BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams sparked an online debate Friday after he said the team isn't a "destination" that attracts game-changing talent.
Adams made the comments at a press conference, following the team's fifth straight loss.
"We're not a destination city right now. We don't have palm trees, we have taxes in New York and these are things you deal with. I'm in conversations every day and there's a lot of players that we're on their (no-trade) list," Adams said. "We need to earn the respect and it starts with getting over the hump, getting in the playoffs and competing."
Adams talked about accountability, belief in the team and owner Terry Pegula's involvement with the Buffalo Sabres. You can watch the entire news conference in the video below or read more here.
Visit Buffalo Niagara said the growing tourism numbers aren't up for debate with:
- More than nine million annual visitors
- $2.4B in visitor spending
- More than $5B in tourism infrastructure investment within the past 15 years
"We've got one of the top 20 contemporary art collections in the world right here in Buffalo at the AKG. We have one of the most complete restoration projects of a Franklin Wright site anywhere in the world as well with the Martin House," said Buffalo Niagara President Patrick Kaler. "We're on those lists whether it be Travel and Leisure Magazine, the New York Times and Forbes Magazine."
"Buffalo's an underrated city that offers a lot from great food to professional sports and great people," said Jimmy Zaccagnino. "Buffalo has a charm that many other cities don't and a passion. No matter where you are, people are always wearing Bills stuff or Sabres stuff. It's just an uplifting, positive environment."
"There's always something to do in Buffalo, whether you love farmer's markets, checking out a brewery, anything you like to do you can find it in Buffalo," said Bridget Smith. "I think that's what makes it special is that it can accommodate so many people."
"Everywhere you go, it feels like home to us. Everyone's kind, everyone's wanting to lend a helping hand," said Christina Bixler. "We have so many snowstorms all the time and you see people outside helping."
"You've got the great outdoors, you've got the eternal flame," said Tom Lawson. "There's 13 worldwide, and we have one in our backyard."
"I've known a lot of players here from Western New York that got to be exceptionally well because of how close they are to Canada," explained Emry Moore. "If you wanna come learn how to play hockey, live here in Buffalo and play in Canada."
