The Buffalo Sabres were hoping to make some key offseason trades this summer on upcoming free agents, but so far things have not been going their way. The team had been attempting to trade away goalie Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, but have yet to find a favorable deal which will likely lead to both players starting the season in Buffalo come 2013.
General manager Darcy Regier spoke to media about the team's ongoing moves during the offseason and stated that while he has been fielding calls for both players, the right deal has not presented itself. Regier stated that money was the biggest issue with most discussions revolving around the declining $64.3 million salary cap in the 2013-14 season.
Both Miller and Vanek are in the final years of their current contracts. Vanek is a $7.1 million hit to the cap while Miller comes in at a $6.25 cap hit. The Sabres have been eager to dump both of those salaries while there is still time to get something favorable in return.
"We've had some discussions regarding both those players," Regier said to NHL.com. "Obviously they're here and they're part of our organization. Nothing's changed in that regard. The cap is a real big part of it. Any discussions that I have now involved taking back money, moving money. Money plays a very big role."
Regier also stated that the closer things get to training camp opening up, the more likely it was that both players would start the season on Buffalo's roster. If that does happen, any deal happening in the future is highly unlikely and both players will hit free agency in 2014.
The Sabres have been looking at doing a complete rebuild of the roster, stocking up on young talent and future prospects. That plan does not include Miller or Vanek. Regier has expressed interest in making most moves through the draft so deals for both players would likely include prospects and future draft selections.
Both players can be worth something to other teams. Miller is coming off of one of his worst seasons with a 2.81 goals-against average, but his resume shows success does happen. Vanek is a scoring machine perfect for any team in need of some offensive production. He compiled 20 goals and 21 assists in 2012. The longer the trade drama for both players continue, the more likely it is a return on investment on diminish.
