Lindy and his new deal
When everyone last saw Lindy Ruff, the Sabres coach was speaking glowingly about his organization. He was announcing his new three-year contract extension, and he talked of how he never contemplated leaving because the franchise had a bright future. Buffalo, he said last month, offered the best chance to win the Stanley Cup.
When The News caught up with Ruff on Saturday night, a few things had changed. His captains were gone, and his GM had admitted the team would be less competitive.
We asked Ruff if he had the chance to do it all over again, would he re-sign with the Sabres so readily? Ruff didn't call for anyone to tear up his new deal, but he obviously had some reservations because all the talk of a bright future was gone.
"You know, hindsight is 20-20, but it's something that I'd rather not even comment on," Ruff said.
How about you? Should Ruff be upset that he signed with the Sabres -- at below market value -- just before his top two players left? Should he have seized the chance to be a free agent?
---John Vogl
I guess everyone here knows something I don't, because it seems to me that Drury and Briere left Buffalo because they wanted to leave Buffalo.
If a player like Briere wants to go to a non-contender like Philly in order to make an extra million a year, I say to hell with him. If Drury refuses to sign a deal during the season and then refuses to take a matching offer during free agency, then I say let him go.
It's their fault that those players are gone, not management. Let's win the cup the Buffalo way: by building it slowly and from within, by working hard instead of buying greedy players, and by taking a bunch of hard knocks along the way.
Posted by: Fabio Escobar | July 20, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Why is Lindy Ruff STILL the coach?
Why are Larry Quinn and Darcy Regier STILL in their executive posts?
Is it because maybe they love LOSING?
I have just written an essay called, "Since Messrs. Kilgore, Williams, Murphy, et. al. Won't Deign to Do This..." Here are some excerpts, for your edification:
"(G)uess who was part of the Sabres "brain trust" (when they decided to cut Ted Nolan loose)? None other than Larry Quinn... Shortly thereafter, Darcy Regier came on board as the Sabres General Manager... and Lindy Ruff, a former Sabre defenseman who was an assistant coach for the 1996 Stanley Cup-losing* Florida
Panthers, became the head coach.(*= Keep this in mind, please.)
"(After the 2006 playoff run ended for Buffalo, and JP Dumont, Jay McKee, and Mike Grier left)... the Sabres signed up Jaroslav Spacek, from the Stanley Cup losers, the Edmonton Oilers, in that summer’s free-agency round.
And during the 2006-07 'One Dream, One Goal' season, one of the Sabres’ trades by
Darcy Regier brought another member of the 2006 Stanley Cup losers… backup goalie Ty
Conklin, who loused up in relief of hurt goalie Dwayne Rolosson in Game 1 of the 2006 Finals.
"In fact, while the Sabres were making their run at the 1999 Stanley Cup, three players(just to name these) also came from Cup-losing teams: Rhett Warriner(1996 Florida), Jason Woolley(1998 Washington), and Joe Juneau(’98 Washington and 1990 Boston). Could they not have tried for players from Detroit, Colorado, Edmonton, or even New Jersey, at this time?
"And even in this last season’s trades/free-agency pickups, how could the Sabres not make a bid for Stanley Cup-winning players such as Doug Weight, Brendan Shannihan, Adam Foote, Scott Gomez, Chris Chelios, Martin Gerber, Peter Forsberg, or Scott Nedermayer?
"(After the Sabres playoff run ended against Ottawa, it eventually led to July 1, the first day of free-agency in the NHL, and) without determined and well-planned efforts by Sabres management,
Daniel Briere and Chris Drury, two contributors to the Sabres’ 2006-07 playoff run, ended up signing with the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers, respectively. Also, the Sabres didn’t pursue top-flight players like Scott Gomez, Ryan Smith, Bill Guerin, or Brian Rafalski, to
just name a few; and they signed up elsewhere.
"Now, in any respectable business, or in any championship sports organization, any executive who floundered in his/her duties in a manner like this would be summarily fired, and
thus replaced by someone more capable of the task. My question to Mr. Golisano is: 'Why are Messrs. Regier, Quinn, and Ruff still on the job after all this failure? Why have you not seen fit to replace these three with people who actually know how to build a Stanley Cup
championship team?'"
