mjd1001

Looks like we might have a couple players join the 500 career goal club next year.... -Who does it first? Ovechkin or Hossa? Hossa needs 14, Ovechkin needs 25. Hossa is 36 years old and had 22 last year...Ovi is 29 and had 53 last year. -Rick Nash will be 31 when the season starts and needs 122 goals to get there. He's had 119 in the last 4 years (one shortened season). Does he get there by his mid 30's...or does his production drop off and he comes up a bit short? -Crosby has 302..needs 198 more. With his injury history, does he make it? Over the last 4 seasons, he has averaged a 33 goal pace over an 82 game season...at that rate he would need almost 6 seasons to reach 500...but what are the odds of him playing 82 games ever year with his injury history? So does he make it? and if so...when? -Stamkos looks like the next player after the above ones with a shot at it..and he is likely to make it (in my opinion) but he is still pretty far off. Anyone have any opinions on this topic?

To keep it in the same era, how about Crosby v Toews......if you want to use Gretzky...more like Gretzky v Messier (after Gretzky traded to a different team, of course)

I think expectations should be ratcheted down a bit here. There is something to the players needing to get used to each other, and that takes time. Its not only learning tendencies on the ice of teamates, it is also learning the new 'system' the coach puts in (maybe easy to learn a new system, but it takes time to master it.) I wouldn't even put it by anyone that getting used to personalities in the locker room can have a SLIGHT impact on a teams performance. That all takes time...mostly mastering what the coaches want you to do and getting used to linemate tendencies. I'd expect that to not happen right away, and this team starting out slowly. By the end of the year, it will be a lot better, but STILL not to the point of where it will be next season or the season after. This isn't fantasy hockey or NHL whatever for the PS4 or Xbox.

I go back and forth on this. In a perfect world, I'd like to see a guy like this under contract long term for $5m-6m a year. A 2 way center is great, but you usually reserve top Dollars for someone who will fill the net with the best of them. (a consistent 25+ goal scorer, year after year) I guess you have to look at the fact that the cap LOOKS like it is going to go up considerably in the next few years. IN the early years of the contract, the cap hit may be close to (or slightly over) 10% of your entire cap, but in the later years, if it is down to 8% that is a pretty good deal. I don't know. I would like for them to have a player, as good as he is, like him for $6 a year tops.....but demand is what it is...if you want something bad enough, you have to pay the asking price. Truth is...the Sabres don't have any other options available to them right now that are 85-90% as good as him that they can pay 85-90% as much as they are going to pay him.

I actually agree with him 'literally'. I think, long term, it would be best for the Sabres to not make the playoffs. Not only low expecations, but they would also get that lottery pick again (to either use or as trade bait the higher it is). But, that doesn't mean I don't WANT them to make the playoffs. I do. I want them to make the playoffs, but they may be slightly better long term if they didn't this year.

I'm interested in the Amerks also. I really hope they can somehow get more of their games on TV.

I hate the idea of not trading in the division. If you are getting the best offer form the division, then go for it. The ONLY way I can see it not happening is if you are the 'other team' are clearly the class of the division, look to fight it out for the division title for the next few years, AND the trade will fill a bigger hole for them than it will for you. Even with that, I still say get the best deal available no matter where it is from. What are they really afraid of? The majority of the time, the only downside to trading in the division is IF you lose the trade, that "Loss" will be more visible.

Surprised we got to 7 replies to this topic without someone saying that last year we "took the wrong Sam".

It might be the oddsmakers not giving legitimate odds simply based on how good they think the teams are, but rather they are including where they think the money will go. Toronto is much more likely (due to popularity) to have people place a bet on them (the old, place some money on my favorite team) than Buffalo is, so make the odds better. I personally like Florida as good longshot bet at 75 to 1.

Not sure if this was posted here and I missed it already: The Buffalo Sabres are waiting to see if there's validity to the speculation that soon-to-be restricted free agent Mikhail Grigorenko is signing a contract in the KHL. Grigorenko, 21, is coming out of his three-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres, having played 25 NHL games this past season and 68 over the last three seasons. The Sabres initially indicated to the player at season's end they wanted to re-sign him but, for now anyway, were not prepared to give him a one-way contract. There has since been talk Grigorenko will opt to return home to Russia and take a more lucrative offer in the KHL rather than contest for a spot on the Sabres on a two-way contract next season. Full article here: http://www.tsn.ca/talent/mckenzie-on-free-agents-trades-and-more-1.307528

I'm not really interested in any of them (maybe a goalie, but just to fill the spot.) This team is going to be a lot different his coming year already with no other major moves, I'm more than willing (and happy) to see what the current changes bring...then make moves after evaluating that.

