K-9

I really do think it was as simple as listening to their doctor the entire time. Nothing about listening to that advice helped them in any way. In fact, it hurt them from a trading perspective. And yet, they stuck to the advice from Dr. Cappuccino. All the noise about insurance, risk, other opinions favoring ADR was just that; noise. Made for an interesting narrative in some parts, but nothing more. Sometimes, the simplest explanation makes the most sense. And it does here.

McJesus Wilts

Are you in the surgical theater eating Junior Mints? Be careful not to drop one.

I disagree. I think Dr. Cappuccino’s opinion was paramount and that’s what they were gonna adhere to, regardless. Following his advice from the beginning was a major disadvantage to the Sabres and yet they stuck with it the entire time.

Is the risk to the degree that Dr. Cappuccino posited? I would think the assessment of a pioneer of the procedure, who has performed more ADRs than anyone on the planet and who is recognized worldwide as a preeminent authority in the field, might be persuasive to those having to make the decision. Eichel was getting traded whether he was ever injured or not. But he was and it makes sense the Sabres would want him healthy and back on the ice as quickly as possible to facilitate a trade and maximize the return. And yet, they insisted on a procedure that offered the least advantage in that regard. They listened to their doctor. Simple as that.

Do they win those cups without Mario? If the answer is no, then I’d say it was worth it. Hell, just the thrills Lemieux provided while they were building may have been worth it. What a player!

I think that’s the sound of major stress relief. It must have been tough on his nerves for the entirety of the Eichel drama. And it isn’t like that was the only thing on his plate, either.

First time I’ve had any kind of extended look at him and I wasn’t disappointed.

You can tell who sees the game better most of the time, but it’s so much more obvious at the minor league level.

Pekar! Tricky little bastard.

Krebs is skilled.

Nice. Quinn from Krebs on the PP!

I don’t know, but Peterka just looks so ready.

Didn’t see an option for “Hall of Famer” so I declined to answer.

That’s the one.

It seems your idea of concern about a heavy collision is on point. I just watched the NHL Now interview with KA from earlier today and he was asked why the Sabres didn’t want the ADR. KA spoke of Dr. Cappuccino as the Sabres doctor authoring their medical opinion, qualified him as a pioneer in the procedure who has performed more ADR surgeries than anyone and is perhaps the foremost authority in the world on the subject. Adams made it sound like Cappuccino didn’t recommend the ADR because of the rigors of the game. So your idea of the concern about a heavy collision is well founded. That also dovetails with what the orthopedic surgeon told me about fusion offering more stability. Adams did a good job over the course of the 12 minute interview.

Eichel is just not captain material, but I don’t blame him for that. It’s just not in his personality. I think that’s on the team (coaches and players) who anointed him such. There were better options, imo.

Good question. I had an orthopedic specialist (knee) say that given the nature of the sport, some doctors feel better about the stability that fusion provides, but there is just no precedent.

Per the bold, absofrickenlutely! None of the three ever became part of the solution on the ice and sometimes it’s just not enough NOT to be part of the problem on the ice. Their character and personalities aside, the rebuild after the tank was a complete and utter failure and great players or not, all three were part of that ignominious legacy and had to go. It was simply time.

Like something out of ‘Game of Thrones.’

Heavy duty setting, extra spin cycle.

He has a Ryan Miller-type vibe.

I honestly couldn’t even venture a guess. What’s the scuttlebutt in Edmonton? Because there’s been a ton of scuttlebutt here since Eichel’s second season with the team. Have any of McDavid’s former teammates or team insiders called him out on a podcast?

My heart goes out to that mom and her son.

Per the bold, with Gionta and Gorges, definitely. With Kane and Bogo? I doubt it. They were poison to the young guys.