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WHITE: Thanks, but no thanks



Chris Drury will go into the 2011-2012 season as a 35 year old center who played in a whopping 24 games because of injury problems.  He's a player that is being paid by the New York Rangers to NOT play hockey.  He's been a disappointment for the last four years of his career.  Oh yeah, and he misled the Buffalo Sabres and played a large part in facilitating the disaster that was July 1, 2007.  Sorry...I'll pass.

The memory is nice huh?  I'm in the building.  It's Game 5 against the Rangers and it's an all-time moment for the Buffalo Sabres.  Rick Jeanneret's voice thunders across radios throughout the country, "WHO ELSE?!?!  WHO ELSE!?!?!"


It will give me goosebumps till the day I die

How could you ever forget that moment?  

But...did you forget THIS one?

Chris Drury said he wanted to remain a Buffalo Sabre.  So did Dany Briere.  There's one major difference.  The Sabres CHOSE Drury to be "the guy" they were going to go with going forward.  They wanted him.  While the organization and ownership hold PLENTY of blame for what went down, it's Drury that was the catalyst for a total collapse on July 1, 2007.

The Sabres chose Drury over Briere.  Drury said he wanted to stay.  Briere actually wanted to stay.  If Chris Drury is a bit more open about his feelings, or truthful (I don't KNOW just how much was an actual agenda/plan to go to NY) about his desire to test the market...perhaps Daniel Briere is still wearing the Blue and Gold.

The Sabres thought Drury was going to stay.  His approach was, "Season just ended...we'll get to it".  He got right to it, in New York.

I know, I know.  The Sabres SHOULD have signed him in October.  True.  However...teams DO sign players in June.  It happens.  All the time.  A guy finishes the year, says he wants to stay, and DOES.  AND...stop crying foul for Drury because he didn't get his 4-5 million dollar deal in October from Buffalo, and instead would have had to forced down a 7 million dollar deal.  Poor guy, huh?

In the end the Sabres believed him.  Funny thing is, Drury's agent wouldn't talk with the Sabres.  He sat there and told everyone that he'd give them a chance...and he never did.  The man known as "The Winner" went to greener pastures.  Well, now our pastures are getting greener, and we're going to be big boys.  That's the plan at least.

Let's continue with the "moving on" that we all felt during the second half of this season.  So many of you fell in love with the Terry Pegula Buffalo Sabres as I did.  We watched the young players growing into roles.  Thomas Vanek became "our guy" for a lot of us.  There's an all-out outcry to "Vanek for Captain" on Twitter.  We root for him now.  Gerbe is our spark.  Myers is our stud player.

This team is far from perfect, but we just got it back to being our team.  We need players to supplement the roster and maybe Drury is a part of that.  It would just feel like a step back to me.  I'm looking for THESE guys, that were left holding the bag to continue to grow and move forward.  I'm looking for the next guy to come in...and stay.  

Thanks for the time spent here, Chris.  We loved you.  We were broken-hearted when you left.  We blamed our team.  We blamed sports.  We wondered if it was something we did.  In truth it was lack of foresight from management, and a desire to leave from you.

If you do come back, I'll find a way to get behind it because you'll play for the Sabres.  I'm a fan.  I'm a season ticket holder.  I'm a transplanted Buffalonian who loves this area.  I love the Sabres.  I'll root for my mortal enemy if he plays for this team.  That doesn't mean I have to want to sign him.

Chris...Hope you're doing well.  We're doing great...thanks for asking.


 

