It Is 'Do-or-Die' for Maxim Afinogenov In Contract Year

Numbers are fun to look at.  Whether or not they mean anything is questionable.  When looking at players who come into the last couple years of their contracts with the Sabres, namely those with great potential, there is a growing trend in what you'll find.  Lets take a look: Chris Drury: 77 games, 37 goals, 32 assists, 69 points (career best) Daniel Briere: 81 games, 32 goals, 63 assists, 95 points (NHL career best) Michael Peca: (2nd to last year) 82 games, 27 goals, 29 assists, 56 points (NHL career best) Miroslav Satan: (2nd to last year) 79 games, 26 goals, 49 assists, 75 points (career best) Stu Barnes: (2nd to last year) 17 goals, 31 assists, 48 goals (career best while with one team) There's a mild trend here, but not necessarily a formula.  But, the point I'm driving home with these figures is whether or not we can expect anything big from Maxim Afinogenov in this coming season.  This is the final year on his contract and various rumors swirled ... (link)