Is Buff becoming part of the long-term core?

[supraman]

I say we keep him. I understand his trade value will not be any higher than it is right now but hear me out. You keep Buff and you have him play with Toews and Kane next year for the regular season, if he can even do HALF of what he is doing now he is worth it. Also are you willing to part ways with a guy that big with his skill set? Think of this, if he does produce during the regular season you have one of the top lines in the NHL. You have a two-way center, a winger that understands the defensive aspects of the game and is a monster in front of the net and then Kane who's two way game improves every year. I don't think you can just walk away from that. And if he doesn't produce you can still trade him. A player of his size and skill set will always be wanted by someone so it isn't like he would become untradable unless his game went to complete shit.

 

[sth]

I just have to break it to you guys. No one is taking Huet no matter who he is packaged with. The only way we are getting rid of Huet is to eat some other teams horrible contract. Buff or Sharp or even Toews and Kane wouldn't sweeten taking Huet.

 

[E Runs]

I could give a **** what Buff does in games 1-82. How does Sendin's scoring title look now?

 

[Cornflake]

Hate the comparisons but it keeps creeping into my head. Can anybody see the Red Wings trading Holmstrom back in their 'glory days'? You never heard all that much about him in the regular season, but the moment the playoffs hit...he was a focal point. Just seems to be a similar situation.



Buff creates space and man that dude down low when motivated for the postseason is crazy to watch. One last last year he had the puck down low, and Blake came from behind and tried to move him off the puck with the body, and it was like he didn't even touch him. That's crazy.



I don't want to do numbers cause i worked what I wanted this afternoon and it's gonna be tricky lol...I'll think later.

 

[bierboy]

[quote name="MassHavoc"]I'm going to get destroyed for this, but I still say no. As a matter of fact I'd say trade him now in the off season while his value is so high. He is a great player in the playoffs that's for sure, but he still hasn't convinced me that he is consistent during the season. If you don't have to get rid of him, you don't. But this offseason his value will be sky high because of the playoffs hes having, and his ability to play d and o, so I think you try to package him with Huet or something to move large chucks of salary out, bring up a couple kids, and spend on a good chucnk to solidfy the D. You need what one more lower level one?[/quote]

Totally agree with this. As I've said before, it's not like Buff can't be replaced on this team.

 

[supraman]

[quote name="bierboy"]

Totally agree with this. As I've said before, it's not like Buff can't be replaced on this team.[/quote]



Replace him with who? Buff is a proven playoff performer. Beach and Aliu? Both big question marks. Could be better or worse, can't tell but do you pass on proven for a question mark on a role the hawks sorely need filled? I say keep Buff.

 

[E Runs]

[quote name="bierboy"]
[quote name="MassHavoc"]I'm going to get destroyed for this, but I still say no. As a matter of fact I'd say trade him now in the off season while his value is so high. He is a great player in the playoffs that's for sure, but he still hasn't convinced me that he is consistent during the season. If you don't have to get rid of him, you don't. But this offseason his value will be sky high because of the playoffs hes having, and his ability to play d and o, so I think you try to package him with Huet or something to move large chucks of salary out, bring up a couple kids, and spend on a good chucnk to solidfy the D. You need what one more lower level one?[/quote]

Totally agree with this. As I've said before, it's not like Buff can't be replaced on this team.[/quote]

Can you provide some possible replacements then? I'm not aware of another 6'3" 260lb players who can skate and has hands like Byfuglien. Don't forget they should be able to slide back to the blueline if need be. Oh yeah, they can only make $3M as well.

I think whomever made to Holmstrom comparasion is spot on.

 

[Cornflake]

I just watch loads of playoff hockey and watch teams over the years try to emulate that net presence they talk about when they mentioned Holmstrom. How many years did he do that for, how many players tried that style. Not many have had his success. Who in the last two years has even come close to doing it as good as him?

And agreed at 3 mil, it's beginning to look like a bargin in the playoffs. The Canucks tried it with Kesler and look at what he's gonna be making..just as an example.

 

[winos5]

Hope he stays.



He'd be hard to replace.



Having said that I've been on his band wagon since he was 1st signed.

 

[TSD]

[quote name="agenthehe"]won't be the popular answer (especially after last night) but I hope not. His trade value will NEVER get higher than it will this off season, to the point of demanding that whoever takes him takes Huets Salary as well. I know he's played big for 2 weeks this year (as he did for 2 last year) but I think he is not part of the long term core, just not enough consistency out of him and for value in trade (for guys we'd actually move) I think he's the one who should go.[/quote]



Agree wholeheartedly. If anything can be done with him to relieve our cap woes, I gotta support it.



