kas23

Unfortunately, in the NHL, there never really is a true competition. The player senior to you automatically has the position, but it’s his position to lose if he truly falters. If Portillo signs, that’s what Levi will be up against.

Sorry, by “him”, I mean Levi. Here’s the issue. First, I don’t believe getting emotionally involved in team assets (yes, assets) is a good thing. Beane over at One Bills Drive certainly doesn’t. Just as Levi decides what is best for him, Adams has to do what is best for the team. Let’s look at the Buffalo goalie situation. I certainly may be wrong (and probably am), but I don’t see Adams failing to sign a decent veteran for a medium term contract this offseason. We’re likely to go with a 1A/1B structure. That leaves UPL being the 1B or if he fails, Portillo being the 1B. Who knows, they may be the 1A part of the equation. Still, one of them has to fail. And even then, I don’t see how Levi fits in. We can talk about the fairy tale of a goalie jumping from the NCAA to the NHL, but it’s a super long shot. Then you mix in the 5’11’’ bit. The history books are full of “sure thing” amateur goalies never making it. Due to the reasons above, the odds of Levi becoming the Sabres starter are low, but definitely not zero. If I were Adams, I wouldn’t be shopping Levi. However, his value isn’t likely going to get higher. If a GM offered me a young lockdown RHD (a real NHLer) we could ride for the next decade, I’d certainly entertain to the offer.

Why?

We’ll get a very clear picture of UPL up on the Sabres the whole year and Portillo glued to the net in Rochester the whole year.

We want players that bleed blue and gold. Levi does not. I’m not sure if going back another college season will have negative long term effects, but it certainly won’t have any positive ones. He won’t repeat his performance again and he’s likely going to be put out to dry by his teammates again. Good luck there. There’s a snowball chance in hell NE will go on to win a championship next season. Let’s see if Portillo signs. If he does and another GM dangles us a young right-handed Muel for him, I wouldn’t hang up if I were Adams.

Don’t know what this is, but can someone as him about Levi?

I’m fine with this. Let’s not get impatient. If Portillo doesn’t sign, then it’s time to panic. On the other hand, one has to wonder if Levi is afraid of the competition. If he sits back and sees UPL and Portillo blowing it up, doubt he signs then. If he signs now, it’s let the best man win.

Ummm, yes please? I would as happy as a pig in ***** if that happened.

UPL has done much better up on the Sabres as he has in Rochester. This is likely due to the defense in front of him because I remember his game improving considerably once Muel came back from injury/Covid. Right now he really has a below average defense in front of him. That’s not to say all problems disappear once he’s on the Sabres, but I believe he can become a serviceable 1B.

Nope. I’ll roll my dice with UPL, Levi, or Portillo working out. This trade wouldn’t be a good example of asset allocation.

Can every home game be RJ night?

Seat of my pants

I think TNT can be that 80+ point 1C. This is his first year at center. He’s still going to develop further, especially if you give him 1st line wings.

*****nuggets

TNT looks absolute boss here.

Not cool bro

What do people think about Ben Myers? I haven’t seen him play, but from what I read, sounds like a Mike Peca type. I think we’d be able to give him the roster spot he would require.

I don’t understand. Like the one we did to get Eichel? I swear, the Buffalo fan is so shell shocked that if we’re not loading up on high-priced players for a Cup run, we must be tanking. Do you think we are playing to tank right now or that our current young roster won’t take another step forward next year?

I would think so, if I one and the other signs, then I’m signing and getting my butt in Buffalo so I don’t get behind in the roster depth.

There will never be another Hasek. I haven’t seen one since he retired and I don’t think we ever will.

Very noteworthy. He’s having intimate discussions with his family on his future.

The rumors of a sale were pretty hot and heavy for about a month. But, it was only now that they came out and denied them. Why the long wait? My guess is they were exploring sales, maybe even part of the stadium negotiations, but now have back away from them.

Football analogy is particularly apt. Throwing a helmet in frustration is an automatic penalty. So should breaking a stick in anger.

I didn’t quite understand who was better either. Then I thought about Teddy Nolan. Not his 2nd stint, but maybe based on his 1st time around (which was before Ruff). Of course Nolan had Hasek and won many playoff games with him, but I think he could’ve had this team humming as well.

Why UPL isn’t up with the big club is beyond me. I thought we weren’t going to block the youngsters?