French Collection

Interesting that we are getting nearer to a time when they have to move talent out or let them walk. I view that as a good thing, it means no JAGs. Middle 6 prospects barely make the 4th line, 1st round draft picks spend 1-2 years in the AHL and we don’t sweat over whether a NCAA guy goes back for another year. I can see it happening, a team we can enjoy watching, year after year.

Jeff Marek on HNIC reporting that the Sharks may trying to move 2 RHD, Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson. Huge cap hits for multiple years and they are both past their best before dates. Karlsson still has some tread left on his tires but he is not the gritty, stay at home type to partner with Power or Dahlin.

Savoie has been passed on a few lists. He started the year as a potential #2 after Lambert started his fall. Nazar around the 16 pick would be nice too. I like looking at lists that go beyond 32 and see who is around 41. There are usually guys that get talked about as first rounders so that is encouraging. The Sabres should come out of this draft with at least 4 good prospects and if their scouting group has indeed improved they should find some surprises in the later rounds.

His debt has maybe got him to thinking that he needs longevity as well as some scoring. Maybe he keeps his nose clean for another big contract. Trouble seems to find him so I wouldn’t be the one to give him that deal. I don’t like the Oilers chances to go deep either.

Comrie would certainly come cheaper than Fleury, Holtby or Husso. I am intrigued by Husso and the Blues are committed to Binnington, money wise. Anyone they sign can be moved in a few years if one of the three prospects warrants a starter’s job. It is just another asset unless you give a guy a huge long term contract and he flames out.

It would be nice if one or two of the Russians came over but I doubt they are ready or can even get out of their current obligations.

Watched Shane Wright play last night. He was invisible for the first two periods then made a few nice plays in the third. His positioning is good, his shot is hard and he has decent speed. If the Sabres win the lottery and take him, the expectations should be middle six C. It was only one game up close but I did not see anything jump out at me to say he will definitely be a difference maker. I like him but he doesn’t seem to have taken a big step from his 15 year old season. I know he missed a season with the Covid shutdown but he hasn’t separated himself from the pack. Just my two cents.

Beautiful day and not too hot. Picked up some free fill, I always need dirt. Using the tractor to spread it around our trails.

Everyone only talks about the winners or the potential windfalls. I say the same thing as you whenever people ask me why I don’t gamble, this casino didn’t get built because they lose money.

Good points. I think the way KA surrounds himself with smart people would lead to honest discussion about picks and prospects. This is the culture that they are trying to foster in the dressing room so they need to lead that way from the top.

It is tough to have that steady flow of 3-5 draft picks into the AHL every year. Europeans often stay at home longer, NCAA guys stay in school 1-4 years and some CHL guys never develop enough. I’m pretty sure this is an unusual year for the Sabres past draft picks. KA may find a FA or two from Europe or the NCAA. DG may spot someone at the World Championship.

I can’t remember the reason but I think it was a hockey card promotion that had Alexandre Daigle wearing different outfits, like this nursing one.

Beck is a 2nd rounder on a lot of lists. His offensive ceiling is often mentioned as not very high. He is a solid 200’ C and is one of those hard working types. I would look at him with Florida’s pick as well as a RHD if they haven’t lucked into Jiricek with the first pick. A Peca type guy that may be available in the third or fourth round is Liam Arnsby of the North Bay Battalion. He got the “C” in his draft year, is gritty, will drop the gloves to defend a teammate and works hard at both ends. He plays bigger than his stature.

Like I said, Boychuk was $6M to sit at home. Toews $10.5 for a bottom six C. I’d be OK with those numbers if he can play a shutdown role, mentor young guys, PK and win some face offs.

Chicago. Instead of a pure cap dump like Boychuk why not get a guy with a bit of tread on his tires. Jonathan Toews could replace Eakin on the 4th line. He has won at every level, and has been a leader on those teams. Chicago could retain some salary and/or add an asset for the Sabres to take him. He wouldn’t come in here as a 1C or 2C and block the young guys.

Frank Nazar is not in their top 20? Brad Lambert down to 11th in Euro skaters.

Cutter Gauthier up to 3rd in N.Am. skaters.

We’ve been in the “bush” for the last 11 years but now development has moved closer, within 150 feet of our home. We haven’t seen any humans while walking our trails, now I see heavy equipment moving about. The developers are basically clear cutting next door. I started planting trees.

Kyle seems like the type that would take a team friendly contract with an agreement to be paid for another function after retirement. That would also strengthen the culture that is brewing.

Going to a Qmjhl playoff game on Monday, Shawinigan vs Rouyn. Firsthand look at Olivier Nadeau.

Wild are playing better tonight, I’ve got them in my bracket and they got smoked on Monday.

Veteran RHD. No thanks, watched him play and he is similar to Pysyk. I like Pysyk more, though.

I want this year’s pick, he’ll be ready a year before the 2023 one.

I like the Columbus cannon, it is intimidating and different. My favourite anthem singer is the young girl from Toronto, she just belts them out as they are, not trying to make them her songs. That is the only thing good about Leafs games.

He is currently 27 and I don’t want to bring him back. I was just wondering what could have been done better with a first rounder that busted.