Where's the Hate?

Some of us welcome the new collective bargaining agreement. A level playing field. No more big spending teams. This can only help the Sabres.

Well those are all true but consider these two points. Big spending teams were always an enemy of the Sabres. Who didn't hate the Flyers or Rangers? They had the money and were not afraid to flex their financial strength. It was even better that the Rangers floundered in mediocrity as a result of misdirected spending. It was even better when the high powered, high priced Mapleleafs would struggle while playing the Sabres in HSBC arena. I can still hate the Rangers but I have no reason to now. When the Rangers come to town it's just another team, not a living breathing example of what is wrong with the game.

From a management standpoint the Sabres have no more excuses for not fielding a competitive team. Everyone is on the same playing field. It all falls on managements shoulders to develop quality players and attract quality free agents. The Cleveland Indians model is a great example in baseball of a team developing talent and creating a great team. Hockey may have more challenges with the way the new collective bargaining agreement handles minor leaguers in developing homegrown talent. Management must handle it though. It's what they are paid to do. This is what they wanted. Salary is not enough to attract a player. The team must make itself attractive, like a college recruiting a high schooler. Maybe the Sabres should take some lessons from UB Basketball coach Reggie Witherspoon on recruiting. The man brought Turner Battle to Buffalo. Without any free agent signings to excite the fans, Sabres may need some help in bringing the talent.