03 Jun 2014 12:31:53
As you read this trade remember BUF is looking to collect draft picks. It is unlikely that on their own any team would give up a 1st for Weber, Foligno and Conacher. But if a team could free up $12MM of cap space then they would be worth the pick. Gonchar (39 yo, 22 pts, $5MM); Horcoff (34 yo, 20 pts, $5. 5MM); Cole (34 yo, 29 pts, $4.5MM) all have one year left on their contracts. Whitney (UFA, 32 pts) is 41 yo and will probably retire.

DAL will need left hand shots in their lineup. This trade will reduce DAL cap by almost $12MM, lower the teams age and increase their talent level: Mike Weber (25 yo, 9 pts, $1. 7MM); Marcus Foligno (22 yo, 19 pts, $. 9MM); & FL-Cory Conacher (23 yo, 26 pts $. 9MM); to DAL for Sergei Gonchar; Shawn Horcoff; Erik Cole; & 1st 2015. DAL makes cap space to sign Stastny, & Markov.

SBR get players to help them reach their cap, & a pick for the future. Right now considering youth, potential, & salary; Weber < Gonchar; Foligno >>> Horcoff; Conacher >>> Cole; 1st & 3rd 2015 evens up the difference in talent and the salaries BUF is taking on. I am looking for feed back if this is a fair trade for DAL giving them the chance to sign expensive free agents. Thank you very much.

1.) 03 Jun 2014
I think the Sabres would rather hold on to their youth.

2.) 03 Jun 2014
Buffalo is fine where they are now in rebuilding and won't trade

3.) 03 Jun 2014
Weber won't play in buffalo

4.) 03 Jun 2014
OK, great feed back. I have spoken to a couple of NHL scouts and to be honest with you they do not think any of the current Sabres will be on the team when they turn their fortunes around. Getting a 1st and 3rd in the 2015 draft is MUCH better than Weber, Foligno and Conacher. I guess I was looking for feedback if DAL was getting the short end but the feedback is BUF is getting the short end.