7+6=13

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.

Your buddy: I'm going to ask that girl out. You: Don't, I heard she told all her friends she doesn't want a boyfriend right now. Your buddy: So, we don't have to get married, I just want to take her out and talk. You: So what if she does go out with you. You'll waste your money on dinner with a girl that doesn't want a boyfriend. Your buddy: Dinner will be worth it to see if I can convince her that sometimes when you're not looking for a boyfriend - that's when you find a nice one. You: If she says no - you blew it. Your buddy: At least I had the balls to ask you big pu$$.

Makes sense. Especially at age 23 you can see where he'd be in a different frame of mind than an 18-19 year old - that just thinks, I don't care I just want to play. This sounds a bit more genuine than just a negotiating ploy. I do however think that all things being equal - we're a team he should be looking at anyway.

C'mon man I get it. We've gone through absolute torment as a fan base. I'll apologize for taking you too seriously on your post. My take on free agency is that we're now a possible landing spot for the top one's going forward. This year is particularly interesting because the anomaly of a player like Stamkos and even Okposo hitting free agency. You know as well as I do that teams are built by the draft and then trades - so I'd agree that free agency is most likely not how our team will continue building, but we're going to take a run at some to accelerate the process. I believe the reason is we're no longer the same organization that didn't/couldn't contend for them.

It wasn't as if you gave a stat that can't be disputed. You gave your opinion and I gave mine. Isn't that kind of what the site is about? I'm not sure why more posts makes you more qualified to talk about the team we both love - but I understand how defensive those with a lot of posts get on what they perceive as their territory. I have more posts than you on TBD - does that mean I know more about the Bills?

Nah. My questions were for effect rather than requiring answers.

So given the clear change since Pegula - you think it's still appropriate to bathe in the past? What purpose does that serve when things are heading in an obvious different direction? Is the purpose just to say it for a wait and see attitude to be perpetuated?

Of course I understand that's how it's been, but do you not think those days are coming to an end? He's saying we haven't and won't. It's the won't part I don't buy into. Our owners willingness to spend, aggressiveness of our GM, our facilities, the team we're building should change the way FA's feel about coming here. I tried to make my point but don't think I was being offensive or unpleasant.

Players of the ilk of Stamkos rarely become free agents - so you'll have to color yourself disappointed then. You do realize he and Okposo are upcoming free agents and free agency hasn't begun yet? So we never get anything good because we haven't signed players who can't be signed yet? Did you expect our FO to sign the Yandle type player during the tank? Did you expect one to want to come here during the tank? I'm not sure you understand what's going on.

Untrue