All photos courtesy of AP
Filed Under :  
Topics: Sports
Social:
Locations: Buffalo, New York, Ny
People: Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, Rick Jeanneret, Thomas Vanek
06/09/2011 4:41PM
WHITE: Thanks, but no thanks
Please enter your comments below.
06/09/2011 4:58PM
I just dont know
I dont know what to think about chris comming back, he was my fav non buffalo sabre b4 he came to buffalo then when we got it the best thing ever and he automatically became my fav sabre of all time when he was year, when chris left it was heart breaking it was like my girlfriend lefr me, with the team being bad for the next few years it was hard no to blame the team for letting him go and finally with this group this year they way they played and with terry putting a spark into every1 finally the scars of drury leaving are gone, i dont wanna see a shell of what he used to be if he comes back but its so hard for me not to think about seeing #23 on the ice scoring ot winners
06/09/2011 5:01PM
well put
dont do it
06/09/2011 5:02PM
SAYING IT FOR YEARS
CHRIS DRURY IS A JOKE...What has his teams hes captained ever done but under achieve and struggle with toughness? Oh but i forgot hes a "winner." BECAUSE HE WON A CUP AS A ROOKIE WITH HOFERS EVERYWHERE? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA I LOVE buffalo fans and their TYPICALLY short sighted stupidity when it comes to sports. I was (WITHOUT THE USE OF HINDSIGHT) one of the only people i know who wanted briere because of drury. Truth is it HELPED our franchise that drury left. I love being out at bars and listen to that "regeir let drury walk" BS because then i know the guy saying it is an idiot and not worthy of sports banter. Good luck chris drury you lying, deceiving, OVER RATED DIVA...i hope he never comes back and anyone that wants him back probably thinks his little league world series and NCAA (talent youd find in european D leagues)title means something. ENOUGH WITH DEIFYING DRURY HE RIPPED THE RANGERS OFF MORE THAN ANY OTHER CONTRACT IN NHL HISTORY AND SUBMARINED THEIR FRANCHISE HAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
06/09/2011 5:08PM
read malacaro's column
jeremy, you push your points sometimes in a way that doesn't make sense. you understand your premise but your conclusion is just using the premise as a sledgehammer until you run out of words for the conclusion.this is a typical example of that. the sabres didn't sign the contract early because they wanted to dance around the issue and not tick off briere. they took a gamble and didn't explain things very well to drury about what their intentions were. if he was their guy they should have told him "look, we're not bringing back danny but you have to know we need to keep this quiet because we stil want to win the cup and danny might be hurt that we signed you and not him"
06/09/2011 5:12PM
A Big Assumption
Drury clearly didn't want to play in Buffalo for the big money. Why would he consider Buffalo now? He'll go to a good team with a real chance to win. Think Detroit. Is it because Buffalo has never won anything at any time that their fans are so delusional? Wake up fans - Buffalo is a stepping stone for players to go elsewhere - not the reverse. You know it, I know it, the whole league knows it.
06/09/2011 5:30PM
Regarding a previous comment:
"Jeremy, you push your points sometimes in a way that doesn't make sense." Probably because it was just rephrased from another blog. It wouldn't be the first time there were similarities between White's work and other localbloggers, broadcasters, or fan comments...
06/09/2011 5:31PM
Great Theory
So instead of worrying about winning Stanley Cups, the Sabres should be worrying about which players to spite? I'm not saying the Sabres should sign Drury, but the argument because he hurt our feelings 4 years means the Sabres shouldn't even consider it is foolish.
06/09/2011 5:35PM
Money is one thing
The Rags had a lot more to offer him as well. Player amenities (the things Pegula's doing now), being closer to his family and old friends - the New York experience as a whole. I moved from Buffalo to NYC a few years ago and the Rangers fans here are just as passionate. If given the chance, I'd play for the team I loved growing up (the Sabres) so how can we fault him doing the same? Those that are detracting from Drury's play must not have seen that he scored a goal in the game that gave the NYR their playoff berth - coming back WAY TOO EARLY from knee surgery. He's been misused by Tortorella - many players on the Rangers have - and has suffered quietly and like a professional because he's a team player. He was a phenomenal third liner on Team USA...or did we forget about that already? How many Sabres made that team by the way? The goalie so many of my fellow fans want traded. For an area and a team I love so dearly, I really have to question the hockey IQ of the fans sometimes. Drury has gas in the tank, at least enough for a season. All Regier needs to do is swallow his pride and send a text saying "We're getting the band back together". The worst that could happen? He goes on long term IR and doesn't count against the cap.
