Link: Buffalo News - Despite bad vibes, Golisano says Sabres doing it right.
I've been very impressed with Tom Golisano's handling of the Sabres since he took over. Quibbling aside it looks to me that he has a goal in mind and a plan by which to get there. I know that some of the fans I've talked to (and I'd love Chainshot's follow-up opinion on this) have wondered if that plan is the optimal one or not. There are no doubt glaring holes in the Sabres current lineup. Make no mistake, this does not look like a Stanley Cup capable team right now, but, given the demographics of the market and dire circumstances of just three years ago having a plan that is profitable within those parameters is the surest way to building a long-term success on the ice.
Gleason's hyperbole doesn't help the situation at all:
With so many box-office hits in one week, who needs public-relations disasters? Of course, the negative vibes reverberating from South Park and Main came after fans were so disenchanted with Buffalo's performance in free agency that they practically longed for the good ol' days under the previous collective bargaining agreement.
Not this fan. Some yes. But, certainly not me.
Tom Golisano has built a helluva lot more in his life than most of his detractors, and while he may not be the most experienced hockey mind around, he does understand how to build something up from nothing. My view is that when he took over the Sabres were nothing. There wasn't much if anything of value other than the personel in the organization. The price he paid only covered their current debt load, if I remember correctly. You don't build a house from the roof trusses down. And regardless of what Tom Benjamin and his ilk are saying about not being able to build through the draft under this CBA, or any CBA, you don't build a hockey franchise from the Star Player down either. You still build through shrewd acquisition of talent, buying low and selling high. The draft is still an important part of that equation. [see comments for edits, which are bolded... *hangs head in shame*]
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