French Collection

Gotta kick their butts in the playoffs for the next few years to get their attention. Sabres have to get there first, though.

It is tough to say who will have a strong team as rosters have not been announced. All of the prominent non playoff players get asked but most do not go due to nagging injuries, length of season or other commitments. Hedman is a pleasant surprise for Sweden. Canada usually has a team of young guys wanting to keep their season going, see Europe and impress Hockey Canada and a mix of journeymen players. They are lucky if they can get one or two guys good enough to make the Olympic team. Bedard is slated to go, so that will be interesting. One rumour has Crosby going as Dubas is co-GM and trying hard to recruit him. I will be there with my son for some early games and to visit Prague. I hear the beer is good.

Levi is getting some serious reps. Is Lindy there?

Still here but is going back next week because of his visa. He has until the end of the year on his tourist visa so he’s hoping to return for work or school. He’s still trying to get anything.

Levi must be doing his part.

In Ontario, the Leafs get almost all of the oxygen. The other Canadian teams combine for a small percentage of the coverage. There are people who look at me funny when I say I’m pulling for the Avs when there are Canadian teams left.

Probably. I think they can be exempted for hockey or studying. My son has a Russian friend who is 22 and hasn’t done his military stint. He has played junior hockey and taken college courses. I am not sure if it is required once his studies are done. He is trying to get a work visa to remain here.

Komarov has chosen to play in N.Am. for the last three years, I would guess he prefers trying the NHL.

He’s in pursuit of Mike Sillinger’s record of 12 different teams. Next team is number 8.

Good thing he’s not a goalie, Sev is not a good nickname.

What a save by Oettinger on the Stephenson breakaway.

I think he is the best reverse hitter since Forsberg.

It’s like the NHL players from the 50’s and 60’s.

Their play in the first looked like the Sabres, except they lucked into a 1-1 tie.

Nice job on this, lots of good information. I am usually up on the draft prospects but have been avoiding it this year. Maybe the Sabres trade their first rounder for a change. The only guy on your list I don’t like is Parekh. This is just my opinion and personal preference. He is an offensive force and he may translate into an NHL PP QB someday. When I watched him he plays most of PP1 and 2. He also plays some time at RW. There are a lot of similarities to Tony DeAngelo at the OHL level. He was a rover who rarely played D. The other comparable you mention is Brandt Clarke. This is very accurate and I also do not like Clarke for similar reasons. They are offense first guys who are not good defensively and seem to be me first types. They spell team with an I. They make Quinn Hughes look like a defensive stalwart. Again this is just my take and I may be way off base.

Bruins flu.

I like Joshua, Noesen and Sherwood for a 3rd line. I am not sure if Joshua can play C at the NHL level but he is listed as a C while Vancouver uses him mainly as LW.

So is the management for signing Reaves for 3 years.

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.