tom webster

The CHL thing is not so much of anti CHL as it is the different time line with European and College prospects. The thinking has been, since it’s all a crap shoot, why not give yourself the most time possible to evaluate the prospects. I’m quite sure that they would never bypass a CHL player strictly by this criteria but it is part of the equation

It’s not unusual for new executives to have the current make decisions regarding tear down before they join the organization. I believe that there will be substantial additions to the front office announced in the near future. Of course, my credibility took a hit earlier this season, so take my opinion for what it is, my opinion.

As I have said before, even though Botts had taken over, it was still Tim Murray's staff and his rating system put an emphasis on high ceiling/ high risk picks after the top half of the first round, hence the Laaksonen pick, which despite LGRM's protestations, is still to be determined. The irony of his system, if he used it throughout the draft, he would have chosen Draissaitl over Sam.

For those who think the Sabres have drafted horribly for decades, check out an article by dobber prospects in May of 2020 listing them as tied for third in the league in return over expected return for draft years 2000-2009. Furthermore, I contend that we will look back at the last four drafts favorably as well. I have a tremendous amount of respect for LGRM’s knowledge and passion when it comes to prospects but it’s way too early to judge the last three or four drafts.

So if we are playing fantasy, the Sabres don’t trade for ROR or Kane, finish at the bottom again, draft either Matthew’s, Laine or PLD, still have Compher, Lemieux and a couple other first round picks, Lehner isn’t an alcoholic and nobody cares about all the guys they should have drafted.

Carolina picked up his fifth year option so he will get over $19M guaranteed for the 22/23 season. Maybe not $250M but not chump change.

Brown is from Ithaca so I wouldn’t assume he has Buffalo on his list but there is no way Buffalo is trading for a 36 year old forward.

Don’t know but that graphic you posted clearly says regular season since 1981/82

That table is only since 1981. Don Luce, for one, not on table but scored two shorthanded goal in 23 seconds.

The hockey actually does duck league wide. Some divisions aren’t playing defense. Some divisions can’t play offense. The Bruins have actually been worse 5 on 5 then Buffalo. The way people on this board, you included, talk, the Sabres are the worst team ever. Their record, in spite of not getting the expected play from Eichel, Hall, Skinner and Dahlin are right in the middle of it. I’m done with this endless conversation, I’ll be back in April when the playoff race is more obvious.

He is a nut case. On the other hand, given his extreme political views it would be interesting to see how we could discuss him without violating separation of political thread and hockey related threads,

Arizona, Ottawa and a couple other teams are going to be willing to take on $6M in salary in return for for two years of a $6M cap hit.

Like Free said, he’s only owed $4M each of the last Beto years. Further, $2M next year is a signing bonus, so they could trade him after July 1st and new team would only owe $2M in 21/22 and $4M in 22/23 so he will be very tradeable in offseason. Becsuse of his standing with team, it will be an amicable, smooth divorce.

I know it’s tough to watch at times but a lot of this team is new and had little preseason and the guys that have been around have been through three coaches and three GM’s. Burying him in the minors only relieves about a million dollars in cap and that would be exhausted on any replacement.

It’s hysterical to me that everyone equates effort and work ethic with Lindy Ruff. When he first took over people were up in arms because his team played so much more passive them Ted Nolan. It took three quarters of a season for people to understand that developing a true system actually took time and guys that looked like they were not trying were actually playing more responsible. Krueger has been implementing a more rigid defensive posture and people hate it. Just wait till the next two games, Trotz versus Krueger, it might be like watching paint dry. I hope everyone got to read one of the many articles written about the first ten games from an analytical view. This team isn’t great but it is a playoff team once Eichel, Hall and Skinner start shooting their average and they get the goaltending. They are making progress, the Eakin line will be a problem this year but that is next offseason’s fix.

First, I apologize for the term ridiculous. Second, given your propensity for hyperbole, forgive me if I don’t take it as gospel. I know people are frustrated and I love your particular passion but this team is going to be in the middle of things and when they are we will both be there cheering.

This is so ridiculous I don’t even know how to respond.

Nobody gets high energy night after night.

The players concessions took some of the urgency other team was feeling but I think the goalie in question will still be dealt but teams are still feeling we’re they stand.

Staal apparently can’t play back to back and Hutton just can’t plsy

Every game in this division went to overtime yesterday. I know everyone wants “style” points but every point is even more important this year. Win anyway you can.

There is no doubt that something is bothering him. He seems to have a lot of trouble accepting passes and stick handling. It does not seem to effect his shot.

Wow. Nothing from their obviously injured captain. Nothing from their 9 million winger, Their generational defenseman is still struggling. Apparently their coach sucks. They have played six games against two of the top five teams. And yet? The underlying numbers say dumb coach’s system leads the league in quality shot suppression, possession numbers are good and: Their record is 4-3-2 and would be 6-2-1 with better goaltending. Sounds to me like process is working.

Jersey is better and Isles and Pens may not be as good as people think.

Sorry, he gave up two softies in regulation. Gave up a point Jersey shouldn’t have.