dejeanneret

Erikson to Vancouver

GMTM has reiterated that the Sabres are "a ways away" from being where they want to be, and I don't see them standing pat & hoping a Vesey signing is their greatest hope of taking the next step. They need to show their fans, and Vesey, that they are making strides. May the chase for the big fish continue. Three moves: Sign David Backes: Although he is on the wrong side of 30 (turned 32 May 1st) he is still a productive 2nd line player, finishing 2nd for the Blues last season in goals (21) and 3rd in points (45). Has scored 28 pp goals over the last three seasons, and still logs close to 20 minutes of ice time per game. Still one of the best two way centers in the game and someone you can count on each night (missing only 16 games the last 8 seasons). He is a phenomenal leader that, along with ROR, will be a perfect role model for the Eichel, Reinharts, and Nylanders on the team. Although his goal production has gone down the last three seasons (27, 26, 21) on the right line he can still be a close to 20-goal player with his assists rising depending on who he is paired with. Come playoff time he'll be the welcome voice of a seasoned vet. Trade for Kevin Shattenkirk: I know they acquired the left shot Kulikov, but the late addition of Cody Franson last season shows the Sabres are never satisfied at the D position. TM has stated many times if there is a better player out there he will move out someone and make room for them. Safe to say Shattenkirk is an upgrade on the right side over both Bogosian and Franson, which is all we have behind Risto. Shattenkirks 14 goals and 44 points were more than Bogosian and Franson combined. His 17 PP goals over the last three seasons makes him the QB the Sabres need. At 27, he is hitting his stride. Sign RFA Mike Hoffman: Reach? Sure. But TM knows him too well, and was a name thrown around in trade rumors when he was first hired. Ottawa has cap space, but their blue line is a mess. Their best defenseman Erik Karlsson is ranked a horrific 26th overall on the power play, and their most important piece to keep is blue-liner Codi Ceci, who also is an RFA. Many expect the Sens to go heavy on D in FA. Hoffman plays both C & LW. Averaged 28 goals and 25 assists last two seasons, including a team leading 9 pp goals last year for Senators. At $6.5 million AAV, the Sabres would be giving up a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd to sign Hoffman. Half the price of Stamkos for a 26 year old potential 30 goal/70 point player hitting his prime, I still believe that's great value for a team that will expect to be drafting in the 20's next year. With a glutton of young untapped potential still on the roster for the Sabres, it wouldn't surprise me if they try and swing a trade for him first. Crazy? Perhaps. But I really see TM swinging for the fences this summer to take the final step in becoming a playoff caliber team, and convince Vesey this is where he needs to be. Regardless whether these moves are it or not, TM is going to do something. Just a matter of what and when.

The Hockey Press @TheHockeyPress #NHL RUMORS: • Per Bob McKenzie the Buffalo Sabres are willing offer the most expensive contract to Steven Stamkos.

My bad. Old info.

Mike Straw @mikestrawwrites Told the #Sabres interest in Kyle Okposo has dropped off. Should they miss out on Stamkos, Backes would become next main target

When asked on TSN MacKenzie said Sabres are his first choice. For what that's worth.

Can the Bolts actually do a sign and trade? I think that would add another dimension to this. Bolts have 18 million in cap space to do a deal. This would be beneficial for Stamkos cause that would be able to get 8 years instead of 7. He would be in complete control since the deal would have a clause where he could only be traded to whomever he agrees to that offers the most compensation. Because it's SS I see Murray overpaying if this where to occur. I would even go as far to think he would offer Ennis in a deal. It's a win win. Murray gets his guy. SS gets max money for the team of his choice. And the Bolts get something in a situation where they were going to get nothing.

