitable time where any number of deals can be made (or not made, for that matter.)
The Sabres enter this year’s market with a total of 20 free agents on their hands (nine unrestricted, 11 restricted.) That number includes Marek Zagrapan, who has signed with a Russian club.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most prominent free agents the Sabres have to offer the market.
Unrestricted free agent Max Afinogenov is a tough one.
A lot of Buffalo fans seem to love him—his speed is undeniably impressive, but he has yet to prove himself and have one stable season.
It’s unfortunate, because he could really be a strong player in a few years, but Afinogenov has probably played his last game as a Sabre.
Mathieu Darche has yet to play a game with the Sabres, and spent all of last season playing in the AHL with the Portland Pirates. He’s a tough player with a lot of grit (as was evident when the Pirates hosted the Albany River Rats at the Sabres’ home arena last season), and could really be useful to the organization.
Will they sign him?
Matt Ellis, Colin Murphy, and Colton Fretter (all unrestricted) spent last season with the Pirates as well, with Ellis being the only one of the three to see any time in the NHL. Murphy and Fretter are both still young, and could develop into good players with some experience.
Dominic Moore, a recent acquisition, will also become an unrestricted free agent on Jul. 1. Last season, Moore had 13 goals and 32 assists in 81 games (not all with the Sabres, of course), and, if the Sabres sign him, they won’t regret it.
He’s a power forward.
Rounding out the Sabres’ unrestricted free agent list are Andrew Peters, Teppo Numminen, and Jaroslav Spacek. Peters brings grit and size to an otherwise average-sized team, and Sabres fans seem to have mixed opinions about his contract.
But, I ask you, Sabres fans, to imagine a team without Peters. While there are other “tough guys” on the team, Petey is undoubtedly the headmaster.
Sign him.
Last year at this time, we weren’t even sure if Numminen would be back for another season. After his heart problems, he managed to have a strong comeback.
And now, we are again not certain.
He’s a great player and a great guy, and, at 40-years-old, can provide the veteran experience a lot of other Sabres don’t have. He’s the father figure on the team, and I hope that he continues to be a part of the organization even if the Sabres don’t sign him.
Spacek is a must-sign.
He led all Sabres defensemen in multi-point games last season, and he’s a fun guy to have around.
Sign him, and let Teppo have a management position.
So, that’s the unrestricted section.
As was previously stated, Marek Zagrapan has signed with Russia. He’s gone, and it’s unlikely he’ll come back as he felt the Sabres weren’t giving him an opportunity.
Of the restricted free agents, there are several must-signs, namely Andrej Sekera, Patrick Kaleta, and Drew Stafford.
These three youngsters have proved themselves and become a key part of the team, rising up from the ranks of the NHL in a short period of time.
Kaleta brings the grit (but also knows how to score, and would have had a better season if not for all the injuries), Sekera is a strong young defenseman (and the pairing between him & Spacek is unstoppable), and Stafford is a power forward who’s only going to get better.
Next comes Clarke MacArthur. He’s good, but if the Sabres have to sacrifice someone, it has to be him.
He has never been particularly great, and, although it’d be sad to see him go, he might be able to have a stronger career elsewhere.
Rounding out the restricted free agents are all players who spent the season in Portland: forwards Jimmy Bonneau, Mark Mancari, and Dylan Hunter; defensemen Michael Funk and Mike Card, and goaltender Adam Dennis.
Jimmy Bonneau proved himself—in my eyes—at last season’s Portland/Albany game at HSBC Arena. He fought and continued to battle for his team and teammates even while in the penalty box.
He’s not afraid to stick his neck in other people’s business, and he’s worth signing.
Mark Mancari is a great scorer and a one-time AHL All-Star, but where his true skill lies is on the power play. He may need to spend a bit more time in the AHL due to space constraints on the Sabres team, but he’s also worth signing for future considerations.
Dylan Hunter and Adam Dennis are both strong players. Dennis has been called up to the Sabres several times, and it’ll be interesting to see what the Sabres do with these two.
Lastly come the two Mikes: Funk and Card.
Two defensemen and great players who the Sabres should sign without issue. When the veteran D leave, these two will come in and take over.
So now, we wait.
What, oh what, will Mr. Regier do this year?
We’ll find out soon enough.
Andy Strickland has reported the St. Louis Blues have bought out the contract of veteran defenseman, Jay McKee, who had just one year left on a four-year, $16 million deal.
McKee, who will turn 32 in September, battled through many injuries while in St. Louis, including a fractured leg during the 2006-07 season that caused him to miss 59 games. Last season, McKee played 69 regular season games for the playoff-bound Blues, his most since his final season in Buffalo a few years previous.
