Darcy talking to Miller and Pominville

[Jim Bob]

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020731/1023176.asp

Regier on Tuesday also said contract negotiations are progressing with goalie Ryan Miller and winger Jason Pominville.

"Those talks have continued, and they're moving along," Regier said. "That's always a good sign."

Miller, a fifth-round pick in 1999, must choose between returning to Michigan State for his senior season or sign a contract to be the starting goalie in Rochester. The top prospect is a former Hobey Memorial Baker Award winner as the NCAA's top player, and he already holds the NCAA career shutouts record.

Pominville, a second-round choice in 2001, had 57 goals and 64 assists in 66 games last season with Shawinigan of the QMJHL. He had 46 goals and 67 assists in 71 games the season before.


Hopefully they will get both of them signed because Rochester needs the help badly.

[Player6600]

I hope we can sign Miller quickly. I don't know much about Ponville but his numbers look good (although all QMJHL numbers are always skewed)

[Jim Bob]

Originally posted by Player6600
I hope we can sign Miller quickly. I don't know much about Ponville but his numbers look good (although all QMJHL numbers are always skewed)

Pominville looked really good in training camp last year. If it were an option I bet the Sabres would have sent him to Rochester last year.

[Player6600]

We need talented players hopefully he can turn into a good player.

[Papaduke]

For the low down on Pominville. I like the fact that he improved his scoring year over year and in fewer games. I like his chances this camp but he does not turn 20 until November so I believe he has another year of Juniors left. Unless he makes the Sabres outright. Which I doubt.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospect.php?pid=2029

[Jim Bob]

Pominville's birthday is prior to Jan 1, 2003, so he is eligible to play in either Buffalo, Rochester, or go back to JRs. Derek Roy for example can only play in Buffalo or go back to JRs.

That's why there is a bigger push to get Pominville signed this summer.

Now let's hope that Pominville's broken leg that put a damper on the end of his season is healed up and he puts on a show in camp.

[Player6600]

When's he's in camp I'll stop by and take a look.

[BuffaloSoljer]

Gagne and Williams both jumped to the Flyers as teenagers, and it hasn't hurt them. If this kid can play, the Sabres really need help @ RW.

[Jim Bob]

Originally posted by BuffaloSoljer
Gagne and Williams both jumped to the Flyers as teenagers, and it hasn't hurt them. If this kid can play, the Sabres really need help @ RW.

The last place the Sabres need help is RW, especially if they get Afinogenov signed. Here is the organizational depth chart at RW:

Satan
Dumont (has moved to LW because of logjam at RW)
Afinogenov (RFA)
Varada (RFA)
Ray
Milley
Kotalik (has played all 3 forward positions due to logjam at RW)
Pominville
Bartovic (has moved to LW because of logjam at RW)
McMorrow

Add in that Hamel could play RW if need be, and the Sabres have more issues at LW than they do at RW. The biggest issue is that the two remaining unsigned RFAs are both RWs.

[Papaduke]

Are the Sabres going to Charleston for Camp this season?