Buffalo Sabres and the NHL: 2025 - 2026

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nhl/nhl-expansion-race-reportedly-adds-fifth-american-city-to-list-of-contenders/ar-AA1HDrxk

 

Five American cities in the running to get the two expansion teams in the NHL wants to have.

It's almost a shame that Tammy Faye Bakker went on to her eternal reward a few years back.  Her tearful entreaties on behalf of the good people of Atlanta might just have brought a well deserved third NHL franchise to the city. 🙄🤨

Edited 7 hours ago by Ridgewaycynic2013

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

5 hours ago, Gregg said:

On Friday, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported for Daily Faceoff that Austin, Texas, has entered the race to secure a future hockey franchise.

 

 

[May Day 10]

2 hours ago, Doc said:

 

Yup.  Sabres fans just might get their wish for a new owner...

 

I dont see any indication that Pegula is in any urgency to sell the Sabres... let alone sell them to an outside interest who would relocate the team.  Also, he stands to make like $100 Million-Plus for each of these upcoming expansion teams.  

I do wonder if he had a local off-ramp to rid himself of the Sabres, if he would take the money and run.  He does seem to like acting like a hockey executive though and getting his thrills with further ruining the franchise.

 

However, this arena situation is coming to a head and something needs to get done.  Arenas in the Keybank Center's age, which were more expensive and nicer at the time are getting major upgrades one after the other.  Washington is getting a $500 Million upgrade.  Nationwide Arena in Columbus (which is younger than the KBC) just had $400 Million in renovations announced.  The Keybank Center is in desperate need of some major updates and will become an increasing black eye for NHL as far as arenas go.  

 

Who will pay for it?  I dont think the State has an appetite for the political baggage of another major arena project for a failed team who wont spend to the salary cap.  Pegula is taking a beating on the cost of the Highmark project and on some level he probably thinks the public owes him for that one.  The County seems to be distancing themselves.  

 

 

Many/most Sabres fans wear this armor that the Sabres can never move because the NHL saved them in 2002-2003.  Different times.  Keybank Center was only 6 years old.  The NHL's franchise values were low and fans in the seats were more valuable.  Non-traditional markets across the country have taken off since then and have proven staying power (Nashville, Florida, Dallas, Tampa, Carolina, Vegas, and Seattle).  NHL teams are now worth more than $1 Billion.  Golisano bought the team in 2003 for $70 Million.   In my opinion, without a lease and the building the way it is, nobody involved in the NHL would shed a tear or try to prevent the Sabres from moving to a more appealing locale.

[Doc]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

He should sell as he has run the team into the ground. He has the Bills who are a cash cow to his bank account. The Sabres not so much.

 

The Sabres are a drag to his bank account.  

 

3 hours ago, boater said:

Actually, looking at the empty seats at a Sabres game, I think the Sabres are a negative cash flow for Pegs. He probably chips in monthly to cover expenses.

 

The Bills and the Bandits generate cash, lots of it.

 

How much do the Bandits make for him?  Being a niche sport, I can't imagine it's significant.

 

1 hour ago, May Day 10 said:

I dont see any indication that Pegula is in any urgency to sell the Sabres... let alone sell them to an outside interest who would relocate the team.  Also, he stands to make like $100 Million-Plus for each of these upcoming expansion teams.  

I do wonder if he had a local off-ramp to rid himself of the Sabres, if he would take the money and run.  He does seem to like acting like a hockey executive though and getting his thrills with further ruining the franchise.

 

However, this arena situation is coming to a head and something needs to get done.  Arenas in the Keybank Center's age, which were more expensive and nicer at the time are getting major upgrades one after the other.  Washington is getting a $500 Million upgrade.  Nationwide Arena in Columbus (which is younger than the KBC) just had $400 Million in renovations announced.  The Keybank Center is in desperate need of some major updates and will become an increasing black eye for NHL as far as arenas go.  

 

Who will pay for it?  I dont think the State has an appetite for the political baggage of another major arena project for a failed team who wont spend to the salary cap.  Pegula is taking a beating on the cost of the Highmark project and on some level he probably thinks the public owes him for that one.  The County seems to be distancing themselves.  

