French Collection

I had a similar thought today watching the Toronto media meltdown last night. I don’t like wimpy Marner but one year trial and getting away from Skinner’s contract and lack of D play is interesting. His playmaking would be an asset in the regular season but his softness in the playoffs would not change. I would sweeten the deal with Rosen, who seems less likely to help the Sabres.

I know they added some grit, their issue is the core 4 has no grit. They wilt in the playoffs.

High end regular season forwards. No grit or extra gear when it matters.

Playoff hockey and the Leafs are looking at the refs after every battle. The Bruins are playing on the edge and are in their heads. Like their fans they are blaming the officials instead of looking internally at a lack of grit.

I printed this, clipped the order form and mailed it in c/o Owen Power.

Nick Paul would be a solid 3C. Not a great skater but he gets there. He is big and will play in front of the net. He can play special teams and has been around 50-54% on faceoffs the past few years. I think his cap hit $3.15 for 5 or 6 more years. He is from southern Ontario and played his junior in North Bay, where we met him. Good kid. Gaustad vibes.

He’s definitely more interesting than UPL, on the podium.

Yes. I believe Komarov will be another one eligible. I think he and Savoie could join them if their teams get knocked out of the CHL playoffs and the Amerks are still playing. I am not sure if they could play, (Savoie has played there and is under contract) but they could be a part of the Black Aces for the playoff run.

He is a competitive kid so that will drive improvement. He is only 18, his physical peak is still years away. The Sabres staff will have specific things for him to work on this summer. They will track his progress and provide support. He has more room to grow stronger and faster in one summer than a mature man like Girgensons. He is an NHLer now which will open doors for him in the summer, training with other NHLers, better gyms, better trainers and better partners. He has more money which will enable more resources to be available to him. My take, no way he isn’t a certain percentage stronger and faster than last September when he shows up for camp.

Left handed

Komarov with the game winning goal as Drummondville takes game 1 of their Q semi finals series.

Even better when you add Jay Jay to it.

If he is to be believed for double digit numbers then some were probably conversations with agents who represent multiple out of work coaches. Another could have been a text to Quenneville asking if Bettman had pardoned him yet. He says he wanted an experienced guy but he may have talked to “rookies”, who would count towards his total.

The reality of not having room for all of these forwards has settled in. Some will flame out too, better to have another organization gamble on them. I like prospects but there comes a point where there is only room for maybe 1 or 2 at the most, in a good organization. To have a constant churn of prospects develop, contribute and leave is not productive. Lock up a core and bring in the ones that are ready when you need them for a role or to get cap relief.

I hope so. He’s been good in N.America so far. That could turn out to be a good draft pick.

Same age as you and similar memories. CBC was our only hockey until the early 80’s. RIP Bob.

I thought he was from Antigonish, NS.

Good eye!

Sam had a muffin of a shot his first year or two. Gilmour was like a dog on a bone.

Wow, I didn’t think he was in such good company. Lindy will like his fast, attack on the rush game. I hope he ends up a bit better than Ehlers. Ehlers is good but always seems to leave me wanting more.

I am interested to see if KA moves on from prospects and which ones. Ruff will watch Rochester closely and probably get up to speed with Savoie, Komarov in the CHL playoffs. KA talks about a team of decision makers, I want Lindy to have a lot of input.

I watched his clips from Michigan and read the draft reviews, they all said this. He is the polar opposite of Pronger despite his stature. I just want to see an incremental increase. As he gains strength and confidence he may hit 10% more. Using his body to win battles should be a given.

Benson will have to play 24 minutes a night. I hope they go out and get a couple of guys who can get some greasy goals and don’t take s**t from anyone. I mentioned Dakota Joshua in another thread as an example.

Nailed it. We want the next season to start now. I don’t get as much entertainment from watching the Leafs lose as I do with a Sabres game in which they compete.

Lindy will love Benson.