Orpik not coming to Buffalo

I just got off the phone with Darcy Regier. The Sabres will not be in the final running for the services of Brooks Orpik.

"We did have conversations," Regier told me. "I don't expect to be a part of that going forward."

Well, what do you think?

---John Vogl

Comments

[ElmaGolf]

RichYan33 - Thanks for the "outside perspective."

You need to realize that perception here is run throught the "Non-Sabre Filter." Works like this:

Players on the team are viewed least favorably.

Non-Players are viewed more favorably (e.g. Orpik)

Former Players are given the Highest Esteem. People here were still crying over Briere when he had a -23 rating (and this was before he had a good playoff run - well except for his disappearance vs. Pittsburgh).

You combine the "Non-Sabre filter" with "Selective Memory" and you get consecutive statements like:

- Tim Connolly never should have been extended - he's injury prone.

- We never should have let Jay McKee get away.

[RichYan33]

I'm from Pittsburgh. Not long ago we used to say Brooks Orpik got paid by the giveaway. Now he's a major hot property. Be careful what you wish for. (That goes out to the Lightning and Ryan Malone too.)

[ebscer]

We could still sign Numminen for a reasonable amount. That would give us...

Lydman-Tallinder

Spacek - Numminen

Weber - Sekera

with Patesch as the seventh guy. That's a pretty solid line up right there. No need to give Pominville's money to number three defenseman (which please remember is all Campbell was).

[down by law]

i turn 58 tomorrow, one year closer to going to the grave without seeing the cup in b-lo. thanks darcy, just another backup goalie huh. why not orpik? what a heartwarming story, 2 brothers on their hometown team. gimme a kleenex

[Nick]

If we make a trade, for a better forward, we should try and get Dustin Brown from the LA Kings. He's an Ithaca native, led the league in hits, scored 33 goals, 27 assists, can kill penalties, and sticks up for his teammates. He's a very good young talent, and hey, it only took Calgary a 1st round pick to get Cammalleri from LA, SO AT LEAST TRY DARCY!!! And sign Jason Smith, physical, vetran, leadership type defensman

[North Buffalo]

I couldn't agree more with the last post. Those on this blog who complain that pointing out management deficiencies is chewing on sour grapes are misrepresenting the state of the Sabres and misstating the problem.

The Montreal example of building within coupled with some veteran leadership is precisely the point. Where is the Veteran leadership.... the Sabres sent it to NY and Philli and did not replace it. See how well Montreal does with the losses of its free agents, Ryder etc. and the same for Pitt.

Yes, the Sabres have a lot of young talent and that is what is so frustrating. They are a few key veterans away from contending. Is that so much to ask management for. Until they win one, it is the responsibility of every fan to complain about every misstep and wasted opportunity. Recently, they have been glaring.

Don't miscontrue what I am stating. I am not advocating breaking the bank, but spending wisely, creatively, but agressively. A defender and a quality centerman should have been a priority.

Roy is wonderful, so is Gaustad, but Connolly is oft injured and can't take the punishment and Mair, while gritty doesn't produce enough. They need another on the level of Briere and Drury. Show me that sort of addition and one on D and I will stop complaining. Till then Regier is still a Bum!

[David S.]

Chad- "Further, Buffalo doesn't need forwards." Really? Last I checked we have 4 true centerman- Roy, Gaustad, Mair, and Connolly (sometimes Hecht in a pinch). That good enough for you? How about the fact that we have about 6 RWs? Wouldn't you like to dump a few (Max, Kotalik) for a new player to improve the team? I still hope the team will rebound and make the playoffs this year- but since when has that been the ultimate objective here?

[goal10der44]

For the people who have been making negative comments, I wish you could actually understand how ridiculous you sound.

This team is just fine and getting better without making any ventures into the utter craziness and gross overpayment that has taken place already.

Weren't we all complaining when Jay McKee left, but wondering why St. Louis would pay $4M/season just 2 offseasons ago? How'd that work out for St. Louis? He was our #3 defenseman (behind Lydman/Tallinder), which is one better than Orpik would be on this team (behind Spacek). But because we're not willing to pay him $5M, everyone is up in arms...get it together people!