 

 

Many/most Sabres fans wear this armor that the Sabres can never move because the NHL saved them in 2002-2003.  Different times.  Keybank Center was only 6 years old.  The NHL's franchise values were low and fans in the seats were more valuable.  Non-traditional markets across the country have taken off since then and have proven staying power (Nashville, Florida, Dallas, Tampa, Carolina, Vegas, and Seattle).  NHL teams are now worth more than $1 Billion.  Golisano bought the team in 2003 for $70 Million.   In my opinion, without a lease and the building the way it is, nobody involved in the NHL would shed a tear or try to prevent the Sabres from moving to a more appealing locale.

 

As was mentioned earlier, it may be a matter of him not finding anyone to buy the Sabres and keep them in Buffalo.  He might be waiting to get those expansion fees and then sell, I don't know. 

 

And there's no way he "gets his thrills" with the state of the franchise.  Hockey is his true love.

[Jauronimo]

23 minutes ago, May Day 10 said:

 

I dont see any indication that Pegula is in any urgency to sell the Sabres... let alone sell them to an outside interest who would relocate the team.  Also, he stands to make like $100 Million-Plus for each of these upcoming expansion teams.  

I do wonder if he had a local off-ramp to rid himself of the Sabres, if he would take the money and run.  He does seem to like acting like a hockey executive though and getting his thrills with further ruining the franchise.

 

However, this arena situation is coming to a head and something needs to get done.  Arenas in the Keybank Center's age, which were more expensive and nicer at the time are getting major upgrades one after the other.  Washington is getting a $500 Million upgrade.  Nationwide Arena in Columbus (which is younger than the KBC) just had $400 Million in renovations announced.  The Keybank Center is in desperate need of some major updates and will become an increasing black eye for NHL as far as arenas go.  

 

Who will pay for it?  I dont think the State has an appetite for the political baggage of another major arena project for a failed team who wont spend to the salary cap.  Pegula is taking a beating on the cost of the Highmark project and on some level he probably thinks the public owes him for that one.  The County seems to be distancing themselves.  

 

 

Many/most Sabres fans wear this armor that the Sabres can never move because the NHL saved them in 2002-2003.  Different times.  Keybank Center was only 6 years old.  The NHL's franchise values were low and fans in the seats were more valuable.  Non-traditional markets across the country have taken off since then and have proven staying power (Nashville, Florida, Dallas, Tampa, Carolina, Vegas, and Seattle).  NHL teams are now worth more than $1 Billion.  Golisano bought the team in 2003 for $70 Million.   In my opinion, without a lease and the building the way it is, nobody involved in the NHL would shed a tear or try to prevent the Sabres from moving to a more appealing locale.

In my opinion, walking away from a proven market in a league which has had a rocky road to 32 teams would be an incredible mistake.  A few years ago the Florida Panthers were at serious risk of a relocation.  Seems like ancient history 2 cup wins later.  A few franchises remain on shaky ground and several others are far too early into their relocations/expansions to call successes at this point.  

[May Day 10]

 

[boater]

33 minutes ago, Doc said:

How much do the Bandits make for him?  Being a niche sport, I can't imagine it's significant.

 

The Bandits sell out in the playoffs and almost sell out their 9 regular season home games. That's an arena of 19,000

 

It's not a lot of money in the big picture, but expenses are cheap so there is almost certainly a handsome profit margin. The Bandits make money instead of losing it. I'm not sure the same can be said of the Sabres with their half full arena.

 

 

[Pete]

4 hours ago, Gregg said:

 

Terry bought the Bills for 1.4B. They are now worth over 4B in 2025. 

Buy! Buy! Buy!  Bills stock is at an alltime high right now.  The Bills Brand is beloved world wide.  Even opposing fans like the Bills.  The team is so loveable, and so good.  Hard Knocks is  going to shine a light on Bills players personalities, friendships, and character.  This will create more Bills excitement, and more Bills Mafia.  Right now, world wide there are many young kids,m from different generations, that admire Josh Allen. Josh is winning Bills fans from all over the Globe. As The Ralph closes, and we share past Bills games, stories, successes, and heartaches and legends, this will entertain most everyone that hears the stories.  And it is so exciting getting our beautiful, amazing new stadium.  The Bills team is battle tested and so talented.  There is synergy on the Bills.  Josh is amazing leader.  The Bills have as good a shot at winning SB this year as any team, and as ever.  Taking all of this into consideration, it would be amazing if this was our year, it really would be the perfect time.  An amazing way to close out The Ralph, and Christen our new Stadium! Please, Please, Please make this happen!

 

GO BILLS!