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I do not see Helenius as a top 3, maybe top ten. Can be seen as a "safe pick" and thereby get drafted high. Stian Solberg is interesting, but ranked higher than I think he should be, played well tough against men for Norway.

You really need to stop this long newspaper story every time.

🙄🙄

I think this off-season will clarify if there is any hope that KA has the semblance of a brain or not. The narrative you tell is pretty damn depressing.

keep tage off the PK so he doesn't break his hand and play 75% of the season injured

It would be extremely out of character for him and against his stated goal of not adding a long-term contract. It's why when I mentioned him earlier I kind of dismissed him as a trade target. That doesn't mean I'm against the acquisition, I just find it highly unlikely given KA's track record. You and I would look a Cirelli and say perfect, we have a long-term solution at 3C and someone who could play up if we have an injury. KA looks and thinks he's not one of my core players and therefore I'm not committing to him for 7 years. I do disagree that trading Mitts was out of character for KA. In fact it was perfectly in character. Keeping Mitts was not in his budget so he traded him for whatever he could get. It didn't matter that he didn't have an adequate plan B at 3C (also in character) and it didn't matter that the player acquired didn't bring a skill set we needed (also in character). It's just another example of KA not having a clue how to build a successful team. Another example of poor asset management. KA could sell the deal in the press as he acquired a much needed top 4 D. Unfortunately Power/Bryam or Dahlin/Bryam or Dahlin/Power aren't viable D pairings. Maybe Ruff could get it to work, but I'm not holding me breath. What makes it even worse is that Byram is going to need a new deal after next season. He basically traded Mitts for one season of an alleged top 4 D unless he gives Byram the long-term extension he couldn't afford to give Mitts. Honestly I have lost all faith that KA can pull this plane out of it's tail spin. I was bullish on the Clifton and Johnson signings. I hoped Clifton could play up and Johnson would bring some much needed leadership and maturity to the D group. I was wrong on both counts and so was Adams. I then looked at the cap situation Adams has put us in, his keeping Benson in the NHL last season, his awful pro level acquisitions, his long-term mismanagement of the goaltending, his lack of any defensive stalwarts on his defense, and his failure to properly support the team in season the last two years, and I have come to the sad conclusion that he is in so far over his head he doesn't even know where to begin to fix his roster. His keeping of terrible coaches like Ellis and Wilford are just further examples. I do hope that my assessment of Adams is wrong. I really like to know how anyone has any faith or hope left that Adams can fix this team.

Interesting that everyone views Cirelli as a #3C. He played most of the year as 2C with Stamkos and Hagel. Also had some time (5% of even strength) with Kuch and Hagel. I suppose Cozens draft position and total points last year places him higher in the food chain. Maybe a guy like Cirelli gives Ruff flexibility to be a true middle six guy. Play 3C most of time but 25% on second with Cozens moving to the RW. Questions Who costs more in a trade, Cirelli or Necas? Who would you rather have? What is the most you offer to obtain Cirelli in a trade? (Especially bc you see the Sabres having to offer more within the division)

I watched casually... FLA looked superior in almost every way. I expect some adjustments and maybe a little bit more of a push, but FLA is the better team so far. My prediction of FLA vs Edm is still alive. But not likely

My thought exactly.

As I understood it they were trying to get Berube so I think this is plan B. Interesting tidbit I found amusing today. In the season ending presser Montgomery said he called and talked to some old coaches and friends entering the playoffs asking for advice. he apparently asked Babcock for advice on how to beat the Leafs. No wonder Marner had such a bad series 🙂

This is what I've been asking for a couple of years. We have size and speed, we should be playing a heavy forecheck style for success. We haven't though. Maybe that changes with Ruff.

Cirelli is a cost controlled asset for seven years, that would fill the role of 3C on this team. That alone could entice Adams to move assets as he would be on the team for awhile. His highest offensive output was 45 points, but he is a very good defensive forward, he would be the match up center that the Sabres are lacking. His age and experience would be a huge plus for the club. In terms of not trading in the division, BriseBois has not had a first round pick since 2022 and is not scheduled to pick in the first two rounds until 2026. The Sabres will to pay a higher price, but have the assets to do so. This type of move would be out of character for Adams, but then so was the Byram Trade

Lol. I slept from the first intermission to about 3 minutes left in the second period. I win! 😄 I want to see the Sabres play that style. All those young legs oughta be able to pull it off.

I hope they don't.

Florida’s forecheck is brutal. The Rangers will have to figure something different.

Under the assumption we continue to employ personnel who refuse to build a winning hockey team, sure, I just don’t think that ever HAD to be the case

I can’t believe I watched that whole game without falling asleep

Ok Florida. Continue to frustrate them Rangers in game 2. I predicted Rangers in 6.

They took the first step tonight.

I kinda like FLA style. Also wouldn't mind seeing Maurice win a Cup.

That didn’t look like a clear cut too many men call.

With all due respect, Edmonton is in no way one of the 4 best teams.

and the winner is Trouba with a stick into Cousins mouth. (Couldn't happen to a nicer guy :))

Well Stamkos ain't coming to Buffalo so no need to think about that. He's either going to re-sign in Tampa (most likely) or with a top contender at a reduced rate. Pesce is unlikely since there was talk he no trade claused on Buffalo before but you never know.