Some people have made some very valid points. Specifically, the person who mentioned Montreal, with essentially the same team as 06-07, went from 90 to 104 points was a great example of how to build for the future, but win now. Oh and BTW, they traded their starting goalie to put a 21 year old kid into the fire and still managed to finish 1st in the conference. Did they win the Cup, no, but they're built to be contenders for the next 3-5 years. Just the same as the Sabres are doing.

So to all of these people who are complaining, don't worry, there will still be room for you on the bandwagon during the season. And because we're from Buffalo, we're nice enough to let you stick around too.

[Whale]

someone said:
"Why sign someone when you already have two guys on the roster who are younger and put up better numbers last year than both Drury and Briere? They're named Roy and Pominville. You should watch them, they're pretty good."

That person doesn't seem too be aware that we did not replace Drury and Breire with Pominville and Roy.
Roy and Pominville were ALREADY ON THE ROSTER.
We brought NO ONE in to relace Breire or Drury.

[Chad]

Fire Darcy, it's actually called the Presidents Trophy. Presidents Cup is golf.

David S, let me address a few of the things you said in turn:

"How is everyone supposed to forget about Briere and Drury when management still refuses to sign someone to replace them?"

Why sign someone when you already have two guys on the roster who are younger and put up better numbers last year than both Drury and Briere? They're named Roy and Pominville. You should watch them, they're pretty good.

"What new face do we have to get excited about- Patrick Lalime?"

Did you expect a goaltender on the upswing of his career or one who hoped to compete for a starting job to come to Buffalo? When said backup knows he isn't going to play more than 15-18 games no matter what? Really?

"Free Agency is about making your team better- does management honestly expect fans to believe there was no one out there able to improve the team at the right price (besides a freaking BACKUP goaltender)?"

So is the draft. So are trades. Free agency is the most expensive way to build a team. Further, Buffalo doesn't need forwards. They have 15 guys who can play forward in the NHL on the roster. That qualifies as a glut. The prices on defensemen just got ridiculous. Why pay Orpik, a guy who is realistically a #3 or #4 defenseman between $4-5 mil/year? Regier made it clear before free agency that they were going to try to make trades. Yet you people are STILL angry about the lack of name free agents.

"This team failed to make the playoffs this year and they are poised to go that same route again this year."

Just like how Montreal went from 90 pts to 104 pts and the #1 seed without making any noticeable changes, right? Same type of team, too. Young, talented players with a few veterans sprinkled in. Sounds kinda familiar.

I think a lot of the "fans" that like to rag on management woke up today acting like it was Christmas morning. They knew Buffalo wouldn't go crazy in free agency and would use that as the impetus to incessantly complain about management. This is probably quite the day for them.

[Jim Balsillie]

I almost forgot...I can't wait to try some of those Hot Wings! Larry's told me many good things about the city of Buffalo. Especially how the people are so kind and understanding. That is great to know. Buffalo is going to be the pipeline for the Blackberries, and I will promise you that nothing will stop me from fielding the best AHL team out there.

Larry tells me that great progress is being made on improvements around the arena. I know you will be proud of the men suiting up for your city and will come out in droves to support your new team. Just think of all the bragging rights you will have when you can say you saw the next Wayne Gretzky developed right in front of your eyes!

Let's go Buffalo Jr. Blackberries...and let's go Hot Wings!

[David S.]

I don't normally like to get on management's case- but it's starting to get out of control. How is everyone supposed to forget about Briere and Drury when management still refuses to sign someone to replace them? What new face do we have to get excited about- Patrick Lalime? Free Agency is about making your team better- does management honestly expect fans to believe there was no one out there able to improve the team at the right price (besides a freaking BACKUP goaltender)? We still have needs at Center and Defense. This team failed to make the playoffs this year and they are poised to go that same route again this year.