Expectations? That is a tough one. I don't know what to 'expect' yet. I'd guess 70-85 pts..but that is really just a total guess. What do I WANT is a different store. Unrealistically, I'd want a top 5 team in the conference and a deep playoff run. Is that possible? Yes, but not very likely at all, probably isn't going to happen. What is realistic that I would like to see? -Do NOT make any big trades or FA signings this year unless it is a SCREAMING bargain. Go with what you have, see how things develop. You can always make moves later if/when needed. Reinhart in the AHL if needed. -Under that scenario, I'd like to see a fast skating, good scoring team that will probably make mistakes, but will be fun watching even when they lose. Give me 70 points. -70 points gives them one last year of probably a top 5 pick. With a top 5 pick, you can bring in one more player with the talent of a Vanek, Hedmund, Risto....even if they take a few years to develop. I would enjoy watching a season like that, and I would feel great about the team going forward for the next 10 years.

Big cities are going to 'win out' over small cities 2 to 1. From my experience, 1/3 of people want to live in a city like NY or Boston or Toronto and love Big city life. 1/3 of people like being in or near smaller cities, like Rochester, Buffalo, Milwaukee, etc. The final 1/3 might take either, but they THINK big city life is better so they lean that way.

I am still not sold on O'Reilly on this team. He's good, I get that, but I don't think you need to overpay to get him...and that is what you would be doing. You would give up a lot in draft picks/prospects (I'm ok with that) and paying him a lot of salary (probabl overpay for his production, but the Sabres do have cap room).....but I do not want to get in the habit of doing BOTH of those things on one player. So what is the alternative? Don't trade for or sign anyone else, unless it is a screaming deal. I don't mean to make a silly comparison, but building this team is like making a great meal. Don't get all your best ingredients and thrown them in the pot at the same time. Have a little patience. Next year the team will have a new coach, Evander Kane, probably Eichel or Reinhart (or both), Pysyk, a year older Risto and Girgensons.....that is a lot already (not to mention a front office that will make moves to win, NOT to hinder it.) Run with that....see if any of your other young prospects surprise you and force you to move them up. After you see how that goes (for either the full year or at least a half year), then see what you need to do then. I'm just not in hurry (at this point) to tie up a lot of salary (that will be MUCH more valuable to this team in 3 years from now than it is not) to sign a key free agent or trade for a player that another team doesn't want to pay.

Toronto is in a tough spot. If you trade Kessel and Phaneuf, you are not going to get any where CLOSE to equal value...even in assets, because of the contracts they have. And if you do trade those 2, you are really looking at being where the Sabres are now (turning the corner) probably in the 2017-2018 season AT BEST. -Add to that, with the draft lottery, they cannot 'game the system' to ensure they get a top 1-2 pick anymore.] -If they are just turning the corner in 2017-2018, then they will be realistic playoff contender in what, 2019-2020? Cup contenders in 2021-2022? That is basically at the end of Babcocks contract. I just can't see a complete tear-down. All I can see is Babcock referring to 'pain' being the 1 year pain of being mediocre when they do a quick rebuild. What I can see happening: -Trade Kessel OR Kadri...get the best prospect you can for them. Have the rest of the team 'tread water', miss the playoffs this year and take one last shot at the lottery (but not as the worst team in the league) -Start next year with the prospect you get from Kessel/Kadri in the linup, Nylander in the lineup, and MAYBE the guy they pick at #4 this year in the lineup. Sprinkle in a few key FA veterans and go forward. -I think the Leafs can and will go forward with Nylander, Marner/Strome, Morgan Reilly, whoever they get for Kessel/Kadri, and Van Riemsdyk as their young core. (with their 2016 first round pick being a wildcard.) That can start happening next year.

I didn't hear or read any of it...do you remember exactly what he said? I mean, did he basically come out and say he is willing to 'lose' for 2-3 years for the long term benefit? Just curious.

I think they are going to take the middle ground. Babcock, Shanahan, and some of the other front office guys have meetings with Kessel and Phaneuf and make sure they know this is a 'new' team, a 100% fresh start. They integrate a few young players into the roster, hope for Kadri (He might be the one traded away, I think, not Kessel) and Reilly are a year better. That, along with 1 or 2 key free agents (Shanahan/Babcock guys, whater that means) will make Shanahan and Babcock feel it is enough to compete. Beyond that, I think that Nylander and whoever they get at #4 this year will be enough to add as 'future' stars to keep things going a couple years from now. With that said, I think they are not going to blow this thing up, but try to start winning..and doing that now. I don't see a 2-3, or even 4 year rebuild happening when you just hired the 'consensus' best coach in hockey, are paying him 8+ million per year (for at least the first couple years), and a guy who says over and over that he KNOWS he lacks patience and HATES to lose. If what we hear is true and he as an 'out' after 5 years...I don't think even a 2 year rebuild makes sense now. They are going for the playoffs this year.