The Kingston, Ontario native is a very sound, physical defenseman who can also accommodate any team in the leadership department.
Known for his shot-blocking ability, McKee was among league leaders in the category in 2005-06.
McKee was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres 14th overall in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. He spent 13 seasons in Buffalo before the Blues signed him as a free agent after the 2005-06 season.
During the off-season, he spends much of his time living in the Western New York area and I’m sure if Sabres’ General Manager Darcy Regier came calling, McKee would be glad to return to his former club.
He never wanted to leave Buffalo in the first place, but the team was unwilling to spend the money. Next season, he would likely take a dramatic pay cut from his previous salary of $4 million per.
The Sabres could definitely use his services. Besides Craig Rivet, the team lacks a gritty defenseman who is willing to drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates.
Yes, the Sabres have a couple defensemen in their system ready to be called up to the big leagues, but it is unknown if they’re ready to take on a full NHL season.
Mike Weber and the recently signed, Tyler Myers, are the two likely candidates to step in and anchor the Sabres’ back end in the next couple years. Weber is obviously closer than Myers.
When McKee left via free agency a few years ago, it can be argued that a piece of the Sabres locker room was lost. The heart and intensity McKee brought each night was rarely exemplified since his departure (except for maybe Chris Drury, who we all know left a year after).
It can also be argued that if McKee wasn’t sidelined with a staph infection (which resulted from blocking shots) for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Carolina, the Sabres may have found their way past the Hurricanes.
At two years, around $4 million, why not? He would be a very welcome addition to a rather soft Sabres blue line.
***
WGR 550 Sports Radio in Buffalo reported today that the Sabres have extended qualifying offers to three of their current restricted free agents. The team’s current restricted free agents are Drew Stafford, Clarke MacArthur, Mark Mancari, Pat Kaleta and Andrej Sekera. Regier would not comment on the players they chose not to extend qualifying offers to.
MacArthur is scheduled to have a salary arbitration hearing sometime in the near future.
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft has come and gone, leaving many to analyze the aftermath.
I’m going give you a recap of what the Buffalo Sabres did with their selections, and what it could mean for the future of the club.
Heading into the draft, there were a few issues that needed addressing: firstly, the team lacked a puck-moving defenseman and had since the departure of Brian Campbell. Finding one in the middle of the first round wasn’t likely heading into the weekend, however.
Secondly, the team was painfully undersized. Finding a top-six forward with size and toughness would be a huge priority.
The third issue, secondary scoring, could even be addressed in one pick.
So, with their first selection, No. 13 overall, the Sabres selected right winger Zack Kassian from the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League. Kassian fits the size quota well, coming in at the 6’2″ 215 lb range.
He improved tremendously from 2007-08 to last season, jumping from nine goals to 24, while improving his point total from 21 to 63.
Ideally, he will create plays for his smaller linemates by using his size in the corners and along the boards. He has the ability to be a smasher with some hands, and could top out as a second-liner (should he develop properly).
With their third-round selection, they added even more size with defenseman Brayden McNabb from Kootenay of the Western Hockey League.
McNabb is a monster, tipping the scales at 6’4″ 200lbs. He says that he patterns himself after Robyn Regehr for his steady, stay-at-home style of play. Frankly, if the kid can turn out to be anything like Regehr, that’s a huge plus for the Sabres.
In the fourth round, Buffalo drew from within the Sabre family, so to speak, by selecting former Sabre Mike Foligno’s son, Marcus. Another big kid, measuring in at 6’2″ 200 lbs., Foligno has the skills to be a power forward, but he’s a project, to say the least.
He’ll need to work on his hands, but he likes driving to the net and, frankly, guys like Dave Andreychuk (no disrespect) made a career out of that.
Rounding out the draft are defenseman Mark Adams (6’1″ 187), goaltender Connor Knapp (6’5″ 215), and winger Maxime Legault (6’2″ 195).
Overall, it’s a solid class if the Sabres’ top two picks turn out well. Selecting a guy like Kassian was a big need, and he has a lot of potential to be an impact player. The Sabres added a ton of size here, of which they desperately needed.
A solid weekend’s work for the front office. Let’s just hope these kids pan out.
With the No. 13 overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have selected Zack Kassian.
Kassian played for Peterborough in the OHL.
He finished last season with 24 goals and 63 points.
Ahh, the Stanley Cup Finals have come to a thrilling close. For a couple weeks, I actually forgot about the Buffalo Sabres offseason-to-do list. Hockey fans were treated to an unbelievable best-of-seven series between the two best teams in hockey, the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins.
So before I get into homer mode, I want to say congrats to the Penguins and their fans.