DD already said he wasn't going to split up Eichel and Reinhart next year. Kane-Stamkos-Ennis OReilly-Eichel-Reinhart Foligno-Larssen-Gionta Moulson-Fasching-Bailey I believe Girgensons will be part of a deal that brings in a QB for our power play. Either Fowler or PK Subban

Looks like the Oilers took a big hit losing McDavid for probably 6-8 weeks. He was on a point per game pace. Looks like Eichel will be the main attraction for the next few months http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/14048557/connor-mcdavid-edmonton-oilers-leaves-shoulder-injury

I agree. An extension has to be in place before pulling the trigger. But Murray hasn't been shy abou that stuff, and showed it by extending OReilly shortly after trade. Murray knows a guy like Stamkos will be your top center on your team and most likely in the league for the next 7 years. That's worth a boatload of cash.

Seeing that the Sabres are rumoured to be highly interested in him since the summer. Going on his eight season with a ton of production, yet still only 25. He only has one year left on his contract and is expected to garner interest in the 10 million range next season, which the Bolts won't want to pony up. The Sabres have the cap space. I have a feeling for the Sabres to get him they would have to give up Reinhart. and another top prospect I'm thinking Reinhart Baptiste Pysyk 1st rounder 2016 for Stamkos I think he is a different maker that would create lines like: Kane Stamkos Ennis OReilly Eichel Gionta Moulson Girgenson McGinn Deslaurier Legwand/Larsson Foligno Granted the Sabres look like a team about to burst out in a scoring spree, this trade would for sure make them the most potent top 6 in hockey. The question would be what one would think fair value is to get a stud like Stamkos

wow Ennis

OReilly hasn't impressed me

that was as frustrating as all hell. It's like the SAbres were trying to keep it off Eichel's stick. If thye can just get it to him it's a game winner

how frustrating...if they can just get the puck on eichels stick

This Sabres team is like a dam about to burst....crazy chances

It's just really cool to see skilled hockey once again from the Sabres. As stated earlier this was a SC finals team that they skated with tonight and they had some great chances. Buffalo looked severly outclassed last year and this year it seems they are playing with NHL skill level and not AHL skill level. You can see the team growing right before your eyes. Last year the Sabres couldn't get a shot on net to save their lives, this year completely different. Jack Eichel is just scratching the surface on how great he is going to be. His speed and moves are crazy for an 18 year old. There is no doubt that he is going to be an elite player in this league soooner than later. Its fun to actually have skilled NHL players on your team making plays. This team is just getting their legs under them. I expect them to start winning games consistantly 25 games into the season.

Watching the replay of Eichel's short handed goal tonight vs Leafs, I couldn't help but catch myself watching his legs as he broke free. His legs and skating style remind me a ton of Gilbert Perreault. While most guys do quick closed strides, Eichel's strides were wide, compact and looked very powerful. He kept his head up most of the time. You could see him pull away even though his legs were moving slower than the Leaf defender behind him. From the waist down, you could put a replay of Perreault and Eichel from the same angle, and I'd swear they would look identical. Crazy

While the Sabres offense is putting on a show with all the new shiny toys they have, last year's the other bottom feeder is making some noise of their own. Edmonton is 6-0 in pre-season play, with a +9 goal ratio. That McDavid guy has 4 assists in 2 games. Although they've only played 3 games, the Oilers have 8 players with atleast a point a game. As for Arizona, the loser of the McDavid/Eichel sweepstakes? They are last in the entire league in pre-season play with a single point. I guess that tank thing worked after all. Now, I get it's preseason. But both Buffalo and Edmonton have much stronger rosters (not including their new lottery assets) and better goaltending and it's beginning to show on the ice. They also have competent leaders behind the bench as well as some of the shrewdest GM's in the game. The rise of both teams will lend more credibility to the "tank" effect in future years when all world players become available for the draft. It wouldn't surprise me if both teams were atleast in the playoff hunt this year.

LL is a coup for the Leafs They'll be back in top in no time.

Sucks we lost Oduya to Stars Next

The reason there is less than 1% chance is it makes zero sense. Then you put moulson and reinhart in a lineup with Kane? Didn't you just trade them? Lol

In Disco Dan we trust

Was thinking 8 yrs $60+ million

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