06/09/2011 5:37PM
Goathead
Drury left after seeing that the Sabres wouldnt sign Briere. At that point Drury knew the organization didnt have the commitment to spend the money to keep a winner in Buffalo. I for one dont believe the spin the Sabres put out about Drury wanting to go to the Rangers.If he thought he could win a cup here he would of stayed. White has put out that same story ever since he was doing some commercials for the Sabres and after todays show he should go on a Travel radio station. Who cares about his vacation. Just stay away!!!!
06/09/2011 5:55PM
A Big ASSumption
You are going to be eating your words because Buffalo is becomming the place to be, and other places are going to be a stepping stone to Buffalo. And FYI Drury is a washed up has been who will be retiring now because no one will want him...and the wholeleague knows it.
06/09/2011 6:05PM
He didn't choose to leave you moron
He was lied to and scammed by Sabres management. I won't name names because you won't post this then. He accepted their offer then they played games with it.
06/09/2011 7:37PM
NO THANKS!
He was nothing in Calgary, came here and it clicked, both with the city/fans and team, he then decided it was time to chase the money and big city lights in NY only to find out he wasnt much, glad the Rangers got burned but with this new ownership, I am done with retreads and other teams trash. Good luck Chris, just not here.
06/09/2011 8:17PM
blaming drury for management's ineptitude?
Really jeremy, we all know you're a huge homer, but blaming Drury for management's epic failure in 07 is just comical...
06/09/2011 8:41PM
Let's move on people...
He's the quivilent of the ex boyfriend/girlfriend who left you for that person they "always liked more" and now that they've been dumped because they are old and washed up, you consider taking them back?? Get over him!
06/09/2011 8:43PM
Sign Him Up
I liked him then, and I like him now. I'd like to know what Miller and some of his other former teammates have to day about this idea. But I liked him then, and I like him now.
06/09/2011 10:14PM
You just don't get it
Jeremy and you never will. This team is not that close. They are not nearly that close with the players you mention that they should pass up a veteran like Drury if the price is right. There is no gaurantee that Gerbe, Ennis and Stafford are going to be great. Good yes, but great that is a different story. Older experienced players show younger, raw players the way. Yzerman did it with Federov and Lidstrom. Sakic showed Drury. Drury can show these players. They don't have a player on this team right now that knows how to do it. I don't count Niedermeyer because even though he won a cup he won't be back. Grier has the fire and heart but he never even got to the Stanley Cup finals before let alone win one. Drury has. He always was, always will be a better player than Niedermeyer or Grier and he has something left. NY was a terrible fit for him. We all know that. It worked perfectly for Drury when he played here. Golisano is the main reason he left. Bucky Gleason verified that. Drury is not a top line center at this stage of his career, but they do need depth at center. Don't resign Connolly. Connolly is even more injured than Drury and Drury is quite a bit older. Drury is better than Connolly and always will be a better player than Tim Connolly. Derek Roy will probably never have the heart, or be the gamer in the playoffs that Drury was and will continue to be with whatever team he signs with. Bottom line is the Sabres need him and Chris Drury needs the Buffalo Sabres. It's a win, win. Too bad you don't see it.
06/09/2011 10:16PM
WEAK!!!
That is a very weak and frankly immature argument. There's nothing but emotion...lots of heat but no light. I hope you don't believe you were being objective.
06/09/2011 10:31PM
Amen
well put
06/09/2011 10:56PM
re: saying it for years
Your medal is in the mail
06/09/2011 11:00PM
Turn your back on him like he did to u
No Way! This broken down has been (who was my all time favorite Sabre) broke my heart. No way do I want him back. It is like a girlfriend that cheated on you saying, "I always wanted to be with this person and not you but comes back to yu 4 years later saying I always loved you". Get lost buddy, don't want you back. He is a shell of his former self. All you that want him are delusional. He is geting paid to NOT play, why? Because he can't any more.