Unfortunately, I have to get back to the reality of what is currently going on in Sabreland. Nothing. But hopefully, with free agency quickly approaching on July 1, and the draft June 26, Darcy Regier and Co. will work their magic. I don’t exactly know what that magic is, but I hope they have a plan to improve the current Sabres’ roster.
After watching the NHL playoffs, I was constantly reminded of the kind of players that make up winning teams. Yeah, it would be nice to have a team of Malkins, Crosbys, Ovechkins and Lidstroms, but those players are a little hard to come by.
I found myself saying, “Man, if only the Sabres had that guy,” plenty of times during the playoffs. Not only about the aforementioned players, but about guys like Maxim Talbot, Dustin Byfuglien, Darren Helm, and Milan Lucic—exactly the kind of players the Sabres lack.
The Sabres not only need to re-sign certain restricted and unrestricted free agents this summer, but they also need to find a way to open up some cap room, and bring in one or two players off the free agent market.
Recent history tells us that Regier will likely stay put with his current guys, but I truly believe that he needs to take a different approach this offseason.
This summer marks the start of both Jason Pominville’s and Tim Connolly’s extended contracts and also most likely the start of Andrej Sekera’s, Drew Stafford’s and Pat Kaleta’s deals, as they will also be extended by the team.
With these deals coming into place, the Sabres will be very limited when it comes to signing free agents this summer.
It has been widely rumored that the Sabres are trying to move current roster players such as Jochen Hecht, Henrik Tallinder and maybe even Derek Roy, in order to free up some cap space so they can bring in a player to fill one of their needs—top defenseman, depth,gritty, skilled forward.
Trade Market
Jochen Hecht, 31, C/LW; 2008-09 salary: $3.8 million
The Sabres have their hands tied with Hecht’s four-year $15 million deal. Last season, the two-way forward mustered only 27 points (12G, 15A) and a -9 plus-minus rating. He can easily be replaced by a prospect player, and definitely by a depth forward acquired via free agency.
Managing only 27 points in 70 games, while playing mostly on a line next to Pominville and Connolly, is absolutely horrendous. The Sabres need more from players who are making $3.8 million per season.
If a team is willing to trade a draft pick in return, it would be a pretty easy decision to send Jochen packing. Its the contract that is the biggest issue. This offseason will be a successful one if Hecht is playing elsewhere next season. Sorry, Jochen.
Henrik Tallinder, 30, D; 2008-09 salary: $3.25 million
Tallinder is a little more tradable than Hecht. His contract is still too much for a player of his caliber, but after next season, he will become a free agent. At 6’4″, 215, Hank has good size, and he is also a very good skater. He actually played forward as a young teen, before moving back to the blue line.
If Regier is actually trying to move Tallinder, than I think the Sabres may reel in some draft picks in return. I think there is still a 50/50 chance he may want to keep Tallinder around for the last year of his contract because Jaroslav Spacek becomes a free agent this summer also.
Clake MacArthur, 23, LW; 2008-09 salary: $522,00
Now you may be asking yourself, why is MacArthur even on this list? Well, he is a restricted free agent this summer, and I think the Sabres can reach a deal with him similar to that of Dan Paille’s two-year, $2.2 million deal that was inked last summer.
MacArthur scored a career-high 17 goals last season, but was inconsistent to say the least, like most of the Sabres roster. But if the Sabres are looking for a top-tier defenseman—which I think they are (not of the Jay Bouwmeester caliber of course)—then maybe MacArthur is one of those players that can help bring him in via trade.
I am one of those people that think the Sabres are better off without MacArthur, but there are others that think he has a bright future in this league. Which he might. But I am willing to call up Nathan Gerbe, or Tim Kennedy from the minors and watch them give 110 percent each night, something MacArthur failed to do night in and night out.
Nathan Paetsch, 25, D/RW; 2008-09 salary: $800,000
Paetsch is another player whose contract expires at the end of next season. He is a player that can play both sides of the ice, both offense and defense, but is likely to remain on the blue line if moved to another team.
He is another player that could bring a late-round pick in return.
Adam Mair,30, C; 2008-09 salary: $775,000
With the emergence of younger players such as Pat Kaleta, Paul Gaustad and Matt Ellis, it almost looked as though Mair’s role diminished on the team as a checking-line guy. Lindy Ruff almost used him in some cases in an offensive role, playing in between Ales Kotalik and Maxim Afinogenov for some portion of the season.
That is total opposite of the player he is.
With that said, if the Sabres want to go in a different direction and either try and bring someone in via free agency who can grind, but also score, than I think Mair is very much tradable.
Derek Roy, 25, C- 2008-09 salary: $3.5 million
Rumors. Don’t you love them?
Well, I for one do not think the Sabres will move Roy unless they get a very enticing offer—which is not totally out of the picture considering the kind of player he can be when at his best—a top-pair defenseman is the only thing I would accept in return.
