Weave

Yeah, I can see the bolded. The big question would be, does he have the ability to fight through the obstruction of that era.

94-04 ish is generally accepted, no? Quick snapshot of the 99 All Star game (mid dead puck era) roster centers, Gretz, Primeux, Modano, Lindros, Roenick, Forsberg, Sundin, Holik, Yahsin. Is Sam at Holik level? Maybe, but the skillsets are so different you can't compare. Other than that, Sam doesn't match up with that lineup IMO. In 94 is Sam beating out Nieuwendyk, Oates, or Turgeon? A case can be made he beats out Robert Lang or Marleau in 04. I think its a stretch to call him a bonafide all star in any era. He might make it into a game or two given one player from each team requirements.

How many expect to resign with their current team?

Well they are already planning for boosters so I’m inclined to think that this isn’t lasting immunity like measles or polio.

I’ve watched the last several, but your point is valid regarding my watching. Small sample size and all that. Like my projections for Sam 3-4 years ago, I can’t put to words decently what I see, but I don’t see Roy level dynamic play and I don’t see Casey backing off a defence like Roy could when he was really going, and this is the best Casey we’ve seen to date. I really see Casey topping out as a middling level 2c. I was one of the guys leading the Casey is a bust train so this is a recalculation on my part. I see much more dynamic play out of Cozens. Teams react much more cautiously to Dylan entering the zone than the do when Casey enters the zone. And Sam just flat out pulls up and slows down entering the offensive zone. He’s a talented player that feels a need to slow things down to make plays. It hinders his performance IMO. And what Thorny said too. You’re minimizing Roy’s best years. I don’t see Casey getting there.

Yes, that is the strongest center outlook. Moving Jack is not likely to maintain the strength of that spine, which is why I said depth and not strength. IMO the ideal return includes a middle of the road bonafide 1C and an upgrade at another roster spot or two, like say goalie or RW. In that scenario we maintain center depth, still have an actual 1C, AND upgraded an area of need. Otherwise moving him will not move the team forward.

The return matters. There are plenty of trades that could happen that preserves C depth and fills holes that could improve the team overall. If the return is picks and prospects I agree, we suck for another good stretch.

I agree that Casey’s ceiling is 2C. To me that means that if things develop perfectly he gets there. I have a hard time projecting Roy level for Casey. Roy had a season or two where he was pushing 1C performance. I’m hard pressed to see Casey elevate that much. Curtis Brown maybe? Less wheels, better hands? Cozens, however, his floor might be Stu Barnes and ceiling.... Peca?

Yup. The Bruins appear to be a worst case matchup for Buffalo. It’s like the 1980s all over again, without the 1st round disappointment.

I share your suspicions. It seems evident to me that the Sabres prefer the least invasive course of action to minimize risk to his value, whereas Jack prefers the course of action most likely to result in long term results.

I got the moderna vaccine. First shot had no reaction to speak of. Second shot had me feeling almost hungover for about 36hrs. Had a runny nose too. But probably the most notable reaction was my arm was feverish at the injection site for 4 days.

Why wouldn’t they mention his size? If the skill is there, size is an advantage. It’s weird that someone would disregard that attribute if they have the other needed attributes as well.

The game last night is a pretty good example as to why the Sabres should NOT stand pat with this roster of forwards. This lineup needs more of an upgrade than what an offseason of development will provide. It’s good that so many of the kids are showing development, but most of those kids are not the answer if the goal is to catch and overtake Boston. There are limitations of our forwards skillsets and demeanor. We have alot of the same kind of player in our kids. Management needs to target those missing traits and move a couple of kids to obtain the missing traits. Yes I know some of the kids that we move will blossom. So what. Thats what happens with hockey trades. Good players do well elsewhere and the good players we bring in will improve our team here.

They did add a puncher. Patrick Maroon.

Boston is just so much more tenacious on the puck than Buffalo. Like wolves on a sheep.

My point is, why the secrecy? Its not like he’s gonna be targeted. He won’t be in the lineup.

#generational?

Why the LBI stuff when it is season ending? and, in before #injurypronebust

It'll be the day before GA posts his first KA dooooo sumthinnnnn thread.

At 32 I'm not concerned, but even though his game is a heady game it is the truly great skaters that play well after they've hit 30ish. Sam doesn't fit that description (I agree he's not slow, he's just not a liquid skater) I imagine at 32 Sam will be a 3rd liner or powerplay specialist. By contrast, Dahlin's skating skills, if he doesn't lose them to injury, could afford him a career like Teppo's or James Patrick's.

This might be the majority of it right here.

How do you correct a bad engraving? Are they welding metal back that was removed?

If you are trading Eichel you need current players coming back or it is a trade not worth making.

the problem with sitting on this roster more or less as is is the same problem The Tank had. There are too many if this, if this, if this that have to all line up properly for success to happen. The correct move is to trade in some of those if this for some higher probability players (ie. proven). AAAAAANNNNDDD.... we really do need an influx of a few things this roster doesn't have.

No letters while you are still on your rookie contract. #myrules