Sekera signed...what about Gragnani?

[SeaDawg]

So, with Sekera re-signing in Buffalo, what does that mean for Gragnani? Does he play in the AHL? I'm quite disappointed Buffalo didn't give him a chance after a very impressive post-season. Bringing in Ehrhoff and Regehr, re-signing Sekera...looks like Gragnani won't get a shot.

Anyone want to chime in? Predict Buffalo's d-pairings?

[Mr Zizzla]

Wow. that's really disappointing. I really thought this would be Gragnani's year after being a stud in the AHL the last 2 coupled with his great playoff performance.

He might be used in a more limited 6/7th role that would get him #2 PP time but i personally think he could've made an impact this year if they would've given at least SOME responsibility.

i am kind of happen that i traded him now after sitting on him for 2 years. The hype of the playoffs allowed me to do that.

[mister_mcgoo]

doesnt look good for Gragnani at all, it looks like their plan is to develop him in the AHL and use him as an injury call up if necessary

[VincentVega]

doesnt look good for Gragnani at all, it looks like their plan is to develop him in the AHL and use him as an injury call up if necessary

How much more AHL development do the Sabers think he needs? He's already got four full AHL seasons under his belt. He looked NHL ready during his call-up last year, what more do they want before giving him a roster spot? Right now the best thing for him is a trade to a team that can use him next season.

[mister_mcgoo]

How much more AHL development do the Sabers think he needs? He's already got four full AHL seasons under his belt. He looked NHL ready during his call-up last year, what more do they want before giving him a roster spot? Right now the best thing for him is a trade to a team that can use him next season.

I didn't think it had been 4 yrs but you're right...perhaps a trade is in the works

[SeaDawg]

How much more AHL development do the Sabers think he needs? He's already got four full AHL seasons under his belt. He looked NHL ready during his call-up last year, what more do they want before giving him a roster spot? Right now the best thing for him is a trade to a team that can use him next season.

I completely agree...in all honesty, I thought signing Ehrhoff to a $10 million contract was a bit of a mistake when they had Gragnani waiting to take a spot. Now signing Sekera just boggles my mind. I'm not sure what is going on there. I guess the new ownership just wants to win and figures someone like Sekera is more valuable to them now than someone like Gragnani who would have certainly gone through some growing pains, even if he would have been a better long-term option.

[dyzfunctioned]

Just posted briefly about this in Buffalo Sabres thread. I can't see Gragnani taking a two-way contract after his postseason performance. I'd guess a trade is in the works.

My guess on pairings:

Ehrhoff - Regehr
Myers - Sekera
Leopold - Morrisson
Weber

[SeaDawg]

I didn't think it had been 4 yrs but you're right...perhaps a trade is in the works

52, 51, 43, 60 (in 63 games)

those were his AHL numbers over the last 4 years...the kid has nothing left to prove there...what a shame

[Krysmo]

yeah, Buffalo could use another centre or decent winger. Maybe Grag is part of an upcoming package deal.

[andrewklassen]

I thought BUF lost to PHI this past year because of lack of established NHL D depth...and lack of a true shut-down presence on the back end. I kind of thought they'd gone a long way to addressing that with Regehr, but the Ehrhoff signing put them over the top IMHO for now it comes at the expense of the talent they've already accumulated. If anything add another player like Hejda...let Leopold, Myers, Gragnani and Sekera battle for the PP ice time and add two legitimate shutdown defenders.

Sucks to be Gragnani and/or Gragnani fantasy owners.

[Carcillo]

Sekera's cap hit is $2.75 million over the next four years. Dude got paid big time.

Morrison has asked to be traded IIRC so he's out. They also need the cap space as they are over the cap so Morrison is as good as gone. Their D looks like:

Myers - Leopold
Ehrhoff - Regehr
Sekera - Weber

So Gragnani is in line to be the 7th D-man. Maybe he'll be used as a 4th line winger and a PP-quarterback?

[ross10019]

This Sekera/Gragnani thing is weird especially when you consider that Sekera's contract is both big dollar and term for what he brings and so won't be an easy conract to move, something must be in the works. Maybe a trade of Gragnani packaged with Boyes, who I could easily see being moved to a team needing scoring depth.

[Bomm Bastic]

Been busy all day to address this, but I am a little shocked by the dollar amount. Seems like a big dollar amount just to move him in a trade, yet his transition game and passing in general was soooooo much worse than Gragnani's last year.


I am somewhat perplexed.

[Fast Tony DeNiro]

I'm thinking the Sabres must see something in Gragnani's game they don't like. It's not very often a player, let alone a defenseman, puts up the numbers Gragnani has in the AHL. But the Sabres have had holes in their defense in past years and Grag was passed over then as well.....4 full years in the AHL with potentially a 5th on the way, if the Sabres really liked him that wouldn't happen.

[Rajiabu]

I turned away alot of really good offers for Gragnani, now this.

All this depth will also affect Mike Weber im assuming, does he get the #6 spot? Hes ready for a full time role also