I think Buff is replaceable despite his performance in the playoffs. Buff is largely inconsistent. The guy is not the same player in the regluar season and could not replicate his ability in the detroit series last year. Sure it would be great if it were a guarantee every playoff this is the buff thats on the ice. His ability and skillset has never been the question its his compete level, if we win this year, will the hunger still be there?

 

[supraman]

[quote name="TSD"]



Agree wholeheartedly. If anything can be done with him to relieve our cap woes, I gotta support it.



I think Buff is replaceable despite his performance in the playoffs. Buff is largely inconsistent. The guy is not the same player in the regluar season and could not replicate his ability in the detroit series last year. Sure it would be great if it were a guarantee every playoff this is the buff thats on the ice. His ability and skillset has never been the question its his compete level, if we win this year, will the hunger still be there?[/quote]



I would rather see Steeger, Sharpie, or Ladd (who I love) gone for cap relief over Buff.



I understand he's not a big regular season player though you have to consider his linemates shuffled an awful lot this season. I think if he was given a real shot to stay up there with Toews and Kane that he would be more consistent and productive. Also for the Detroit series you have to consider we were kinda a cinderella team and young and inexperienced. I do not believe they had the necessary skills and confidence to go against the Detroit powerhouse. This year and next year will be different. Even if they lose the cup (not saying they will) they will still have LOADS of confidence and I think this is the last year the hawks will fear the winged wheel. Sure they will respect them but I think at this point we are as good if not better now and that will factor in how everyone plays including Buff.

 

[Rdrhwke]

[quote name="nana"]It's tough to answer a question like this since everyone is on such an emotional high right now.



I like Buff and what he brings, when he brings it, is unique and not easily replaceable. He has had an outstanding postseason and if he can sustain this play somewhat during the regular season, a top line of Kane-Toews-Buff would give teams fits all year long.



I still wouldn't want the team to lose Sharp either. I'm just greedy I guess.[/quote]



I agree. No way do I want Sharp to leave.



I think he and Buff are the guys they have to keep. If that means Versteeg goes, then so be it.

 

[bierboy]

[quote name="TSD"]...I think Buff is replaceable despite his performance in the playoffs. Buff is largely inconsistent. The guy is not the same player in the regluar season and could not replicate his ability in the detroit series last year. Sure it would be great if it were a guarantee every playoff this is the buff thats on the ice. His ability and skillset has never been the question its his compete level, if we win this year, will the hunger still be there?[/quote]

THIS is exactly why I believe he is replaceable. You guys go on and on about his playoff performance, but there ARE 82 other games where he has RARELY shown up.

 

[E Runs]

Yes there are 82 regular season games and no one can argue his consistancy, or lack thereof, but once again, what is more important? Do you really think Canucks fans care about Sedin's scoring title? Sharks fans care about Thornton's 69 regular season Assists? What are Nik Backstrom's 101 points doing now? AND I've yet to see any suggestions of just exactly who would replace him. If Buff is so easily replaceable it shouldn't be too hard to come up with some names right?? Buff is really in a no win situation with the fans. Had he shown the consistancy we all are looking for, put up 25+ goals and then dried up in the Playoffs then what!?



Now the question of what happens to the hunger should the Hawks win is very valid, but why single out Buff, especially 95% of the roster is under 25. What if theyn think this'll be "easy" every year? How about Hossa, he would finally have his ring and 11 more years on a cushy contract.

 

[supraman]

[quote name="E Runs"]Yes there are 82 regular season games and no one can argue his consistancy, or lack thereof, but once again, what is more important? Do you really think Canucks fans care about Sedin's scoring title? Sharks fans care about Thornton's 69 regular season Assists? What are Nik Backstrom's 101 points doing now? AND I've yet to see any suggestions of just exactly who would replace him. If Buff is so easily replaceable it shouldn't be too hard to come up with some names right?? Buff is really in a no win situation with the fans. Had he shown the consistancy we all are looking for, put up 25+ goals and then dried up in the Playoffs then what!?



Now the question of what happens to the hunger should the Hawks win is very valid, but why single out Buff, especially 95% of the roster is under 25. What if theyn think this'll be "easy" every year? How about Hossa, he would finally have his ring and 11 more years on a cushy contract.[/quote]



E Runs gets it right, sure he isn't spectular in the regular season but the rest of the team can get them into the playoffs, where he shines and who knows again maybe with consistent time with Kane and Toews he will produce more. I just dont think it would be wise to pass up on what he has to offer. Now if we HAVE to move him to make the cap fit then so be it but I would explore other options before moving him.

