By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Now that the Buffalo Sabres have secured contracts with head coach Lindy Ruff and general manager Darcy Regier, work beings on trying to retain key players.
Ruff and Regier crafted a team that has reached the Eastern Conference finals the past two years. Both have been with the hockey club since 1997, making them the longest running coach-gm team in the N-H-L.
Ruff says he is returning with the number one goal of winning the cup. He believes Buffalo is the place to make that happen.
The Sabres will now work to shore up contracts with key players like co-captains Danny Brier and Chris Drury. Both become eligible for free agency July 1st.
Regier says only some preliminary talks have occurred with more to come. Regier says discussions will hinge on factors such as contract terms and players pay.
Sabres managing partner Larry Quinn is promising that the team's budget will be higher for the upcoming season. That could provide some financial flexibility needed in keeping the team intact.
But fan dollars will also help contribute to new contract deals. Quinn says ticket prices will go up. Season tickets will be increased by about 8%, and mini pack prices will be hiked.
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