7+6=13

Exactly. If we're going to another level he's not the type of player you worry about losing. Roles are earned and with the available playing time on a team still rebuilding he gaffed.

That's hurtful

Does this change anyone's opinion of Bylsma?

Stamkos is worth what we signed him for.

E. Kane could lead the league in assists.

Yes. If Stamkos was already a Sabre and he was heading to free agency we should resign him to a long term contract even though we had 2 rookies play well and ROR.

I think you're one of the most reasonable posters and I enjoy reading your comments. I can see that you clearly like Stamkos and would like to see him here but you have concerns about the cost. My guess is that you're really worried about his prime years and does the cost coincide with our young talent being ready at the same time. My answer to that concern is that they do - maybe not next year or the year after but in year 3 they'd be ready to roll together. My second point would be what's the alternative because I don't personally think Jack, Sam and ROR is enough to win a cup. We'd need at least 2 other of our youngsters to develop into top 6 offensive players and we'd have to pay Kane to stay. Stamkos IMO opinion removes the need to be totally dependent on a player like Fasching, Bailey or even Zemgus. IMO when these players are 23-24 they won't be near the player Stamkos will be at 28-29.

I get what you're saying but this team isn't close to having the type of dynamic to making a run at the cup. Are we good enough and has enough chemistry started to be a playoff team - probably or at least close to. In that case togetherness doesn't trump getting a player that could / could elevate you to something much different than a fringe playoff team. Stamkos being a FA shouldn't be undervalued. IMO, It would be like saying we don't want Aaron Rodgers because our receivers are really starting to gel with Tyrod Taylor.

We put the guy through a lot with him being here during our tear down. I wonder if that would have him soured on a return to Buffalo.

I don't recommend using the Lords name in vein. Poor use of words.

I respect your position and your effort. I also think we have a moral obligation to take care of the earth - but my obligation to take care of it doesn't come from my fear if we don't the earth won't exist as we know it. My obligation is to God and to respect what he made for us. However our efforts to prolong things is where I differ from most - because I believe God ultimately dictates that.

Did she have hot sauce in her bag?

Seems to me like Yzerman understands Stamkos is going to enter free agency and just announced it in another way by saying he won't be traded. What that also tells me is that an impact full enough draft pick isn't being offered. I'm thinking that the funds they can appropriate in their own free agency for the 7.5 million they pay Stamkos is more attractive then what they're being offered in a trade. It could be that these players are a combination of not what they want in terms of the contract vs value they inherit or that the players will be soon to be free agents as well. Some might say but you won't get anything if you don't trade him - but to me they get a playoff run - and free up funds to build in free agency on their own.

I'm not sure if this is what you meant - but the choices to me are: McDavid vs Reinhart and Eichel or Ekblad vs Reinhart and Eichel

Well done!

I can't tell the difference between with and for. I think it must be because the word charged.

Obviously you're talking about more than just last night - but he looked completely focused last night. Every time he took of his helmet there was an intense look on his face. Even when he showed disgust with the last goal - it was evidence of him being locked in.

I really just said that because I hadn't seen much of him prior to coming to us. I'm sure he's had some nice games before.

I thought Lehner had not only had his best game as a Sabre but played fantastic. His pad work, glove work, stick work and lateral movement were outstanding - and he was cutting off angles beautifully. After seeing Johnson and Ullmark extensively obviously due to the injury - it's clear how much more athletic Lehner is. In fact I'd say his athleticism tonight was on an elite level IMO. I hate that he wasn't awarded the victory by a deflected goal over his left shoulder (very difficult stop to make). The only mistake I saw was on the first goal where he went to his back - he should have turned belly side to give himself a better chance to get back into the play. He still managed to get a piece of the puck (it appeared to me) with his glove and it deflected up into the net. But even with him turning the wrong way his athleticism allowed him to recover. I'm not trying to be overly dramatic about one game - but I think it's important to notice his skill level especially compared to Johnson and Ullmark. IMO he's clearly on another level. I kept thinking we're going to win this game because of our goaltender - which is something I haven't felt very much this season. If you're interested here's a nice recap of the game last night. http://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/recap?id=2015020691

Seeing Kane get swiped and go down for a penalty shot got me thinking. Would you all rather a penalty shot or a power play? I know of course it would depend on which player is taking the penalty shot - but in general terms which would you rather have?

It's pretty clear the nucleus of the team is manifesting. Risto, Eichel, Sam, and O'Reilly (McGinn as honorable mention). Obviously O'Reilly being the only player via trade. So with that I would have liked to see more of the players we traded for become part of the nucleus this year. I'd argue we haven't really had a nucleus for a very long time so it's an exciting future. The trades for me still represent hope and a big part of that are Kane and Bogo. I personally like Franson and think this may have been one of Murray's nicer moves. If Girgensons and Ennis wake up and Pysyk continues his improvement these are the guys that become very important in terms of how good we get. Sorry guys just sort of random thoughts.

Has no idea what my screen name means.

The parties you hope to protect are the very ones leaking the information. It's an attempt to win over public opinion.

Unfortunately public opinion is now used by both sides of a legal argument. These cases are tried in public opinion court on purpose so I'd be careful on blaming the public for having an opinion.

Thanks for doing this. Always fun to look up young players and follow.