7+6=13

I couldn't be happier he found his love for the game again.

My interpretation of mid-project is during his contract. There's was something off about this guy and I think he had to go. Even watching him playing so well with the Blues - I'm still glad he's gone. Paul Hamilton said they were trying to trade him before the trade deadline. IMO, he makes stuff up all the time but if he's right - he was clearly not doing the right things. PH also speculated that he desperately wanted to be the man and that he couldn't come to terms with not being the man. If that's accurate - I can't stand him even more. This will be my last response on this and it's been a good debate.

First, thank you for your service. Much respect! As a leader and at the top of the pay scale - no I wouldn't tell everyone under me and above me, I've lost my love for doing this. I've felt like it, but I wouldn't say it. I'd be the one that rallied everyone and encouraged them that things will get better. I'd tell them they can lean on me and I'll be strong when things aren't going well. So to answer your question - no - I've never told my team mid project that I'm questioning my decision to be involved.

Let's use your analogy then. Let's say that said significant other is paying you 7.5 million a year to love them. You've misinterpreted the relationship entirely.

O'Reilly never quits. Oh wait

Thank you for the suggestions. FYI, a question is contributing. I get it, you think the Pegula's told JBot that all candidates he interviews, they'll also interview with the thought in mind they want someone to have say in the personnel. That falls in line with the Bills structure, so it would make sense.

I don't get any of what you're suggesting? Because JBot is in a weak position he allowed RK to negotiate a large role in what players come here?

McCabe IMO, is the exact type of player we need to move away from. He's not a top 4.

Absolutely, that's what this forum is for, to have discussion about the team we love. IMO, this may be the most important off season in a decade. I don't just mean what we do in free agency but it's critical some young player(s) fill holes.

I get it, but Skinner is so much more important for this team than O'Reilly was and would be. So if it's an either or, it's an easy choice. Of course we need a 2C and desperately. O'Reilly would be the perfect player for the job in theory but hey JBot and/or the owners didn't want him on the team anymore. We probably have 12-14 million to address 2C, top 6 winger and a top 4 defenseman. Bit of a tall task but let's see what they do.

O'Reilly is no where near skilled enough to play wing for Eichel. You proposed an either or situation and I responded - it's literally what you posted. I'm taking a legit NHL proven line mate for Eichel over O'Reilly every single time - in the choices you provided. If you want to change the discussion to Skinner and O'Reilly then do so.

The zero trade protections is the reason you're wrong about JBot. Absolutely not. Giving Eichel a legit line-mate was the most important thing this team needed to do. It's for that reason Skinner has infinite more value than O'Reilly at 2C.

You think JBot is a fancy worder? Man, he's no wordsmith in my book. He says "it's a situation where" 20 times an interview. I'm banking on him being better behind the scenes - I've never once felt he was using word trickery.

I am genuinely shocked at how much several veteran posters like Reinhart - and now some consider him an option at 2nd line center. When I say shocked, it's not because I think I'm so right and whoever likes/thinks he can be a center is dead wrong. It's that it makes me question my ability to understand what I'm seeing.

Very fair point

I can only hope there's an Atari down there.

Sullivan has been as bad as the organizations - he just can't see it and had to go. He thinks he's tapped into the thought process of a significant portion of fans. He worked off the assumption some of the other portion would be drawn in, because it gets 'em just so darned upset. He miscalculated and doesn't understand the fan base at all. He's the guy in a clown suite calling the Pegula's clowns for hiring the clown show that is Rex Ryan.

How do you do it? You're special.

I can only imagine you're being too hard on yourself.

Just listened to his interview with Duff. I know talk is cheap (there's a cliche for you) but that's about all we have right now. I came away thoroughly impressed.

I actually agree with what your saying about balanced scoring. However I'd replace Skinner with Reinhart in that discussion and get my balanced scoring from his potential money.

I'm no expert but I've really tried to learn hockey over the last 6-7 years. I watch nearly every Sabres game and try to find time to watch other games. I see Reinhart as a role player on a good team. Maybe that will be the rate in a few years for a role player and paying a little more the first couple years is a factor. I like Sam, I just don't think the things he doesn't do well will get better with time even with him being such a young player.

IMO, signing Reinhart to 7 - 7.5 mil per would be a mistake. I wouldn't do it. I know that's an unpopular opinion at the moment with Kane and O'Reilly just leaving - but he's not the type of player that I want at those numbers. Paying him just because we're sore about losing talent is not a reason. I realize folks have other reasons but I just don't like his game enough.

I know - I was just funnin' with ya

I don't get it. First you say we're good, then you say we're not good.