06/10/2011 7:25AM
5.8 cap hit
Paul Gooser and Softy hecht are 5.8 mill cap hit, that is almost the amount of money to sign a star player or trade for one.
06/10/2011 7:41AM
Larry and Tom
I actually was standing right next to Tom Golisano when he received the call from Darcy that Briere wanted 5 million per year and Tom pretty much said hell no. That was a major mistake, they didn't sign either guy early and it cost them money or inthis case players leaving for nothing. They could have had both signed for 5 mill per year for 4 years, I don't blame Drury at all, they never followed up on the offer. Larry Quinn hated Briere and his agent with a passion.
06/10/2011 7:49AM
re: You just don't get it
I agree with you all the way. Connelly, Roy would not be the centers I would have on the ice when the Sabres are up 2-0 or 3-1 against the Flyers and leading the series 3-2. Drury is not the same as before, but veteran leadership is what the Sabres need come playoffs. Do you want guys from Portand who have the energy and youth or do you want Drury who is experienced and won't be intimidated by the away crowd. In all sports, you need experienced, good character leaders to keep the youger guys striving forward.
06/10/2011 8:07AM
Still a bunch of haters posting here...
Drury left because he wanted more money - total lip service. If he wanted to stay, he would have signed in October. Bringing him back makes Darcy look like a bigger fool. Drury has no role on this team. Grier is one of the best penalty killers in theleague and will cost next to nothing - if he comes back. And forget about Connolly - Spezza is available for almost the same price as him.
06/10/2011 8:10AM
It was Drurys fault he left
and Brieres fault and Campbells and Dominick Haseks fault and Tom Barrassos fault and Rick Dudleys fault and Brian Spencers fault and ...........HOW ABOUT IT WAS OWNERSHIP AND TEAM MANAGEMENTS FAULT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Stick to talking on the radio instead of writing on things you have no clue on. This team has made a habit of getting rid of players who have the BIG H and keeping soft players who does not speak there mind.
06/10/2011 8:27AM
Hey Whitey...
ABE LINCOLN ISN'T A FOUNDING FATHER. DUMMY.
06/10/2011 8:29AM
Re: SAYING IT FOR YEARS
I'm sure anyone in the world really gives a truck what YOU have to say. Stop typing, get to Tim Horton's and make my breakfast sandwich slacker.
06/10/2011 8:37AM
Grow up Jeremy
At best you sound like a jilted lover, "But he said he loved me!" At worst you sound like the typical Buffalo fan that takes everything personally because you have a deep rooted esteem issues and self hatred for living here. "He left us, F him!" Please, he did what was best for him, like anyone, including you, would have done. If I was looking at my place of employment and saw a boss like Golisano, a seedy henchman like Quinn, and the fsct that they do everything on the cheap ( like not bringing back both, or signing players before the 11th hour ) than I'd be long gone too. THe guy has one life, one career, and I'd never expect him ( or anyone else for that matter ) to fall on the proverbial sword so that fans could feel better about themselves and their has-been little town.
06/10/2011 8:43AM
I'm Done
Can't wait till the nerd goes on vacation. He has no clue on hockey. Cheerleading and drinking, well most certainly!
06/10/2011 9:04AM
Veterans
99-00 Devils: Claude Lemieux, 00-01 Avalanche: Ray Bourque, 01-02 Red Wings: Steve Yzerman, 02-03 Devils: Scott Stevens / Ken Daneyko, 03-04 Lightning: Dave Andreychuk, 05-06 Hurricanes: Rod Brind’Amour, 06-07 Ducks: Scott Niedermayer, 10-11 Bruins: Mark Recchi, 10-11 Canucks: Sammy Salo -- Every Stanley Cup Winner includes a veteran presence who plays a diminished role from when they were in their prime, it is a necessary ingredient to the recipe. They aren't the only leader, they aren't necessarily on the "top lines", but they play important roles. Guys who have been there, done that. Guys who lead the way in the playoffs when the going gets tough. The Sabres currently, do not have that guy on their roster for next season. Stop remembering Drury for who he used to be, but instead look at him what he is: A Stanley Cup winning veteran with intangible leadership skills, a passion for hockey, and a reputation for being clutch in the playoffs and on the big stage. If he's healthy and you can bring him back at the price of a role playing veteran, the Sabres should do it. If not Drury, than WHO ELSE?!
06/10/2011 10:02AM
who stood up to face the media when sabres lost?
not drury.. always briere. that's what i remember. it's hindsight, but the sabres kept the wrong guy. if Drury can't be a top 2 line Center, don't bother. get vets that can play well. vets that cannot anymore, are borderline worthless.
