Based on how the young Sabres came together at the end of last season, there are reasons to be encouraged about the team's future. Then again, there are just as many reasons to be worried about it.

ESPN.com wondered what our users thought of the Sabres' chances for next season -- and about the team's long-term future. Here is a sampling of your responses:

The Sabres have the same type of team every year: gritty, young, not overly gifted offensively and (with) solid goaltending and defense. I see no reason why they can't prove everyone wrong and make the playoffs once again.

Kevin Dinino
New York, N.Y.

If Biron can magically transform himself into Dominik Hasek, Buffalo has a chance. Otherwise, it's gonna be a long, sad year in Buffalo.

Patrick Cavanaugh
Brooklyn, N.Y.

No Dominator, no Peca, no Gilmour, no chance. Hey wait, I said that last year.

Eric Michel
Malvern, Iowa

Last year was the most painful in a long time to endure -- and I fear this year will be more of the same. The roster as it stands now is too predictable, lacking in offensive talent and character.

T.J. Schmudde
Phoenix

Much like the Penguins, the Sabres have mega-problems financially. You (have to) think that if the team doesn't start off well, that maybe relocation will loom over the team and city. And with the way the Sabres are now and how many free agents they have, a quick start is looking more and more dubious.

Dan Heaning
Barnegat, N.J.

While their talent may be questionable, their coaching, work ethic, and commitment to defense are not. It would be poetic justice (and not completely impossible) to see them beat out the Rangers for the seventh or eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Dan Goldstein
San Carlos, Calif.

It's always been a (money) thing with the Sabres, but now moreso than ever. It's a survival thing. Sad situation for a great hockey town.

Pete Szathmary
Lakewood, Colo.

The Sabres win? No way! The youth is getting better, but they still have young goaltending, and no top-notch goal scorer. Satan? Nope. Brown? Nope. Dumont? Nope. Year after year it's the same thing for the Sabres, and now Buffalo needs to worry about keeping a team, not just scoring goals.

Kevin Hunt
Rochester, N.Y.

If the Sabres can sign the players elible for free agency ... if they can keep the team in Buffalo ... and if they can overcome the concerns of their returning players about the team's financial stability, then they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs.

Joe Bearson
Tampa, Fla.