Larry Quinn says Sabres will have around $49-50 million self imposed cap

[TheAnswer74]

Quinn said the team will not be “on the cheap,” and expects to have a cap figure around “49 or 50” million dollars to open the campaign. He also said trades may not come during the offseason, as a player from the new affiliate in Portland may be ready by Thanksgiving, and open up more options to trade current players.

http://wgr550.com/Quinn-on-personnel--Portland/2357306

[pigpen65]

Sabs going to trap next year?

“What I’m hearing mostly is really focusing on system,” Quinn said. “The last game of the year, Lindy before the game said, I’m going to play exactly the way the Boston Bruins play, and you’re going to be bored out of your mind… and we beat them 3-0. Once (Lindy’s) got the system (the team will look into personnel).”

[jlpubarch]

So we're stuck with Afinogenov...that's what Mr. Talking Head is telling me?

[pigpen65]

So we're stuck with Afinogenov...that's what Mr. Talking Head is telling me?

I think he's saying not till Gerbe is ready.

[yagga]

So we're stuck with Afinogenov...that's what Mr. Talking Head is telling me?

Maybe he can't get good value from him so he's willing to wait.

[Dockwalliper]

As much as I think Max needs to go I don't think we should give him away for nothing. So if we have to wait a couple months to get full value I'm OK with that.

[charbs]

Am I the only one who thinks Max will come around? I think he'll come out of no where and be outrageous kinda like how Kovalev disappeared then somehow got really good.

[anEinherjer]

I don't mind hearing Quinn tell us how much money they're going to spend.

But I sure and ****in' shit don't want to hear his opinion on who we're trading, when, what system we'll play, blah blah ****ity blah. :stfu: Larry.

[pigpen65]

I think Max already did come around. He had close to 80 points just a couple seasons ago playing with Roy and Vanek. Lindy took him off the line with Roy and Vanek and he didn't produce as well. He's not going to produce playing on the 4th line, so it's really up to Lindy. Play him with Roy and Vanek, or trade him.

[ddpderek]

I don't mind hearing Quinn tell us how much money they're going to spend.

But I sure and ****in' shit don't want to hear his opinion on who we're trading, when, what system we'll play, blah blah ****ity blah. :stfu: Larry.

He answered what they asked.

[ddpderek]

Am I the only one who thinks Max will come around? I think he'll come out of no where and be outrageous kinda like how Kovalev disappeared then somehow got really good.

I 100 Percent think Max will still be a good player is this league and has a bunch more years left in him.

At times people forget how young he started and act like hes peeked already but he really hasnt.


He may need a new coach to excel Im not sure but I want him on this team next year 100 percent!

[3LH]

We'll see if draft day changes their mind about offseason trades. But yeah don't give Max or others away for nothing just to dump salary - especially since it looks like there is room in the "Sabs cap".

[3LH]

And I'm with charbs, derek and others that still believe in Max.

Pigpen is right too... it is all about chemistry on the lines - for a lot of the players really - but certainly with Max who's a guy that moves fast and unpredictably at times - he needs linemates that can lock in with him and not be caught offguard (or offside) with him!!

[GilPerreault]

He answered what they asked.

He should have said: " well questions about trades and systems are for Lindy and Darcy, I'm a former city administrator and know as much about systems as you do and trades as Eklund does"

[Chrispy56]

I think Max already did come around. He had close to 80 points just a couple seasons ago playing with Roy and Vanek. Lindy took him off the line with Roy and Vanek and he didn't produce as well. He's not going to produce playing on the 4th line, so it's really up to Lindy. Play him with Roy and Vanek, or trade him.

I agree, the 4th line is not a good spot for Max. I just hope they can get value for him if they move him.

[pigpen65]

I agree, the 4th line is not a good spot for Max. I just hope they can get value for him if they move him.

This would definitely be the draft to do it in. Sabs #1 area of need is a physical right handed D-man, and this draft has like 5 or 6 great prospects who fit that description.

[Bay Side]

Is this the year that Zagrapan breaks out? Alot of Euro's use 2-3 years in the AHL to get ready. Looks to have alot of talent around him....Maybe he'll be ready!!

[GoBillsTom]

max may turn it around but i think he'd benefit from a change of scene.

let's not forget, he played on the fourth line because he wasn't doing squat anywhere else.

[SabreNasty2630]

I still think we make one draft day trade involving a player or a two.

Also, just out of curiosity, how much do the Sabres have against the cap as of now?

[deconstruction]

Trap? Please, someone kill me now.

[3LH]

I still think we make one draft day trade involving a player or a two.

Also, just out of curiosity, how much do the Sabres have against the cap as of now?

The Sabres cap figure for last season was about $41M, although they paid about $44M in salary (due to a player's average salary for the length of the deal being the cap number, not necessarily what he was paid last season - most of that was Vanek who got paid about $3M over his cap number).

