Archives for April 22, 2015

‘I wish Sabres general manager Tim Murray delivered that message more effectively Saturday night. I’ve defended Murray’s actions in tearing down the middling-to-awful team he inherited. He’s been a refreshingly honest quote. You tend to believe 95 percent of what he says, with about 5 percent lip service, the reverse ratio of most sports executives. But his honesty and lack of perspective in the heat of the moment shined a less-flattering light Saturday.’

‘The 21-year-old Rodrigues just finished a huge senior season beside Eichel, scoring 21 goals and 61 points in 41 games. Rodrigues ranked second in the NCAA in scoring behind Eichel, the likely No. 2 pick by the Sabres in June, who had 70 points.’

‘The NHL lottery was set up so that it was almost a foregone conclusion that the Sabres would get Eichel and not McDavid. As the league’s worst team, Buffalo had a 20-percent chance to draw first, and an 80-percent chance to pick second. So while Sabres’ fans and general manager Terry Murray complained about the outcome, no one should have been surprised.’

‘All things being equal, Kane was the best player in that Winnipeg-Buffalo trade if he can get healthy and find a way to fit better within the fabric of his new team. If that starts happening next fall, the trade that seems so one-sided in favour of the Jets right now will start to acquire a very different hue.’

‘Kaleta believes that the future is very bright for this team. He is very clear about wanting to stay, “I would do anything to be back here for next year and years to come. If I could give my right arm to be here I would.”’