Derrico

Yep that's right. But Risto is a guy I'm betting on. I think in today's salary cap world you have to bet on your guys. Maybe Tim isn't confident in Risto as I would have thought. But if you don't place those educated bets your paying a lot of guys a lot of money in a couple of years.

Yes they are. But I would prefer atleast one of my top 4 paid guys to be a defenseman. If you bridge Risto then I'm anticipating his next deal to come in closer to a $7.5 cap hit if all goes according to plan. If it doesn't, then we're screwed on D with limited financial (see cap) resources to fix it. So now we're talking over 50% of the cap on 5 guys. To me that makes your margin for error razor thin. Sure the remaining guys could average $2.7 mil and probably be ok with that core. But one wrong signing like Molson and you really really feel the implications.

Sure this season we can afford it. But as you say, we're not even contending for the cup this coming season. In two years we will be and ROR, Stamkos, Eichel and Reinhart will be making approximately: ROR - $7 Stamkos -$12 Eichel - $7? Reinhart - $6? That's $32 mil in 4 players. Maybe the cap is $78 mil in 2 years? That's 41% of your cap on 4 guys. To me that's too high of a percentage.

No I don't. So I guess my question is why hasn't he been presented with that offer? If it's as True suggests, I think that's a huge mistake. Risto is a guy you lock in to $5.5 mil per year for now and look like a genius two years from now.

I'm so torn on Stamkos. God I'd love to add him as it would be exciting, he's a great goal scorer and it's a middle finger to the leafs. But....that cap hit. Man that could really really hamstring us in the not too distant future.....

This is a horrible idea IMO.

So many comparables showing Risto value is 6 years at around $5.5. Why hasn't he signed yet?

Don't think I've commented in here yet. Really like the pick. Would have preferred Keller slightly to Nylander but he was off the board so I'm very glad Murray went with Nylander over Serg. Guy has elite skill. I think we've got enough horses who can play big and physical. It was the perfect time to add a high end skill guy to the group.

But is this really Bob MacKenzie, or another hack pretending to be Bob?

I'll be there for the actual Game again this year. Actually, since it's on a Saturday we've already booked the hotel and making a weekend out of it. Would be nice if they released info soon on when tickets go on sale.

Sabres didn't have a 2nd round pick in 2009? Jake McCabe would also have something to say about that.....

I did. What do I win?

I hope this is right. It feels like trade deadline day with all of the hype and then Jamie McGinn going for a 3rd..... I really thought the draft would be different. Still lot's of time I suppose.

Bhahahahhaa, this.

Rumors Doggie Hamilton may be available. Sounds like tons of D out there on the trade market right now.

Draft that mofo

I've brought some rope, handcuffs and a ski mask :ph34r:

I haven't watched a ton of Fowler out west but from all the info I've gathered it sounds like he would be with Risto on our first pairing next season (unless we can pull off a blockbuster which I doubt we have the resources for). In a couple of years when we're hopefully cup contenders we need this guy to be on our second pairing. There's also the worry that his contract runs out in 2 years. Therefore we would need him to re-up with us rather than going UFA. Also, that's the year Sam and Jack will be due hefty raises. If Fowler had 4 years left on his deal I'm all in on giving up 8. With only 2 years left I'm very hesitant.

Ya didn't mean to pile on. Didn't see your response until after I posted.

What? Fowler was drafted 12th overall......At the time people were surprised he lasted that long.....

This. I would love to see us get Nylander as the rivalry with the leafs would jump a tenfold overnight.

Those are horrendous records the past two years with the Saskatoon Blades. But he's got some good NHL experience atleast.

OK. I pick Sergachev.

I'm absolutely never right on these predictions. But I'm going to go with Buffalo selecting Keller tomorrow night. Hockey IQ is off the charts and from the countless quotes (and Reinhart decision) I think TM values that above all else.

Depends if he's ready. I want us to develop guys properly and not go with the Darcy approach of throwing everyone on the team sans development. But I trust Tim is not like that. I suspect he gets his 9 game tryout and see where he stands. If he's ready then he plays.