Apr. 22, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; NHL linesman Mark Shewchyk (92) drops the puck for a face-off between Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson (19) and Winnipeg Jets left wing Andrew Ladd (16) during the first period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

I have written eleven parts of my Wish List series so far, and even though my goal in tackling this lengthy string of posts was simply to have fun looking at players around the league, and to generate some feedback from our readers here at Sabre Noise, I have to admit: if the Sabres organization happened to come across any of my Wish List posts and were inspired to go out and acquire one of the players I discussed, I would be one happy Sabres fan.

I understand the possibilities of that happening are slim – but, according to some fans who make it a point to remind me every time I post a new entry in the Wish list series, the chances are slimmer than I imagined. As in, there’s no chance whatsoever that any quality player in the NHL would willingly choose to come play for the Buffalo Sabres.

Zero percent.

Less than a snowball’s chance in hell.

Whoa.

Is it really that bad in Buffalo, New York? Are the Sabres entirely an undesirable franchise to play for, as some fans would have me believe? And if so, how can the organization turn this thing around in an attempt to lure strong NHL talent to come and don the blue and gold?

Many of you believe that firing Darcy Regier is a must, due to the bad decisions he has made and the bridges he has burned with other GMs around the league. A new GM could be enough to change the vision and direction of the franchise.

Other people (who still agree that Regier should go) do not believe that making a change at GM is enough, and are more inclined to believe the city of Buffalo itself needs to be revitalized before big-names will consider looking twice in Buffalo’s direction.

Then there’s the “Build it, and they will come approach” – namely, that no top-tier talent will ever consider signing with the Sabres until the team has won the Stanley Cup, or has at least built a team that can be considered a serious Cup contender.

Time to let freedom, and your opinion, ring, Sabres fans! What do you feel is the most important step the Sabres and the city of Buffalo must do in order to attract talent?

The most important step required to lure talent to Buffalo is . . . Get rid of Darcy! He has given Buffalo a bad reputation.

Rejuvenate the city. The Harbor project is a step, but Buffalo needs a face-lift.

Draft wisely, build a playoff-caliber team, and players will start to respect the Sabres. View Results