I wonder if Ruff has interest in moving up to GM somewhere like Columbus.
His value is likely at its lowest it's ever been. You're not going to get anything worthwhile, and change for change's sake doesn't work. (I'm still waiting for us to be awesome now that Derek Roy isn't in the room anymore.) Let the guy get through his slump, and see how he performs under a new coach.
I agree with this. Hasn't he also mentioned being interested in going more to the personnel side of hockey? Maybe Buffalo could offer him a job as a scout or assistant GM or something. He and Regier obviously like working together, and he deserves the organization's respect for how loyal he's been throughout his career, even if it's past time for a fresh face behind the bench.
If we get a new coach, and the team isn't any better, then he and Darcy are both on the block together for inept management. I don't see what we have to lose by offering him the option of staying in a different role.
The only thing worse than having Ruff coach is having Ruff MORE involved in player personnel. Why people would want an entire team of Jochen Hecht's is beyond me. For the love of everything good, just let them man go.
As I said, if the team still blows and it becomes clear that management is as much a factor as coaching, then both he and Regier are on their way out together for stinking that up, and we start fresh. If the problem is mostly just the coaching, it won't make any difference if he's there, because R&R already work together making personnel decisions.
I disagree. Even in his 30goal or decent production season, he is inconsistent, streaky, and carries a penchant for a disappearing act. No thank you. Done with him. Call it what you want, I call it a poor representation of professionalism. I'm all about seeing what guys can do under a new voice - I just have no desire to see him on this team anymore. Bias, personal distaste, whatever the **** you want to call it.
As for the Roy trade... Is it the main reason behind Bucky's article where other GMs are ripping Regier? Very likely. On paper, you got a third line grinder and a brutal cap dump for a #2 center who is fringe #1, wins draws, plays all zones and all situations while hovering at a point-per-game pace for his career. But any human who watched the team knew it was time for a divorce. Whether or not we got a decent to good return is obviously debatable, but like it is for Stafford, Roy's time was up.
Too late.
Rats! It'll be interesting to see if Jarmo can work some of his drafting magic for Columbus. Granted, having three first round picks (as of now) in the upcoming draft should make him look like a genius.
Unless he trades them all to NYR for Nash. Now, hereby known as "The Garth Snow".
With the draft lottery we probably wont get a 1st round pick even if we tank it.
All I keep thinking about is how correct people are when they say how boring this team is to watch.
I dread the near 3 hours round trip there and home to watch them play, I find other things to watch when they are on the road... its just boring.
Pretty sure every team gets a first round pick regardless of where they finish.
Yea, I'm an idiot. I meant 1st overall.
With the draft lottery we probably wont get a 1st overall even if we tank it.
You know, when I first starting supporting the Sabres, I was filled with optimism, and I was warned by quite a few people that supporting Buffalo is frustrating and that they would grind me down eventually.I thought that the fans were a cynical bunch, but looks whats happened, its come true. An organisation with vast potential, not moving forward and way behind the top teams on the ice. Supporting your teams meant to be fun, with Buffalo it's hard work!