[Fire Darcy]

"wasn't a President's Cup won in that time of period? "

Wow....a President's Cup. In case you didnt know....the real prize is called the STANLEY Cup...

Face it, they had this organization on the verge of greatness, and the cheapasses messed it up.

Within three years, the central pieces (Drury, Briere, Campbell, Miller, Pominville) will ALL be gone because they are either 1. too cheap or 2. too stupid to figure out how to run a hockey franchise...

[Heather B.]

"Heather, last on team in minutes played?

That is WAY too much research for a fan. Was that you who I said NO to on renewing my season tickets?"

Nope. I would've happily taken them off your hands. But that is the kind of research I prefer my GM do before handing a guy a pile of money.

What have the Sabres done besides make excuses? They've drafted well for a number of years. They've consistently found value through trades - or did you forget how the sainted Drury and Briere got here? They've put together a core group of Vanek, Roy, Hecht, and Gaustad for the next four years with Miller and Pominville hopefully to soon follow which is all things considered, not a bad group. They've avoided weighing the team down with an overpriced UFA who they can't trade or buyout by being smart about how they spend their money. They've gone out of the way to keep ticket prices at a level affordable to a large percentage of their fans.

Are they perfect? No. Do they make mistakes? Sure. Are they sometimes headache inducing in their caution and deliberation? Absolutely. But I think the current Sabres team is in better shape than a lot of them teams out there spending huge money today are going to be when the dust settles.

[JB]

Poor Darcy. You know Golisano's got his hands tied. If I were him I'd quit. It's got to be embarassing to go to a free agent like Orpik and say "Um, yeah...we'll offer you two years...at $875,000...total...and we'll throw in some Car wash coupons....and a $10 gift card to the Anchor Bar. Deal?(Yes, I'm exagerating, but you get the point...)

[Rock]

Maybe Darcy should have run out and outbid Toronto for a guy named "Finger" they paid 14 million for who has never played a full season in the NHL and was payed the league minimum as a 28 year old two way contract player to make certain astute fans happy.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Sean,

And you are a delusional Sabres fan. Look at the list, not each one. You can excuse each one of them, but sooner or later you have to ask what have they done besides make excuses?

[North Buffalo]

This year I agree, last year, they were coming off a great run and Kalinin actually had a good go of it in the playoffs. And with who is left of the board 2 of these guys could have been moved last year for at least one of this year's UFA defensemen. But then Regier would have had to sign them during the season, sorry, I forgot that irritating policy of his, Bye Drury, Bye Briere.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Since you asked:

2007 Detroit - Osgood
2006 Anaheim - Teemu
2005 Carolina - too long ago, can't remember. Don't care.

And what did Sabres do over that 3 year cycle sports fans?

[The Todd]

Who is the idiot that said Orpik was a converted forward? Stable, solid skating, and physial defenseman are a rarity. If you have a chane to sign them you do it, but this is a kid that did not want to stay in Buffalo for high school. What makes you think he would want to play here professionally? Move on to the next guy and forget about signing Orpik.

[Brandon]

Im glad to see darcy at least looked. I always figured he would be a bit too rich for their blood.

[Sean]

ok, anything better then 3 4th round draft picks?

[North Buffalo]

Max, even though I still like watching him and Kalinin (sp?) had more value last year. Kotalik was rumored to be for sale last year too, nothing happened. So there is three, I am sure a couple of other names could be added.

[Sean]

who else could we have dealt at last years deadline? please name one player of use that we could have dealt? 3 years ago? holy shite, wasn't a President's Cup won in that time of period? again, we dealing with a bitter leafs fan here? just come out of the closet...... come on..... come on....... you can do it.... your strong.....

[Rock]

37pts - 15 goals and 22 assists

[Rock]

Bouwmeester can do it all - three seasons and has never missed a game - 5th in scoring for defensemen - 6'4" 212lbs.

