I'm kind of disappointed the Sabres didn't get a deal done with Stafford and/or Sekera before the start of free agency. I think we do have a little money to spend wisely, but that will all go when another team signs Stafford to a bigger contract and we're forced to match. I believe a team can offer Drew $2.5 mil a year and it only garners a 2nd round pick as compensation. You can't lose Stafford for a 2nd rounder, you've got to match.
Darcy made it clear they were not attempting to get Drew signed before the start of free agency. I think he's hoping he'll sign him for less, but I really doubt that's going to happen. Stafford is a 23 year old winger, that has the size and talent, was a former 1st round pick, and has shown flashes of his great potential potential. I highly doubt Stafford will not attract attention from teams around the league.
I think any small amount of money we had to spend will likely have to be used to match offers to keep Stafford and/or Sekera away from other teams.
Hopefully we can move a few guys off our squad to get some cap relief, such as Tallinder and Hecht, but I'm not holding out any hope. Darcy said they haven't found the right deal yet, but I'm not sure why. If you can even find teams willing to take their salaries, why wouldn't you basically give them away? The only thing they add to this franchise is a headache and cap constraint. That money could be used elsewhere.
What do you think happens?