French Collection

Greenway doing Tkachuk things.

Playfair would destroy guys in this era.

That surprised me, too little too late. I still want him gone.

Greenway pushed Tkachuk away from the front of the net scrum. Nice to see that.

Finally! TNT with a quick snapshot.

C’mon boys make this PP count.

Ottawa feed said Stutzle is at 90 points. He has pulled way in front of Lafreniere and Byfield who were drafted 1-2 ahead of him.

Yes, they need another Samuelsson type. Graves fits that skill set.

That looked like a gimme.

Yes but the review may allow it.

Offense is more artistic, players create. Defense is more discipline, players need to be in position and have awareness. I believe you can teach a talented player to play defensively, you just need to get their buy in as a GM, coach and teammate. I believe you cannot teach a grinder to score at the NHL. If they don’t have the hands, feet and IQ to score at lower levels they will not find a touch at this level.

Last year’s first round for Buffalo was great and it should help the team going forward. It seems like only the top of drafts are sure fire NHLers, others have shown those stats before. If Buffalo values a mid 1st rounder as a great prospect, I trust they will keep the pick. This analytics/scouting group seem to be good at identifying value. The only way I see them moving this pick before the draft is for a 1G or 3/4 Dman. The world U18 tournament is coming up so that could move some names around the lists. I will be keeping an eye on Bob McKenzie’s list because he seems to have a decent track record. He uses 10 actual scouts to compile his draft rankings. It doesn’t mean the list is accurate for eventual development but guys are usually selected near those rankings. I’m curious to see who will be in the 12-16 slot.

That’s pretty intense pickle ball right there.

$9M

Heard on Sportsnet yesterday that there is no imminent extension for DeBrincat. The team wants him but he hasn’t committed. The reporter said the team will qualify him, which would possibly lead him to UFA after next year.

The boys will play hard for Anderson, he has been a good guy for the organization. Ottawa wants to win so the Sabres better be prepared. The battle of the rebuilds. No tanking tonight!

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/sportsnets-2023-nhl-draft-prospect-rankings-april-edition/

I read a New York Post article about that. He does say that he will be a UFA. His preference would be NYI but Lou may cut his salary from $5M. He is now a backup for them.

I’ll take the under but will not care if KA signs him for more. 🤝

This guy and Samuelsson are very similar. Graves has averaged about 19.5 minutes per game over the last 4 years. That sounds like a solid 4D. I don’t think he would get $6M but someone may offer $4.5M. Most teams are tight to the cap and it doesn’t sound like much of an increase this year, which may end up being a buyer’s market. GMs seem to find a way out of some bad deals, sending them to the desert, so some $ may be freed up. KA should have his ear to the ground on this guy, his agent (Alain Roy) represents Cozens and Bryson.

I don’t have any facts but he is from around here and there are rumblings about his character.

Listened to Marty and Duffer on Sabres Live. Duffer is high on Ryan Graves as UFA Dman. Sounds like he is a big part of their PK which was very good. 6’5” 220, he’s put up a few points, 100 in 302 games. Playoff experience with Colorado and now New Jersey. Cap hit $3.167M. 28 years old next season. This sounds is the kind of guy the Sabres could use in the 4-5 role. They could outbid anyone but KA probably avoids being saddled with big deals with the extensions coming up. I would make a pitch to Graves and his agent.

If they both go undrafted the Sabres can sign one for the AHL/ECHL. They will both be 20 years old, this is their last draft.

Mid round goalie? Thomas Milic Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. 2.08 GAA .928 SV% He turns 20 this week. 6’1” 175 lbs. He led Canada to gold at this year’s WJHC. I still like Suchanek of the Tri City Americans as an option.

Not sure, I expected him to play. My guess is DG wanted to play a faster Bryson vs the Devils. I don’t want to see Bryson on this team again.