French Collection

Good for him. He had a good junior career and now it’s time to take the next step. He could go back to the Q as an overage player but I don’t think he has anymore to learn from that league. I don’t know if he slots in to the Amerks lineup but he is an interesting addition. Good size, lives in the front of the opponent’s net. The last time I saw him play I thought his skating needed work so this will be a good spot for him to develop. Good luck to him and go Amerks!

Nads.

I was aware of the Keefe, Frost issues but I didn’t know Wes McCauley was Frost’s brother in law.

I watched about 3/4 of that game. I can’t help but focus on Nylander when he is on the ice. That guy can skate, dangle and shoot with the best. He does not like playoff hockey, he had multiple opportunities to finish a check but did a fly by. You don’t have to crunch the guy, just squeeze him out and let him know there are no free passes. Maybe you wear him down a bit. He outright avoids contact. I know he is not the highest paid of the Fantastic Four but it makes me laugh how the announcers say he is putting on a clinic on puck possession and then poof, nothing happens. He just looks like a guy from a boy band who doesn’t want to mess his hair. Ten ply toilet paper.

I’ve thought about this one a lot. I don’t really see a need for his skillset but if he is the best player on their board they have to take him. Perhaps his offensive game ends up better than Power’s. Maybe his defensive game becomes good and the kid turns into Ryan Ellis. He could end up a slightly better Joki. Those are all positive outcomes and if he isn’t a fit then he can be moved later for something that is.

Florida fans trolling Leafs and their fans by chanting “we want Florida”. So good.

Those Canes uniforms give me the old CCCP vibe.

Canada just added a third goalie. Joel Hofer from the Blues. Levi can take the net from him and Montenbeault.

Doesn’t hurt to have MacKinnon and Crosby on your team. Any relation?

I believe this game is for all of the marbles, best of 5.

That is surprising for a fragile fanbase like that. They were much more up and down like a yo-yo vs Tampa. Maybe finally overcoming the first round hurdle makes them feel invincible. I think they still underestimate Florida as well.

That’s a solid offer for one year of Hellebuyck. DeMelo is from around London so he may want to be in Buffalo. If you re-sign Hellebuyck, you are essentially blocking Levi. However, Helle can be moved later when Levi is 100% ready.

There will be flaws for sure. I’m just of the opinion that I don’t care at all about a guy’s offense from the third pairing. I just want a stay at home nasty vet, like a Gudas.

I know what you mean but I would like a guy with a better defensive game and IQ. I would sacrifice most of the offense a guy like that brings. I want the size to push people around, a willingness to block shots, PK expertise and the ability to get the puck up the ice.

From what I have watched in the past it is a “fun” tournament, especially the round robin part of it. Players sitting in outdoor cafes enjoying the European scenery and fine beverages. Agree on Tuch, playing with his brother was a huge motivation. Luke may not have been invited without Alex joining up.

This is more draft related but I was reading on Sportsnet about the Bruins issues this summer. They have $4.5M to their 23/24 cap because of bonuses to Bergeron and Krejci. Swayman and Debrusk are RFAs and due raises. They probably can’t keep their deadline acquisitions, Orlov Bertuzzi and Hathaway due to cap constraints. Those guys probably don’t take team friendly deals there as they have no history with the team and they want to cash in being UFAs. Their only draft pick in the first 3 rounds of the next two drafts is a 3rd rounder ‘23. Can they struggle to make the playoffs next year? I know good organizations find a way but this sounds like a team the Sabres can overtake.

Maybe we will meet them in the Memorial Cup, it’s getting closer.

Yes, there is quite a bit of information in there. Bukala was director of amateur scouting for the Panthers, so he has done this stuff in real life. Sam Cosentino is another draft junkie from Sportsnet who should be putting a list out shortly.

The Leafs talk core 4, because half of their cap goes to 4 guys. Hopefully the Sabres have some guy(s) in the pipeline that add to the core. Savoie, Kulich, Östlund…

Plus he will drop the gloves if that is required.

My Battalion over here are up 3-2 in the OHL semifinals vs Peterborough. Quebec Remparts are a wagon in the Q, 12-0 in the playoffs.

The Sabres on Team Canada should get a confidence boost playing powerhouse teams like Kazakhstan, Slovenia, Norway and Latvia. Slovakia, Switzerland and Czechia make up the stronger competition. I don’t want to get too overconfident because there are often upsets at this tournament. This is nowhere near an elite team but they should easily qualify for the playoff round. A few reinforcements will join after a few more NHL teams are eliminated so the boys need to show well to keep their roster spots. I have heard a few stories over the years that this is a pretty laid back tournament for the NHLers, enjoying the European hospitality. I will try to watch a lot of Canada’s games to see how the Sabres are doing. I hope Levi does well and gets the net for the playoffs.

Stella Artois in a frosted glass.

Carolina taking it to the Devils tonight, 4-0 after two periods.

Well that settles it, I was a no for Kane but now I’m afraid to attend high school reunions.