French Collection

I listened to most of this, some good stuff. Potential second round RHD Lukas Dragicevic was one guy I wanted more information on. Comments were offensive genius, weak defender, decent skater. What I didn’t realize was that he has only been a Dman for three years. He is still learning the position and how to defend. This helps explain his scoring numbers, leading his WHL team in scoring. Reinbacher was in the 10-15 range. They all love Ryan Leonard for his compete level. Quentin Musty got some good reviews since the New Year.

Dahlin had a strong game. He is still not 100% in my estimation, but he is gutting it out. I watched the game on the RDS feed (French) and they were very complimentary of the Sabres and Dahlin, pointing out he is only 22.

That lowered his value and forced a quick trade. Kind of like moving ROR before bonus time.

Patrick Roy was nearly 30 years ago but he went for a fraction of his worth.

Bettman and Daly in Ottawa. New ownership probable in April. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/bettman-daly-arrive-ottawa-big-senators-questions-1.6791805 I wonder if the winning bid is not Reynolds’s group, they extend an offer for him to join?

First giraffe to score 50.

I would love this. Instantly bumping up the chance of winning games and being a mentor for Levi. Comrie can back up while UPL could be a part of the trade package. Trotz and ownership will have some decisions to make this summer over rebuild, retool or try and add. This was Poile’s team that was good but not great for a long time. Trotz may have his own take and ownership may want a different course of action. I find it interesting that goalies have not cost an arm and a leg in trades. It is such an important position. I would be willing to give up quite a bit for Saros, but it may take less than what I expect. I think the Asplund trade was an opening to future deal(s) with Nashville. I kind of hope the Sabres don’t have to take a long term salary dump like Ryan Johansen to make it happen.

If Dahlin gets 5 points I like their chances. Don’t know about sainthood yet but he is the chosen one.

Not sure which ones are as friendly or even better, but there are countries one of my kids will not travel to.

If Comrie starts it will tie last year’s mark of 19 games played. This will continue KA’s evaluation of Ricky, he is under contract for next year. A strong finish could salvage his career.

I think he is well liked by his teammates, non issue. I am glad I live in a country that won’t threaten my family for something like this.

Good comparables. Similarly sized winger/centre skilled players. Kulich is a bit behind their production but in the ballpark. Perfetti is a January birthday so he turned 19 midway through his season. Pastrnak would be the only one to have similar language/culture issues but his English was probably better having played a few years in Sweden. I hope Kulich is grittier than Nylander and Perfetti. Those pretty boys don’t like to mess their hair.

Yeah, I like that the board has been cautious of using any of those kind of terms for tonight’s game. I’m not superstitious, but… Are you there?

I really admire his drive to succeed. Moving to North America with limited English skills to play vs men at 18. I know he played vs men last year in Czechia but this is a whole other world. In the summer there were thoughts of him playing for Cape Breton in the Q if he wasn’t ready for Rochester. He would’ve put up some big numbers in that league.

This game could become a high scoring affair. The Habs don’t play the boring Isles kind of game and their goaltending is meh. I don’t play the O/U but this could be an over game. I hope the kid line continues their run and Dahlin gets a few points.

If Rousek draws in to a game or two he will have some great information to pass on to his fellow countryman.

Levi would be the feel good story on numerous levels but I don’t 5hink he should start without a proper practice or two. DG has to see him up close while Mike Bales provides input. I think the players would like to see Comrie follow up his SO with another solid outing and keep the run going. A few guys are gutting it out to stay in the race and the whole team probably prefers going with the “hot hand” vs the rookie. It felt strange to type Comrie in as “hot” but that is what we’ve got right now.

Good points. I have to tame my enthusiasm, I did say he should go to the AHL and get some callups to see where he is at and give him an idea on what he needs to do. I’m so tired of watching VO be weak at 80% of the game and not cashing in on his special skill that I want someone to audition for that slot.

I would like to see him play another AHL season with some glimpses at the NHL level. The Red Wings model of prospects marinating in the AHL was very successful. But, if this kid can play a bit of defensive hockey, battle along the boards to get the puck out, win a battle in the corners to gain possession and carry the puck through the neutral zone he may be better than VO. I think most people are done with VO and he could be moved for something they need. Kulich may end up pushing JJP down the lineup. I hope the AHL guys develop him more as a well rounded forward than just a perimeter shooter like VO.

The impression(s) he makes during those callups will determine where they see him fitting in and who may have to be moved to make room for him. A few good games at the NHL level could accelerate the timeline. I think he is driven to improve and will work hard this summer to make the Sabres. He will make it difficult for them to send him down. His age and contract status will make it easier for KA to cut him but he could be VO’s replacement. Kulich will have growing pains but he will do things that VO doesn’t. He already has a good shot but he will not avoid physical contact, can play C and can help in driving a line. He and Savoie could end up providing 3 scoring lines for the Sabres.

I can’t imagine how tough trench warfare was on the physical, psychological and emotional aspects of those young men.

KO hasn’t exactly torched his old team, 10 points in 22 games. Seems like former Sabres score more vs them, maybe we just focus on them more.

He’s still good but not much of a supporting cast. When they decide to rebuild, the best thing he could do for them is agree to move for a pile of prospects and picks. Maybe he sticks around to mentor them or just retires. I don’t think they have much of a pipeline. Ruhwedel and Fedun playing D for them tonight.

Caps season is over after that, 6 points back with 8 games left. Pens have 9 games left. Lots of teams have puked all over themselves trying to get a WC slot.

Tomas Suchanek, Czech goalie who was invited to Sabres Development Camp has improved his numbers in the WHL. Last year GAA 3.87 SV% .901 This year GAA 3.05 SV% .912 He caught my eye taking the Czech team deep at the WJC. He could be worth a late pick.