It's been submitted to different local-area outlets, including the Sports editors/writes at the Buff-News.
Posted by: Lloyd Marshall Jr. | July 14, 2007 at 12:24 AM
Lindy likes Buffalo, liked it as a player and has coached here for ten years. With ateam as deep as last year, it had to make his job easier. And I am sure he was promised Drury. Lindy knows what he has to do with Vanek, he just was probably lamenting that he could have made more $$$.
Posted by: Mark | July 11, 2007 at 08:59 PM
Sid the kid signs a 5 year $43MM extension or approx $8MM per year. Vanek signs for approx $1MM less per year. WOW!!!!! Looks like Regier went all in with....... pocket deuces.........
Posted by: Ben | July 11, 2007 at 02:44 PM
That outdoor game in Buffalo would be awesome! Count me in, if it happens!!
Posted by: SMB | July 10, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Ruff should have made sure the ducks were in a straight line prior to signing or should I say agreeing to a new contract B-4 the playoffs even started. Too bad their policy is not to sign players during the season. Oh well Lindy,---- happens. As coach, you should have insisted that a deal was signed-sealed & delivered with the premium players your management let go.
Posted by: Rich | July 10, 2007 at 05:41 PM
Who else is sick and tired of the Sabres brass? Lets face it, they blew it! They let the two best players walk, and let Zubrus walk also. What did they get in return? It's a shame. Why is it other organizations have enough forsight that they can make efforts to sign their prime players to extentions prior to them becoming free agents, and thus probably signing them for less money? I'm tired of another mediocre season. And thats what 2007-08 looks like.
Posted by: Greg | July 10, 2007 at 02:47 PM
All is not lost, but I hope Lindy has learned that it makes no sense to give a "Hometown Discount"! Get paid for the grief. The players do!!
Posted by: Phil | July 10, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Ya we'll be OK and we'll have a good team ......... thats it. It should be great...........someone was boasting we have 4 scoring lines, well that dried up in the playoffs. You can't attract players when management lies to its Players, Coaches, and fans. We lost a ton and did try to better our team. That is a big dissapointment. We lost a lot of big contract and didnt sign any FA's What player wants to play for an organization like that!
Posted by: Craig LA Chapter of the Buffalo Sabres Society | July 09, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Ok everyone...it's been a week. I think it's time that we all calm down a little bit and look at this rationally. As a starting point, you should read the article by Larry Wigge on NHL.com as "Bill" mentioned in a previous post - it helps put things into perspective, especially coming from someone who isn't as close to the situation as we all are.
Please understand that I am just as avid a fan as anyone, and the news last week hit me as hard as that "No Goal" call in game 4 of the second round - just didn't seem possible that something so obvious was allowed to slip through.
However, please don't forget that we have plenty of other quality players on the team - personally, I LOVE Vanek and it's great to know we have him for 7 more years (although it was for more $ than I would've expected), not to mention Afinogenov and Gaustad, and I think Stafford has the potential to become a great - and having Miller in the goal as a solid performer is a HUGE factor that can't be overlooked.
In any case, this team has seen it's share of player changes, and Lindy has been there throughout and has always driven a suberb team. There are plenty of great players on the team, and I have no doubt that Lindy will have them working together as a well oiled machine before long. The Sabres have never relied on a single star player - instead they've had an entire team of stars to work together with. Great players working together make a great team, not any one individual. To say that loosing a few key players will ruin the team is disrespectful to the team that willingly allowed a few players to shine more than others.
I think we definitely made mistakes with Briere, Drury, Zubrus and Vanek, but lets move on and get excited for the team we have, not despondent for the team we could've had. This is the real NHL, not a Fantasy Hockey team.
All season long the Sabre's had been praised for the fact they have 4 scoring lines. At worst, we'll have 3 scoring lines this year. At best, we'll have more top notch players than we know what to do with. And on top of all that, we still have one of the best coaches to get it done with!
To heck with Golisano and Rieger - leave them to run projects like (not) building the Peace Bridge, putting in a Metro Rail or the Skyway, and making a mess of player contracts! We are BUFFALO!!! This town has always dealt with idiots who can't see more than a day into the future - but we keep going!
