Drew Stafford: 2009-2010 Report Card
by David Oleksy on May 31, 2010 10:30 AM EDT
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PrintIt's time to put the finishing touches on the 2009-2010 season for the Buffalo Sabres. Here is a complete report card of every single player that played any amount of time with the Sabres this season. The journey will begin with Chris Butler and conclude in almost a month with Thomas Vanek. Thanks to Japers Rink and Mile High Hockey for the inspiration.
Drew Stafford
#21 / Right Wing / Buffalo Sabres
6-1
216
Oct 30, 1985
2008-2009 Grade: B
Contract Status: Signed for $2.3 million next season.(Will be RFA after next season)
Introduction: Drew Stafford signed a reasonable two-year contract as a restricted free agent last summer but still expectations were high after he scored 20 goals last season. Those numbers dropped this past season prompting fans and media to call for his departure this off-season. His 14 goals were six off last years total and his 34 points was 11 less than his total from 2008-2009.
Voting: On a scale of one to ten, one being the lowest and ten being the highest, grade Drew Stafford on his season according to the expectations you had for him. If he met them, give him a five or a six. If he eclipsed them, aim for a seven or beyond. If he failed to meet them, give him a lower number relating to how poorly he missed the target.
Key Stat: Stafford scored only six points while playing on a line with Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek but played 29.11% of his even strength shifts with the pair.
Thumbs Up: While nobody can put a positive spin on what was ultimately a disappointing season for Stafford, I will try my best to fill you with a couple of positive nuggets from his 2009-2010 campaign.
He ranked sixth on the team in cost/point because of the cap-friendly deal he signed last summer. We have high expectations for Stafford but we have to remember he is 24 years-old and does not get paid like a top-line player.
Power play goals were down for Stafford with only five this season but he had 10 power play points which ranked him fifth on the team despite playing most of the season on the second power play unit.
Thumbs Down: Any time a young player regresses statistically it is an obvious thumbs down. Stafford seen his point production drop considerably, prompting many to speculate he played last season for the money. (If that was the strategy it didn't work because he made considerably less than most of us anticipated).
He was given plenty of time on the top line and should have produced with talented players like Derek Roy and Thomas Vanek on his line, still I can't help but wonder what he could do on a line with Tim Connolly.
Discuss: Should the Sabres give up on Drew Stafford and send him packing for another squad? Was this season a small set back or a reflection of the player Stafford will be the rest of his career? Should he take into consideration that Stafford is only 24 years-old?
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my opinion…its time for drew to go…a former top round talent with unreal strength, size, speed, and potential and he just doesnt hasnt lived up to it…this team needs top line talent and scoring to take the next step…and drews not that, hes al kotalik all over again
drews a hilarious guy a fun guy to cheer for, and one of my favorite players on the squad…but at some point you gota cut your losses…drew will benefit from a trade if you ask me…
4
he didnt live up to my expectations because he is a top six forward. though, maybe since he is going to be a RFA after next year, maybe this will give him a boost thinking well my time in buffalo will be up soon, maybe i should step it up so if i possibly get traded, i look good coming out of buffalo. the man is only 24, sometimes you have bad seasons. i love drew i think he has the potential to be a great top six forward. like you said, he wasnt doing very well with roy and vanek, and i believe that chemistry is vital with your linemates, so maybe if drew gets paired up with the right people some sparks can fly and we can see a whole new drew.
I voted 5
I never have had huge expectations for Stafford this year. Ifigured he’d go for about 15 goals and 40 points. I think we should keep him around for another season. He is 24 years old, and who knows thelight might go on.And if worse comes to worse we can just “General” him at the trade deadline.
The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun
I voted a 5.
Never really been a fan of his play, so I wasnt expecting anything this year. And he proved me right. Not suprised at all in his season. Would like to see him gone unless something “clicks” on his head… but I highly doubt seeing that.
"Ok, its Gudda hoe, all about my Bills like Buffalo."
3
This was the year for drew to have the light go on and yea… Size, hands, skill and no heart. Bet he would never played hockey professionally if the money wasn’t there. Totally frustrating because when he does put in the effort he’s a beast. Let’s fleece the oilers!!
Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale
Stafford should be embarrassed by his play this season. Many have said he’s got all of the physical tools – no argument here. Even though I despised his play from last year, I might be willing to give him another shot. It’s not just from the “he’s only 24” stance, but in addition to that he is cap friendly and going into a contract year. In my book, he’s got one more chance, but he’s on a short leash.
3
Never expected him to be a power-forward type – he’s too handsy for that – but he definitely took 1, if not 2 steps back this year. Ideally he wouldn’t be asked to fill any more than a 3rd line role, but unfortunately that’s not the case. I wouldn’t mind seeing him get shipped out in a package deal but there’d be worse things than having him here next season too. Who knows, if Darcy decides to pull the trigger on a big deal for an upgrade over Roy or Connolly, Stafford just might find some chemistry with their replacement.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2
That being said, he still has trade value and a definite chance to come back much better than this year… But he was horrible this year. I at least expected him to stay out of the press box.
Not even the Toronto Maple Leafs could kill my optimism
Tyler Ennis: Freed from Portland!
1
Only because there was no 0. Stafford didn’t do anything this year except stink the place up. There is no doubt that he has a lot of talent but he doesn’t seem to have the drive to actually do any hard work to use that talent. Enough of this idiot … bye bye Drew, go have a great career somewhere else.
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