Florida can't get a deal signed - like him way better than Orpik, Streit, or any of these other guys actually for the dollars you could save with a long term contract on him.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Look, I can see why:

You didn't make a move at the trade deadline 3 years ago because you thought Connolly would improve your team
OR
You don't sign Briere cause he was too expensive
OR
You couldn't sign Drury
OR
Last years free agents were too expensive
OR
You couldn't make a deal at last years deadline
OR
You traded Campbell to get something instead of nothing
OR
You thought Connolly was going to be your free agent improvement AGAIN!
OR
You thought the free agents were over priced this year AGAIN.

What I can't accept swapping ANDs for ORs above here. Begins to sound like...EXCUSES.

[Sean]

i wish i had hindsight like you. 20/20?
LETS GO BUFFALO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[North Buffalo]

In response to Jim Basille's earlier comments dissing Buffalo, those 90 miles you must be talking about have to the Toronto Leaves. They are only minor league team in the area you described...hmmm.

[Sean]

buffalo excuses, i find that great that you would have signed him 2 years ago. just wonder if you would have done that 2 years ago. same with briere and campbell of course. and vanek. and then miller, roy, pominville within salary cap. perhaps your in the wrong profession?

[North Buffalo]

Jay Bouwmeester sounds okay, big guy, what about Jason Smith or is health the big issue?

[not fade away]

hey excuses, how about you just go away? if you hate the team so much, why do you care? you're not going to be happy unless the owner runs the team into the ground making asinine signings for overrated players. take your negativity and go screw. i am so sick of "fans" like you. have some stats to back up your argument, have some reason, have some rationale - but cut the "darcy's a bum" crap because he won't dump $10 million into marginal defensemen. i know you're probably a HUGE hockey fan, so you must know that strategy NEVER WORKS. go look at the last 10, 15 stanley cup winners (can you name the last 3?). tell me how many are free agent machines, and how many are dedicated to a long term strategy and a real system. but whatever, that's too much work when you just want to say "duh...dey screw us on tigget prices...duh...go sign orpik for $6 mil cause he hit real good and hard worker like me." whatever.

sorry for the rant, but thats been building for a long time.

jerk.

[North Buffalo]

My last comment was directed to Buffalo Excuses if that was not obvious.

In defense of his comments, as a fellow suffering Buffalo Sports fan, it is our God Given Right to complain about the decisions of Buffalo Sports management. Until a Buffalo team is no longer 0-3 or 0-4 in championship games, we should all complain loudly.

Let these high priced players remain positive, till then show me the rings in a Buffalo Uniform.

[Rock]

Yeah, Bouwmeester - give the bucks to a 24 year old instead of a 29+ guy. Look at the buyouts that you are starting to see more and more of. These guys are making huge money at late stages of career and when they are noy worth that money you are forced to buy out the contract AND the older the player the more "dead" money that you will have tied up.

Believe me, I desperately would love to see something exciting around this franchise - they make Vanilla look excitingly wild.

[Buffalo Excuses]

I would have signed Drury at the beginning of the season 2 years ago and Briere mid year.

You asked. I answered.

Pass the popcorn.

Now my questions for you:

Name a move (non current player related) The Buffalo Excuses have made in the last 3 years to improve the team for next year?

What are the Sabres going to do before the trading deadline this year to improve their chances of making the playoffs?

If they don't do anything, do you honestly think they will make the playoffs this year?

What did we get for our ticket price increase?

[North Buffalo]

Fine, Steit is not your preferred guy, but there are others out there and even a leader on offense could have been gotten, then trade Kotalik for some draft choices. Look even Toronto got Hagman and not expensively. Had him last year on my fantasy team and his plus minus and his consistent scoring was phenomenal. Thanks for the props. Anyone still out on the board that you like?

[GregK]

You guys have to read Dan Tolensky's blog. I know it's hockeybuZz, but this guy makes a great point. Especially for you guys I was talking about down below.

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=15970

[I Fight Guys Like You On The Way To Fights!]

The beginning of free agency is summed up in the first, and most likely only player the sabres will pick up,"La-LAME"!