For the second season in a row, post Drury-Briere era, Roy led the Sabres in points. Last season he recorded 70 points (28G, 42A) in 82 games, which was a drop off from his 81 points in 79 games the year previous, but still very good nonetheless.
Two seasons ago he signed a six-year, $24 million deal, which is a remarkable bargain for a guy who is capable of putting up 80-plus points per season.
The biggest knack on him, though, is his size. At only 5’9″, 185 pounds, he does not fill the need the Sabres have in the size department. Still, my final verdict on Roy is that he will remain a Sabre next season.
Trading Roy would be a major deal for a rather timid front office. Just don’t see it happening, folks.
Free Agent Market
As far as the free-agent market goes, I can go on and on about the big-name free agent players that would immediately make a huge impact in Buffalo. In free agency, there are plenty of rumors lingering over every player and it’s really hard to ignore all the speculation.
Moreover, I will try to be realistic, but I will also discuss players whom I think the Sabres should take a run at, but likely not sign. Make sense?
Jay Bouwmeester, 25, D; 2008-09 salary: $4.87 million ( Florida Panthers)
This past Sunday, Bucky Gleason of The Buffalo News played GM for the day. He, like most GM’s in the NHL would love to sign the perennial all-star. Gleason stated that if the Sabres were able to get rid of some “dead weight” players, a.k.a. Hecht, Tallinder, the Sabres would have the cap room to sign Jay Bo.
Still, the guy will probably get upwards of around $6.5 to $7 million, and from the looks of it, the Sabres are way out of the running. The names in play are Philadelphia, Vancouver and Calgary. Rumors are swirling that Philly would be the likely candidate, but they would have to move some major cap room first.
The 6’4″, 215 pound defenseman would make an immediate and long-term impact if the Sabres decided he was worth the dough. The Sabres’ have lacked a d-man of Jay Bo’s caliber for years.
He had 15 goals and 42 points last season for the Panthers, while also being one of the best defensemen in the league. In my opinion, Ryan Miller is a top-goaltender in the NHL, and the addition of a top-five defenseman would make him even better.
However, the Sabres would have to make room for his contract, and that would not be easy. If the Sabres really want Bouwmeester, then you would definitely see either Roy or Connolly moved.
Mike Cammalleri, 27, LW; 2008-09 salary: $3.6 (Calgary Flames)
Here’s a player whose name I’ve been hearing in the Buffalo Sabres rumor mill. The winger had 39 goals and 82 points with the Flames last season. He reminds me a lot of Daniel Briere, very smart with the puck, but also has a knack to find the twine.
His 5’9″, 185 pound frame, though, wouldn’t exactly feel the Sabres need in the size department. Notice how I’ve really been big on the Sabres size issue. Well, it’s kind of a big deal, at least in my opinion. However, I wouldn’t mind seeing Reiger somehow get rid of Hecht and sign Cammalleri to a similar deal. The guy can snipe.
Brian Gionta, 30, RW; 2008-09 salary: $4 million (New Jersey Devils)
Like Cammalleri, Gionta’s frame isn’t very impressive. At 5’7″, 175, he’s actually smaller, but can still be a very good player in this league. With younger players like Travis Zajac and Zach Parise emerging in New Jersey, Gionta will likely find another home this offseason.
Well, for starters, he could possibly move back to the place he grew up in. The Rochester, NY native would probably be pleased with a contract in Buffalo. He made $4 million last season, but with his point production plateauing in recent years, it is very likely he could take less.
He recorded 89 points (48G, 41A) in 2005-06 for the Devils, but since then has averaged about 55 to 60 points per season. Gionta said he wishes to stay in New Jersey, but he has yet to receive an offer.
I wouldn’t totally question Regier if he brought in either Cammalleri or Gionta. They both would fit in well offensively and with the salary cap. According to HockeyBuzz Eklund, the Sabres are very much a contender for either of these players. Perhaps both?
Mike Knuble, 36, RW; 2008-09 salary: $2.8 million (Philadelphia Flyers)
If I was Sabres’ GM, Knuble is surely a guy I would love to bring in this summer. He is exactly a kind of player the Sabres would benefit from. At 36, he is aging, but everyone and their mother knows the Sabres lack veteran leadership. His size, and scoring ability would be a huge boost to the Sabres offense.
He scored 27 goals last season for the Flyers, and with rumors swirling in Philly about Jay Bo, it looks as thought Knuble’s four-year stint as a Flyer has come to an end.
Mattias Ohlund, 32, D; 2008-09 salary: $3.5 million (Vancouver Canucks)
The next three free agents I will talk about all depend on what the Sabres do with defenseman, Jaroslav Spacek.
