Payroll for next season

[calr]

The NHL cap is going up to $56 million for next season, which could put the Sabres behind the curve. Last year the organization spent in excess of $45 million (closer to $47 million, I believe), and that was an all-time franchise record. With the leaguewide cap increasing by roughly 10 percent, what do you think the Sabres will spend in order to keep up with the rest of the NHL? Larry Quinn has already stated BTG is willing to spend on big names, so it will be interesting to see whether that comes to fruition.

This team has a hard time turning a profit as it is, especially with no playoff berth, so I think management will be hard pressed to get near the max of $56 million. However, I do expect an increase from last season.

Prediction: $48 million to $50 million. As of now, the Sabres' cap hit for next season exceeds $37 million for 2008-09.

[treydawg]

The jump in two years is astounding. It's also astounding how a team with such a huge fan base can't turn a profit.

[calr]

The jump in two years is astounding. It's also astounding how a team with such a huge fan base can't turn a profit.

It's sad, really. The Bettman-led NHL will never learn, I guess.

[treydawg]

It's sad, really. The Bettman-led NHL will never learn, I guess.

It makes me sick that he hasn't gotten the boot.

[Smashingt]

Spending around 50 would be nice, but i think it'll be 48ish.

[slowpokemcgee]

Push to a wisely spent 50 would be great. Don't just toss the money around. I'm excited to see who we can pick up though.

[CaptPantalones]

around 48 to 50.

[Pondslider]

After Quinn talked about the cap being designed to be "8 million above where you should be to be economically sound" I expect them to be right around $48-50 million.

[CaptPantalones]

I think Quinn and Regier would love to spend more, but know they realistically cannot. Thats why I have always been in favor of going the trade route and "build from within" instead of Free Agency