7+6=13

I don't think it's about just goal totals. It's about getting goals when the average player can't. Players like Ennis, Moulson and Zemgus need things to set up or a rebound. Stamkos scores when only the elite can put that goal in.

He'd get an 8th year on the contract.

However it's pretty great that if the cap goes up Buffalo is one of the teams that wouldn't care and will spend to it.

I don't think this will be the deciding factor either. I doubt someone offering $500K more gets him - this is going to be about showing him everything about the organization. So crazy because it's this type of energy the NHL is missing.

Ok. I think it's possible but with young teammates I lean towards that being lofty. My main point is with a 19-20 year old Eichel - there's room for Stamkos to be the man now and Jack transitioning into it. If you want to contend now vs a bit later.

Of course I hope he is - but I'm not ready to say he's as good as Stamkos. Are you saying you think Jack will be in the 90's next year?

Maybe, but I think he's probably a couple seasons from being a 70+ point guy.

I'd pay Stamkos 12mil per season. We're instantly a playoff team and then Murray would only need to make a couple moves to make us a contender. Stamkos isn't just a bonus - he immediately changes and accelerates the team to having a shot at contending. Without Stamkos this team isn't a contender for several years - we're just too weak at the middle and bottom of the lineup. We're a young team so obviously there's another way to become a contender but it's just going to take longer. Eichel will have to become an NHL star but that's probably 2 more seasons away. Stamkos would allow us to do it now - waiting for Eichel is going to be a progression. What's so incredible to think about is when Stamkos is slowing down a bit Eichel will be in his prime and this can go on for a very long time. We'd be one of those playoff every year teams - that when it all clicks could win it any season for the next 10.

I understand and you're of course perfectly within your right as well. I think if we both admit it we don't know Kulikov's play on a game by game basis - so we read. The Sabres see him doing some things they feel the team needs along with being LH. I'm sure we'll miss Psyk's 11 points next year but don't you think it's wise to let Murray decide which is the better fit?

What an awesome statement. If nothing else - he's entertaining.

Just because you don't understand doesn't make it wrong. Bylsma said they've been watching a lot of film on Kulikov the last 3 weeks. You'll have to forgive me that I'll side with their assessment of him.

He seems like a pretty decent young man when I've seen him on interviews like "The Life". At this point he seems like he can't control himself. Could be that he can't handle alcohol.

Not a terribly risky bet since it's likely those are the scenarios that play out.

I doubt it. I think he said - the offer stands and we hope you'll consider the team we have to offer around you. If we're close, would you at least give us last right of refusal?

Sounds like they can talk to him whenever they like or whenever he will - but if an agreement is made can't put ink to paper until at least July 1.

Robert Cray at the McGlohon Theater - Charlotte, NC - August 28th

I'm not saying I'm definitely right. However, my lean towards the Sabres for him is he would have the opportunity to be more than just top 6 - which I agree it appears he's ready for. Without breaking down each team you've mentioned (not qualified) but for example he can't be Panarin in Chicago because they have Panarin. Not trying to be smart but I think he wants to be and thinks he can be a Panarin (second leading scorer and point producer). I think his chances are better in Buffalo than those contenders to become that - then subsequently getting paid as such on the 2nd contract. He's got to be thinking about those things. I agree that going to UFA make sense for him.

I don't buy into this anymore. I live in Charlotte NC (19 years) and there's enough people from Buffalo here that we're better understood. Most that I know say "Why do all you people from Buffalo love your hometown so much?" That question originates from Buffalo is crap but they know there's something about the place that drew the people so close. They know the weather and economics aren't great - but they most assuredly know the city is loved by those born there. Hockey is another matter. Those in the circles know what Buffalo is about and they more importantly know what the Pegula's are doing. The word is out, it's screaming and we're not yelling. I see this as a nothing burger with respect to attracting hockey players. Hockey players are unique athletes - they hang around each other more than most sports. I wouldn't underestimate the importance to a player what that environment for them means. I think it's possible that Vesey values that the best players on our team are also around his age.

I would think teams like you mention have a chance but a very small one for a couple reasons. Vesey, I'd imagine wants to have a chance at being one of the main cogs of a team. While those teams offer win now there's a group of veterans that would not allow him that opportunity - or at least for a while. Buffalo is one of the teams in that perfect spot where they're clearly on the rise but there's still ice time to be had. Second I think those teams - while always wanting to add young talent, are really looking for those veteran pieces because they need a player ready now to contribute and a vet would embrace the role. Especially if they know he wants top 6 ice time. They recognize that's not what they necessarily have to offer.

I get what you're saying about playing for your hometown team. However, if as he and his agent have suggested they're dissecting each team - Boston is the least attractive of the teams reported from an on ice perspective, IMO.

Yeah for obvious reasons Boston and Toronto. Does an American player really want to go to Toronto if he can choose any team? I'd say most likely not considering how American players fight so hard to differentiate themselves from Canadian players. The next obvious question is does not going there hurt his Dad to the point he would go there? I would think his Dad would advise him not to worry about that. Boston has a strong allure if you're from there - so it really comes down to does he see it as a bad fit? They are in a situation where they either stay the course or start to overhaul. He'd have to decide where he fits in that situation. Forget about having his rights and the connection with Eichel - Buffalo has to be one of the most attractive fits. While he most likely would be a top 6 on a lot of teams - it would seem that he has the best chance to be more than that in Buffalo. Interesting for sure.

This is correct

I thought you'd bring out that tongue and cheek emoticon, haha.

I found it on original six analytics website posted in December 2015. They have very interesting reads.