So if Quinn is saying they will go to a cap figure of $49-50M, that is significant.

[PG 13]

The Sabres cap figure for last season was about $41M, although they paid about $44M in salary (due to a player's average salary for the length of the deal being the cap number, not necessarily what he was paid last season - most of that was Vanek who got paid about $3M over his cap number).

So if Quinn is saying they will go to a cap figure of $49-50M, that is significant.

Significant? Not at all.

Sign Pominville and Miller, and they are pretty much capped out.

It was quite clear from Quinn's remarks that the Sabres will not be players in the FA market.

[mike35]

Maybe we'll have some room to sign Wayne Gretzky? Gretzky anyone? Gretzky?

[3LH]

Significant? Not at all.

Sign Pominville and Miller, and they are pretty much capped out.

It was quite clear from Quinn's remarks that the Sabres will not be players in the FA market.

True, I didn't get the impression that they were looking to make any splashes in FA either.

And don't quote me on those numbers either.... I recalled those numbers from a while back and out of curiosity I went to check it out and found this (http://www.nhlnumbers.com/overview.php?team=BUF&season=0708), which shows our 07-08 cap figure at $45M. If that's the case, then the increase to $49-50M becomes even less significant.

[dmbfn40]

Significant? Not at all.

Sign Pominville and Miller, and they are pretty much capped out.

It was quite clear from Quinn's remarks that the Sabres will not be players in the FA market.

Extending Miller and Pominville would not go against this years cap. Unless I am mistaken they have one year left on their contract so any extention would affect the cap until next year. That being said. Larry said trade are likely and Darcy has full reign to go after FAs if he want. I would suspect guys like Timmy, Kots, and Max being dangled out there if for nothing else but to clear some cap room.

[The Grin]

$49-$50M? Anyone think there is enough room in there for the Sabres to sign Mark Streit? XM is reporting that the Habs aren't going to re-sign him and he is looking for $2.5M/yr. It probably won't happen as Darcy doesn't seem to dabble in the free agency that much. I haven't seen too many Montreal games so I don't know much about him.

[SabreGirl]

I would LOVE to have Streit on this team.

[ddpderek]

Streit would be perfect for this team and be a great guy to pair with Jaro.

[bduff54]

streit was not a good D-man for MTL, he was just a PP guy. he played forward a lot.

[Buffalo87]

Am I the only one who thinks Max will come around? I think he'll come out of no where and be outrageous kinda like how Kovalev disappeared then somehow got really good.

I agree, I think Max could definitely bounce back next year. His value right now is just about as low as it will ever get IMO after injuries and a down season.

I think Max already did come around. He had close to 80 points just a couple seasons ago playing with Roy and Vanek. Lindy took him off the line with Roy and Vanek and he didn't produce as well. He's not going to produce playing on the 4th line, so it's really up to Lindy. Play him with Roy and Vanek, or trade him.

Max definitely did have a coming out party in 05-06 and 06-07 but he was kind of the odd man out last year. I really don't like him with Roy and Vanek, you want your best players to have the puck on their stick and Afinogenov would be our worst player on that line yet he would always have the puck on his stick. I prefer Stafford on that line, a guy who will go into the corners and do the dirty work rather than a guy who'll always have the puck and be keeping it off Roy and Vanek's stick.

I still think we make one draft day trade involving a player or a two.

Also, just out of curiosity, how much do the Sabres have against the cap as of now?

We have 37 and some change committed in salaries next year but that does not include Gaustad, Bernier, Paille, Ryan, Kalinin, Pratt, Numminen, and Thibault. But out of those guys Gaustad, Bernier, Paille, maybe one of those dmen, and a back-up goalie are the only ones I would expect to be re-signed. So I think that would bring our cap number to around 45 mil giving us 4 or 5 mil to spend via trade or FA. And remember, re-signing Pominville or Miller does not count against the cap for next year since their contract is not up until the end of next season.

streit was not a good D-man for MTL, he was just a PP guy. he played forward a lot.

Agreed, Streit is not a guy I'm interested in. First of all, I wasn't a huge fan of Soupy when he was here because of his lack of defense and Streit is exactly the same way. As you said, he's basically a PP specialist. And I'm not sure where it was rumored he wanted 2.5 mil because I seriously, seriously doubt a dman who finished 3rd overall in scoring for dmen would want 2.5 mil. From everything I've heard he's looking for 5 mil which he is not even close to being worth.

[ddpderek]

I think what ever deal a player is on counts against the cap. Wouldnt really make sense any other way.

[unklechucky]

I think Max already did come around. He had close to 80 points just a couple seasons ago playing with Roy and Vanek. Lindy took him off the line with Roy and Vanek and he didn't produce as well. He's not going to produce playing on the 4th line, so it's really up to Lindy. Play him with Roy and Vanek, or trade him.

