Crusader1969

I dont agree that the draft strategy has changed from 2013 to when Murray came in for 2014 and 2015. I'm not saying that Murray isn't the final decision maker but over the last few drafts they've been looking for athletes. My guess is that Bailey and Baptiste are exactly Murray type prospects. I don't think its a coincidence that McCabe was drafted in 2012 after testing strongly though he definitely wasn't as raw as Baptiste and Bailey.

True, but Kevin Devine and many of the scouts have been with the Sabres for ages. However, if you want to go back just over the last 2 drafts - 6 second and third rounders - only Karabaceck doesn't show up on the list of top combine results -that's actually a higher percentage than the 9 out of 12 from 2012 till present. (83% compared to 75%)

thanks for noticing - its Wade Allison! and I don`t believe there is any relations between the two.

I've gone through combine testing results from 2012 through 2015 to see if there is any correlation to how the Sabres draft. Over the last 4 years the Sabres have had 12 2nd and 3rd round draft picks. The only 3 guys they've drafted in this 4 year time frame that didn't show up on any top 10 finishes are JT Compher, Vaclav Karabacek and Justin Kea. The other 9 guys drafted in this time frame show up at least once and many of them have multiple top 10 finishes. Its also interesting to note that in 2013 both Fasching and William Carrier (prospects traded for) both had multiple top 10 finishes. looking back at 2013 you can see the Sabres relying heavily on combine results as both Bailey and Bapiste had 3 top 10 finishes, while Hurley had 2 (you will even see Zadorov and Risto's names as you scan through the results). In 2015 Brendan Guhle dominated the combine with 7 top 10 finishes. In 2014, both Brendan Lemieux and Eric Cornel do very well at the combine with multiple top 10 finishes. Going through the recently completed 2016 results I've pulled a few names who tested well and could be potential guys that the Sabres will value. with the 38th pick here are a couple of names to watch for: 1) Jordan Kyrou - 3 top 10 finishes at the combine and a top performer at the CHL prospects games on-ice testing. He could be gone before the Sabres draft at 38 as most have him projected as a late 1st or early 2nd round pick. great skill, great skater and could be a steal if he drops to Sabres 2) Wade Allison - 4 top 10 finishes. Had a huge 2nd half of the season with Tri-city in the USHL. He is a power forward who strong on his skates scoring 25 goals in 56GP . Should be a 2nd round pick but there are some draft outlets that have him going early in 3rd round. 3) Tyler Benson - 2 top 10 finishes. Was thought to be a lock for the 1st round but injuries derailed his season. Could drop into the mid second round where the Sabres could grab the highly touted LW. who was originally 14th overall on Bob Mckenzies preseason draft board. 4) Boris Katchouk - 2 top 10 finishes at combine. First thing of note is that he is a Canadian kid!He plays with a fierce passion to win at all costs. had 3 fights this season including a battle against a 6`7 Knights Dman (Boris is 6`1). has good wheels, fearless and showed offensive ability scoring 24G for SSM. The kid is an energy player who has top 6 potential. In the 3rd Round here are some names to keep in mind: 1) Jonathan Ang - Peterborough OHL - 7 top 10 finishes 2) Trent Frederic - USDP - 4 finishes in top 10 3) Artur Kayumov - Team Russia u18 - 3 top 10 4) Givani Smith - Guelph OHL - 3 times in top 10 Top 10 2 times: 5)Henrik Borgstrom - Finland 6) Nichols Caamano OHL 7) Dillon Dube - WHL 8) Matt Filipe - USHL 9) Samuel Girard - Q 10) Noah Gregor - WHL 11)Taylor Raddysh - Erie OHL

I probably sound like a broken record but maybe if you add the Hartnell contract then maybe it makes sense? Otherwise I can't imagine Foligno along with pick 8 and 3rd rounder being enough

you are right, had it in my head the Puljujarvi played LW Arizona getting rights to Goligoski - could change my mock draft of Juolevi going to the Coyotoes, if they sign him.

Here is a real shot in the dark but I'm going to throw out a name to use on one of the Sabres multiple picks in the 3rd round Beck Malenstyn of the Calgary Hitmen. Could eventually be a 4th line energy / character guy. Will do anything it takes to win and loves to hit. http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=247477 McKeen's hockey has him at 86 Central scouting has him at 73 of NA skaters should be drafted bottom of 3rd round or 4th round. Draft buzz "he's durable, hard charging, and works his tail off every shift" "has infinite potential and finite finish" "an NHL ready skater with power" basically has very little offensive ability but is an elite Defensive forward who will play each shirt like his hair is on fire. I know he isn't an exciting pick but could be an important foot-soldier for them a few years down the road.

i dont think he was saying trade Reinhart. I believe the idea is to have a Puljujarvi, Eichel and Reinhart #1 line. The question is to me - can you trade Girgensons, #8 and possibly a top prospect to take on contract of Hartnell (who would still have a bottom 6 role with them) and Puljujarvi? Maybe you don't even need a top prospect in the deal? you are doing them a huge favour taking that contract off their hands.