At 32, Ohlund can surely still play. He was one of the better d-man in Vancouver for the past few seasons and has averaged around 30 points per season in each of his 11 years in Vancouver. He’s very reliable in his own end, and is capable of averaging 25 minutes of ice time per game.
Ohlund is definitely an option to fill Spacek’s potential void on the blue line, but will likely demand somewhere around $3 million to $3.5 million per.
Marc-Andre Bergeron, 28, D; 2008-09 salary $1.69 million (Minnesota Wild)
If the Sabres were interested in Bergeron, it would be solely for his offense ability. Like Ohlund, he too can average around 30 to 40 points a season while playing the point. He has excellent puck-moving ability and is also a very smooth skater.
At 5’10”, 200 pounds, he’s not exactly small, but I strongly believe if the Sabres decided to part ways with Spacek, they may look to fill his void with a bigger, more stay-at-home defenseman.
Jordan Leopold, 28, D; 2008-09 salary $1.5 million (Calgary Flames, from Colorado)
Another free agent player that Eklund has rumored to have Regier’s interest. Apparently Leopold has been a player of Regier’s interest for quite sometime, seeing that he was rumored to be on his way to Buffalo at the trade deadline.
Leopold is a solid defenseman that can fill the void on the blue line at a very affordable price. He can play as a second-tier defenseman in Buffalo, and average close to 20, 23 minutes per game.
Free agent forwards Samuel Pahlson, Todd Marchant, Travis Moen and Brad May all could be in the mix as well. Like I stated earlier, one of the biggest needs in Sabreland, at least in my opinion, are with gritty, depth forwards who can play.
Brad May may be a reach, he’s not exactly that type of player, but he’s a fourth-line guy who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in someone else’s business if need be. He has a very memorable history in Buffalo (“May day, May day, May Day! Brad May!), but I don’t see Brian Burke letting him go in Toronto.
Pahlson and Marchant would fit in great in Buffalo. Both have size and toughness, and can play center. Pahlson was a very vital addition to the Chicago Blackhawks at the trade deadline, and played a very important role for them in the playoffs.
Marchant is very similar to Pahlson, and is of great value in Anaheim. I don’t think he’d mind returning to his hometown, but he has received a contract offer from Anaheim, per Orange County Register. He is yet to decline or accept that offer.
Wrap up
Well, we are just one week away from the beginning of NHL free agency, and just days away from the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, which will be held this Friday and Saturday in Montreal. Pretty soon we all can expect the mayhem that comes along with free agency. Possible trades, big named players being moved, and of course, rumors.
The Sabres can either continue to stick with their core players or they can dig a little deeper this offseason and make some major changes.
Though I wouldn’t mind seeing a little bit of both, I strongly believe that the Sabres should try and trade Hecht and Tallinder, and bring in one or two free agents that could help the team reach the postseason once again.
I also wouldn’t mind if Regier went really overboard, and brought in a player like Bouwmeester, Martin Havlat or Marian Gaborik, but hat’s probably a little out of the question.
Either way, Sabres fans have become very impatient, as they should.
The fact of the matter is, Darcy Regier and Co. have been on the hot seat since the days of you-know-who, and this is the year they need to get it right, right? Sabres fans can only hope.
My cousin Tim and I grew up in the 80’s as die-hard hockey fans and the Boston Bruins have always been our favorite team. We each laced-up the skates around the ages of five, and we’re both fortunate enough to play the greatest game on earth for many years before succumbing to injuries.
Every Christmas Eve, our families would spend the afternoon and better part of the night at Tim’s house in Medford, MA. While the adults were inside on each Dec. 24 holiday partaking in the Christmas festivities, Tim and I would be outside—rain or snow—playing street hockey.
Running around with Sherwood sticks with Graf hockey gloves on, we always pretended to be NHL players.
Aside from being Andy Moog, Cam Neely, and Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins, the Buffalo Sabres were another team from the Adams Division that had a few players in which we grew fond of—Alexander Mogilny, Pat Lafontaine, and the greatest goalie in the world, Dominik Hasek.
On Apr. 9, 2009 the Boston Bruins defeated the Montreal Canadiens 5-4 in OT. We decided to sell our tickets (season ticket holders) to that game in order to save-up for the Eastern Conference playoffs that were scheduled to be played exactly one week later.
We got together at my house to watch the B’s play their future first-round opponents and arch rivals on my new big-screen TV—had a few fermented beverages, and engaged in hours of hockey-talk.
One conversation in particular stemmed from an event that took place a few weeks prior. On Mar. 17, 2009 New Jersey Devils net-minder Martin Brodeur won his 552nd game—surpassing Patrick Roy, and becoming the all-time NHL leader in regular wins.
