French Collection

I don’t know the exact number but it’s a very small number of cases that end up in arbitration, like 5%. They usually settle out of court.

He needs to get stronger in order to stand up in traffic. He looks to me like an easy 6’1 185 player to push around. KA is hoping on a big improvement from him and Quinn is capable, but he needs to toughen up. Maybe a guy like Doan on his line makes him grow a bit.

Stats of a tandem goalie. Ride the hot hand is what I hope for and UPL bouncing back to average stats can get the Sabres a few more wins.

Bottom end of backup goalie numbers. His ceiling may be 2nd half of 23/24 season but his floor needs to be above water, to be considered a starter.

You’re right, defense is a mindset of hard work and second effort to do the right things and to be in the proper locations. The creativity of offense is exciting and more fun to practice but the discipline required to defend is not as appealing and doesn’t pay as well.

I know it probably goes without saying but the new coach also brings in a whole new staff. This alone, imo, could make the difference of playoffs or no playoffs with the current 80-90 point roster. Injuries could sink this team in the fall, because it is built for everyone to play near their ceilings to get ahead. A competent NHL coaching staff could add some points in the standings by having better structure, more accountability and great mentoring.

This is what will help the deal go from magic beans to a hockey trade that tilts in Buffalo’s favour. All three players have upside, with Doan being the most unproven at the NHL level. If Doan becomes a power forward who scores near 20 goals and is a physical forechecking beast, then his value will not be far below JJP’s current worth. JJP at 30 goals but a defensive black hole is not worth much more than Doan at 20 plus intangibles. If JJP goes off and becomes a perennial 35-40 goal man then Kesselring will have to hit his ceiling to make this deal a good one.

I hope so. JJP’s game was “sexy” but these guys bring something different that could lead to wins.

All I’ve got is, no RHD needed.

I have liked Byram since his junior days. I would like to find a way to keep him and have Dahlin play RD with him. He still has some growth in his game and could be a better PP2 guy than Power. I now wonder how much goodwill has been burned with all of this trade talk. If he signs a bridge deal maybe he brings his A game for his next contract.

And where is Staal? Retired star player giving these kids a pep talk and maybe mentoring a few. Also, evaluating some of their skills. Hanging with his buddy Kevyn, scmoozing with TP.

As a long time Sabres fan I would not want to be a fly on the wall and listen to that clown show. I can’t imagine a long time, competent GM being forced to listen.

I think he is better than Bryson. His desire to be in the top 6 is probably considered a problem by KA as Bryson is OK on the sidelines hanging with the guys.

Another ironic line is about being self aware of your shortcomings and improving them.

We got him! We re-signed Matt Irwin!

The effort may go from 80% to 75%.

Kid speaks well. Growing up around the NHL helps in that regard, but he also sounds intelligent. I like hearing that fans will love Kesselring first as a person then as a player. He also sounds like there is some leadership inside and he admits being a hockey nerd.

JJP and Quinn moved in the same off season, KA would really be changing course. Oleksiak is who Mule should be.

It’s not like adding Deslauriers but the rest of the team just got a smidge braver. They don’t need a pure pugilist but more of a pack mentality. Now move on from Mule to take that up another notch.

Can Kesselring be 25-30 year old Erik Johnson? A youngerTeppo?

Their track record is not using available cap space to upgrade the team. That has been a major issue and a pet peeve of mine. I am not holding my breath but there may be UFAs to sign and maybe Jarmo engineers a move for Robertson or another expensive top six forward. The opening night roster and record after 20 or so games will be heavily scrutinized.

If Kesselring is the answer to help out Power and Byram is dealt, they need to find a partner for Dahlin. I don’t want to see Mule in that role.

The team just got a wee bit older. More grit added at the cost of offense. Go out and sign Ehlers if they want JJP’s replacement.

Doan getting 9 points in 11 games in 23/24 shows a hint of offense. Not JJP type potential but a contributing 3rd liner. He will probably never match his Dad’s skill but if he can carve out a role as a gritty 3rd liner with some offense, there is a spot for him. The organization still has plenty of “small” young scorers in the queue. Kesselring will need to be a solid player to change people’s minds on this deal.

Does Benson get more ice time without JJP around? He could be the top playmaker with some shooters like TNT, Norris, Tuch, Kulich and Quinn.