kas23

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.

Let’s not forget that Eichel has basically dictated the HC situation over the past few years. It was rumored he put the knife in both Byslma and Housely. As for Ralph, did he sign off on the hiring such a poor coach? It’s true Jack has Captained the most underachieving team in the NHL. But, if we want to pass that blame on to Ralph, we’re indirectly placing the blame on Jack too. As for Jack’s skill...he’s elite (when motivated). There’s no denying that. And I don’t think he’s more injury prone than any other NHL player.

I just don’t understand why he keeps going. He’s old and has his money. Walk away while he still has his health. I get the “love of the game”, but still.

I’m worried if we bring in another HC, he’s just going to clamp down and neuter our players again, just the same way Krueger and Byslma did. At least with Granato, for better or worse, we know he won’t. So, at this point, do we want good hockey or do we want a “name coach” coming in and forcing his round system into a square peg?