I wouldn't do that deal, Vesey has the potential to be at least close to a Tuch and you need Montour. Tuch is a local kid from Syracuse, but in s long term deal (7) years.
I like Tuch a lot more ... well, quite a bit more ... than Vesey. He is from Upstate NY, but I do not know if that’ll have any bearing on if he would welcome a move to Buffalo. His contract is one of the appealing factors; I think it carries a $5MM AAV and that’s great value for a top six (probably top line) winger. He’s only 23 so he fits right into the desired age spectrum for this team. I’d rather keep Risto over Montour, and I don’t think they NEED him. They can still trade a RHD and remain in good shape. Meanwhile, I’m not sure Montour really wants to be in Buffalo. He’s been nothing but professional, still he hasn’t really indicate that he wants to stay. He’ll be an RFA in July, and a UFA in ‘21. Vesey is a UFA in July.
Yeah, just saying local, if you're from Syracuse, you most likely grew up a Sabres fan, or were exposed to the culture. Montour is a plus 11, that's quite a feat when playing on a team with a -12 goal differential, he would be missed. Tuch has two different sample size seasons, one with more than 50 pts and another one with a Vesey type season. I'm sure they could re-sign Vesey and Montour for the same money if they wanted. I don't think Vesey has much ammo in the FA market. I could understand the thinking if they go for Tuch, you're hoping for 20 goal 55 point seasons. It's just that stay-at-home Ds like Montour are hard to come by, also 30 point potential.
I definitely like Montour. I’m less certain if he likes Buffalo* and he’s got significant trade value. In terms of overall organizational D the Sabres are in an envious position. They have what a lot of teams need. They have prospects in Rochester with a real shot at being NHL regulars, and they’ve got some real potential with recent picks that haven’t signed yet. * This is speculation on my part. I do not have reliable information to suggest that he does NOT want to be there. It’s his contract status, trade value, and org. needs that lead me to throw his name into a trade conversation. I believe Botterill has a decent feel for his team and can get a sense for how Montour is leaning. Of course we also do not know how fed up Risto is. We know he HATES to lose (and like him all the more because of that); since that’s all he’s ever known in the NHL he may be quietly telling the team to move him.
Looking at his status on July. 1st, Montour is an RFA, he holds absolutely no leverage unless he gets offer sheets coming his way. If he indicates before the trade deadline that he doesn't want to play in Buffalo anymore then that could cause Botts to deal him within the week. Either way, he's Sabres property and has no rights to wander off.
It not a matter of what leverage he may (or may not) have on July 1, 2020. It’s a matter of maximizing asset value. In a year, if he’s going to UFA status, then he won’t fetch as much as he would this year. And - this is very germane - the Sabres do not need him; they have talent already in Buffalo, or on the way soon.
My guess is that he's looking for only a one year deal to bridge into his UFA year on July. 1st 2021.
Sad, because Bogo is truly a great guy, but as they say, “it’s a business”. It’s probably the best realistically possible outcome for Buffalo. They have his cap hit removed while he’s suspended. They can still seek a trade, but really the only incentive the Sabres have is goodwill.
The return for Bogo has to be worth it, they would have to take back at least half the cap space. The only scenario I could see is a prospect.
I doubt he gets traded now that the option to void his contract is available to Buffalo. Getting rid of his entire cap hit is probably the best value they can hope for. I think the whole thing was scripted out; I meant the FO & Bogo’s agent has a clear understanding for each step, and to follow them without acrimony.
He's had two hip operations in the last three years, too high risk. I could see him getting signed next year for the league min with incentives for games played.
I think the contract was too much of a risk for any team to bite - even with 50% retained. But, if he gets his contract voided then he’ll be free to sign at the league minimum (prorated). For a guy BUILT for playoff hockey, ~$300k is not a bad insurance policy. I think Bogo suits up for another team this season.
Seeing as there's no salary cap in the playoffs, I guess I would take a chance if he gets an unconditional release. I wouldn't play him every game though, two hip operations in three years. Also keep in mind that he's never played in a playoff game in all the 12 years of his nhl career.
That Bogo has never played a playoff game is not his fault. It could cause some fans to be overly agitated, though. The reality is that it could work to his advantage. Given his high character (and I’m not tossing that term around loosely) he will probably be HIGHLY motivated to produce in the postseason. He’s not like some young player that feels that postseason playing is an entitlement.
ROR won a SC last season. That sucked - even though I like O’Reilly. I hope Bogosian wins a SC this year. That would be great.
I was at the autoshow today, quite a few people from Buffalo. There was this one guy with his kid wearing a coyotes jersey. The guy standing at the exhibit was from Phoenix and they started talking yotes hockey. Totally didn't expect that, the one guy says he's going down to watch a game. The other guy from there says he wants to catch the Pens game. Then I had to blurt out loud," kessel has to score more!" Lol
