...

And so begins five months of a tired narrative to which there is no conclusion.

You've met both?

Just a gut feeling: I think KO has had enough of being an NHL player and would prefer to be a dad for a while. I think if they were to have made the playoffs this year, then KO would have retired afterward. So, my guess is that he's weighing another season with a good possibility of going to the playoffs on a team he "invested so much into" versus finally getting off the merry-go-round and being a family guy. Assuming my guesses are correct, it presents an understandably very difficult dilemma and that I think he's earnest when he says he wants to take time and talk to his family about it. Additionally, I would suspect that KA has likely told him to take his time and that he has a spot here if he wants it - for ~ $2m/1yr. VO will be gone and I bet they cut ties with Z. That leaves an open slot to fill with a player upgrade and slot for either KO or one of the upcoming guys.

After watching the locker clean-out videos, I have just a few comments/observations: Dahlin's comments on his contract scare me. Best interview was Jost. Hope he comes back. Tuch's personality is very much like Ryan Miller's. The closest I've seen from a Sabre, or any NHL player, since Miller himself. He's more approachable than Miller and much less of a smooth talker, but the fundamental personality is very similar. Okposo is such a dignified and smart guy with a really great sounding voice. He sounds like a person conflicted over whether to put in another season as a player in the NHL. I can see him as a coach/assistant coach or GM/Assistant GM in the very near future.

Is this the thread where we'll get the updated rankings or will a new one be started? I don't remember.

I agree with a lot of this. The only thing is that I suspect KO is out of here and that you really aren't going to find a replacement for Girgensons at the right price other than Girgensons himself. I don't know off hand who you fill out the 4th line with but that leaves only one spot to fill. For the last roster spot I think they should find a capable D man and carry 2 D men extra for injuries (a rotation of Boosh, Stillman, Joki).

This is the way. If we learned anything this season it's that a team needs quality goal-tending and that is not something you can cheap out on. Levi and his ilk are effectively a gift.

Anyone else recognize the irony in saying things like: "this team was a lot better than expected," "I didn't expect them to get as good as they are so fast," and "no one expected us to be in the race" and after that "KA should have recognized their needs and done something sooner/over the summer". These are the threads that make me want to take a long time away from the forum and sports-fans generally. One or two keyboard GMs drive a caustic, logic-and-reason-flawed narrative that persists at least until opening night.

This is an Okposo who knows he's not coming back. Kind of sad. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/kyle-okposo-postgame-41123/t-277437090/c-16563692

NJ is a tough team and had several motivations behind this game. Buffalo second of a back-to-back also with a lot to play for. A pity. Anyway, was watching the NJ feed - if I hear the name "Hughes" again for several days I'm going to lose it.

Depends.

Wait, is the game over? I couid swear I just watched the end of the second period.

He's 21. He can sleep Wednesday.

Mitts is the hero of the night! What a game. Are we equal to the Rangers with Levi?

I have to mention Greenway, separately, has looked really good so far tonight.

Wow, such an impressive goal by Quinn, JJ, and Jost. Simply great, heady offensive work by all three.

One man's pain is another's pleasure.

The ability to move around players across lines and in different positions is a major asset. It allows Meatballs to match or neutralize opponent line strengths and exploit the individual strengths of our players. I guess that makes Mitts' progress even more important.

So, given the last responses, it's safe to categorize this guy as a more typical D prospect and the real point of this thread is simply to pivot off the title "Johnson watch".

What's all the hubbub about? Is this guy good, like the D version of Levi good?

Greenway has been a good pickup. He's exceeded my expectations. Well, I was expecting little but maybe I should reconsider my trust in the team's ability to judge talent.

His decisions are typically subtle but he did put on his icy-heart coaching hat for this game. Without reviewing the other games none stand out for coaching quite like this one - except for the defensive break downs that seem hitherto unaddressed.

Fantastic game. I'll prolly repeat a lot that's already been said, but obviously this was one of Dahlin's best games and biggest moments. We needed that Dahlin and we got it. Good to see Tage getting the ol' shot going again and especially good to see Mitts net one - maybe of all the players he's earned a goal. Funny, some teams neutralize our top line but can't do the same to our second line at the same time while other teams can neutralize the second line but can't the top. Anyway, good to see a solution for defense which wasn't totally reliant on Levi but, of course, Levi was a huge part of our defense today. Speaking of D, looks like our D was more mindful of their positioning near the crease as I didn't detect a scary moment like some of the ones that have bit Levi the prior few games. Glad to see the arena alive and pumping - the area needs that as well as the team. Carolina is a tough team so this win ain't a nothing win by a long shot.

Oh, Doug, where have ye gone?

We have four goalies and all off them get scored on in the same manner. Conclusion: we need a coach who knows how to teach defense.