GASabresIUFAN

I'm still not convinced that Poltapov ever comes over to NA. In his D+1 year he was a pt a game MHL player (15 pts in 13 games) and had 7 pts in 25 VHL games. In his D+2 year he played primarily in the KHL and had only 10 pts in 56 games. Kisakov in his D+1 had 56 pts in 51 MHL games. In D+2 he had 8 pts in 48 AHL games. These stats indicate to me that they are similar level prospects. The KHL is a "better" league than the AHL, but not much and the NHLe put the players at a similar level. Nadeau in D+1 in the Q had 78 pts in 65 games. Again similar production to Kisakov and Poltapov at the Jr level. Neuchev is the best of the bunch. In his D+1 he played in the KHL full-time and had 12 pts in 57 games, except he also played 6 games in the MHL playoffs and had 6 pts (4 goals) in 3 games. To me all these guys are bunched together with Neuchev as the leader. Until I see them in action together it's going to be hard to separate them, but if I had to make a bet, I'd bet on Neuchev as the most likely successful NHLer. I also think you are overselling Poltapov's potential. Our forwards and forward prospect pool is so deep, he is going to have a hard time unseating incumbent players or beating out higher-rated prospects like Kulich and Rosen.

McCarthy is a better prospect than either Komarov or Lindgren. Also Ratzlaff is a better goaltender than Leinonen. Also, Poltapov is way too high on your winger list. Neuchev, Kisakov and even Nadeau are probably better prospects at this point.

Need two roster spots for that to happen and where do they play?

Lollipop Guild.

That certainly is a real possibility and I understand that point of view. I’ve been looking at Pius Suter as an under the radar UFA signing to add experience forward depth, especially if Jost doesn’t re-sign or VO is traded. The question I have for you, is his one dimensional game as big an issue if KA upgrades the D and goaltending? KA admitted in today’s presser that he wants to upgrade the D and that he is talking to every available D to find the right player for the right cost and term. I suspect he already has a deal in mind. How much of a liability is VO in that scenario? KA preaches organizational depth.

The more I think about this, Quinn’s injury decreases the likelihood VO gets traded. With Quinn gone for perhaps most of the season, we are going to need to replace his offense. What’s more KA than looking for an internal solution and utilizing the 28 goal scorer already on the payroll? VO will be motivated to earn his next contract and he is well liked in the locker-room. VO also has acknowledged his deficiencies and my guess he’ll put in the work to get better. KA said he wants to re-sign Jost and once completed that deal will give us 12 healthy forwards under contract again. Skinner TnT Tuch JJP Cozens Mitts VO Krebs Greenway Girgensons Jost KO This might also clear a path for Rousek to start the year in Buffalo Skinner TnT Tuch JJP Cozens Greenway Rousek Mitts VO Girgensons Krebs KO (Jost) I do find Greenway playing a 2nd line role on Cozens line very intriguing. He’ll create a lot of space for JJP and Cozens to operate.

Don’t ever tell me odds!

Goalies are different. They often take longer to develop and therefore get drafted later. Miller was a 5th rd pick, Levi a 7th, Ullmark a 6th and Petersen a 5th. I also said similar development path as Levi. I didn’t say as good as Levi. We’ll know more next season when he is the man in Seattle and hopefully plays for Canada at the U20s like Levi did.

You really need 3. 2 is the absolute minimum. Benson is a given. After that Strbak will likely play in the NHL given the type of game he plays. I disagree that Ratzlaff is a shot in the dark. This is a talented athletic goalie who was discounted because of height. He is on a similar development track to Levi.

Probably.

How cliche.

It’s possible. This kid is a top 5/6 talent and we have a slot open with Quinn now on IR. Will it happen? Doubt it. The Sabres have no interest in rushing players to the NHL any longer. He and Savoie are kind of in limbo. They are probably to good for the CHL and not physically ready for the NHL. They should go the AHL, but that isn’t what the CHL/NHL agreement allows. If I had to make a wager, whoever has the best camp will get a tryout to start the season in Buffalo to see if they are physically ready. Ultimately both end up back in the CHL to make a Memorial Cup run.

This is a very real possibility.

He has a good name.

Very interesting.

Neighborhood HOA meeting. Mrs. McCarthy - "So Kevyn, what do think about Gavin?" KA - "He's developing into a fine player Mrs McCarthy." Mrs M - "Any thoughts about where he'll go in the draft?" KA - "Our scouts are building the list as we speak." Mrs. M - "Where do you think Gavin falls on the Sabres list?" KA - "Not sure Mrs M at this point, but he is on our radar," Mrs. M - You know he'll be devastated as will the whole neighborhood if he isn't drafted by the Sabres." KA - "I understand, but there are 31 other teams that probably have Gavin on their boards as well." Mrs. M - "Well that's good to know." "Just so you know, I'm now on the architectural committee for the HOA and the new paint color your wife wants is a little sketchy" KA - "Gotcha" "I'll let my wife know, and Don't worry Mrs M, