My Offseason Moves-2011 Edition, Part Three

by BBFan4Ever on Jun 20, 2011 2:00 PM EDT

GLENDALE AZ - JANUARY 08: Goaltender Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres makes a pad save on the shot as Eric Belanger #20 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates in during the NHL game at Jobing.com Arena on January 8 2011 in Glendale Arizona. The Sabres defeated the Coyotes 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

About a year ago now I started my tenure as a writer here at Die By The Blade with a fanpost that was moved to the front page. It was entitled My Offseason Moves. The premise was/is obvious. If I were Darcy Regier, what tweaks would I make to upgrade the roster?

There are three ways in which to build a team in the offseason: trades, free agency (both unrestricted and restricted), and the draft. Last year, I dealt with each of those in one larger post. This year, I'm breaking them down and analyzing each aspect individually. Oh there's one more big difference. Instead of spending Tom Golisano's money, now I'm spending fifteen percent more on the payroll thanks to Terry Pegula.

Though it remains uncertain what that fifteen percent will actually translate to, if I am the GM (and have a $60M cap to work with) these are the following moves that I would make to improve this club. Check out Part Three-Unrestricted Free Agency after the jump.

Unrestricted Free Agents

The Sabres have six players who made significant contributions last season that carry the UFA tag into this offseason: Tim Connolly, Steve Montador, Mike Grier, Rob Niedermayer, Patrick Lalime, and Cody McCormick. The only player of that group that I'm keeping is...

Cody McCormick-RW/C for $650K/1 year. Cap hit $650K. The big forward was consistent in the 81 games he played, setting career highs in goals (8), assists (12), and obviously points (20). McCormick's a physical player and he will provide competent depth going forward.

Eric Belanger-C for $3.8M/2 years. Cap hit $1.9M. The pivot is excellent on faceoffs, winning 55.3% of a 19th most 1297 draws taken last season. He's has been extremely consistent, contributing at least 33 points in each of the last eight seasons. Also, having not re-signed Grier or Neidermayer, there is a lack of veteran leadership on this club, a void the 33 year old Belanger would help fill.

Anton Babchuk-D for $4.2M/2 years. Cap hit $2.1M. A former first round draft pick, Babchuk finally put it all together this past season. After spending a year in the KHL, he tied his career high in points, with 35. He is strong in his own end (156 blocked shots and + 14 on the season, +18 after being traded to Calgary), though he is not very physical (only 19 hits). With Montador's departure, Babchuk would fit a need, as he would be only the second right handed shot from the point (along with Tyler Myers).

That's it for the UFAs, but we're not close to being done. The real fun is about to come.

Next Up: Part Four-Trades

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Comments

I really, really hope they dont let McCormick walk away. That kid plays above his contract and would be a very dumb decision to let him go. He is tough as nails, plays his ass off every game and he is a"Buffalo type of player," blue collar.

Lets Go Buff a lo!!!

by bflo on Jun 20, 2011 2:46 PM EDT reply actions

Plus as long as he’s on the team they won’t try to sign a real goon which is a huge plus.

On the Mike Weber bandwagon!
Sabres took the scenic route, but they still MADE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS!!!1

by Ubiquitous on Jun 20, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree, mostly

I do think we should keep McCormick. With his price tag that is a no brainer. I would also like to keep Montidor. He certainly wants to stay with Buffalo.

by Geolover on Jun 20, 2011 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

Gotta Keep McCormick!!

I was a little weary when they let Adam Mair walk. He played hard, with grit and brought a great work ethic to every shift. McCormick does all that, plus is a younger version that actually contributed a few points. Sabres would be fools to let this guy walk. Solid 4th line player that can throw up the fisticuffs to defend a teammate too. What’s not to like.

by Dan K. on Jun 20, 2011 3:35 PM EDT reply actions

Love McCormack

I really hope they resign McCormack. I loved his heart and tenacity. He is an enforcer who can also play hockey and not be a detriment on the ice. What do people think about the Sabres signing Zenon Konopka? Would he be a good fit on this team?

by BUBLSRM on Jun 20, 2011 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

I think keeping McCormick is a no-brainer move. What he provides versus what he costs is a win-win. I’m too lazy to look it up, but I know he finished in the top ten as far as ‘fight leaders’ go, per hockeyfights.com, and I’d bet he had more points than a few of those guys above him. I think he’s the new type of “enforcer” the NHL is leaning towards.

I’m voting a ‘meh’ at Belanger here. I wouldn’t belly-ache at the move, but I don’t think I’d applaud it. I think he’s too small for what I want as a 3rd line center. Granted, his FO stats are good, but I think those are overrated. I wish there was a stat for puck retrieving ability.

Babchuk really intrigues me. I thought he had a great season for Carolina a few years ago, and couldn’t figure out how he ended up in the KHL. The first thought that popped in my brain is that he’s a typical Euro head case. But if they took a chance on a guy like Morrisonn, why not shoot for the same contract with Babchuk, who has a higher ceiling in my opinion. Being a right handed shot also sways me too. I’d be perfectly okay with this signing at that proposed contract. Heck, I might even rip this idea off in my upcoming Off-Season To Do list.

by krytime on Jun 20, 2011 11:37 PM EDT reply actions

connolly

I think u sign him to the min salary and put him in the minors as a call up. He can still play defense and like it or not, D wins in the playoffs. Consider this, with Pomm and Tim in, the sabres won 3 of the first 5 games against Philly, with them out, lost the last 2 (game 6 was a special teams nightmare for them). I don’t think u can let a guy who can play D (especially 5 on 3 against us) walk away IF he accepts his new role as a specialist. As for Grier and Neids, as call ups to give us depth, perhaps. U can have them for the min salary at this point and u need depth to win the cup. Look at the depth on the good teams, it is incredible.

by dancam1 on Jun 23, 2011 7:09 PM EDT reply actions