So what youre saying is that in his best season, he's almost put up Derek Plante-like numbers....therefore 1st line worthy?

[Buffalo87]

I think what ever deal a player is on counts against the cap. Wouldnt really make sense any other way.

If a player is under a contract through this season and signs a 3 year extension beginning the next year, why would it count again the cap starting the year it was signed (ie if Miller re-signed before the end of this season)? Thus basically making it a 4 year extension. New contracts do not effect the current seasons cap hit in any way because they players do not begin that contract until their current contract is up.

[pigpen65]

So what youre saying is that in his best season, he's almost put up Derek Plante-like numbers....therefore 1st line worthy?

What's that? His best season was 22 goals and 51 assists. Derek Plante (http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php3?pid=4308)

[unklechucky]

I think Max already did come around. He had close to 80 points just a couple seasons ago playing with Roy and Vanek. Lindy took him off the line with Roy and Vanek and he didn't produce as well. He's not going to produce playing on the 4th line, so it's really up to Lindy. Play him with Roy and Vanek, or trade him.

Plante's best was 73 as you just provided....so again I ask...how does this merit 1st line designation.....you wouldnt fight tooth and nail like this for Plantes cause.

[pigpen65]

gp= games played boss.

[ddpderek]

If a player is under a contract through this season and signs a 3 year extension beginning the next year, why would it count again the cap starting the year it was signed (ie if Miller re-signed before the end of this season)? Thus basically making it a 4 year extension. New contracts do not effect the current seasons cap hit in any way because they players do not begin that contract until their current contract is up.

See this is where your wrong once Miller Re-Signs its a Whole New Deal and the Old one is out the Window. What ever deal he signs is what he will make.

Thus the Average of the new deal is the New Cap hit.

If a Player signs during the year that number will be Prorated into the cap.

If the Player was going to make X amount no matter what why even resign why not play it out and wait for a big pay day on the open market?

[ddpderek]

Plante's best was 73 as you just provided....so again I ask...how does this merit 1st line designation.....you wouldnt fight tooth and nail like this for Plantes cause.

The Top 3 Lines in Buffalo pretty much get the same playing time.

[Buffalo87]

See this is where your wrong once Miller Re-Signs its a Whole New Deal and the Old one is out the Window. What ever deal he signs is what he will make.

Thus the Average of the new deal is the New Cap hit.

If a Player signs during the year that number will be Prorated into the cap.

If the Player was going to make X amount no matter what why even resign why not play it out and wait for a big pay day on the open market?

Alright, I'll admit I don't know the finer workings of contracts as much as many people do but I guess this just doesn't make sense to me.

For example, say in January Miller signs a 5 year deal worth 30 million. So he'll make $6 mil a year totaling 30 mil over the length of the contract. However, if he starts his new contract immediately then he would receive roughly 3 mil for the 2nd half of this season and the contract would be worth 33 mil over the life of the contract. Just doesn't make sense to me.

As for your last comment, there are a ton of reasons a player would sign mid-season instead of waiting for the big payday. He may like to stay in the city he's in, maybe he likes the direction the team is heading, maybe he just felt the money was fair, etc. Basically what you're suggesting is that the reason players would sign midseason is because they want the money right away rather than waiting a couple months to cash in which I find hard to believe.

[The Grin]

Agreed, Streit is not a guy I'm interested in. First of all, I wasn't a huge fan of Soupy when he was here because of his lack of defense and Streit is exactly the same way. As you said, he's basically a PP specialist. And I'm not sure where it was rumored he wanted 2.5 mil because I seriously, seriously doubt a dman who finished 3rd overall in scoring for dmen would want 2.5 mil. From everything I've heard he's looking for 5 mil which he is not even close to being worth.

There is a chance I may have mis-heard it, but that is from an update on the XM NHL channel. Sorry, no link to verify it.

[ddpderek]

Alright, I'll admit I don't know the finer workings of contracts as much as many people do but I guess this just doesn't make sense to me.

For example, say in January Miller signs a 5 year deal worth 30 million. So he'll make $6 mil a year totaling 30 mil over the length of the contract. However, if he starts his new contract immediately then he would receive roughly 3 mil for the 2nd half of this season and the contract would be worth 33 mil over the life of the contract. Just doesn't make sense to me.

As for your last comment, there are a ton of reasons a player would sign mid-season instead of waiting for the big payday. He may like to stay in the city he's in, maybe he likes the direction the team is heading, maybe he just felt the money was fair, etc. Basically what you're suggesting is that the reason players would sign midseason is because they want the money right away rather than waiting a couple months to cash in which I find hard to believe.

Im not exactly sure how its works in mid season either. If he signs that deal tho I believe it starts when he signs it thus being the 1st year of the deal and the salaray would prorate over the remainder of the season and he would have 4 years left on the 5 year deal when it was all said and done. This i am not 100 percent sure about and could be very wrong.

