French Collection

I believe Botterill is a good choice. He sounds like a cap expert but I would think he has an eye for talent as well. If not, then he needs to bring in some great evaluators. He's been part of some great teams so he deserves some credit. A cap expert sounds more like an accountant than a GM.

I know the game is not played on paper, but I don't think Ottawa is that good. Karlsson is all world but Turris and Brassard don't scare me as top 2 C. Boston's core is a year older, I can see them drop off. Lundqvist has been great these playoffs but I he showed some cracks this year. Health, like Tampa showed could swap out a few teams as well.

I get this and there is a need to change the culture. You also need a few people who want to be in Buffalo, not just looking at a stepping stone and a raise. These guys can bring in their hangers on from other organizations.

My only experience is with my son's rep hockey, but some are better. Do you guys want to be inundated with Pittsburgh and Wilkes-Barre staff?

I'm hoping Gus gets some confidence playing here and finds another gear. He's still young enough to turn into a solid bottom six player for the Sabres. The flip side is a good showing could appeal to another team wanting to make a deal.

Everyone will probably get evaluated by the new GM. Just because there hadn't been success on the ice doesn't mean we don't have some quality people behind the scenes. For example, our equipment guys could be the best skate sharpeners in the league.

The Dominator Spinner Who needs Batman, we've got Robin Clear the track, it's Eddie Schack Latvian Locomotive Satan

Moulson getting picked would help us out. Move some salary and open a winger job for someone with speed who can win a puck battle.

Doesn't seem to be much high end talent that can step in right away. D also seems more difficult to break into at a young age.

Play fair is representing us, no hanky panky.

May it be our last lottery. Get the 2nd pick, we seem to attract that number.

ROR probably prefers C but a true leader sees the greater good, Yzerman's transformation to a 200 ft game comes to mind. Was his playing wing part of being disgruntled with that organization? I know $$$ was an issue as well.

TP is spending millions for TM and DB to sit at home, what's the big deal about an ELC for a guy ready for Rochester.

The new GM will get credit for future accomplishments but a lot of it will be with Murray's "assets". An example that pops into my head is Chicago, Bowman has managed the cap and won 3 cups but Tallon acquired or drafted a lot of the core. It's too bad we can't keep TM as head scout.

He is currently our best option. Sign him to a bridge deal to prove himself to the new people. If we don't lose Linus then we can see how he fares for another year or two before making a deal.

Rick Martin is my pick, shows my age.

11 years in the NHL, 2 in the playoffs. He can score but no thanks.

DD had "learned a lot" in his time away from head coaching. I'm OK with Lombardi, preferably as President over a Fenton/Botterill/MacIver type GM. As much as I don't like the Leafs, their structure with a lot of good hockey minds around the table is a good idea.

I'll watch as much as I can, Canada and some USA games especially with Jack committing to play. The games are early with the time difference. If Antipin is on the Russian team I hope we have a rep there to talk/sign him up.

This would be an interview question from me, tell me what you think of the current roster, player by player.

I like the idea of a President of Operations and then a GM. I can handle Lombardi and Fenton. Fenton should be well versed in all aspects of the job from being a lifer in Nashville.

13 tries to get Sabres #1. 6 out 13 we got a top 3 pick.

Agree, we have lots of right handed wingers in the prospect pool. From what I've seen of Tippett, he is similar to Baptiste but not as fast. We need D with the big club and in the pool so leaning that way is the right move. Trading up or down to get GMTM's guy could net us extra assets as well.

From what I've seen Draisaitl is not faster than Sam. A full year with McDavid pads your stats more than 2/3 of a year with Jack. Let's give this comparison more time. They are different players and I think Sam develops into a good 200 foot player that makes people around him better.