The GM basically did, when you say things like "it takes an overpayment." You know what that means to other GMs? "Keep your player."
It's quite clear that this mix of coach and players isn't working. It's also quite clear that finishing bottom 10 for the last 10+ years hasn't worked either. Maybe, just maybe, try to change up the mix a bit with a "fair deal" with another team?
That *is* the only other alternative. Sometimes, a simple deal in talent for talent can invigorate a team to success - but Sabres' consistently hold the position of "Our players are uber talented and require overpayments, and we have an amazing prospect pool of potential superstars who we can't/won't/choose not to trade for help."
Either 1) The Sabres players and prospects are not as good as they think and are overvalued or 2) They haven't had the right mix of players to guide them on how to win in the NHL.
I personally believe it's #2. Sometimes, it's actually better to lose in talent and win in ethic in the right trade. It's something fans don't often get, because we only see on-ice products - not behind the scenes.
It's why we flip out at GMs in trading for culture, or hard work types.
I believe the Buffalo Sabres are indeed ultra talented - but they need to stop trying to trade for more talent - because every thing I constantly see in these threads is "we want to package Tuch and get a better C." News flash - the Sabres are sitting on an on paper roster that is far more talented than the 10-15 teams around them, and are still at the bottom of that heap. It's not "more talent" that's needed.
Just my $.02.