[blazinsabrez61]

the big and daunting question in buffalo right now:
WHOS GOING: BRIERE OR DRURY?
i want both to stay, but its gonna b difficult
heres what briere has to say:

"I like it here. We like the community. We've made it our home, even in the offseason. Yeah, that's worth some money to stay here. But I'm just looking for it to be fair."

hmmm...very interesting
i mean, why does he need so much money neway?
if ur not happy with 5 mil, then thats awful
id b happy with just 1 if it was to stay in buffalo!
heres some more info from an article on sabres.com

"The Sabres haven't commented about their offseason plans, except to say they have time to determine their approach. The team is somewhat handcuffed after its payroll this season nudged against the NHL's $44 million salary cap.

Buffalo has a few other decisions to make with forwards Dainius Zubrus and Adam Mair, defenseman Teppo Numminen and backup goalie Ty Conklin also eligible for free agency.

The Sabres must also make room to re-sign forward Thomas Vanek, who scored a team-leading 43 goals. Buffalo can retain Vanek's rights by offering him a tendered contract, although the forward is eligible for arbitration.

The biggest concerns are Briere and Drury, who have been the team's leaders for the past three seasons and are credited for helping the Sabres reach the conference finals for the past two years.

Drury said he wants to be back, but said it's too early to discuss his future.

Drury is also coming off a strong season in which he registered career-highs in goals (37), including nine game-winners, and points (69). Of his eight playoff goals, three were game-winners, giving him 15 for his career.

Both Drury and Briere have expressed disappointment regarding the Sabres' policy of not negotiating contracts during the season. Drury was open to negotiations in January.

Briere said there is a misconception that he and Drury don't get along or are competing to see who gets the better offer.

"'People were trying to picture it as me against Chris. And that's the part that was a little disappointing, because it never felt like that for me," Briere said. "I'd like to play with Chris again. I have the utmost respect for him. ... We're really good friends.'"

lots of choices
money always make so many problems doesnt it?
i no i dont want to see vanek, or zubrus go
they should keep conklin too, make him a solid backup for next season
all i no is, im not looking forward to the choices that have to be made
this team had such chemistry, and seeing them separated would be absolutely devastating
dont u think???

[blueandwhite]

but there's no way they all stay. I bet Zubrus is out, and i bet they try to keep mair. vanek, they should work out too, but the big question is - will they figure out how to keep both Briere and Drury?

[blazinsabrez61]

zubrus shouldnt go
he rly gave this team a lift
hes very physical and can hold onto the puck for hours
i would rather see mair gone
even tho he did real good in the playoffs and hes a physical player 2, he didnt do much during the regular season
there has to be some way to keep both briere and drury
they both bring something different to the table that makes this team so good
keep vanek 2, u dont want him to leave
so many decisions, but so much time...

[ThePundit]

I have to figure that Darcy Regier will make the right decisions. He's done a hell of a job building that franchhise back up.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by blueandwhite

but there's no way they all stay. I bet Zubrus is out, and i bet they try to keep mair. vanek, they should work out too, but the big question is - will they figure out how to keep both Briere and Drury?

Vanek is definitely going no where...I like that kid...

[chilltown]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Vanek is definitely going no where...I like that kid...

As a RFA isn't Vanek too young to leave without arbitration?

I can't see Buffalo keeping both Briere and Drury and there's lots of interest in both in Philly. Briere has more ability and I'd love to see him in orange and black, however, I'm guessing zubrus ends up back in Philly.

[marcowazhere]

between drury and briere, drury has the better chance of staying, if they evalute them on they're play-off games. drury put up a worthy effort in agaisnt ottowa, but briere was just shut down.

[blueandwhite]

Originally Posted by chilltown

As a RFA isn't Vanek too young to leave without arbitration?

I can't see Buffalo keeping both Briere and Drury and there's lots of interest in both in Philly. Briere has more ability and I'd love to see him in orange and black, however, I'm guessing zubrus ends up back in Philly.

I'm not arguing that briere is a huge talent, but he really got shut down in the playoffs at the end, and Drury was the one who shone.

[blazinsabrez61]

see the thing is drury comes up big in the clutch
and briere can make plays and get the momentum going
both together do so much for the sabres
either one of these components being taken away will only do more harm