nfreeman

Ok, I'm ready to predict that Nelson is ahead of Pysyk in the D rotation by the end of next season.

Good post. I agree with all of this.

38 posted this in the Carey Nelson thread (which is a misdemeanor offense). I thought it was relevant here, and a great summary of GMTM's remarks on Kaner, so I'm quoting it here. It was pretty interesting hearing GMTM speak very frankly about Kaner. GMTM clearly likes Evander's game, but he didn't pull any punches about areas for improvement. It sounded to me like GMTM wants a bit more ROR/Drury dedication out of Kaner, and a bit more opening up to his teammates, in order to make Kaner more of a leader on the team.

I think it's way too early to judge Lehner, including the asset the Sabres gave up for him. We'll need at least one full season out of him before we can evaluate. I do not discount Eastside's concerns about giving up too much in the trade for Kane, but I really think it comes down to how one feels about Kane. I am very happy with him on this team and can see him adding even more value next year. I also don't think the Sabres could've gotten materially more for the assets they gave up than Kane, Bogo and the goalie prospect. I agree that Fasching/McNabb at this point is more or less a wash. If Fasching has a big year next year, which certainly could happen, we can start to exult about that move. I think everyone's happy with ROR.

Interesting, and very possible. I wouldn't be surprised though if Franson stays in the lineup and Pysyk is either traded or ends up fighting it out with Franson and/or Nelson for 5/6/7 priority.

Thanks -- just listened to it. GMTM also mentioned a couple of times that Nelson is a good skater and has a high hockey IQ. It sounded to me like GMTM expects him to be a full-time Sabre, possibly as early as next year.

I think he has to be a pro for 7 years before becoming UFA -- so that would enable him, if he times his next contract correctly, to skip town at the age of 25. Looking at it right now, I'd have to say it's not terribly likely, but if they continue to stink, it's possible. In particular, if they continue to stink between now and the time he signs his next contract, I would kinda expect that contract to end during the same summer that he's UFA-eligible. I certainly would advise him to set it up that way.

Very nice.

Not a chance.

Very nice.

This thread demonstrates why PAFan, baggage notwithstanding, is a platinum level poster. What a great find. The shot of the front doors and the entrance hall leading to the turnstiles really brought me back. We sat for a number of years in the blues under that overhang. The Aud was cramped and claustrophobic in the interior, but it was most assuredly not a dump. It was a fantastic place to watch a hockey game. There was no Chef and Muffy issue in that building. The newer arenas have better food (that SportsSevice logo was another, less welcome, blast from the past) and are more comfortable, but too much has been sacrificed on the altar of creature comfort.

OK -- time to chill out in here.

from the WSJ: Oboyoboyoboy...

I assume you're joking? As in "ha ha, can you believe how wrong I was about Vanek?"

Out.

I don't like Vanek at all, but I would trade Moulson for him in a second for the reasons TBPhD mentioned. What a freaking waste of talent he's turned out to be.

I agree with pretty much all of this.

But is anyone really disputing the proposition that an owner shouldn't force hockey decisions on his GM if the goal is to produce the best team? My impression of this discussion is that many have said the owner is entitled to do what he wants with his team, while others have said essentially that he/she is not so entitled. Is anyone saying that owners weighing in on hockey decisions improves he on-ice product? The rest of the discussion has revolved around a forensic discussion of children's tweets to speculate that/whether their dad did in fact meddle.

Vacation!

So if I understand this correctly, Mirtle wasn't tweeting about TP? Just about the concept of ownership meddling? And this somehow has been deemed to vindicate PAFan's ongoing, based-wholly-on-speculation (not sure whether this is "speculation that" or "speculation whether") crusade? If you must.

Dennis -- that is awesome. Congrats to you and your awesome wife. If you're taking suggestions for names -- "French Connection Menace" "SabreSpace Moderator Menace" "Rex Ryan Menace" Enjoy!

Better than, say, the local Sabres reporters, none of whom seemed to be in the loop on this? Boom!

Interesting. He's good good size and a nice college resume.

Now that would be pretty sweet.

Yes, and both deserve credit for this. But it doesn't mean the job is done or that vigilance is no longer needed. It's also worth noting that the problem is several orders of magnitude greater in Europe than it is here due to much greater proportions of Muslim immigrants and lesser assimilation.