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God, I loved watching Hawerchuk on that team. Favourite Sabre no one ever talks about as a Sabre.

Lol - “dominated the draft.” I don’t begrudge that media landscape. It’s sort of an apotheosis of analytics and fancy stats. Closer to D&D than actual football.

I can’t get over how young these Amerks are. Last night they dressed 7 rookies: Neuchev 20, Östlund 20, Wahlberg 18, Johnson 22, Novikov 20, Metsa 24 and Levi 22 And 2nd year players: Kulich 20, Rosen 21 2nd-year guys Kisakov and Kozak, each 21, are among the spares.

He’s definitely more interesting than UPL, on the podium.

You mean this nonsense? 😀

Wut? 🤣

Watching the USA vs Norway in the U-18’s. 4-0 in the first. I’m feeling sorry for Norway. This American team looks lethal.

I heartily enjoy any athlete - any person, really - who is unabashedly and outwardly *themselves*. Welcome to Buffalo, Keon. Sorry that we don’t have a Waffle House. Also, the multiple Coleman’s sagging pants comments aren’t, as the kids used to say, passing the vibe check.

All 3 are eligible and under contract. So as far as I know the Sabres control where they play. Östlund and Savoie are expected to for sure. Uncertain about the plan for Wahlberg. I thought Östlund was the most dangerous Amerk on the ice last night. He’s small, but fast and always moving and involved; he’s looked that way every time I’ve watched him play. But even though he attacks the game like Benson, he doesn’t show Benson’s ability to get underneath bigger guys to win puck battles. Definite hole in his game even though overall he’s looked effective.

Yes. I believe Komarov will be another one eligible. I think he and Savoie could join them if their teams get knocked out of the CHL playoffs and the Amerks are still playing. I am not sure if they could play, (Savoie has played there and is under contract) but they could be a part of the Black Aces for the playoff run.

And what will it cost to acquire the Mitts replacement in trade and how much will his cap hit be? PS: Mitts added 3 assists for the Avs last night.

He is a competitive kid so that will drive improvement. He is only 18, his physical peak is still years away. The Sabres staff will have specific things for him to work on this summer. They will track his progress and provide support. He has more room to grow stronger and faster in one summer than a mature man like Girgensons. He is an NHLer now which will open doors for him in the summer, training with other NHLers, better gyms, better trainers and better partners. He has more money which will enable more resources to be available to him. My take, no way he isn’t a certain percentage stronger and faster than last September when he shows up for camp.

Great!!

Yes, all of them.

Can guys like Wahlberg and Östlund, and even Savioe, play in ROC next season?

Haha - this has been my biggest life lesson in the year or so I have actually been posting (after lurking in the shadows for 10+ years). 🙂

We’ve already entered the part of ‘draft season’ that I absolutely detest. ‘Draft Grades’ or ‘Winners and Losers’ written by the ‘draft experts’. The comparison is made between their evaluations and those of NFL teams. And when they match up the team is an A+ winner. When not, the team screwed up. Forget about the folly of evaluating player picks just hours after the draft. The hubris of these guys is unbelievable. They do not have the resources NFL teams do to gather all the necessary information. Just once I would like to see one of these guys to a self-evaluation using the actual teams’ selections as the measuring stick. ‘Mel Kiper gave himself a D+’. But that’s as likely as the hair growing back on my head. Lastly, it’s an inexact science. The hits and misses will become apparent in due time. But I will always favor the opinion of those with the most information in these conditions. Rant over. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. 😄

Honest question for the folks on the board who know more about actual development: I keep reading that Benson's skating is not great (good, but not great) and he could use a harder/quicker shot ... a player can still work on their skating and shooting at 18/19 yrs old, right?? I mean I read about players who get drafted with "flaws" that they work on and correct. Given his apparent work ethic, I would not be shocked at all (atol) if he came back with improvements in those two areas next fall.

He could end up in a great situation. Hopefully it’s not KC or Cincy.

I don't doubt the pool was small. I wouldn't be surprised the pool was one: Lindy. Just saying Adams never said he interviewed double digits in 5 days.

This is just like the keenan Allen and DK feel bad for the kid

If he’s still there, droppping a 5th to take a flier on a player with his upside is very reasonable.

Who knows if it's real but only a few ways you fall down every teams draft board.

Sorry he's gone but I always felt he undercalled Sabres goals like other national announcers. Thorne did it as well. Sorry again... He sounds confused every time I hear his calls.

Upon reflection, I don’t think I’ve watch any WR college highlights where they were covered on every snap minus a busted coverage here or there. It was certainly notable. I’m putting my faith in Beane but when dude is known for his contested catch ability because he’s always blanketed, I have concerns. I’m hoping he can make a living with those abilities in the NFL. Not sure why Josh loves him, hope there is good reason.