French Collection

Buffalo has definitely drafted better. They need to find some D prospects now. Keep drafting F too but get some Dmen in the pipeline. I liked Nazar at the draft, his injury cost him this season. It will be interesting how he plays next year.

Teams seem to change up between those kind of coaches and players coaches. I guess they want the good cop/bad cop thing going. Bring in a softer guy after having the roster beat down by a Keenan type and then bring in a Keenan type when the atmosphere becomes like a country club.

A 19 year old draft would be better for everyone. There would need to be a mechanism for special players to option at 18 if they are a sure thing to make the NHL. Teams would get another year of scouting and make more informed choices. Late bloomers would have a better chance to get selected. Players would be better developed to turn pro post draft. I think it was Ken Linseman who sued the NHL because they were preventing him from earning a living at 19, when the draft was for 20 year olds

I get it when an elite first rounder makes the NHL and plays decent minutes. If a kid barely plays he may be better dominating in the CHL. Getting pushed around in the AHL may not be a great option for 18-19 year olds. When a kid has dominated play at the CHL, he’s ready to move on.

Leafs and Rangers picks are late ones but it will be interesting if they try and move up by bundling. Blues won’t really have a shot at Bedard but it is a good year.

I was a CHL season ticket holder for many years and it’s great to have U20 talent around. Your idea of draft +1 makes sense if the kid has outgrown junior hockey. Maybe each NHL team gets 1 annual exemption.

Games in hand mean nothing if they lose. Sharks seem to struggle vs Sabres. Let’s go Buffalo! I’ve put money on them tonight, the other two times have been wins.

I think he gets 9 games and then there will be a tough decision to make. He can make it easy by having a great start or he can get lucky with some injuries letting him get more games.

Acciari might be the better player of those two.

Speaking of Nashville, Shayna Goldman mentioned Fabbro on Sabres live as a potential RHD.

That team will have a lot of prospects next year. In Shawinigan Nadeau was a big net front presence on the PP, 17 of his 35 goals. He has 14 of 16 this year at even strength. I watched him in the playoffs last year and his short passes and his board work were good. I think he has a higher ceiling than Bloom, but Bloom is a good PKer who can score.

Leadership qualities. He has only played 20 games for them.

Anything can be fixed with duct tape.

Yes, he’s elite at his current level. He just needs to move up and continue developing. I think he will be the #1 in Buffalo in a couple of years.

My point is that the old guys have more upside adjusting to the 2023 rules, equipment, strategy and style of play. The NCAA guys are already up to speed on those fronts. The only growth left is getting a bit stronger and adjusting their games. In a limited period of time I find there is a lot more upside in HOF talents learning new things with new tools than college level guys playing a new type of opponent.

Gretzky may have had the highest hockey IQ ever. Some of those ‘83 all stars are pretty sharp too. They would be taken by surprise in one game and be overwhelmed with the speed and skill. Goaltending would be a difference maker as well. Over a longer period of time the Stars would find a way. They rose to the top of their profession due to hard work and determination. Give them the new equipment, some video to review and some time to practice/train and they will quickly improve. The NCAA team is already playing at their peak.

Nice hands Cozzie.

Quinn on the PP instead of KO.

Quinn gets away from JJP and gets a couple of points. JJ has taken a step back.

Yeah, he would benefit from the AHL. Should get a 9game look. I love and attend a lot of CHL games so it’s nice to see these prospects, but it’s not always the best place to grow.

I knew he was big and could fly but he’s looking good. Blake Wheeler 2.0?

Yeah, thanks. 19 is the shot difference.

Shots on goal are 31-19 Sabres. Come out hot in the third and finish them.

Really nice shot for Mitts, looks pass and rips it.

Back to UPL next game.