tom webster

I know it’s been a long time for all of us but the Sabres are entering that period were a few things change; 1) Any long term additions need to be top tier upgrades. Six or seven of their top nine forwards should be pretty much set for the next two or three years. If Krebs continues to embrace his current role that’s another one. Assuming a couple of veteran forwards with a defensive edge to them, there will be room for two, maybe three prospects in the top thirteen/fourteen. 2) As good as Quinn and JJP have played, they demonstrate how most prospects are not ready to be main pieces on a cup contender. Therefore, any prospect that won’t be able to make an immediate impact is just a chip that may be used to acquire something that will have an immediate impact. 3) They will likely trade players that are actually good. It’s not about amassing the twenty most talented players, it’s about building a team. You need players that do the little things, players that will occasionally contribute during a grueling eighty-two game schedule and players that will understand they may sit for a deadline day acquisition once the playoff start when players are acquired at the deadline. 4) For some of you, welcome to a brave new world. Buckle up, it can be fun.

It’s not that unusual for players waived through the league are later traded. There are several reasons for that mostly concerned with contract and other restrictions. Also, without looking it up, I would bet more players stay the four years and sign with team that drafted them. However, the only ones anyone pays attention to are the 1 or 2 legitimate prospects that have options. Finally, I still think there is a decent chance Johnson signs and I agree, Portillo walks or his rights are traded and I still think he is a long shot prospect at best.

Most of the venues are designed so they a good majority can actually watch the game while in those restaurants and bars. Still, I’m with you, I’m watching from seats.

You have to remember that the arena was built in mid 90’s and was billed as a no frills, built within budget arena. The arena can be upgraded. They can remove seats and create what most people now want. The Rogers center is in the process of being renovated to try and vooy what is now in vogue. Wider, less seats and multiple entertainment areas. You watch a RedWing game now and you would swear no one is there because they are all in one of the 80 restaurants and bars in the place. Kim Pegula’s absent will be felt mostly here as she was spearheading the renovations.

Excellent. E3 rumour Sabres offer Weber Ennis 2nd round in 2025, and, if Edmonton retains half salary, Buffalo will throw in JJP and Jacob Bryson

Again, they are not trading any of the Tage and Cozens lines, unless of course, Edmonton is dealing McDavid.

It’s not like she was born into wealth. She had a tough life growing up and worked hard to put herself into a position where she had the ability to take advantage of the opportunities she had bestowed on her.

Just to be clear, I’m not saying they would package all 4, but I could see two going. You can only play so many guys.

One other thing, just because the qualifying offer has to be $10M does not mean his new contract has to be. On the other hand, Buffalo is one of the few teams able to afford the $10M next year. They could, in theory, agree to pay him the $10M next year and sign him to an extension in January of 2024.

For the record, he’s a strong, tough to play against forward with elite skill but at 6’1”, big might not be the word I would use. I still don’t think they end up getting him but three things I believe to be absolutes. 1) Quinn and JJP aren’t going anywhere. 2) Cozens play has them thinking they can speed up this process by giving him an elite, experienced winger and moving JJP or Quinn to Jost line 3) All 3 of last year’s picks are in play as well as Rosen and I wouldn’t be shocked if any of them are included in any deal.

When I look at the leaderboards, I just ignore Connor and Leon.

I love Lafferty but I also think Asplund is here next year.

I’m leaning this way as well although I could envision a scenario where they acquire a veteran and then rotate kids in. I’ll admit I’ve been surprised by the Jost, Casey and VO lines so I don’t expect any change’s except like you said, for Bryson.

Question for everyone with the deadline coming up. Besides an upgrade at defense, if all forwards stay healthy, the likely positions to be upgraded for playoffs would be Quinn, JJP and maybe Krebs if a strong, defensive center, adept at face offs is available. Would you rather have the 3 kids play or sit during the playoffs?

I really don’t know but I’ve read numerous times how he wants to continue playing and hopes it’s again with the Bills. I also googled article when he signed and it was announced as a one year deal. I’ll be seeing someone mid-February who will know so if we don’t find out before then, I’ll ask.

I don’t know about your other numbers without looking it up but Saffold signed a 1 year deal so he’s not on books for anything.

Early Vegas odds have them the number two favorite for next years Super Bowl.

I’ve tried to stay out of this debate but I’m fascinated by the fact that the consensus seems to be that a 13-3 team that is no worse the. The 6th best team in the league as we speak, have, 1) an inept head coach 2) terrible coordinators 3) too many roster holes to list 4) a terrible scouting department 5) an overrated front office. They were embarrassed yesterday and are clearly a notch behind the four semi-finalist, but how is this all possible?

I keep forgetting that part of the rules, thanks.

I’m not sure there is any data base that proves this statement. I know there is no data base that includes a QB of his size. The one data base that does exist? Josh has only been injured while attempting to throw behind the line of scrimmage.

I’ve been thinking this for awhile. In my mind, it’s 4 teams, for 1 spot. I just can’t imagine Florida not being in. I do believe the Sabres can beat the other 4. Only slightly off topic, can you imagine Pittsburgh missing the playoffs and then not unlike the Crosby draft, miraculously winning the lottery and getting Connor!?

Here is a Forbes article that projects $92 by 25/26 I am not sure why link isn't posting but you can google it. Report: NHL Salary Cap Projected To Make $4 Million Jump For 2024-25 Season (forbes.com)

I’m talking within 2 or 3 years but most insiders expect next years cap to go up more than the original $1M projection as well. Bettman took heat for overestimating the last two years so he was bring more cautious this year. Remember, the cap is being artificially kept lower because of advances players got during COVID. I’ve talked to people who should know that expect it to approach $95M within three years.

This is not a recording, cap will be at lest $90 million if not more. Locking up the core early will be helpful. They may still have some issues, which is why they must continue to bring in talent on entry level deals, but they do have some flexibility.

Yes, my belief is that he’s here as long as he wants to be. Besides, he, as much as anyone, deserves to experience the highs after so many lows.