Sabres free agency - Bernier we hardly knew ye.
July 5th, 2008 by PeterSI knew that Darcy Reiger and the Sabres were not going to move quickly nor frequently after the start of free agency. Five days in and a total of three moves - one signing and two trades took place.
1) On July 1st, signed Patrick Lalime (G) to a 2 year deal at $1 million per year. A decent move, I would have preferred Alex Auld, who instead went to Ottawa at the same price, but I think they didn’t want anyone that would be threatening to Ryan Miller while trying to extend his deal…Lalime is a good choice, as he has proved his ability to play in the NHL, though he is unlikely to ever make it as a starter again. For the 15-20 games the Sabres will hopefully need him, he works for me.
2) Steve Bernier to Vancouver for 3rd round 2009 (actually LAs pick) and 2nd round 2010. I saw this move, and like most of the Sabres fan-base I thought “WHAT!”. This trade made little sense without….
3) …Craig Rivet from San Jose for Sabres 2nd round picks in 2009 and 2010, which was obviously in the works before the Bernier trade. Rivet was excess baggage for a Sharks team that had aquired both Boyle and Blake to bolster there blue-line. (Alliteration alert!)
Combine all this with the trade deadline deal that sent Campbell to San Jose the Sabres got Craig Rivet and a 1st(Tyler Ennis) and 3rd(2009) round draft pick in exchange for Brian Campbell (who they were going to lose anyways) and one 2nd(2009).
The Sharks on the other hand give up Craig Rivet, Steve Bernier and a 1st round pick for - well two 2nd round picks - seeing as Campbell didn’t give them much but a month and a half of excitement. I think the Sabres won that trade before Rivet laces up his skates.
How about Bernier for Rivet? Well, trading Bernier was a bit disappointing, as we didn’t even get to see much of him. Honestly, I didn’t mind the loss. He was acquired for his size and physicallity, not scoring ability…but it the 20 or so games he played, I didn’t observe him being very physical either. We had excess wingers - and trading one was a perfect remedy to clear some space.
Rivet is to me a close to ideal pick-up. The Sabres needed some veteran leadership, a D-man unafraid to bang bodies, and support on the PK and PP, and they got all three with Rivet. He has three years left on a deal that seems very reasonable in the current free agent market. When you look at the swap Rivet for Campbell - you get better defensive work with less offensive input - but at half the price.
Why do I say “close to ideal”? - The Sabres really need a #1 defenseman, and I am not sure that Rivet fills that role. It seems to me they now have 4 guys that would work as #2s, but no #1s. I suppose there are worse places to be than that - but one can dream, huh?
Another thing this trade told me - as I suspected there is no interest around the league right now for Maxim Afinogenov. Darcy clearly hinted that he was on the block, so when Bernier went instead, it came as a surprise…my guess is they could not get what they wanted from Max, but Vancouver gave them a fair enough offer for Bernier that they jumped at it. As I’ve stated previously, Max will be given a chance to re-prove himself this season. My hope would be a fast start on his part will result in shipping him off elsewhere…it is unlikely he will be in a Sabres uniform in 09-10.
A couple final comments:
- Sabres are close to their target pay-roll with only significant name left to get under contract being Dan Paille.
- I would still like to see another veteran blue-liner on the team - but I think that is unlikely unless Teppo Numminen halves last years salary.
- Good luck Blackhawks: Campbell isn’t worth $5 million - never mind $7 million and you will find that out soon enough. I’m glad for Brian though - as I think he is a geniuine good guy.
- Red Wings = Yankees - how can you not start to hate those guys?
- Darcy - Get Pommenville and Miller under long-term contract by October and you will have at least one happy fan.
What do you think? Are you happy with the Sabres moves…or is it not enough to bring a tenth place team back into the playoff hunt? Post your comments!!!!
Posted in Sabres Blog
3 Responses to “Sabres free agency - Bernier we hardly knew ye.”
By Troy on Jul 5, 2008
Campbell is not a top-tier defenseman. San Jose replacing Boyle with Campbell is an upgrade. I hope it works out for Chicago though, I have a buddy from Chicago and I hope they do well for his sake alone.
Good post man.
By James Goneaux on Jul 7, 2008
Yep. He’s a career 0.47 point a game guy, with precisely one year in double-digits in goals. Hardly an offensive threat (but when he does score, its a pretty one).
I know scoring is down, but I remember when offensive defencemen were at least point a game guys. And he can hit on occasion, just ask Mr. Umberger.
But that much money is ridiculous.
By Justin Becker on Jul 8, 2008
I completely agree with your assessment of Brian Campbell - not worth the money that was thrown at him, but a seemingly good guy who was able to cash in.
If Max Afinogenov does well to start the upcoming season, I only hope that if there is interest from another team, Darcy Regier will still pull the trigger on a deal. I can see him (or his boss) balking at moving Max due to the production they’re hoping he’ll have to raise his trade value in the first place.
Make it at least 2 happy fans if Ryan Miller and Jason Pommenville are locked up long-term.