I do know how ever if he re ups before the year the new contract is all they would go by and the average would be his cap number.

[ninecarpileup]

Plante's best was 73 as you just provided....so again I ask...how does this merit 1st line designation.....you wouldnt fight tooth and nail like this for Plantes cause.


Did you ever see Derek Plante scream down the wing and single handedly back off the D and create room for his other forwards? When Max is on, he is a force on the ice, you can't deny that. There is no other player(except Tim Connelly) who can make the D back off like he can, that is why Lindy keeps him around. The guy is on a very affordable contract, and last time I checked, it still takes regular season goals to make the playoffs. That is in reference to all those who say he does nothing come playoff time. You know what, if he is struggling in the playoffs, bench him, and put a little more grit in his place, until he gets the message. If he never gets the message, that's O.K. too, hopefully you can keep signing him to cap friendly agreements, and let him help you get into the playoffs. Sometimes, you have to just be willing to take what you are able to get from a player.

[Buffalo87]

Did you ever see Derek Plante scream down the wing and single handedly back off the D and create room for his other forwards? When Max is on, he is a force on the ice, you can't deny that. There is no other player(except Tim Connelly) who can make the D back off like he can, that is why Lindy keeps him around. The guy is on a very affordable contract, and last time I checked, it still takes regular season goals to make the playoffs. That is in reference to all those who say he does nothing come playoff time. You know what, if he is struggling in the playoffs, bench him, and put a little more grit in his place, until he gets the message. If he never gets the message, that's O.K. too, hopefully you can keep signing him to cap friendly agreements, and let him help you get into the playoffs. Sometimes, you have to just be willing to take what you are able to get from a player.

3.5 mil isn't an affordable contract for Afinogenov at this point. Maybe at the end of next season we'll look back and say it was a good deal, but right now I wouldn't say he's worth 3.5 mil coming off a .5 PPG season.

[unklechucky]

If hes going to stay around..there needs to be less flash and more finish. Yes he's exciting to watch, yes he scares opposing defensemen. Bottom line is all that is for naught if the red lamp isnt lighting up.

[CrazzyLegs10]

um, Mark Streit gets 65 pts as a DEF and is going to get 2.5 a year? I hardly think so.

[imissandrereed]

Am I the only one who thinks Max will come around? I think he'll come out of no where and be outrageous kinda like how Kovalev disappeared then somehow got really good.

haha I think you might be

[imissandrereed]

Max can dipsy doodle around 5 defensman deke the goalie out of his pads but when it comes times for the shot, he shoots it 10 feet over the net! All flash and hardly any finish

[imissandrereed]

Haha who groans that? Thats the truth, he can't score after he dekes past everyone!

[ddpderek]

Haha who groans that? Thats the truth, he can't score after he dekes past everyone!

You really care if you get groaned?

Its not the truth. He had one bad season and people want to act like he has never done anything. he may not score every time but you can not deny that he opens up the ice and makes things happen he may not score every time but he creates chances and gets the other team to take a penalty.

The year before after recovering from a broken wrist he was one of our best forwards in the playoffs.

[ddpderek]

haha I think you might be

and if you read the thread you see that he isnt.

[SabresFan220]

The thing is I think we hang onto Max into this season because he's due to rebound. Just about every player in the last year before hitting UFA blows up to get a bigger deal. Max has skills and just needs to be motivated, and money is the best motivator. He's not a top line player, but he would light it up on a playoff team's 2nd or 3rd line like he did with Vanek and Roy. Afinogenov blows past 2nd tier defenders that are more concerned about the stars that just came off the ice when he stepped on. His trade value at the deadline should be far better than it is right now because of his skill set, especially out West. Most teams see Pavel Bure without the scoring touch, an incredible setup winger for a finisher who can keep up with him. A Western team with an established top line could easily see him as that missing piece to a Cup run (Samsonov in Edmonton). If we hang onto him and deal him at the deadline we can fleece whoever will give an arm and a leg for all that flash and no finish.

[imissandrereed]

You really care if you get groaned?

Its not the truth. He had one bad season and people want to act like he has never done anything. he may not score every time but you can not deny that he opens up the ice and makes things happen he may not score every time but he creates chances and gets the other team to take a penalty.

The year before after recovering from a broken wrist he was one of our best forwards in the playoffs.

Hahahaha, I don't know how much Max is paying you to be his publicist and and PR man but he isn't paying you enough. Your doing a helluva job. Anyway, I agree when on he is one of our best players but in my opinion which doesn't have to be yours nor is it going to be yours, I feel that he relies entirely too much on flash and dash and not nearly enough on finish. He's had two great seasons after the lockout but before the lockout and this last season did didly squat.

However thats ust my opinion and you can respond in whatever way you like.