On a local sports radio station here in Boston a host of an afternoon show went on to say that Martin Brodeur is the greatest NHL goalie of all-time, and that, “Hasek doesn’t breathe the same air as them (Brodeur and Roy).”
That was when the debate heightened, and the research began.
Born on Jan. 29, 1965 in Pardubice, Czechoslovakia, Dominik Hasek first played hockey at the age of six. Growing up through the Communist Era in his native Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, Hasek lived behind the Iron Curtain until his NHL debut in 1990. During this time—unable/unwilling to emigrate—Hasek started his illustrious Czech and Czechoslovak play.
At 16-years old, Hasek played in the top hockey league—the Czechoslovakia Extralgia—from 1981-90, for his hometown, HC Pardubice. He would play in his hometown for eight years, capturing two league titles, and winning numerous individual awards.
Czechoslovak & Czech Awards
- Five time winner of the Czechoslovak & Czech Republic Golden Hockey Stick Award: Awarded to the top player of the Czechoslovak Elite league, and the top player of the Czech Republic, respectively. 1987, ’89, ’90, ’97, ’98
- Five-time winner of the Czechoslovak First League Best Goaltender: 1986-90
- Czech Hockey Player of the 20th Century
Continuing his incredible play in net, Hasek was a three-time Silver Medal winner at the 1982, ’83, and ’85 World Junior Hockey Championships—while being awarded WJC Best Goaltender in ’82 Games.
Capturing four medals in the World Championships, Hasek was again awarded the Best Goaltender award in 1985 and ’87.
Perhaps the most memorable moments in Hasek’s career happened during the 1998 Olympic Winter games in Nagano, Japan. “The Dominator” led the Czech National team, allowing just six total goals, while being named the Olympic Games Best Goaltender.
NHL CAREER
The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Dominik Hasek with the 199th overall pick in the 10th round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft
It wasn’t until after the 1989 Velvet Revolution when Czechoslovakia opened its doors to immigration and overthrew the Communist government that Hasek made his way to the United States.
Hasek stayed in Chicago for his first two NHL seasons—eight years after he was drafted. He posted a 20-11-1 record with the IHL Indianapolis Ice, and also played the role of back-up to the Vezina, Calder Memorial, and William M. Jennings winner, Ed Belfour with the NHL Blackhawks.
Hasek watched the Blackhawks win the Presidents Cup during the 1990-91 season with a 49-23-8 record in the Norris Division. The following year Chicago headed to the Stanley Cup Finals, but were swept in four-straight by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
BUFFALO SABRES
The best years for Hasek were undoubtedly in Buffalo, where he played his next nine seasons. Hasek was traded to the Sabres on Aug. 7, 1992 in exchange for Stephane Beauregard and future considerations (Eric Daze). Hasek split time between the pipes with Tom Draper, and future Hall of Fame goalie, Grant Fuhr.
| Games Played | Wins | Losses | Ties | GAA | SV % | |
| Dominik Hasek | 28 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 3.15 | .896 |
| Grant Fuhr | 29 | 11 | 15 | 2 | 3.47 | .891 |
| Tom Draper | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 3.70 | .881 |
The Buffalo Sabres finished fourth in the NHL Adams Division during their 1992-93 campaign. Dominik Hasek picked up his first career postseason victory on Apr. 24, 1993 against the Boston Bruins—allowing one goal on 24 shots on net in Game Four.
The Sabres bounced the Black and Gold in the Division semi-finals in four-straight before being swept by the Montreal Canadiens in the Division Finals.
During the 1993-94 season, the Buffalo Sabres finished fourth in the Northeast Division before losing in the Quarterfinals to the New Jersey Devils, 4-3. Hasek posted a 3-4 record with two shutouts, a .950 save-percentage, and led all playoff goalies with a 1.61 goals-against average in 484 minutes.
No.39 played in 58 games with a 30-20-6 record, while leading the league with a 1.95 goals-against, .930 save-percentage, and seven shutouts. Hasek, at age 29, also won his first-of-six Vezina Trophies, first-of-three William M. Jennings Award, was selected as First Team All-Star, and was the Hart Memorial runner-up.
Due to a lockout, the 1994-95 NHL season was shortened to just 48 games. The NHL implemented a few new rules to the league. The Boston Bruins were playing in their final season in the Boston Garden, and Dominik Hasek continued on with his amazing, and somewhat unorthodox style of play.
Buffalo once again finished fourth in the Northeast Division, while losing once again in the first round of the playoffs—4-1 versus the Philadelphia Flyers. “The Dominator” posted a 19-14-7 record in ‘95, leading the NHL once again in GAA with 2.11, a .930 save-percentage, and five shutouts (tied with Ed Belfour).