A year from now the trees will be even greener, the snow will still be melting, and the Sabre's will be in their 3rd straigh Conf Finals and will still playing for the best fans in the leauge!
BUFFALO ROCKS!!!
Posted by: Glenn W | July 09, 2007 at 07:29 PM
Are the Sabres going to pick up any free agent before the next season? They didn't win it last season with this team. Now they lost two of their leaders and are still waiting around and doing nothing. Get some gritty players on this team and they might have a chance....to make the playoffs!
Posted by: Mark F | July 09, 2007 at 05:07 PM
There is a GREAT write up on NHL.com by Larry Wigge. I suggest all you nahsayers read it!
Posted by: Bill | July 09, 2007 at 02:10 PM
TicketsandSalaries,
Buffalo fans would scream alot less about ticket price increases than the Black Sunday fiasco. Buffalo fans would find a way to back a winner.
Posted by: Bob DH | July 09, 2007 at 09:01 AM
Lindy should have known better, he's been working for these bufoons long enough to know how they operate.
Posted by: Chris | July 08, 2007 at 10:51 PM
I feel bad for Lindy, he has all the reasons in the world to be upset. Who in their right mind would want to be in buffalo for that price!!
Posted by: keeping it real | July 08, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Lindy needs to get Vanek's agent. There's a man who knows how to get the most money.
Posted by: Stanley Cupless | July 08, 2007 at 05:24 PM
It's a shame that a class act like Lindy Ruff has to be stuck with the likes of Larry Quinn, and Darcy Reiger. I'm sure that in the back of his mind Lindy is thinking of the day when Quinn leaves him out to dry. Given how these people treated the players who made the team great, and the scouts who got this talent it's only a matter of time.
Posted by: Rick Jeneret | July 08, 2007 at 02:11 PM
One point being missed here since Black Sunday. If the Sabres kept their players even for less money than what they received or even with the so called home team discount, the ticket prices would have reflected the increases as well. Then everyone would be screaming about the high cost of the tickets. It's a no win situation in that market. The Sabres can't have a payroll at the cap without hitting the consumer big time in the wallet. If they would have signed Briere and Drury to the Philly and NY numbers, you could expect Philly and NY ticket prices.
Posted by: TicketsAndSalaries | July 08, 2007 at 01:44 PM
I'll be laughing at all you naysayers when the sabres make the conference finals for the third season in a row. How do you think the sabres got here in the first place? Our old prospects over in Rochester, remember when Vanek was a AHLer? Of course you dont. I dont see any end to the Rochester gravy train.
Stop your whining Blo City!
Posted by: dumpsterkid | July 08, 2007 at 12:02 PM
Lindy Ruff is the longest acting coach in the NHL! He does not receive that lable for being a bad coach! Look, Drury and Briere had ONLY one standout season! Ruff coached these guys to get where they were last year, lets see how Briere and Drury play under different coaches! Furthermore, Vanek and the boys are still going to give defence fits! The last time I checked, the Sabres dominated because the Defence in this league was too slow ... Did every defencemen all of a sudden get faster this off season? Be patient, somehow the Sabres management will look smart again by fluke and the Sabres will be back!
Posted by: Bill | July 08, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Well, put yourself in Lindy's shoes. If you just had your two best tools taken away to get the job done and accomplish your goals would you be thrilled?? The only tools he has now are the two idiots he has to directly report to with the knowledge of how they screwed him and the perception of Sabres across the league took a massive hit. Would you want to work for blundering idiots?? Liars and cheapskates that try to pull the wool over your eyes and alienate everyone who has ever had dealings with them???
Posted by: Kevin Skinner | July 08, 2007 at 11:11 AM
I think the Sabres played an offense first philosophy to play to what was seen as their greatest strength: team speed. They did not play sound defense, and Miller's numbers were down because of this. Lindy has said he will change to a more defensive system, and I believe him. Miller will have his best season as a pro with a more defensive team in front of him.