 

[Shredder]

[quote name="E Runs"]Yes there are 82 regular season games and no one can argue his consistancy, or lack thereof, but once again, what is more important? Do you really think Canucks fans care about Sedin's scoring title? Sharks fans care about Thornton's 69 regular season Assists? What are Nik Backstrom's 101 points doing now? AND I've yet to see any suggestions of just exactly who would replace him. If Buff is so easily replaceable it shouldn't be too hard to come up with some names right?? Buff is really in a no win situation with the fans. Had he shown the consistancy we all are looking for, put up 25+ goals and then dried up in the Playoffs then what!?[/quote]

But you can go through this sort of exercise with almost any player.



Who replaces a 260 lbs playoff beast?



Who replaces Sharp's defensively responsible 65 points a year and point-per-game pace in the playoffs for less than $3.9 million?



Who can put up 45-55 points on the third line and be effective in the playoffs like Versteeg?



Who out there is going to replace Campbell's silky skills if we move him?



Who would replace Bolland's all-round peskiness if he was traded?



...and so forth.



Some of the above are going to have to go. The only deadweight on the team right now is Huet.

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

I heard something interesting on the radio yesterday about how Buff is turning into this generation's Claude Lemieux and why that is.



We've all heard about Buff's sometimes "uninterested" attitude. I think I heard that his parents forced him into hockey and at an early age he really didn't want to play.



Anyways... Buff's biggest asset is that big ass he can park in front of a goalie or those 257 lbs of muscle he can bang around and knock people into last Tuesday. Fans from other teams and other team's players HATE HIM. He has to be a villain to be successful... and while the booing from other fans means you're good... constantly needing to get your nose dirty and be that asshole in front of the net can get old over the course of 82 games.



We've all seen flashes of brilliance from Dustin this year... hell, remember that goal against the Rangers where he blasted past two Rangers in OT to score the winner? Then at times we almost had to put up "Missing Person" posters just to be able to locate him on the ice, absolutely invisible.



Well now in the Playoffs EVERYTHING is escalated... Buff thrives off of the raw energy and is more willing to do those "VILLAINOUS" things when the prize is in sight. Ask yourself, how often do you give your absolute 110% best at your job or in your studies over the course of a 6 month stretch?



Players like Toews/Kane are soooo good that the way they frustrate the opposition and the opposing fans is just by being them and playing their game. They are so talented in every aspect so that is what aggravates the other players. Byfuglien is a great player but to be at his utmost effectiveness he has to do some things not a lot of players like to do... get your nose dirty and be an asshole.

 

[IceHogsFan]

[quote name="Stu Grimson"]I heard something interesting on the radio yesterday about how Buff is turning into this generation's Claude Lemieux and why that is.



We've all heard about Buff's sometimes "uninterested" attitude. I think I heard that his parents forced him into hockey and at an early age he really didn't want to play.



Anyways... Buff's biggest asset is that big ass he can park in front of a goalie or those 257 lbs of muscle he can bang around and knock people into last Tuesday. Fans from other teams and other team's players HATE HIM. He has to be a villain to be successful... and while the booing from other fans means you're good... constantly needing to get your nose dirty and be that asshole in front of the net can get old over the course of 82 games.



We've all seen flashes of brilliance from Dustin this year... hell, remember that goal against the Rangers where he blasted past two Rangers in OT to score the winner? Then at times we almost had to put up "Missing Person" posters just to be able to locate him on the ice, absolutely invisible.



Well now in the Playoffs EVERYTHING is escalated... Buff thrives off of the raw energy and is more willing to do those "VILLAINOUS" things when the prize is in sight. Ask yourself, how often do you give your absolute 110% best at your job or in your studies over the course of a 6 month stretch?



Players like Toews/Kane are soooo good that the way they frustrate the opposition and the opposing fans is just by being them and playing their game. They are so talented in every aspect so that is what aggravates the other players. Byfuglien is a great player but to be at his utmost effectiveness he has to do some things not a lot of players like to do... get your nose dirty and be an asshole.[/quote]





Nice post. Did you copy that from somewhere?

 

[Chief Walking Stick]

Nope for once I actually sat down and made a legitimate post, lol. I got the original idea off the radio and expanded.

 

[Tater]

[quote name="Stu Grimson"]Nope for once I actually sat down and made a legitimate post, lol. I got the original idea off the radio and expanded.[/quote]



Well that was a great first post from you. :clap: Welcome to the boards.