Busy, busy, busy. Buffalo Sabres General Manager Darcy Regier will have a busy day. This morning he spoke with the media to preview free agency, and also comment on the signing of Paul Gaustad.
Gaustad signed a 4 year contract worth an estimated 9.2 million dollars, to avoid restricted free agent status.
9.2 million might sound a little steep, and Regier admits that prices are on the rise across the board.
“It’s climbing. Even on the lower end guys, what we have seen is those numbers to the extent that some of the young guys have been signed have really climbed. It’s a rising market right now.”
At noon the market opens, not only for unrestricted free agents, but for restricted as well.
That means that Dan Paille, Steve Bernier, Clark MacArthur, and Mark Mancari would be free to sign offer sheets from other teams. The Sabres could then match the offers, or accept compensation if the player were to leave.
“We will be active on the phones. Where that goes and what it means, I don’t know. I have no feel for it, other than the restricted guys that are being signed. I think it’s tough to predict when the whole market opens up.”
Darcy Regier didn’t seem to concerned about losing any of his RFAs, and understandably. He has bigger fish to fry.
The Sabres have opened talks with Ryan Miller. Jason Pominville’s contract will also be a big focus this offseason. Those contracts will have to fit in with any free agent deals that the Sabres might be considering. However, when it comes to bringing someone in, the Sabres have numbers and values that they will stick with.
“You have to do it before the market opens, because ultimately you’re dealing with a set amount of dollar you’re in an area and you have to stay in that area.”
Now…where will they spend that money?
“We’re going to look at a backup goaltender. We’re going to look at defense. We have a lot of forwards, and that situation is something that will play out over the summer, more likely in a trade market.”
The trade market could bring the Sabres help up front, on the blue line, or perhaps in net. What would they have to send out? One name comes up more than any other – Maxim Afineganov.
“Last year was a real struggle for him, and that impacts a lot of things. Ultimately, we’re going to weigh everything out and do what is best for the hockey club. Where that takes us, I’m not quite sure yet. He’s going to come back around. He certainly is going to get back on track.”
The feeding frenzy begins at noon…stay tuned to WGR all day for updates.
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