The Kids are alright

The once and future Sabres, are in the Playoffs, unlike their parent club. And they won the first game against Providence, so they could make it a few rounds. I'm surprised they didn't ship Chris Butler down there to help them out or Matt Ellis. But it looks like they got things handled.
(ed. note they did send Chris Butler down)

The Pirates are led by Mark Mancari, who had 67 points on the year, Tim Kennedy who also had 67 points on the year. Mathieu Darche who had 66 points (the Matt Ellis replacement next year) And Nathan Gerbe who was almost a point a game player this year in the AHL and will be on the Big Club next October. Marc Andre Gragnani, who had a nice productive year in the AHL with 51 points, could maybe crack the top 7, maybe the top 8. Depending on what they do with Tyler Myers next year.

Marek Zagrapan maybe finally coming around, but the clock is running out on him. Felix Schutz could be a darkhorse forward next fall. But it wouldn't hurt to have him in Portland to start things off. And Jhonas Enroth had a nice productive year in Portland, but no doubt will be coming back there next year. And maybe trade bait for the Sabres. Everyone loves young goaltending, and could bring in something vital to the parent organization. Since goaltending isn't a issue for many years to come.

The Pirates seem to be a good mix of young guys and AHL vets, that have gotten them through a injury plagued season, and hopefully a nice long run to the Calder Cup. This experience will only help these guys and improve their value to the Sabres, who if they see a bunch of guys that can make, will shed salary for possible cheaper and comparable talent.

YARRRR!!! We might be yer affiliate

With a tip from the Godfather of Sabre blogging, Tom Luongo, it looks like Portland might be the sight for the Sabres prospects next year. Which is kind of funny this is breaking now as the Pirates are the Ducks affiliate and thats who the Sabres are playing tonight. The situation between the Sabres and Amerks has been quickly breaking apart for a while now, and looks like we are at the point of no return. Now Florida has deemed Rochester as their choice and they want to fill a full team. The Sabres and Amerks are as good as done. In this article from the D & C there are some interesting developments.

One of those things that must happen is the exit of the Sabres. Buffalo officials said last week that there was really no chance to preserve the 29-year affiliation marriage with the Amerks. On Monday Sexton (Florida asst GM) said it's common knowledge in NHL circles that the Sabres are headed to Portland, Maine.

Well you would have thought this would have came out earlier, if its common knowledge, but I'm sure Mr Sexton knows what hes talking about. So LQ whats up?

Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn refused to reveal where they will place their prospects next season, adding only that "the Panthers don't speak for us."

I'd hope not, that would be weird. But once again the big sticking point for the Amerks has been the veterans issue.

The partnership between the Sabres and Amerks has eroded over the past three seasons for two reasons: the Amerks' cash-flow problems, and Buffalo's desire to provide only kids and not pay for veterans.

Donner said the Panthers are aware that quality veterans, even only three or four players, are essential to development, on and off the ice. Those players provide leadership in the AHL but are also able to fill injury gaps for the NHL team.

The Sabres are not taking this issue laying down though, with the LQ firing back.

Quinn said the affiliation contract provided Rochester a chance to sign its own veterans, even those commanding a $200,000 AHL salary. Buffalo is charging only $18,000 per player, about half the normal rate. Florida's price is about the same.

"So if Rochester is paying $400,000 for their affiliation and the going rate is $800,000, then Rochester could have had two of those (veteran) guys," Quinn said. "You got a break from the two NHL teams, sign some veterans."

If Larry Quinn is like this in the paper, imagine what hes like on the phone. Those must be some conversations. This just seems like some nasty divorce between a couple thats been good and together for a long time, but the kids left the house, and things just went downhill quickly and now they can't stand each other and just want to leave. Of course the kids (fans) are the ones that really get hurt.

But what about Portland? Are they down with this, we've heard all the stuff from Rochester and Buffalo, what about Maine?

Well according to the Portland Press Herald, its news to them. And their might be sticking points.

The only trouble is the Pirates are in the third year of a five-year affiliation agreement with Anaheim.

Either the Pirates or Ducks is free to opt out of the arrangement after this season. Neither has said it will do so.

Mmmm, well that could be a problem, unless they decide to share.

In its affiliation agreements with the Ducks and Washington Capitals in 12 years before that, the Pirates' owners never have picked up personnel costs for players and training staff of the AHL team.

"I don't go into player deals," said Brian Petrovek, the Pirates' managing owner/CEO. "I never have and I never will."

That would seem to preclude the possibility of the Sabres pairing up with the Pirates.

On Monday, Petrovek denied knowing anything about the possible relocation of Buffalo's AHL affiliate to Portland.

Wait if its common knowledge that the two are going together, then the Portland CEO would be directly involved. Right? Oh man, this process should be easier then this, or is this just a play by the Sabres to get a better deal from the Amerks? I don't think so. All this comes to one obvious conclusion.

The Sabres and Amerks are done.