06/10/2011 10:18AM
Great, but we'll "consider" Connolly????????
Ok, I understand not wanting Drury as his day is clearly done. Why then do the Sabres leave the door open for someone even less useful than Drury in the form of Tim Connolly? Connolly has been nigh invisible for four plus years and even more useless inthe playoffs. Why not dump him and be done? So far, "hockey heaven" is a theory and nothing more.
06/10/2011 10:28AM
The Sabres balked...
When you balk on a guy like this, you get burned...plain and simple. So he said he wanted to stay...WOW...big whoop. Pros say that to every team they play for...its called "not burning your bridges." White...the eternal Sabres apologist...it couldn't have been Quinn and Regier's fault...it had to be Drury's.
06/10/2011 12:37PM
Re:Let's move on people...
Exactly. We're talking about a Drury who has 5 more years on the tires, not the "captain clutch" we knew. Let's build a new team with new leaders.
06/10/2011 1:04PM
Clown
This article proves exactly why Jeremy is a clown. Vanek as "our guy?" Ha! Maybe he is "your guy" but he isn't mine or many others so stop trying to speak for all of us. The Sabres could only be so lucky to have Drury back. It doesn't mean we would have moved backwards, it means we will have acquired a very valuable piece of the puzzle and righted a wrong that happened 4 years ago. If you want to talk about moving forward then stop re-living July 1st 2007 as your argument for why he shouldn't come here. Move on and realize he fits a real need on this team. Of course you could always go with Hecht as your third line center HAHAH...I bet he is "our guy" too Jeremy huh?
06/10/2011 2:16PM
Agreed, but CODY MCCORMICK??????
Please sign McCormick before you lose him on July 1st Mr. Regier.
06/10/2011 4:55PM
great point
lets not possibly make the team better because YOU want to avenge him for not signing in buffalo. get over yourself and your hurt feelings white!!!
06/10/2011 7:58PM
this team has no captain
I agree with clown... but I do like Vanek as a player, just not as a captain, he's the only pure goal scorer on the team, that should be his focus. Captain seems to be this organization's Achillie's heel, we still have not replaced Drury/Briere in that regard, just as we couldn't replace Peca for years after he left. Who was there to rally the troops in game 6 this year or step up in game 7? Nobody. In Drury's first game back this year for the Rangers, a must win game, he scored the key goal that led them to victory. The guy is still clutch, he leads by example in a way that nobody on this team can.
06/10/2011 9:19PM
Revisionist History
This article makes Drury and Briere out to be the bad guys for the 2007 debacle when it was the short sighted business sense of the front office that led the way. The Sabres could have locked up each for $5 mil for 5 years prior to that season or early on instead of fumbling along creating bad karma. Anyway, its history - let's move on shall we.
06/10/2011 10:17PM
Immature fanboy
Keep slobbering over the team like they can do no wrong. It was not Drury's fault as you claim. You just rehashed the company line given to you by Quinn. After 4 years Vanek has collected over 30 million without a playoff series victory to show forit. Lets make him captain NOW!!!!!
06/11/2011 1:07PM
RICHARDS...RICHARDS...RICHARDS
ONE MOE TIME...RICHARDS!!!
06/11/2011 8:12PM
No Way
Worst day/week in Sabres History. disregard Drury , hope he rots and ends up in Winterpeg. Lets move ahead not backwards. Whats worse is that Raffi Torres and Dominic Moore had great playoff runs. They didn't even try in Buffalo. Put faith in Darcy
06/11/2011 11:29PM
Gooser
Don't worry folks we have Paul Goosegg, he is the "face of the team" he has played 38 playoff games and has ZERO goals. He will become the new captain and leader, he will become captain clutch. His faceoffs against Boston were amazing in that series, he was 49% and 37% in the final game when it counted most. He lost that clean faceoff to lose game 6 vs Flyers and was on the ice for all the goals at the end, -6. Nope, we don't need Drury, we have super gooser.
06/12/2011 9:23AM
Don't need him we have...
Super Goose, Gaustad played more even strength minutes then any forward, he is our new top center so we have no room for a winner like Drury. I rather watch goose go another 38 playoff games with zero goals because goose is that "Buffalo type of guy". We love losing in buffalo.
06/12/2011 9:28AM
playoff stats
