7+6=13

Have to disagree with you there, kind sir. When we won Dahlin - our fortune changed. He is a freak of nature and I believe will soon be among the best in the league.

I have a real good feeling Krueger is the coach we've been hoping for.

Got to it fine in Charlotte NC

He was a featured story on Real Sports on HBO - If I remember right.

I"m perfectly fine with all of this. I think the majority agrees that we've wanted either the perfect partner or Risto off the first line for 2-3 years. We were gifted Dahlin and now we can finally put Risto in a better position. I love the idea of him running the 2nd PP - that's a positive. I respect your knowledge of the numbers/metrics and they've helped me see issues with him that extend beyond my eye test and limited hockey IQ. Let's agree that his physical play doesn't elevate him above a #4 - then lets also agree that it keeps him on the 2nd pair and that it helps the team.

Maybe I can say it a little differently. I'm ok with paying 5.4 mil (40th in the league) to a 24 year old Risto to be the #4 defenseman. I think he brings enough to see if reduced minutes, a better overall defense and hopefully a stronger 2nd and 3rd line offense can help his numbers get better.

I'm a fan of Risto. I think you can win with players like him. Do I think he's the smartest defenseman, no, but he does a lot of good things. I'm more than happy to pay him 5.4 mil for his services. I won't blame him for his +/-. He plays a ton of minutes on historically putrid offensive teams.

Wow, I never heard about this. Bizarre that a rookie would do something like that to a known veteran fighter. Could this possibly speak to the theory of Risto not being all that bright?

Oh my goodness no way. I'm looking forward to McCabe being in another teams sweater. We're getting closer. He's the exact defenseman the NHL is moving away from. The goofy, non athletic, no stick handling, non offense producing defenseman who can forecheck.

We are in desperate need for players that can put up 35 points. This is a good trade.

Just saw the Robert Cray Band - Friday night in Rock Hill, SC. They were excellent as always.

because he's right

Girgs doesn't produce but he plays like a man. The bottom of our lineup can't be all young players. If we can just put together enough skill around him - his line can take advantage of his willingness to work in the corners.

Our #1 center is better than theirs. At least we have that going for us.

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.