[Sean]

Buffalo Excuses, never met someone so smart as you, amazing knowledge of just about everything as long as its critical of the Sabres. Buffalo will be fine as long as your out there bitching about every move or lack of move they make. keep it up, we'll be fine. Your so smart, what would you have done?

[Chad]

The attachment to Orpik by some Sabres fans over the last three weeks has bordered on irrational. Not sure I understand the firestorm over not getting a guy who seems satisfied to go to the highest bidder after having one pretty good regular season and a good playoffs. His agent played this perfectly. His value is skyrocketing by the second. I like Orpik, but I don't like a stay-at-home defenseman like him for $5m/year. Go get a Hainsey or Mara for 60% of that price. There's not that much of a difference, if any.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Heather, last on team in minutes played?

That is WAY too much research for a fan. Was that you who I said NO to on renewing my season tickets?

Pass the popcorn.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Hey Basille,

Will you take The Bills too?

BTW, my vote for team name is:

E.)Buffalo Excuses.

[Rock]

North Buffalo, I agree about the lack of creativity - I was writing just yesterday about my frustration with the lack of ANYTHING to energize this franchise. BUT... this is not the way to go - this money is not well spent. Striet just went to the Isles for 20 mil over five years. He was minus six on the Canadiens.

Would much rather package a bunch of assets for Jay Bouwmeester (sp?) from FLA. 24 years old and a legit stud who the Panthers are shopping.

[Buffalo Excuses]

Yeah Sean, all 1 goal and 2 assists of him. And, I think we can get him for less than $4 Million.

Maybe we can bring back Zhitnik too.

Pass the popcorn.

[Jim Balsillie]

I just want the fans of Buffalo to know that I appreciate your passion for hockey. That is why I am working on a deal to make Buffalo the AHL affiliate to my Kitchner Blackberries. Larry did a great job running the Sabres, so I am happy to have him aboard on this venture. I will be sure to supply the team with nothing but the best of available veteran free agents, and as many young prospects as we can find. Buffalo will be playing in the classiest AHL arena out there and we are pleased to announce that tickets will start at only $12.

As an added treat, we are going to have a contest for the fans in Buffalo to name the new AHL team. Here are your choices.

1)Buffalo Bisons
2)Buffalo Jr. Blackberries
3)Buffalo Chill
4)Buffalo Quinns

Thank you for your hospitality in accepting me into your city, and I hope you will make the short 90 minute drive to watch quality NHL hockey in Southern Ontario.

Jim

[Heather B.]

"Free agency for Sabres fans ... its like your parents wait until Christmas morning to tell you you're Jewish."

Yeah, except that our parents have been telling us all along that we shouldn't really expect any big presents on Christmas because we're not that extravagant. But cute :P

Seriously, Orpik was last on his team in minutes played per game by a d-man and he was next to last in minutes played per game on the PK which means he runs a risk of not logging very high minutes in special teams heavy games. Yeah, I'd love to spend five million plus for that guy. I understand people being disappointed about not signing anyone but I don't get being upset about bowing out of the bidding for this particular player.

[Sean]

RHETT

[Buffalo Excuses]

And since then we were active in the trade market giving up an all star defenseman for Steve "I did have 1 hatrick" Bernier.

Amd we were certainly active when we raised ticket prices.

More dough, less cost, fans eat it up. Priceless.

[Mark F]

I hope there is a plan. If I hear that there is enough chemistry and one more year of experience to go into the next season without any major changes, then it is way too obvious that this is an organization that is playing on the loyalty of long time Sabres fans and trying to milk us for every cent without the intention of competing for real.

[John R.]

Can't you just imagine Darcy being the one guy in your Fantasy league who will never make any trades, no matter what? Come on, it's for entertainment! Who cares if your fantasy trade doesn't work out, it's just fun to trade!

Same thing here. I mean, really think about it. Who cares if he possibly "overpays" someone? I mean, the end result is not exactly going to war with the Middle East. Just entertain us dammit!!!! Today was NOT entertaining for Sabres fans.