GrassValleyGreg

Owen is a plus skater and passer, who excels with his offensive zone instincts, particularly knowing when to jump the zone and support cycles/become 4th forward/etc. He is also extremely adept at zone exits, often generating quick transition with his passing from the backend. His massive wingspan should support his growth in the D zone, disrupting zone entries and taking away passing lanes. Unfortunately, his mistakes jump from the screen because they are mostly a result of a 21 year old growing into a 6'6" body. The goofy turnovers appear more egregious and are thus more frustrating. Anyone who is upset that he doesn't throw his body around more will never like the player. This is my hopeful read of a second year, barely 21 year old defenseman to counter what I see as a gross overreaction from a frustrated fan base. Defenseman take much longer to develop, particularly those who are 6'6".

Wow late entry for worst post of the year.

Preseason is definitely when you question a team's character.

Clifton not looking good on the ice for all 3. Just rusty I hope…

In what world is a white-asian mixed race kid called brown (note: my child is half Japanese/half white)? In what world does being married to a Korean-American disqualify you from being racist against a completely different race? It's a stupid comment that I'm happy has exposed the similar minded.

this is a wildly tone deaf and ignorant thing to say and the fact it got 5 likes is worrisome

I wonder if any of the prospect tracking models account for improvement over the draft year. I'm sure the Sabres models do but not so sure about the fan accounts. Everything I've read about Anton is how vastly he improved in 2023, which isn't shocking for a player who is 17. Either way, very excited to see his continued growth in the SHL and Worlds.

Unrelated to the last few pages...Is there a mute/block button?

A July birthday who got significantly better as the season went on, particularly his skating. He's an end to end highlight reel in a filled out 6'3'' frame. Easy to be cautious about big and physically mature skaters imposing their will on their age group, but it looks like he more than held his own in the SHL. From Cam Robinson, scouting Malmo (SHL) (note: end of season in March, 2023): This was my first look at Wahlberg this season, and I’ve gotta say, I was impressed. He was highly competitive out there. He battled for space, he battled for pucks, he was relentless on the forecheck. Clearly, this is a player with good size and good speed. He kept his game simple with the puck, but was considerate without it. He lurked around for open spaces, he connected on the timing to receive, move and give it back. He even tallied an empty-netter. Really strong performance from the 17-year-old. From Jimmy Hamrin, scouting Malmo (SHL) (also March 2023): This is the best game I have ever seen from Wahlberg. He was a forechecking beast! He played fast and physically. He won puck battles, drove break ups and connected on offence. He was awarded with an empty netter to secure a big win for his club. Last game, he got benched late for being a defensive risk. In this game he was used all the way and got to play to defend the lead when Brynäs pulled the goalie. He played on a line with veteran Carl Söderberg and they connected well. He filled in on open spots, had some good give-and-go situations. He backchecked relentlessly. He seeked the inside, got in front of the net. Wahlberg supported well but played more to instinct than with strategy.

Never been happier to be so wrong.

First time back to the board in a while. I was excited to see what folks had to say about the draft and all I see in reviewing threads from this month is Buffalonill being rude, cranky, and negative at a frantic and often repetitive pace. I'm all for everyone having a voice but when its so constant and consistently a drag, its tough to ignore and makes this place less enjoyable. Go Sabs. Like most, I want Moore for those who could potentially to fall to us. No way Benson does. I watched several of their games this year and he was the play driver, jumping off the screen far more than Savoie (unfortunately). I could see a wild card also, with Musty and maybe Barlow if they feel he can improve his transition game (if he can, I would be all for it). Don't love any of these defenceman at 13OA.

I’m not sure how you could be upset that the team’s most respected and well-liked player and man was named captain. This was the most obvious selection in years, and was telegraphed pretty clearly throughout the summer.

Columbus feed far worse than Sabres, even before the blackout. Comrie very quiet in his movements, exuding a calm confidence.

Haha nobody is saying this.

On cue: https://t.co/ZY2g1kRISa "Sabres prospect Isak Rosen is back to his scoring ways at the world juniors" Long read into Rosen's ups and downs over the past two years including highlights from the first two games of the Juniors. This would have been some nice hype if it wasn't for last night's performance.

Yeah this was after 2 minutes of him not being on the ice for the 6 on 4 and 6 on 5.

Rosen was completely irrelevant, playing only 9 1/2 minutes in Sweden's biggest game of the tourney. He wasn't out there for PPs or with the 6 on 5 man advantage in the final two minutes. Something happened between the Austria game and last night. Sweden as a whole has looked off the first two games and was overwhelmed in this one by the American forecheck. I'd say US won 80% of 50/50 pucks and absolutely hounded the Swedes. The Swedish response was uninspired, nervous play; clearly a team without a leader who were quick to point fingers or complain to the ref. It's a shame Rosen (or anyone on the team for that matter) didn't have the character to step up. I've been quick to defend Rosen and preach patience, but last night's performance leaves me the most discouraged I've been. Let's see how it goes tonight. One note: Lekkerimaki is the only skater that popped, albeit on a single end to end rush.

Man this thread has sucked for the last couple of pages. PA you made whatever point you’re trying to make. Let’s move on.

People are saying this because Adam Mair implied this was their preferred landing spot for him in his post-camp interview. I agree with you and Freeman for the most part -- his game does seem ready for the A -- although there could be benefits to him dominating in his first year on a NA rink in the Q vs potentially losing confidence in a much stronger league than what he's used to.

All accounts have Kulich as the star of camp, with Levi not far behind. I've heard pro ready and comparisons to JJ's meteoric rise post draft. Soon after the draft, when asked where he plans to play next year, he boldly responded "in Buffalo". Maybe he's not so far off? It would be great to have him on this side of the pond for his D+1 (drafted 3rd in the Q import draft).

Man I wish I could be in Buffalo for this. Have watched this at least 10 times to gauge everyone's reactions. Mostly just stick taps from the coaches.

Agree with all of these sentiments! My original comment was basically trying to say the bolded above - a secondary potential benefit for signing a well-liked goal scorer could be his value at the deadline. Like you both, I hope we aren't sellers but good to have options both ways. And Taro, yes I'll happily take another second rounder!

I understand no longer wanting to be sellers at the deadline, but there is a strong likelihood we will be again this year. If not, great, we have a somewhat affordable contract for just another year. If we are, then Vic is probably are biggest realistic trade asset and this contract helps. I'm also just not very high on Vic and think we have multiple players very close who will more than fill his role. But for vibes, continuity, and potential trade value, I'm good on the two years.

Agree with everything you said. I just want to emphasize the bigger difference is Olofsson is not close to Reinhart. But yeah, fine with this and the term sets him up to be moved at a deadline.

I think Östlund is the only sure fire center of the bunch. I read Savoie played much better in the second half when he was frequently moved to wing. We'll see but I'd say it was clearly BPA.