Just read a good analysis - Chyrchrun is this years Hanafin. He has had eyes on him so long that scouts eventually find holes in his game. He isn't perfect and didn't have a draft season like Ekblad did in 14/15 but I believe he has the most talent and the highest upside of anyone outside of the top 3. He is officially my guy for the Sabres at #8 (or at least until tomorrow when I change my mind again!)

id be curious to see what the "offer" would have to be. You are doing Columbus a favor by taking Hartnell and his contract off their hands.

wouldn't you put up with him for 3 years if it means you land Puljujari for the next decade or so?

Would you take on Hartnel's contract. 3 years at $4.75 million and 34 years old to make a deal to move up to 3? If so, what are you willing to give up? I'd think Girgensons would be a conversation starter.

Final top 10 OHL prospects ranked with detailed write ups. http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca/2016/06/final-mediascout-top-10-for-2016.html As we probably already know - Chyrchrun the greatest upside but comes with risk, while Juolevi the safest pick of the 3 dmen. My feeling is the Juolevi goes first and is gone by the time Sabres draft.

I know he had a concussion issue but I don't think that is related to size. Just one of those unfortunate things that can happen to any player. If Murray thinks Keller is the BPA when its the Sabres turn to draft then he takes him.

what are the Ennis issues?

The Finnish Aho was drafted last year by Carolina, actually signed is entry level contract today The Sebatian Aho not drafted yet is from Sweden. On a side note, remember when anti tankers always went to the "Crosby one has one Cup"? Those were fun arguments. Final 10 days or so till draft, still feeling the pick is either Nylander or Chychrun with possibility of trading into the 4 Spot to get Tkachuk. Though if Columbus is seriously thinking of trading down, I hope Sabres are in on that big time. Would go as far as trading both Girgenson, Pysyk and #8 for #4 and Hartnell ( Columbus trying to dump salary)

Ranked 8th out of all CHL prospects (2016) in EVen strength goals per game. He had 58 points in total 40 came at even strength

Written by anyone else in the world besides Steve Simmons and I'd give it credence. Then again they have 22 scouts so it's more than possible.

http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/2016/6/5/11861154/2016-nhl-scouting-combine-complete-fitness-testing-results Luke Green shows up in the top 10 four times including Pro Agility that measures ones athletic ability.

This is his profile from Elite Prospects. BRENDAN GUHLE views: 18989 BIRTHYEAR 1997-07-29 BIRTHPLACE Edmonton, AB, CAN AGE 18 NATION Canada POSITION D SHOOTS L HEIGHT 188 cm / 6'2" WEIGHT 84 kg / 185 lbs CONTRACT 18/19 NHL DRAFT 2015 round 2 #51 overall by Buffalo Sabres A heads-up defenseman who can really take a beating and dish it out as well. Built like a tank; grueling play doesn't phase him. Calm, collected, and poised with the puck; great body and stick positioning without the puck. Reliable at both ends of the ice and can be trusted with a hefty amount of ice time. All-in-all, a defenseman who strives to be difficult to play against, consistently, with and without the puck. (Curtis Joe, EP 2015) He has a few fights while at Prince Albert but after watching a couple I think he may want to talk to Razor for some help.

Guhle was one of the strongest guys at the combine last year. Musculoskeletal: Bench Press 70-80% of Body Weight (# of reps) Rank Player Result 1 Jesse Gabrielle 20 2 Erik Foley 17 3 Connor Hobbs 17 4 Jack Eichel 16 5 Travis Konecny 16 6 Evgeny Svechnikov 16 7 Brendan Guhle 15 8 Kyle Connor 15 9 Noah Hanifin 15 10 Kameron Kielly 15 Musculoskeletal: Pull-Ups Consecutive (max #) Rank Player Result 1 Dennis Yan 14 2 Travis Konecny 13 3 Brendan Guhle 12 4 Brendan Warren 12 5 Jordan Greenway 12 6 Felix Sandstrom 12 7 Erik Foley 12 8 Nathan Noel 12 9 Kyle Connor 12 10 Brandon Carlo 11 Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Brendan Guhle was the biggest standout, with nine top 10 finishes, including first in the standing long jump and the peak power output tests

I think then that Juolevi would be your choice as the top damn in this years draft. Can't say you would be wrong Just by quickly looking at the testing results. I think we have to add 2 names to the list of 2nd round picks 1) Samuel Girard 2) Luke Green. Both scored well in multiple tests - though I would say neither as good as Guhle did last year.

Why would you care about Pysyk? He has shown very little offensively. I respect your position on Guhle but he seems to be much more willing to join the rush than Pysyk

I had to check the time on this post as he has mocked it exactly the same as me. Though he has much better write ups http://ohlprospects.blogspot.ca Love his reasoning for Coyotes taking Juolevi.

Explain