The leafs went into their 'tank' mode when the fired Randy Carlyle. That was just a few days into January. At the time, they were 21-16-3 and in a playoff position. It is like Shanahan had decided he would take a shot at getting McDavid in the lottery because this year was a 'wasted' year for him anyway, with the team a mid-level team and him in 'evaluation' mode. It may not be he wants to take the entire team apart...but rather take that team BEFORE firing Carlyle and improve upon it enough to make it a legit contener...That team in the first half of the season last year before the change was pretty much the same team (performance-wise) as it was the year before that and the year before that. He may be thinking the talent on the team is a borderline playoff talent team. But, he can make it a contender by adding 10 points per year to their performance by: -Reshaping the front office and scouting staff -taking 1 year to 'tank' for McDavid...failing to get him you will at least get another very good prospect. -hiring the 'best' coach in the NHL..is good for at least a few more points. I can't see Babcock joining a team and signing up for a 2-3 or 4 year rebuild. I think it is just as likely the Leafs sign some players or make some trades with the goal to compete again this year.

There is one thing that keeps coming up in my mind..and it leads me to think he is probably staying in Detroit..with a SMALL chance of Toronto. He is supposedly 'deciding' by Wed...yet does anyone know if his wife has been with him touring the area. We have heard a ton (especially from Canadian Media) that is wife is very instrumental in making this decision. Babcock himself said in one interview they have had in depth discussions about it before he made his visit. With that in mind, I cannot think he will just 'decide' to come to Buffalo without having her spend at LEAST a day (maybe more) with him in that area..looking at neighborhoods, the arena itself..meeting the owners..etc. For that reason I think he is staying in Detroit. The only reason I bring up Toronto is that it may be more likely she knows more about the city and the neighborhoods..but I still think it is leaning Detroit for the above reason of the timing. Now, if anyone sees him and his wife here Today or Tomorrow, then maybe I'll change my mind.

I kinda agree with you. He may be the best coach in Hockey...but I don't think there is a big difference between him and the #3 or #5 guys. Between him and Nolan? Maybe, but not between him and the rest of the top guys. I also personally go by the line of wanting a guy who wants to be here. If you have to convince, talk to, wine-and-dine, and then wait it out...the guy MIGHT eventually be happy here, but I'd rather have a guy who is happy and grateful for the opportunity. So would I be happy if Babcock is hired? Even at 5-6 million a year? Sure, I'd much rather overpay for a coach than to overpay for a player like Ryan O'Rielly (that will count against your cap and EVENTUALLY make it harder to resign other guys).....but I'd be just as happy with the next John Cooper...give me a younger guy who is up-and-coming and well respected. Give me the next star coach...not the current one who is already half way (or more) through their career.

I don't think it is the size of the nets or the goalies alone...I think there is just too much traffic in front of the net. Too many times I watch a game, and if a shot is taken from more than 15 feet out..odds are it is going to be blocked or hit a leg or arm or something. There is just too much traffic in front of the net. How can get you get rid of that? making rules, like the 3 second rule in the NBA, might be too hard to enforce and change the game too much. So I go back to what many have said, reduce ALL equipment, not just goalies. If the skaters have less padding, SOME of the guys might be more reluctant to hang around in the shot lanes...and there is a chance they might be a bit "smaller" (due to less equipment) to let an extra shot or two go though. That is part 1. Part 2..more shots will get through, but the goalies will see more...they have to have reduced padding and/or SLIGHTLY larger nets. A more (and very radical) idea....D-zone wingers cannot come any closer to the net than the faceoff dots. Only the 2 d-men and Center can...it will allow the offensive team a little more room to work in the O-zone..and maybe clean up the area right in front the the net (although the wingers aren't there all that often) Bottom line..I'm not so much upset with the lack of goals scored..but rather the fact it seems like half the shots are blocked or deflected on the way to the net.

What is is that the stats tell us about top scorers? They usually 'peak' in production between 26-28 or 29 year old. After that, there is a gradual fall-off...maybe with Vanek that decline is going to be a bit quicker than usual? Regardless, glad we didn't resign him or Miller. No matter how good players are, you can't be signing them to big contracts when they are 28-30 years old that will take them to the age of 33-35...UNLESS they are a key piece of a CURRENT cup contender.

I wish more of the Amerks games would be on TV in Buffalo. We saw some this year, but on nights the Sabres weren't on, I enjoyed watching the Amerks. It's a little hard to get too invested though. NHL teams deal with injuries....AHL teams deal with their own injuries AND the parent teams injuries (via callups) and seem to be impacted by trades more. I told myself I'd make it to Rochester for a game this past season..and I didn't. I really am going to try to take in a game or two in Rochester next season.

Over the last 5 full seasons, an average of 76.6 points is what the 5th worst team in the league had. One year, it was 80 points. Do we all want the Sabres to do better than that next year? Sure, but one or two injuries to a key player or some average at best goaltending for the year, and the Sabres could pretty easily be 80 points or below and have a shot at one of the top players in next years lottery. You really need 80 points to pretty much ensure you are not in the bottom 5, and this would be more than a 25 point improvement for this team.

I'd say Neuvirth or Lindback as the starter. Chad Johnson as the backup. Why? This team is going through a lot of changes. That fine, but you aren't winning the cup next year (I really don't think so) so play with a goalie who was well liked by his teamates. From what we have heard from the media, both Neuvirth and Lindback were well liked by their teammates. If after a year of them, they aren't good enough make another decision.