thewookie1

Edm is a classic example of what not to do, they've drafted the exact same player type almost exclusively in forwards in recent history. Hall & Nugent-Hopkins are both high skill forwards with varied 2 way play. Yakopov & Eberle are offensively great, defensively lacking All four have about as much grit combined as Girgensons does in any given game. McDavid is going to be Hall on steroids but still little grit Drasital is the alone in that he has physicality to his game and can play offense (in theory) Then they essentially signed grinders with a varied amount of skill to fill the Bottom 6. Defensively they lack any hopeful #1 D man Goalies seem to go there to die. Let's say McDavid boosts their goal output enough that they make it to the playoffs, they'd be physically manhandled by 85% of Western Conference teams. The only legitimate ?? would be Chicago but they have other ways to outplay you and their experience alone would likely rule the day.

Injury maybe? Seems odd to say the least.

I'd probably say their insane, to put that much worth in a single prospect is a risk so great that its in-perceivable. Edm would get one hell of a haul for him. Coyotes 2015: 2 1sts 2 2nds 2 3rds 1 5th 1 7th Coyotes 2016: 2 1sts (1 can become a 2017 1st) 1 2nd 1 3rd 1 5th 1 6th 1 7th

I think Eichel had at least some reason behind the signing, apology probably not, sole reason no, but it had to count for something. Maybe a tiebreaker of sorts For O'Connor I read that well after I posted.

If Chad Johnson wasn't under contract I'd be tempted to throw him a bone as a back up, but unless we trade Johnson, I see no reason to have 2 career back ups alternating when Niemi is out there.

Wise move I have to say, TM signs him to a 2 year deal that will likely entail mostly AHL time in order to see if he was made by Eichel or if he's good in his own right. If he can put up numbers in the AHL without Eichel, he's a great addition seeing as he'd already have chemistry with Eichel. If not, he could be a good AHL player whom can help younger players in the future due to his intelligence. This may also in a small way being GMTM apologizing to Eichel for the post-draft interview. Eichel's a team player, so Buffalo signing one of his undrafted teammates seems to point to we'll take care of a few of his friends in need. I guess this theory is more confirmed if we sign O'Connor in July after he has trouble getting a team to sign him.

Why is everyone so obsessed with trading Zadorov?

With Ehlers on his wing I think Eichel beats McDavid rather soundly, granted McDavid was injured. But I don't think Eichel would of liked Juniors, he strikes me as someone who likes to play against strong opposition whom grind in the corners.

98, so he's 1 better than McDavid

I think Hodgson is bought out or traded w/ salary kept Potential Targets for the RW: Patrick Sharp (CHI must cut salary) Jordan Eberle (With McDavid likely forcing at least 1 out) Justin Williams (UFA - vet) Tyler Toffoli (RFA - would likely cost the NYI 1st, a 3rd or 2nd and a wing prospect) (Probably the best on the list in terms of age, and Cup experience)

Is this true? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connor_McDavid McDavid considered attending Boston University and playing hockey for their team, the Terriers, but decided it would be best for his development to play in the OHL. Holy ####, McDavid and Eichel potentially would of been teammates.

Someone needs to make a video of Eichel goals to Jumpin Jack Flash

Reading this just makes me all that more excited for Eichel, He seems rather Getzlaf or Toews like and I'd honestly rather have that than Crosby to be honest. The first two are far better suited for the playoff brand of hockey and are a tad more durable usually. I actually feel worse for McDavid being sent to Edmonton to deal with that mess more than us not getting him.

Zemgus, you shall be the rock we shall build this contender on. Reinhart will pass the puck three times before the goal horn wails twice. McDavid was a false god!

My God..... calm down! Eichel will be likely just as good McDavid in the long run and with a bit more physicality which suits our intended style better anyway. If McDavid refuses to play for Edmonton, they'll just take Eichel. And I doubt they trade down regardless since the only other pick getting a player on par with McDavid is #2 thus they'd have to move further down and likely infuriate the Oiler faithful.

I doubt Murray does anything of the sort to get McDavid. Maybe he'd offer our 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder to move up but I think that'd be it. If anything I think he was more angry at the system, and that he didn't win the lottery for the sake of winning the lottery.

If there's anything about Eichel I like more than that of McDavid is size and grit coupled with his skill. Where I'd of worried about McDavid being blind sided early in the season, Eichel looks like he'd welcome other teams to try. Plus if we worry about size at any time, just imagine Kane-Eichel-Girgs, all of them are cut from the same cloth in terms of playing style, play hard 100% of the time. The skill varies, but I'd take a guess in a couple years those 3 potentially could be the scariest 1st line you could play against. If they aren't scoring on you, they're introducing you to the boards.

+1 I agree, though I do think he has the potential to be Toews. McDavid may always rack up more points, but that never guarantees a Cup, and seeing how Edm handles stuff, I'd be not shocked if they over rely on McDavid like the Pens do with Crosby and thus have weak depth.

I feel bad for McDavid to be honest. Eichel is going to be great, amazing very likely so I'm in no way unhappy persay.

Looks really good, Chewy and Han really sealed it though for me. Grr Rar!!!

How'd I want Buffalo to respond differs on the time of year: Season: Brawl, Evander Kane needs to grab Subban and pummel him and the other Sabres need to go after any Montreal players they can to make sure the refs can't stop all the fights. Take the penalties, and play the rest of the game with more of an edge, and any other game that season we play them. Make Price's life a living hell too. Playoffs: Closest guy goes after Subban, the rest grapple. For the rest of the series play every game with an immense physical presence, target their top skaters, especially Subban, to be drilled with clean hits as often as possible. See if you can run the goalie on "accident" a couple times just after the attack on McEichel. Make Montreal regret even touching our star. I'd even go as far as gun for their top players if the series is to be lost, (losing and in an elimination game) just to screw up their playoff victory chances.

National media seems to enjoy crucifying Buffalo any chance they get. Think about it, had we not traded Miller or Vanek, the media would of went after management for being incompetent when they walked, but trading them is obvious tanking. The Sabres would of been skewered by the media regardless. They made fun of us for being soft, so we bring in some toughness and they immediately say we're thugs. 3/4ths of the media probably would love for Buffalo to just middle it forever so their precious Bruins or Leafs can thrive, or that they can get rid of Pegula so they can move the Sabres elsewhere since they hate the city. They hate that we are actually succeeding due to our calculating GM and wealthy owner who's interested in developing the area; both against what the media want. When we eventually win the Stanley Cup, if McEichel has any involvement they'll cry fowl; but we'll get to ignore them as we parade through our wondrous city heads held high, and garbed in the blue and gold. All that matters is that the NHL loves our passion and TV ratings, and at least some of the media see Buffalo for the jewel it is.

If a Hodgson falls in a forest, does it make a sound? Lindback/Enroth/Neuvirth/Irbe/Hackett/Markarov Vezina worthy? Why Phaneuf should be our captain next year...

McEichel better win us a Cup next year or else!

Well we certainly deserve him, we beat out 3 playoff teams and a near miss in NHL Markets while fielding a 30th place finish for the 2nd year in a row.