Hasek won his second-straight Vezina Trophy, First team All-Star, and was a Hart memorial candidate.
Finishing fifth in the Northeast Division, Hasek and the Sabres failed to reach the playoff in the 1995-96 season. A pivotal reason for missing the postseason had to do with trading away one of their most prolific offensive players. Alexander Mogilny was shipped to the Vancouver Canucks, leaving Sabres’ center Pat Lafontaine to run the one-man-show.
Over the next two seasons, from 1996-98, Hasek continued to carry the slightly above-average Sabres into the playoffs, while having historical back-to-back seasons. Buffalo finished first in the Northeast Division in 1996-97 (third overall), but lost 4-1 in the Conference Semifinals to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Although the Sabres were bounced from the playoffs in the first two rounds, Hasek officially etched his name as the league’s most dominating and feared goalie—as if he hadn’t already—while solidifying himself as an all-time great.
Hasek won back-to-back Vezina and Hart Memorial Trophies in 1997 and ’98, along with the Lester B. Pearson Award—becoming the first goaltender ever to win the Hart Trophy twice.
In the 1997-98 season Hasek also set a franchise record with 13 shutouts, while playing in a career-high 72 games. In the month of December, The Dominator tied an all-time record for most shutouts in a month, with six.
Hasek and the Sabres headed to the Stanley Cup Finals the following year for the first time since the 1974-75 season. Hasek ended the regular season leading the NHL in save percentage for the sixth consecutive time with his career-high .937.
The seventh ranked Sabres would end up losing to the Dallas Stars 4-2, but Hasek ‘s individual numbers throughout the playoffs were astounding as usual. In 19 playoff games Hasek posted a 13-6 record, two shutouts, a 1.77 goals-against average, and led all goalies with a .939 save percentage.
Hasek’s season was by shorted forty games due to a groin injury sustained during a game versus the Blackhawks in October. The future Hall of Fame goalie was back in time for the playoffs, but Buffalo was once again knocked out by the Flyers, 4-1.
During his final season with Buffalo in 2000-01 Hasek went out with a bang by collecting his sixth Vezina Trophy—a Modern Era record—and winning his second William M. Jennings Trophy. The Sabres beat the Flyers in six in the first round of the playoffs, but would lose to Mario Lemieux and the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven.
DETROIT RED WINGS & OTTAWA SENATORS
Before the start of the 2001-02 season, Hasek was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he would play in four of his last five seasons. The Dominator helped lead the Wings to a league-best 116 points, while posting a career-high 41 wins with just 15 losses.
Hasek won his first Stanley Cup during his first season in Detroit, a 4-1 triumph over the Carolina Hurricanes. Defenseman Niklas Lidstrom took home the Conn Smythe honors, but No.39’s numbers were staggering throughout the postseason.
He led all goaltenders with 1,455 minutes in 23 games played, 16 playoff victories, and six shutouts. Top it all off with a 1.85 goals-against average, and a .920 save-percentage.
After his first (brief) retirement from the 2002-03 NHL season, Hasek returned to Detroit for his second stint with the team the following year. Sidelined with a groin injury, Hasek appeared in just 14 games in the 2003-04 season. Unselfishly, Hasek refused almost half of his $6-million contract that season, and did not accept any pay since Jan. 9, 2003.
“He just felt that he wasn’t doing what he really had set out to do, which is to play hockey, and play at a high level,” General Manager Ken Holland said. “At that time, he told me that he did not want to receive any further salary until he was ready to play.”
After the injury-plagued season, Hasek’s contract expired, and he signed with the Ottawa Senators on Jul. 6, 2004. Hasek reached a milestone that year by collecting his 300th career win against the Boston Bruins–a 5-1 victory on Oct. 15, 2005.
After the Senators were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, Hasek was released in the off-season, despite his willingness to play for a discounted $500,000.
“.. I’ve had discussions with his agent, Rich Winter, and (Hasek) wants to come back,” said Senators GM John Muckler.
Hasek once again returned to Detroit for the 2006-07 season, signing a one-year contract worth $750,000. No.39 and the Red Wings finished the season with 113-points and as the No.1 seed in the Western Conference. Hasek played in 58 games, while posting a 38-11-6 record with eight shutouts, 2.14 goals-against average, and a .913 save-percentage.
Hasek played in all 18 playoff games for the Wing, compiling a 10-8 record with a 1.78 goals-against average, and .923 save percentage. Detroit lost 4-2 in the Western Conference Finals against the eventual Stanley Cup winners, the Anaheim Ducks.
After contemplating retirement, Dominik Hasek re-signed with the Red Wings on Jul. 5, 2007 to another one-year contract. The contract was reportedly worth two million dollars with an additional two million in bonuses—this after Hasek turned down the initial five million dollar offer in order to clear some needed cap space for the rest of the squad.
