French Collection

JJP and Quinn moved in the same off season, KA would really be changing course. Oleksiak is who Mule should be.

It’s not like adding Deslauriers but the rest of the team just got a smidge braver. They don’t need a pure pugilist but more of a pack mentality. Now move on from Mule to take that up another notch.

Can Kesselring be 25-30 year old Erik Johnson? A youngerTeppo?

Their track record is not using available cap space to upgrade the team. That has been a major issue and a pet peeve of mine. I am not holding my breath but there may be UFAs to sign and maybe Jarmo engineers a move for Robertson or another expensive top six forward. The opening night roster and record after 20 or so games will be heavily scrutinized.

If Kesselring is the answer to help out Power and Byram is dealt, they need to find a partner for Dahlin. I don’t want to see Mule in that role.

The team just got a wee bit older. More grit added at the cost of offense. Go out and sign Ehlers if they want JJP’s replacement.

Doan getting 9 points in 11 games in 23/24 shows a hint of offense. Not JJP type potential but a contributing 3rd liner. He will probably never match his Dad’s skill but if he can carve out a role as a gritty 3rd liner with some offense, there is a spot for him. The organization still has plenty of “small” young scorers in the queue. Kesselring will need to be a solid player to change people’s minds on this deal.

Does Benson get more ice time without JJP around? He could be the top playmaker with some shooters like TNT, Norris, Tuch, Kulich and Quinn.

I am underwhelmed by the return. I like the guys coming back, they have grit, which is in short supply. Kesselring could be a long term top 4 RHD, which is a need. Doan’s upside is limited imo, but he brings a Panthers like attitude. The Sabres got harder to play against. I wanted KA to do something and he did. JJP’s offence will need to be replaced, hopefully by a playmaker, because I believe Kulich can replace JJP’s goals. I can’t do anything about this, just wait and see and judge it by on ice performance. At least JJP won’t win a Cup in the short term.

2025 4th round pick. Cap dump.

There seems to be someone falling every draft, maybe they are banking on that happening again. Hagens, because of his size? Perhaps their list has someone as a consensus 10-12 that they view as a 6-7. I wouldn’t move down unless it is for Schaefer or Misa.

Face to face or face to cheeks?

Exactly, that’s his wheelhouse, 5/6 D or bottom 6 players. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Farm teams wait for a call before sending someone up, KA is following that model. He loves all of the guys he brought in so why should he call around to move them, besides TP thinks the answer is in the room.

I think he has some trade value now that the cap has gone up. I don’t want a buy out but I want him gone. Thompson and Dahlin are the best players and they come to the defence of a fallen teammate, why can’t Mule? His goofy personality keeps things loose but in the competitive arena he is a teammate and his size should be enough to push back and maybe shove a few bodies. I know he will never be a fighter but defend yourself, your mates and the crest.

I think it comes down to a choice of 3Cs - Martin, McQueen and O’Brien, 3Ds - Smith, Aitcheson, Mrtka and 2Ws - Bear, Eklund. The big 6 Schaefer, Misa, Frondell, Hagens, Desnoyers and Martone should be gone. 7 & 8 will knock off 2 of my guesses. I hope O’Brien and Eklund are gone as the other 6 are good picks for Buffalo imo.

I am going to guess that he trades 9 and gets a late first rounder plus a RHD who is a 5/6 Dman but KA thinks could be Power’s sidekick.

Congratulations Alex. That WJHC line of Mogilny, Fedorov and Bure was my introduction to him and I couldn’t believe the Sabres got him out of Russia. I am looking forward to this induction.

So Mule is not getting bought out. Well, then he needs to be traded because he was given a nice contract and a letter and he doesn’t stand up for a fallen teammate. Coaching staff is under contract, whoopty f***ing doo, everyone that gets fired in the league is under contract dipstick. Do better. My fandom is on the ropes and then this loser comes out and says nothing. I know they are tight lipped about moves and that is OK even admirable, just don’t have press conferences until you do something then. Key words, do something. Hard to comprehend from Mr. Run It Back.

EEE. TP wouldn’t pay for moving costs. Jarmo is probably holding off until he gets a real job.

Dobson is good, sign me up. From what I know about Liligren, he is similar to Jokiharju. Dahlin/Dobson would be one of the top pairs in the league but you could help Power more by putting him with Dobson. Rasmus would be left with Liligren or JBD unless another guy is acquired.

I am at a point where an overpayment of prospects and picks is OK. You don’t need to worry about winning the trade in the long term, just get the better player now.

Some things are tough to measure. Development runway due to work ethic. Growth in size and strength. Desire to be an NHLer. Willingness to play a role that is outside of the current skillset. Team first attitude. Interviews at the combine attempt to dig into this but scouts could get a few nuggets during the year from coaches, staff, family and friends. Everyone will be promoting the kid and scouts have to glean through the information. I agree with many here that want some grit and compete if the Sabres keep the pick. Martin and Bear fit in that regard.

Kills penalties, wins faceoffs and skates very well. Good middle six player.

We know KA doesn’t take advantage of cap space or other teams who need it. This is where the adult in the room has to speak up or knock some sense into KA andTP.