I look for Stafford and Paille to come to this team and start to show why they are thought so highly of in the organization. Stafford is a Drury-like player. Given time, he will develop into a heart and soul leader for this team. I also believe that Derek Roy will have a strong season, as will Tim Connolly (in spite of everyone saying he has a skull of paper...you try getting hit like that and see how your brain does pal). Go Sabres! Go away fairweather fans!
Posted by: W | July 08, 2007 at 10:43 AM
I think miller is good but not as not as good as most people believe. without the high scoring offense, he will be exposed. in addition the sabres have not done anything to get tougher. As big a sabres fan as i am, i think they will be lucky to get into the playoffs next year.
Posted by: Marc in Northern VA | July 08, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Another fine column today Bucky. When the Sabres leave town in a few years you won't have to worry about if players want to come to Buffalo or not. It is indeed a bad sign for Buffalo the team and not a good sign for Buffalo the town. (Players arn't exactly pounding on the Bills door either). However, in case you haven't noticed people outside of the sports world are not lining up to move into the Buffalo area either as nice as it is there. But there are lifers there like you and your co-workers that will never get out and enjoy the rest of the country like many of us have done. I doubt seriously that you or any of the other clowns writing at TBN could even get a job for a real paper in a big city with *gasp* two or more papers. But, if you could you would be gone in a heartbeat. Oh wait, I forgot, you guys would stay for the home town discount.
Posted by: Larry | July 08, 2007 at 09:53 AM
unfortunately it looks like lindy is in the same boat he was in after peca left. vanek has satan written all over him and he has shown signs of being streaky in the clutch. lindy is a good coach but as the 2000 thru 2002 seasons demonstrated,we have seen how effective he can be with off and on lead players.. good luck lindy, cause you will need it..
Posted by: big rich | July 08, 2007 at 09:31 AM
Lindy's hesitation speaks volumes. I think he feels he was sold on something that we all know now to not even be remotely true.
That being said, I don't believe in the impending doom that so many people forecast for next season. Buffalo has a top three goaltender, a solid if not spectacular D and a young group of forwards who will finally get ice time on the PP. The changes will force Ruff to involve more players in the PK and PP. I for one would like to see Mair get more ice time - with all of the injuries last year he did not get nearly enough ice time. I still think they need one more top nine forward (a physical type) and a top 4 D man (same deal). T-Bo will help in goal but we need more. I liken this team to the one two seasons ago before we knew what Drury and Briere could do.
Posted by: Oldtymehockey | July 08, 2007 at 09:30 AM
Lindy isn't as good as everyone thinks. I think the Sabres lucked out in keeping him, but if he left I wouldn't be as upset as I am about losing Drury. Cunnyworth is ready for the NHL. I'd rather see Ruff in the GM slot.
Posted by: Dan from Philly | July 08, 2007 at 09:07 AM
Tish; if you believe that nonsense. I have property in Florida I'd like to sell you.
Posted by: Jim Lynch | July 08, 2007 at 08:41 AM
if we had players of briere and drury caliber on this team we would have at least made to to the cup. We will be cellar dwellers for a long time, at least till we get rid of the inept management. Quinn and reiger are two puppets who took a team of championship quality and made them cellar dwellars.
Posted by: ted | July 08, 2007 at 08:33 AM
I really wish you would all just drop this! The Sabres are going to be fine! Why? Because there are other players who are as good as Briere and Drury. There are up and coming players who will be as good and Briere and Drury were only as good as the teammates who backed them and allowed them to play their game so well. Let's give credit to those still on the roster with the Sabres and who pour out everything they have at every game who go unnoticed. It's time they get the spotlight and it's time you all just give it up on who did what wrong and why. I don't see any of you working the front office and you would all probably make just as much of a muck-up as the next guy. It's life! Linday Ruff will be fine. Why? Because he was an excellent hockey player and an even better coach!!!!! He will turn it on come the next season and do what he gets paid for! It's time for Vanek, Afinigonov, Miller, Connolly, Campbell and many many more to hear how good they are! Enough of Drury and Briere! Remember, despite your cries of sorrow on losing the two co-captains, they still never got you the Stanley Cup in two back to back playoff seasons!!!! DO THE MATH!
Posted by: Tish Latty | July 08, 2007 at 08:16 AM