Hasek played his final 41 games in 2007-08, collecting his second Stanley Cup, and officially passing the torch to Chris Osgood.
Throughout his 16 seasons in the NHL, Dominik Hasek was clearly the best player at his position.
Just as Patrick Roy popularized the “butterfly style” of goaltending, Hasek’s more unorthodox “flopper style” was equally as successful. His unparalleled off-season workout regimen allowed him to be one of the most flexible and dexterous net minders we have ever seen.
To add to his unusual style of play, The Dominator would usually cover-up the puck with his blocker rather than his trapper (glove). And while other goalies were getting funky with abstract designs on their goalie helmets, Hasek opted for a simple helmet and cage.
While other all-time greats—Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy—started their NHL careers at the ages of 19 respectively, Hasek began his at 26. During that time, instead of dominating in the NHL, Hasek had solidified himself amongst the international best.
With his great International career, World and Junior World Championships, Olympic Games medals and honors, and his long illustrious NHL impact, Dominik “The Dominator” Hasek is the greatest goalie of all-time.
This article was originally published on Examiner.com
Before I really dig into this article, I’d like to clarify a couple things to the readers.
First, I know this article is incredibly late to the initial press release regarding this situation. There have not been many updates to the story, besides Jim Balsillie saying he is open to an auction for the team.
Second, I am aware that ESPN ran an article that had a nearly identical name in regard to this story. Two US senators from New York originally made this claim, and I am simply writing my own take on it.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’ve written my first few Inside Enemy Territory columns on the Buffalo Bills. With the Sabres done, and the NFL season on the rise, I felt it was more appropriate to write about the Bills.
However, this notion that the Phoenix Coyotes might move to Hamilton, Ontario became troublesome to me, especially over the last few days.
You see, the city of Buffalo is not what it used to be. It is no longer has a strong economy, it’s population has been dwindling, and there just does not seem to be much hope for improvement.
In the last year or so, there have been talks that the Buffalo Bills might relocate to Toronto once the team’s ownership changes hands.
If you have ever had the pleasure of being in the great city of Buffalo, you would know how badly this city loves its sports teams. The entire population would be devastated if one of its two major professional sports teams was moved to a rival sports city.
The potential (and in my opinion, probable) move of the Coyotes to Hamilton would hurt the fanbase and revenue stream of the Buffalo Sabres. In fact, the team’s move might even affect the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hamilton is a mere 43.5 miles away from Toronto, and only 64.5 miles from Buffalo. There are plenty of “fans”, of the Maple Leafs and Sabres that would jump at the opportunity to root for a team in their hometown.
Critics of this school of thought are sure to say “real fans would not change allegiance because a team is closer to their home!” That could be incredibly true. However, teams not only need “true fans”, they also need casual fans to drive their income.
Casual fans are just as important as hardcore fans. You see, casual fans get to go to a few games a year. When they attend, they might buy a higher-priced ticket, buy lots of food and drinks, and maybe a souvenir or two.
Casual fans might also stay in the city late, hit up a bar, and spend the night in a hotel in the city since they might be too drunk to drive home.
It’s these little things that we tend to forget when thinking about fans attending a game. It drives up the city’s economy.
Before I get comments saying I’m crazy, I’d just like to add that I’m not arguing that a team in Hamilton would immediately tear apart the Sabres and drive them into bankruptcy.
The issue here is that it might hurt the Sabres in the long run. The city of Buffalo is a small-market city, there is no arguing that. They clearly do not have the resources like the Boston Bruins or New York Rangers to support a dent to their fanbase.
That’s not to say that Buffalo does not have a strong fanbase, because it does. Anyone who has ever watched hockey, especially the playoffs a few seasons ago, knows the passion that Sabres fans bring every night.
In a blue collar, economically troubled town like Buffalo, there are limitations to what people can spend. Going to a Sabres game is a luxury, and if anyone has ever taken a basic economics course, you cannot always spend your income on a luxury.
I’d also like to point out to readers that I would love another hockey team in Canada. Hockey is the sport of Canada, and each team has an amazing group of fans. I’d compare the support for an NHL team in Canada to soccer hooligans in Europe, only Canadians are much more civilized.
Gary Bettman has not been the greatest Commissioner in the history of the NHL, we all know that. Let’s just hope that he makes the right decision here for the sake of the Buffalo Sabres (and Toronto Maple Leafs), and prevents the Coyotes from moving to that region.
(Inside Enemy Territory is a Buffalo Sports Column written by Alec Szczerbinski. Follow the column on Twitter @InEnTerritory, or email any questions/comments to InsideEnemyTerritory@gmail.com.)
