Rasmus_

This is going to sound a bit off, but he's my #1 free agent in a lot of ways. He's the type of player this team needs, speed, creativity, two way game, and in his 20's. Depth is this teams biggest issue. Burakovsky is another guy that I'm all about going out to get.

I agree with this, #31 in play for someone like Kapanen is fine by me, 22 years old coming off a 44 point season. That's the type of trade we need to do.

Which pick? If it's #31, then it makes sense, in most cases, I really hope someone falls that another team wants to overpay for, moving down into the 2nd round and gaining a third or fourth round pick would be ideal. If it's moved for a forward, I hope it's for the right type of guy.

Yes please, I don't mind the Navy-ish blue, but bring back the original!

Exactly, we've already given up a 3rd to be shunned by him. Like we need to give up even a 5th for a kid who's done NOTHING. Pass. I get that Botterill has to search down every target he can, but if we're starting at the bottom of the barrel, can we at least get a European free agent that is a better flyer?

Here's hoping Detroit drafts Podz, because I really would hate to see Buffalo draft a midget.

If you can get Callahan and Miller for McCabe and a 3rd, I'm game on that trade. The rest is a question. I definitely wouldn't touch the Winnipeg trade, or Haula and Miller for 31st, Nylander and Larsson. The Zucker trade might be a realistic option, but it likely isn't for Minnesota. The Buffalo Sabres need more depth. Yes they need a second line center, but unless you're overpaying for Matt Duchene's services, would he choose Buffalo over others there isn't a great crop available. I find Hayes a player that is a black hole of a contract at north of 5.5 for more than 3 seasons. I wouldn't touch him. Along with depth, and a center, I still see goalie as the long term need to fix. UPL, is likely two seasons away from taking the mantle.

Turcotte is the most obvious choice, if for some reason he fell. He has the defensive upside, the skill and the skating at pace that is the most appealing. Outside of Kakko, he's my facvorite player in the draft. That could change, I'm starting to like a few other European players. However, Turcotte at 7 would be the best gift ever.

Because, guys who are undersized always make it. Sure, I could be wrong, but I'm just not biting on Caufield. That's just my take. I'll take Zegras who fits both a need and value at 7 over a sprite, who can shoot.

Give me Zegras as the best "of what's left" situation at 7 overall. I'm hoping for Turcotte, Byram or Krebs. I'm okay with Cozens or Dach. I don't want Caufield.

So much quality depth. Waves and waves of quality! I would love an in his prime Teppo or Toni Lydman.

Hayes is not worth the likely 5.5M plus contract he's going to sign. He was a wet fart in the playoffs, and does absolutely nothing for that type of cap hit. We're talking about another soft Okposo signing with Kevin Hayes. I don't give a ***** if he's friends with Jack. He hasn't been a quality player since he left Ottawa. That's a hefty contract to take on, even if he's available on the cheap. Unless they're taking Okposo, pass.

No.

I will just say this, if Callahan is a serious offseason addition, I want more than just Taylor Raddysh. I'm tired of the "veteran leader crap". If we're bailing out Tampa Bay, I want Raddysh a 2nd round pick, and for them to take Sobotka back. Callahan is just another retread fourth liner who won't do much on the stat sheet.

This is the type of draft where talent should be available in the mid rounds that could be higher in weaker drafts. I'm excited, and if we're able to add anything, that would be even more impeccable.

I'm not interested in 5'8" scoring tease guys in any program. Does the wording "concussion risk" sound like fun. We don't need another Tyler Ennis. Please, oh please may it be Cozens, Zegras, Podkolzin, Dach, Boldy in that order. Vancouver picks 10th.

Such a concise well put together post! Nice points that I wasn't aware of!

No relation to Marco Sturm, sadly. That would only increase my interest! I don't see Cale Morris on here, has he been a disappointment this year? Veronneau, and Schuldt would be interesting to anyone's system.

Can't be higher than a 4th round pick. If it took a 3rd to get him from Montreal a 4th would likely be the going rate for a depth defensemen. Honestly, i'd rather see Scandella or Hunwick go, but to each their own. At this point: Dahlin - Montour Pilut / McCabe - Ristolainen Scandella - Bogosian Looks rather appealing. However, we do need to move two out of: Scandella, Beaulieu, Hunwick, Nelson.

Technically speaking, it's the SJ pick or the St Louis pick if between 20-31. Either way it's likely the lower of the picks.

Their entire team was abysmal, as well as to say Randy Carlyle is an archaic fossil who shouldn't receive an NHL job again. He makes Housley look like a genius.

Wilson back, makes too much sense. One more piece in place to not seeing Pominville's use on the PK!

Just depends on your belief in the prospects themselves. Abramov hasn't had a strong showing this season. It's more likely about the picks for Ottawa I would assume.

Seems about what is fair for a healthy Matt Duchene. Good on CLB to augment their roster before they move Panarin.

I would give him a passing grade on everything. The culture has shifted and at a little past the halfway point the Sabres are still in contention just 4 points out of the final wild card. Sure, you can question the Housley hire (though I and many were clamoring for it), the ROR return (though I'm happy with the 1st, 2nd and Thompson). He's looked like a Jedi master with the additions of (Sheary and Skinner). He's listened to what his scouts have brought to the table and brought in talent. In addition, he's stuck to his guns and made Rochester into a likely back to back playoff contender. He's improved the back end and brought in a competent goalie to compete with Ullmark to push this team closer than we've been in the past 9 seasons. He has a little bit of former mentor's and he's pushed for talent when he's needed to while remaining steadfast in his opinion's. For once, I feel like this team is trending upwards. Regardless, of how the 10 game win streak did for expectations.