Derrico

Wow. That is crazy.

I'm telling you the hype is criminally under-rated around here for this trade. Montour is a very good player and I can't wait to see what he does for a full season here (especially if he's paired with Dahlin).

My other post didn’t get deleted in the move I hope.

My bad. I posted the last two in the wrong thread. Anyway mods could move to ROR trade sucked thread? Sorry about that.

This is a whole other discussion but I would strongly disagree with you again. Take away the ROR trade and he's doing fine. To me, the Skinner deal makes up for it. If we're not in the playoffs or knocking next year then I'm with you. I think our last couple drafts seem promising, the cap is somewhat manageable right now and core pieces are here today. I think it was you that said when you have your franchise C and franchise D already you're never that far away. I thought that was well put. If Botts is competent he can do enough this summer to get us a playoff worthy roster by October.

@TrueBlueGED So, the big trade goes down for ROR at the draft in 2015. The Sabres then make the long term contract extension shortly after for $7.5 mil per season. At the time that was a pretty big contract. Yes he is worth it. But remember only 3 years ago it was before McDavid changed the landscape of contracts. The ROR deal was still fairly substantial at the time. I'm sure Pegula's had him on their yaht etc. They're active owners and I have no problem with that stuff but I'm sure there were conversations around ROR leading this young group of players. Make no mistake they brought him in for two reasons. Firstly because he is a good player that could help them win but there was also a substantial part of this move to have the veteran show the young guys the way. Anyways, a few days later they sign his brother Cal to a two year $1.4 mil one way contract. That is a gift from Pegula to his brother. He played a total of 20 games for the Sabres and is exactly what everyone knew he was; a decent AHL player but nobody who is so sought after such that he should be given a one way deal. He was never expected to contribute much so the one way deal was nothing more than a financial gift. So what happens next? Well, this thread touches the tip of the iceberg with hazings etc. and how Cal had a hand in ruining Nylander. Then ROR goes through all of the 'I'm so sad' pressers and finally ends last season with the famous 'loss of love for the game.' Pegula (rich guy who usually gets what he wants) invested so much money in this players contract, intentionally overpaid for his brother and likely has had several discussions regarding the leadership this franchise needs. There are more than whispers (dark is a reliable poster but have also heard from others as well) that ROR is a dick in the room. I'm sure Pegula feels betrayed. ROR is the opposite of what they needed in a leader (coming off all the TM/DB lack of communication crap) and his brother screws with the franchises previous first round pick. It all comes back to why did the trade get made prior to the bonus? There were rumors (yes only rumor) that Carolina, whom has a cash strapped owner, would want his GM to make a trade after the Sabres made the bonus payment. If there was more to get in a trade if Botts only had to wait one more day he obviously would. Pegula has proven time again that he is willing to pay to make his team better (several ex coaches are still being paid, Leino and all the player buy outs included). You only don't wait until the bonus payment if Pegula will not on principle. Not saying it's right or wrong but ROR and his brother absolutely betrayed Pegula. Another discussion could be whether Botts tried hard enough to talk Pegula out of it but there is enough evidence here to lead me to believe Pegula said I'm not paying this guy (or his brother) another ***** dime. Wish Botts got more but if that's how it went down I could almost understand it.

@TrueBlueGED - Not that I love reviving this thread. But I will lay out my point here. Give me a half hour or so.

Pride man. You screw over a billionaire and you're done. Terry has blown money on worse (ex-coaches). You only do that out of spite and pride. This is where we disagree I guess.

Last comment on ROR but I think it’s more than just plausible ownership told Botts to trade ROR. Why wouldn’t he wait until after the bonus was paid to make a trade? It was reported Carolina had a good offer but only if it was after the roster bonus. Why would botts trade him right before?

So much this. I know it’s the off-season optimism but botts is sitting with a real opportunity here. This team has the core that should be good enough to compete. I really like Risto but if Botts can pull off a big move I’ll be suckered back into thinking playoffs. Have to get this trade right. The difference between this trade and ROR is he doesn’t at all have to trade Risto. Sounds like there is a lot of demand out there (for a 24 year old right hand d I’m not too surprised). Maximize this return if you do want to love on. Risto cap hit isn’t bad either.

Lots of talk about getting Miller from Tampa. I don’t really know much of him. He was pretty highly thought of in ny and then disappointed in Tampa? What would we be getting here? Good second line centre?

I'm really looking forward to seeing what Botts and RK can accomplish together. I have faith they are both smart men. Hopefully they continue surrounding themselves with others who can aide in player evaluation. I'm sure it's not just Botts opinion when discussing trades. I'm sure he's speaking constantly with his pro and amateur scouting staff.

Oh come on, not you too!!

I agree. Botts always sounds to me like a draft and develop kind of guy. But I think after last seasons hot start, fan base ready to revolt, ownership may be applying some pressure. who would you look to use the pick on? Any names in mind?

Little guys are sick today. The three year old slept with wife and I and I woke to him puking all over me. Wouldn’t trade it for the world. Happy Father’s Day to all those out there living it. Most exciting, rewarding, stressful, tiring commitment you will ever accomplish. All worth it in the end. Cheers.

That was a good read. Thanks for posting.

Agreed. If UPL is healthy he gets the playing time in Roch right?

I like the two Tampa and hope something gets done there. I know it's the forward group that needs upgrading the most but I can't stop thinking about Trouba. That guy can be a monster and if Risto is dealt in the Tampa trade then he would be the perfect replacement IMO. What's the deal on Kessel? Does he have a NMC? If not would you entertain the idea? Can you imagine a top line of Skinner - Eichel - Kessel?

You mean your in a trade speculation thread, spout off multiple detailed posts about ROR whom has nothing to do with the thread but can’t name one player the sabres should trade for....in said thread?

Yes this. ROR is an excellent hockey player but he is not a leader. On a vet team with guys who have been around awhile this is a fine/great player to have. On a young team trying to figure things out I don't need my vet coming out with 'lost love for the game' *****. Good for you winning the cup, it just was not the right fit at the right time here unfortunately. @TrueBlueGED - I love you man, one of my favorite posters actually....but you have to let this ***** go man. Please. There is an ROR trade sucked thread specific to this discussion. It's over with and not healthy to rehash this trade in every thread we have. I usually don't care but in this instance if we could keep all ROR trade discussion to the appropriate thread that would make our community a better place. I'm ready to rock and roll with RK;, don't give two shits what Tim Horton's ROR runs into now of days. Yes, the pro-ROR lovers were right that we should of kept him. Can we all please move on now.......

I hope he works on his shot and specifically one timer this summer. Eichel demands so much attention on the opposite half wall on the pp that there will be some great looks for him going forward. Stick Reinhart in front and I could see Dahlin hitting 60 this year.

Don’t know anything about this guy but if he was saught after and he drops another franchise after one season to jump ship this is a good sign. RK is reported to still be well connected within the league despite his time away. Seems like a dude that would make a good impression on people and maybe good quality coaches could be lured to join RK over here.

I hate that return in the ROR trade but you gotta let it go man.

It better cost less than us giving up a 4th to bail a division rival out of a terrible contract in an offseason in which they almost HAVE to unload it. I'll take Marleau and Toronto's first next year for *insert ok but not super high end prospect here*. If we gave Toronto a 4th for Marleau I would be completely done with Botts. Don't forget that due to the contract and leafs need for cap space this offseason Marleau is 100% a net negative asset and Toronto better throw in a sweetener for someone to take it off their hands....

Dahlin is ranked too low here imo.