kas23

Yeah? What happens next? He becomes a free agent.

They could, and probably would for a lesser player, but neither the NHL nor the NHLPA would ever allow this. Hell would freeze over before they allowed a team to drag one of their star players into court. In all likelihood, a settlement, then free agency. But, that’s neither here nor there. Eichel signed his contract knowing this. The NHLPA also signed off on this. Team doctors are not in support for surgery. End of story. He has nothing to complain about. Probably Googled that surgery helps some people and is running with it.

There’s nothing stopping him from getting his surgery. He’ll be breaking no laws. Sure, he’ll be in breach of his contract, but so what? If this were to happen, the Sabres could try to void the rest of his contract, like they did for Berglund, but I doubt they would. If they did, Jack would then be a free agent and could go to whatever team he chooses. I’m well aware of what the CBA say. So, I ask you. What would the repercussions be?

No ones stopping him from going to get surgery. The Sabres have no leverage to do anything about it. But, for some reason, he’s not. He’s complaining about it instead.

There’s probably much more to this story than what Dr. Eichel lets on. For example, what if the team doctor says that surgery may potentially worsen his condition and favor conservative management. What if second opinion says the same thing? And what if a third opinion says do surgery and Eichel thinks that’s going to solve all his problems (and maybe get him off the team)? You go to enough surgeons and eventually you’ll find someone who will take you to the OR. And besides, there is actually nothing stopping Eichel from going to get surgery. He’s a free man. What would the Sabres do about it? Ground him for a week?

Yes, and due to this, he set himself up for this contract. He made it so he had zero leverage. In fact, if I were their owner, I would’ve have budged from $1.5M.

Darcy is by far, the best GM at dismantling a team. Should get into he Buffalo sports HoF for this feat. As for building a team, he was never allowed to, so can’t comment on this skill

We have known this one already, but hopefully the franchise has learned another lesson: 10. It is beyond imperative that we go into next season with 2 goalies as good as (or hopefully better than) Ulmark. This may include Ulmark himself. We have known this one already, but hopefully the franchise has learned another lesson: 10. It is beyond imperative that we go into next season with 2 goalies as good as (or hopefully better than) Ulmark. This may include Ulmark himself. We have known this one already, but hopefully the franchise has learned another lesson: 10. It is beyond imperative that we go into next season with 2 goalies as good as (or hopefully better than) Ulmark. This may include Ulmark himself.

I’m fine with a high salary, but the term needs to be manageable. 8 years is way too long. Would go 6 or hopefully 5 years. We’ve been burned often with these long terms, and so have many teams in the NHL.

The Lord knows no team. And even if He did, doubt he would sign up for this dumpster fire.

I would rather have Mitts be centering a line then prematurely sending Cozens into that situation.

I agree with everything stated. I was just wondering if there’s people out there that say our losing ways today are due to some nebulous installment of a “losing culture” 6 years ago. It’s actually that this organization has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to incompetence since then: poor drafting, poor player development, dumb contracts being given out, trading good players for peanuts, coaches having no clue, etc. No addition of a “generational” talent wouldn’t changed this. Geez, look at out AHL roster, the team that we’re supposes to develop our talent. It’s a wasteland.

Sorry to be that guy, but what was this lesson?

Correct, if he meant it to be constructive, you don’t go and say it on National TV. That’s unprofessional. Cross him off the list.

Does it really matter?

And if I was the owner of the Cane’s, these are the exact reasons I would lowball him. If, as Sabres fans, we are so sure Buffalo couldn’t pry him out of Carolina due to his wife or whatever, I’m pretty sure their owner knows this as well. It’s going to up to Rod whether he wants to swallow his pride or not.

No doubt he’s very good, but the guy has trouble staying on the ice. We need someone of his caliber (or even slightly lower) who can actually be available to play. I just think sinking money into him long-term at a high-ish number will be regrettable. We already have enough of those types of contracts.

I agree with McCabe. Both him and Ulmark are completely replaceable. And I would place hardball with Ulmark because of this. Jack isn’t quite replaceable.

If we go with Ulmark, then the 2nd goalie is probably be more important than Ulmark himself. I get he’s a fan favorite, but we need to be realistic about his injury history.

But was he smiling when he did it?

Kevyn was hired without any hint they actually interviewed/considered other candidates.... I’m actual pro-Granato, but think they should formally interview other candidates.

The media has been relentlessly ragging on this team for months. Now they are suddenly singing the opposite tune. I would cancel them as well.

Every adult faces this eventually. I’m personally in the process of doing it myself right now. It is crushing to have to change what you think (key word) defines you. But I also know that I need to do what’s best for my family and what’s best long-term. Doesn’t make it easier though.

No doubt, once he retires, he’s done. This is true for almost all professions. It’s extremely emotional for most people. But, there’s an expiration date on all hockey players. A player has yet to play forever. And on the flip side, once you give up your health, it too may be gone forever. I’m not talking about broken bones, but the shots he’s been taking to his head over the years.

Yeah, good point. Interestingly, in the NFL, which is just as violent, salaries are not guaranteed and we are increasingly seeing players walk away from the game earlier.