tom webster

Let’s not forget, Hall was willing to sign a long term deal. It was the Sabres who preferred one year. I think this gets done sooner rather then later.

The baseball reserve clause was in place fir close to one hundred years. However, I don’t necessarily disagree with the first two paragraphs. However, look how much has changed in the last few years with regard to what most hockey lifers felt was so vital to success. As far as the AHL, hockey players that can’t make the NHL aren’t just going to disappear, the business model will just change. All you have to do for proof that these things are not a figment of my imagination is look at the evolving relationship Major League Baseball teams and their minor leagues.

I have had several conversations regarding this but the main point is that the prevailing opinion from those that have studied this a lot more in depth then myself is that while there will always be a player or two that uses the AHL to develop their game, the cost of running these operations outweighs the benefits. There really is no way to judge if it’s a correct assumption or not until it’s fully implemented, if ever, but a guy like Cozens, would his career arc not be the same if he spent a year practicing, working out and eating with the team while playing a game or two per week until he was ready for more?

I’m on record as saying I don’t think playing in the AHL does anything for his development. I believe that being part of the taxi squad and playing when they feel they can use him will result in the same, if not better development path. I also believe that like scouting, teams will start to realize that teams will realize they don’t need farm teams to develop talent and a careful cost/benefit analysis will result in a change to this taxi squad model.

Not sure I like the analogy. I’m referring to happenings while person is in charge of that department. I guess some people might say the child is in charge but I think you know what I mean.

I defer to you and others when it comes to prospects. The others tell me he could be a 3.

One of the rules I live by, you can’t blame someone for all the bad if you don’t give them credit for all the good. I respect those that disagree, but that’s how I evaluate everything.

Now this surprises me. I thought you hated the Johnson pick.

I know you hate this response but it’s still incomplete and like it or not, he gets credit for Dahlin.

I know the feelings towards JBOT and I agree he had his shortcomings but looking at his three drafts, I’ll wager that no team has as many potential NHL’ers left as Buffalo. They probably missed on a couple of forwards but they could end up with two goalies and five defenseman that will be assets of one grade or another besides a number one defenseman and a number two center. One disclaimer, I don’t usually believe the GM has much to do with the draft but I know a lot of you evaluate him that way.

Getting Thurman one hundred yards was merely a by product. The plan was to keep the receivers in front of them and then pound them when they caught it.

I hear completely opposite opinion from people close to RaKu. Some people just connect differently.

As I’ve said before, if Casey develops into a legit asset, this team becomes very deep and a lot better then people are expecting.

I think something you might see is a 13-5 line up with Reider as a PK specialist.

Exactly, my only point is there may be no room for on the job training.

The problem this year is that their is no room for on the job training this year. Every point will be even more at a premium then usual.

I’m not sure that’s true. He’s only two years out from his draft class, pretty common for him to be playing in this tourney.

Me too

Somebody named Jake Rudock

Fitz out with COVID

Grier declined to be part of Lindy’s staff which is why I suggested hiring him here.

Nice story but I’d be interested about his plans now that he’s not with Devils. I’d like to see him here, not because he played here but because of his pedigree and how well respected he is.

We disagree, and I’m pretty sure most of the team would too.

You don’t understand how a team is built and functions if you believe how they treat him doesn’t matter. This isn’t Madden. If building a team was just about acquiring the most talented players, it would be relatively easy. Putting a true team together is a lot more complex. The Bills are a perfect example of this. They tore it down, got rid of players that didn’t buy in. Talent trumps everything but players like KO in hockey, Lee Smith in football, they matter.

I’ve said this before, KO is the ultimate teammate and immensely respected. The team will not do anything that appears to be disrespectful. I’m not even sure they will ever buy him out even when it becomes more financially justified. Unless he decides he wants out, I see him playing out the contract.