K-9

Good post, d. It's easy to forget in today's sensationalized view of the mid-east in general and Iran in particular, that so much knowledge was developed there. It's the "cradle of civilization" for a reason.

Everything I'm hearing suggests otherwise. I'll be surprised if he's the OL coach when camp opens. GO BILLS!!!

Looks like Kromer is all but officially let go at this point. Anderson's gonna get his shot. GO BILLS!!!

I, too, was looking forward to a Risto/Z pairing for the next 10 years. But, aside from a handful of great plays and that he gives out the most pucks to kids during warmups, he raised a ton of red flags for me. I don't hold his immaturity against him; he's just 20 after all. But he mailed it in the last 20 games last year and that concerns me greatly. I don't care if he didn't like Nolan or that he was fed up with the tank, you either have passion to play or you don't. I am weary of players that seem to turn their passion on and off. When I contrast his 20 year old attitude with a player like Girgensens for example, it really crystallizes the issue in my mind. Too much of a wild card. GO SABRES!!!

Not meaning to come across as disingenuous at all. Perhaps his number will have future cap implications in the face of re-signing certain other players; that remains to be seen. But that's not the context in which I meant it. In terms of how teams value players, the money is a non-issue and can't be considered something they "gave up" to sign him in the way that the two players and two prospects were. GO SABRES!!!

It's not about the points with O'Reilly. He's the new "intangible"; Drury 2.0. If he scores 60 points it's pure bonus. The points he prevents opponents from scoring are just as valuable imo. When it comes to hockey character, Stafford isn't in the same universe. Not even close. The money is a total non issue. GO SABRES!!! In a few years, his deal won't seem like an "over" payment at all as salaries continue to escalate. GO SABRES!!!

Agree entirely with this post, especially the bold text. GO SABRES!!!

A player who hasn't shown anything. A player who has shown flashes of potential and immaturity while disappearing for the last 20 games last season. A college player that regressed his sophomore year and is at least two years away from making an NHL team. Jeremy Roy. Who? Proven NHL top-6 performer, 60 point scorer in the NHL, universally recognized as a top two-way player in the NHL, Lady Byng winner, team leader who would rather lose a limb than lose a game. In other words, a bunch of players who either haven't accomplished anything in the league or haven't been in the league at all for one that has. And is only 24 years old. GO SABRES!!!

Context please. GO SABRES!!!

I voted for Reagan and he was no neo-conservative. I'm referring to others that influenced policy.

I give Sanders credit for being consistent throughout his political career; from mayor, to congressman, to senator. He's always been a staunch defender of the middle class and has never been afraid to call out those most responsible: the elected officials and their corporate slave masters. I honestly worry for his life. As for the conservative nonsense? It's been going on for much longer than fifteen years. The neo-con movement took hold when Reagan's boys in the basement (Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, et al) started wielding influence. Their momentum was somewhat slowed during Clinton's term, but came back full throttle under Bush 2. And I understand Wolfowitz is one of Jeb's advisers as well. That scares the crap out of me. Conservatives from my dad's era (Goldwater, Nixon, Ford) wouldn't recognize the neo-conservative movement of the last 35 years and I don't regret a minute of leaving their party. IMO, the neo-cons have ruined this country. My only concern is if it's irreparable or not. Linky no worky.

Are we confusing economic systems with governmental systems? Nice post, Promo. Bernie Sanders resonates because the middle class continues to erode as you point out. There is a finite number of dollars in circulation. I wonder what history has to say about what happens when a disproportionate amount are controlled by too few.

My take as well. Everything about Eichel's game, right down to the longer stick, has reminded me of Mario's game since the prospects game last year. Very deceptive speed like Lemieux as well. GO SABRES!!!

I believe Gretzky was in two training camps with the Sabres in the mid-80s. GO SABRES!!!

Do you mean with his eyes or by merely thinking about it?

Great stuff here. Thanks for sharing. GO SABRES!!!

Is that the cell phone with the built-in espresso maker? Anyway, I don't ever recall, as in EVER, anyone being irked by a player taking his time in selecting his number. And I attribute that phenomenon to people simply wanting to order his jersey. But so what? Why not just wait for his process to work itself out? What's the rush? I do recall numerous instances of players being deferential to other players in that regard, though. Eichel respects the process more than the fans do, it seems. GO SABRES!!!

I vote generational. Gotta be the first one on the block with an Eichel jersey. God forbid I order one with the wrong number on it! GO SABRES!!!

Yes. Value is a dynamic element. He's certainly worth less to the Predators now. GO SABRES!!!

You are over (or perhaps under) thinking it. There is only one explanation: he's worth $7.5m because someone is willing to pay him $7.5m per year. Period. Any comparisons to other players, their stats, salaries, etc., is just noise that misses the point entirely. GO SABRES!!! "Top dollar" is a constantly moving target. Compared to others, he's not making close to top dollar; he's closer to "middling dollar." As contracts continue to escalate in value, his deal will look more and more middling, too. GO SABRES!!!

I think it's all part of his not putting the cart before the horse. I think he's genuine when he says he won't pick one until he knows he's made the team. And if the NHL is anything like the NFL, there might be some backroom negotiations going on with another player on the team. My wish is for Bert to say he can have it and do it proud. But I know that won't happen. GO SABRES!!!

Nobody knows the reality of that philosophy better than us. GO SABRES!!!

Don't discount girth. GO SABRES!!! I think Taro cleared it up for all of us. It was a function of what team he was on as of the last trade deadline.

As if Ink didn't have enough material with Semin. GO SABRES!!!

Yeah, me too. We assumed his contract the minute the trade was consummated by the league. GO SABRES!!!