To the goofball who is saying Drury has never done anything in the NHL, check out his goal total when he won the cup, that was more goals than anyone in Buffalo Sabres history ever scored in 1 playoff year. Drury led the Sabres in playoff goals 2 straight years, what more can he have done? It was the losers like Poms, Connolly, Hecht, Kotalik, Vanek who couldn't help out which is why we didn't win, also we had a super soft D. Spacek had zero playoff pts that season. Blaming drury is weak, how many later tying or winning goals did he have? Where are those goals now?
06/12/2011 10:08AM
the actual point
the point is... can he play? if his kneeis shot, then don't bring him back? if it's not and the price is right, i see nothing wrong with taking him back. all this talk about blaming the guy for leaving is... well pointless, especially when (as everyone knows) the Sabres could have locked both guys down earlier for cheaper. that's the truth. there are doubts on whether or not he can still play and be worth a contract, but the point is to let go of four years ago, by holding onto this grudge you havent moved on, like you say you have. no shrink here, but its kind of obvious.
06/12/2011 8:29PM
I'm with Whitey on this one
A step in the wrong direction is what it would be, Drury had his chance, and he chose the Rangers and the Sabres said goodbye to Briere in the process so we were screwed out again by all the players involved and Briere did what he had to do, no I want the Sabres to get younger, and better, Zach Parise needs a new home and Buffalo will fit the bill, and Spezza, oh yes, and also I'd like to see them go after Shea Weber just think how much better Myers would get playing with that guy but as far as Drury goes, maybe it's time to call it a career, no team in their right mind will take a chance on him, or maybe he can go to Winnipeg as long as he's not a Sabre I don't care....
06/13/2011 9:33AM
Sure...why not?
Anyone on here, including the author of this ridiculous article should realize that the reason Drury didnt come back to the Sabres was plain and simple; the organization was a disaster and uncommitted to winning. Thats the bottom line. He saw how mistreated Daniel Briere was, a player who was the other main cog of the team, along with Drury. The ownership, with that idiot Larry Quinn steering the team into the ditch was clueless in attempting to direct the Sabres towards a winning cycle. Now ask yourself if you were Chris Drury, why in Gods name would you want to be a part of such a dysfunctional circus? If Im Drury, and unless Im downright desparate, the Sabres are last on my list. Pegula could step up and try to massage the hurt feelings from 2007 and if successful Id gladly consider Drury back at a nominal $ amount.
06/13/2011 11:49AM
Love the area
Seriously have you been to anywhere else in the country. This is one of the most depressing regions of the US. You are easily impressed Mr. White.
06/13/2011 7:18PM
Why Drury...
...when we could also get young Anisimov for less money and more goals? Looks like the Rangers will cut him loose too...
06/13/2011 8:59PM
Anisimov!
Let's not take the wrong Ranger! Anisimov! Youth! Anisimov! Scoring! Anisimov! Economy! Anisimov! Go get'em Darcy!
06/13/2011 9:23PM
who
listens to white anyway? I mean REALLY??
06/13/2011 11:50PM
get off whitey guys
wow u guys are killing whitey!!!!! the 1st paragraph tells it all. The rangers are paying him too NOT play hockey! I will sign on for the veteran experience, leadership, and 3rd line center for minimal money thats a no doubter but nothing in the 2-3 mill/year NO WAY!!!! im with u white
06/14/2011 10:02AM
Drury Got What He Deserved
I don't want Drury back! He is far past his prime and he is, in my opinion, a traitor and a liar. He could have had NHL Hall of Fame career in Buffalo on a team which was tailored to his talents, instead, he shuffled off to New York to the Rangers - a team on which he was a missfit. His career took a corresponding plunge into infamy. He got what he deserved, and I do not want him back in a Sabres uniform.
06/14/2011 3:10PM
No Drury
He is at the point in his career(over the hill) where he just wants big money and buffalo has some deep pockets now.
06/14/2011 4:11PM
He's average
Drury has been only average, at best, for the past 4 years. 24 games last year? INJURY! He has already screwed this team once. Let him take his talents somewhere else. Sabres need to put the money to better use and get a REAL goal scorer.
06/14/2011 6:55PM
Re: He's average
That is Millers title moron!
06/14/2011 8:21PM
nope
No we don't need Drury or guys like him, we want guys like Goose, Nieds, McCormick, Hecht, Grier that can't score a playoff goal to save their lives. Why would we want a guy who can win a faceoff with 10 seconds left and then score the game tying or winning goal? We have goose he was 49% on faceoffs vs Boston, he is what we need a guy with zero playoff goals in 38 games.
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