Well done, Bucky

Here’s a phrase you don’t hear every day: I think Bucky Gleason did a fine job with his Sabres article today.

Bucky has taken a lot of grief around here for his continual harping on Sabres management and their mishandling of Danny Briere and Chris Drury and the perceived mishandling of several other personnel moves. But today’s article put him in the role of GM, and I think he acquitted himself well.

For one, he showed some humility.

“Actually, playing general manager for a day was an enlightening experience. It gave me new appreciation for the pressure Sabres GM Darcy Regier has been under throughout his career.”

He also admitted in hindsight that he made a few mistakes in last year’s attempt at playing GM, and it seems he has come to realize that no two players, contracts, or situations are the same and thus can’t be treated as such. (i.e., a 3-year deal for Ryan Miller is reasonable, when it didn’t fit the Brian Campbell situation.) Humble Bucky also showed a sense of humor, even if the dagger of the comedy spear was mostly pointed at his critics.

As far as composition of the team under a self-imposed $50 million payroll. I disagree with him on a few minor points – I don’t think the Sabres are in the Ryan Malone market – but hey, it’s his wish list/recommendation/opinion. His assessment of the team’s strengths and weaknesses was right on, though he didn’t seem to factor in Nathan Gerbe or any other of the Sabres signings jumping right into the NHL.

Overall, it was a fair assessment. Which is all anyone can ask for.

~ by Porky on June 19, 2008.