z-man

New conspiracy theory - Russ Brandon knows about Terry and Kim's kinky secret and uses it to leverage president job and oust Battista, the only guy more important than the president.

I like Russ Brandon a little bit more now.

Bucky Gleason ‏@TBNbucky 8m8 minutes ago Joe Battista, Sabres VP of hockey related biz, has resigned. Some say he's returning to Pa. to start business. Other suggest he was pushed. 6 retweets2 favorites Reply Retweet6 Favorite2 More Bucky Gleason ‏@TBNbucky 3m3 minutes ago Battista's family resides in Pa. He could start consulting business. Source: Pegulas are going thru "cleansing" after Ted Black exit. 0 retweets0 favorites Reply Retweet Favorite More Bucky Gleason ‏@TBNbucky 1m1 minute ago Battista helped convince Terry Pegula to start D-I hockey at Penn State. He was hired here but some saw him as a problem, not a solution. 0 retweets0 favorites Reply Retweet Favorite More

When I first read it, I didn't look at the source, and thought that one of the Buffalo News hatchet men was already on O'Reilly's case.

I could very much see an offer sheet on him happening, even above that 7.3 million figure. He was nearly a PPG player, with 37 G, last year. And looked the part. Two firsts, a second, and third, would not be too much at all for a player of that caliber, young, locked up for years.

We'll already have 3 defensemen born in the 90's in our top 6 (presumably), which is already a lot. And we haven't seen Fasching yet. Deslauriers is still young also, and could have roles outside the fourth line.

To me, Reinhart to me needs to be paired with someone with the scoring touch of Moulson, Ennis, etc. Foligno and Gionta I'm not really seeing, but who knows where the chemistry will form. If the stars really aligned I could see the two of them combining for 40-50 goals. I do feel that they need either Kane or Foligno on Eichel's wing. I feel like there are going to be some "welcome to the NHL" moments, moreso than with Reinhart. Eichel's name has been in the headlines (not just prospect reports) for like two years. Luckily he appears to be pretty well built for an 18 year old. Love the idea of Risto and Bogo on a line. Bring the nasty. Also, I would love to see Kane, Eichel, and Girgensons on a line. That could be really exciting.

I'm pretty sure the only way Reinhart gets traded is if someone outrageous becomes available, like Toews, Kane, etc. And even then maybe not. He was Tim Murray's first selection as a GM, when he basically had the pick of the litter of forwards. He believes in Reinhart, and isn't going to trade him for underachievers.

Darren Dreger ‏@DarrenDreger 10m10 minutes ago NYR have been offered a 1st rounder for Talbot. Not from Oilers or Flames. Dallas, SJ and Florida still involved. 1st isn't a deal maker. ---- There's that.

Love this quote. Also, does this mean he viewed Bogosian as an upgrade to Myers? I think so.

First reaction was not that favorable, but now I've rationalized it. A low first may not even get you a top end rental forward on its own at a trade deadline. At best, it's a throw in on a deal for someone like O'Reilly, who Murray may not even be that high on, and who may wind up being a one year rental for whoever trades for him. You have to think anyone trading a player now for 21 is just going to use it as ammo to move up, so that adds extra work and uncertainty for them. Lehner has plenty of term, and if Murray/scouts truly believe Lehner was the best option on the market, via trade or FA, I'm fine with moving a first to get their guy. Teambuilding trumps winning trades...good stuff costs. That said, the concussion thing is worrisome. Are there any examples of goalies who've had similar issues and gone on to years of success?

Maybe the rumor is a red herring to help the avs or someone else get serious on another deal? I hope?

Yes, that's the idea. If you read the article, they bold the two tiers that make sense for this, and have examples of players that fit into these tiers.

Saw this yesterday, interesting idea. You take a strapped team, maybe from a division rival (who you probably wouldn't trade with anyway) and offer sheet two of their players at different tiers, to the point where they can only keep one due to their cap situation. I love the idea of hamstringing Boston. Are Spooner and Hamilton worth a 1, 2, and 3? Maybe, if Tim Murray really wants to add some younger guys who are NHL ready. Don't forget Terry Pegula's Buffalo Bills did the same thing to the Dolphins this offseason, although it works a bit differently there. I'm sure Tim Murray has the green light if he thinks it makes sense from a Hockey standpoint. http://www.tsn.ca/dual-offer-sheets-the-way-to-land-rfa-talent-1.315613 That said, I read through the comments and it seems like these things rarely happen, even more rarely are accepted, and never have really paid off. But there's a first time for everything.

95. I went on a walk earlier, and when I got back it said the heat index was 105. I was drenched in sweat.

I think he just walks up to the podium and says "Jack Eichel." He will pause in between the two words to add gravitas.

My expectations are that they will at the very least be more entertaining, and could potentially see a turnaround similar to the Islanders or Flames this year. Depends who they bring in via free agency.

Doubt it. I just don't see them investing that much in their D Line over the next few years (Dareus resigning will be $$$)

:(

I hate him. My wife almost went to read in bed last night because his voice was so obnoxious. He also uses the word cheap, or "cheapie" as he likes to say, quite liberally. I pity that caps fans have to listen to him all year. In addition to his mediocre commentary, he also has no idea what's going on around the NHL.

Minnesota v. OSU is on ESPNU, if anyone's interested in seeing Fasching while waiting for the game. He is #24.

I expect the rest of the season to be more entertaining than the last two months were.

So is this Jack Nevins guy the goon of the future?

I think they got about what you would expect. The 2017 2nd can be an effective trade chip next year.

Maybe it's an "F U" to Nolan.