Crusader1969

Yes, Drysdale, Sanderson and perhaps Ottawa taking Askorov with their 2nd pick. How do you feel about Rossi?

My Sabres #1 target is Marco Rossi. news yesterday indicated that he will be leaving the CHL for the Swiss league. He won't however, report to his new team until later in the season as he is looking to crack an NHL roster. Rossi is an older prospect, turning 19 in September. He may already have the skating and strength required to play in NHL right away. There are some who think that because of his early birthdate that he has already reached his potential. While younger guys, like Byfield have a lot more growth ahead of them. Here is a detailed scouting report for the best OHL prospect guy out there - Brock Otten 3. Marco Rossi - Center - Ottawa 67'sFor me, the players ranked 3 through 5 here (Rossi, Perfetti, and Quinn) are all pretty interchangeable. I wouldn't be shocked at all to see them drafted in any combination of order, be it even Quinn first (he's got a way higher standing with NHL scouts than some internet scouts want to believe). This is a Marco Rossi write up though, so let's talk about him. IMO, Rossi is the best two-way forward in the entire OHL. When the puck isn't on his stick, he is just so hungry to get it back and he plays with such a high intensity level. He pushes hard to apply back pressure and uses a strong lower body and a quick stick to force turnovers. As an offensive player, Rossi is just so well rounded. His skating improved a lot this year, especially his top gear, and this made him a way more effective player in transition. He can push the pace, but has the puck skill, creativity, and poise to make calculated decisions even when pressured. His identification of passing lanes is at an elite level. Rossi can also beat you from below the goal line. He often requires two defenders to separate him from the puck in the cycle, despite being only 5'9, and that's because he has such a strong base and always keeps his feet moving. But Rossi also has eyes in the back of his head, showing such great awareness of when to spin off a check to find that streaking linemate. Rossi also has a great release and navigates the slot extremely well with the timing of a high end goal scorer. I will admit, last year I just wasn't as high on Rossi because I didn't feel like he had the creativity or skating ability to be a top 6 center. But man, did he prove me wrong this year by improving so much. The one concern that I do see is his size and whether he'll remain effective down the middle at the next level. He's as strong as an ox, but it's certainly not impossible that he will need to move to the wing to be a more successful and durable two-way presence. I think he can stick down the middle, but I have heard and understand the concerns. My biggest question, is there a scenario where he is available at 8?

Thanks! its not giving up on the Sabres..been a fan of them and the Bills since 1975 or so - losing isnt driving me away, I can obviously handle the losing! the league though..... I hope the Buffalo market stays away from watching the Covid Playoffs.... NBC relies on their market (biggest non playing market in US by far), maybe the league won't be so quick to screw them over in the future!

we dont know that for sure.. he did go something like 1-11-3.....even decent goaltending and they earn 7 or 8 more points in that time frame, would put them in the "hunt"

Especially when you consider Buf was to play MTL the day the league was suspended.

How would you handle Ottawa having San Jose 1st pick?

that is infuriating! Imagine what Eichel is thinking, knowing he is home right now because of the incompetence of mgmt and its inability to replace a goalie who is having trouble tracking the puck!?

do we know that Botterill was told of the situation? or did Hutton not report it?

sorry, i can't agree with you on this one. Hasn't been that good in his tenure with the Sabres, had a couple of hot streaks but not consistent enough. Team CAN NOT go into next season with Ullmark and Hutton tandem.

If it wasn’t for Hutton it would have been over this year. I still think they can be a very good team in e near future. Missing 2 pieces. A 2nd goalie and a 2C.

Ok. I’ll bite. What record ?

Yep. We’d be much better off if we didn’t have all these 8th overall picks. seems to me , the their best players are picked at 1 and 2. So you will never will get me to change that stance it’s not the Sabres losing driving me away it’s the league itself.

So now the team who gets pick #1 would have literally qualified for the playoffs what a joke 1) the Sabres vs Canadians should have had to play that 1 game vs each other to decide who got the 12th spot 2) 7 non qualifying teams and somehow the Sabres are drafting 8th??!! I’ll definitely not watch a minute of the covid playoffs Very close to just walking away from the sport for good did it with MLB in 1994 and I’ve never looked back

jebus murphy! that would be a terrible overpayment. maybe it wouldn't cost more than O"Reily Trade..without the salary coming back 2021 Protected First and one of the top prospects not named Cozens

I believe that it came to light that JB knew of the eye issues and did nothing and thats a big reason why he is gone.

They have to. I don't care that his vision has been corrected. They NEED to bring in someone else to pair with Ullmark. Hutton would be great in Rochester as a mentor to UPL and/or Johansson.

I believe he had a 3 month span with a save percentage around .880% You can not overcome that type of goaltending. This is why im not ready to jump off any bridges, I honestly believe they aren't that far from being a legit playoff contender.

I agree that they have other issues, however I would say that if Hutton wasn't literally the worst goalie in the league over a 3 month period, they'd be still "alive" an none of this would have happened. Of course, it could have still happened after the season was done but if they happened to win the play-in series, I doubt any changes would have happened.

there is no way they let go of everyone if they are about to participate in the 24 team playoff. Maybe it would have happened regardless after the season was over? Though, im confident, some jobs would have been saved.

I just can't get over how many jobs were lost because they played a goalie 30 times with Vision Issues. its mindblowing. Why was JB entrenched 3 weeks ago and now everyone is fired? Get a good goalie tandem, upgrade 2C and lets GO!

The whole thing is weird and troubling.

Could it be that they found out that Jason knew his goalie had vision issues and did nothing ? weird that 3 weeks ago , he was still going to be the GM. This story comes out about that time and now he is fired. just a coincidence?

I would think there are 23 other players who are unhappy with him and would blame him for missing the playoffs yet again. I know I would be pissed. Time for him to go. I can see him being a great mentor in Rochester but no longer has a spot on the Sabers

I haven't read the actual story. Does it mention who knew what and when?

they could have made a trade? there is no excuse. If your goalie is literally the worst goalie in the league for a 4 month period and has told you that he has vision issues, you need to find another goalie. if he didn't say anything, but knew there was an issue. you waive him and remove him from the organization.