tom webster

I agree it probably won’t happen, at least this year but if they are upgrading the forward corps next year, expendable list goes 1) Kyle if he decides to retire or go to Minny 2) Mitts unless they trade VO in a big, splash move. 3) whomever survives #2

Someone has to go. It almost certainly will be someone from that line. My opionion is that if, and it’s a big if, they acquire a forward, he slides into JJP’s spot and JJP takes Mitts spot.

I think he has made great strides. I think they can find someone that rounds out the team better.

Whenever someone I respect talks about what this team needs, the third item after another defensemen, a goalie(unless 6K continues to develop) is a physical presence at forward. I know some don’t agree with me, but this is the biggest reason I think Mitts is the odd man out. There is no other forward in the current top 12 they are going to sit this year barring injury.

This is example of the “laundering” of unsubstantiated rumors. Someone posts to a message board. People start talking about it on Twitter. Some Eckkund type picks it up. Suddenly Sabres have supposedly “reached out.” E3. Finally it becomes a “friend of a friend” story. Epilogue: Inkman posts something incredulous.

I would be shocked if Dahlin’s number comes under $11M.

Like you said, they will never do this because current system allows teams to fool their fans into believing they are close. I know SDS wants some form of analysis but it’s impossible to get correct data because like you and others have said, teams will play different under this scoring system.

To be honest, I said I was told it was done. Still believe KA overplayed his hand but it’s all ancient history now. Might be the only thing he really missed on so far.

I hope you are right. If you are, all those prospects should be able to be turned into the best depth, best defensive corp, best goaltending ever.

It’s not just about scoring. Is your opinion that the Sabres are a Cup contender with the top ten you mentioned previously? Assuming, of course, that JJP and Quinn continue to develop, and not thinking about defense and goalie for this point. if so, that’s fine, I disagree but I don’t think it’s impossible to consider.

I don’t think we necessarily disagree. Depending on what else is available, Jost on the 4th line isn’t terrible. However, if you get someone better then Krebs and Jost, then for me Krebs is ahead of Jost for fourth line role.

I feel like we are arguing the same point but whatever. I like how Jost and Mitts have played and Mitts especially has surprised me but I think they both can and should be improved upon next year.

There is definitely room for them to be worked into the lineup for stretches until they prove they can handle the rigors of an 82 game schedule. At some point it stops being about making room for rookies and actually trying to contend for a Cup. There’s a reason most teams don’t have 3 or 4 contenders for rookie of the year.

First, again, I don’t think they get him but eventually they will have to make this kind of move. Playing Quinn and JJP fit the plan this year fit the plan. Next year, there should be no room for rookies playing significant roles unless they prove they earned it. Second, his situation will be different as he is closer to free agency. Third, players take home grown discounts with the understanding that the team will spend the money to increase their chances of winning a championship.

On other thing, make no mistake, this is player driven. There is a lot of pressure on these guys by the NHLPA to not accept below market deals.

As Chad has said, Cozens camp for the first time has indicated a willingness to sign for around Tage’s deal provided the structure is to their liking. I’m confident this gets done, maybe before the break ends. To have Tage, Tuch and Cozens locked up for the foreseeable future at less than $20M will be unbelievable.

Need to discuss this over a drink, Eleven.

No matter how many times you say, it isn’t true. Like most of us have said, they won’t do it. I believe they should, but they won’t.

He’s still an RFA, so he has no choice but to play next year for $10M qualifying offer or leave that money on the table.

I don’t think they trade for him but they definitely can afford him.

I’m pretty sure you all know, but just in case, you realize that is from last January.

I have no doubt.

Topics like this always amaze and intrigue me. Surely people understand that their opinion on anything is not the be all, end all. I have no problem with everyone’s opinion, just that they think it’s so absolute.

I do not think building capacity is linked to available seats but I don’t think they drop that low. I could see 15-16K, however.

I don’t think you need that many anymore. Arenas through all sports have started to scale back, at least in most cases.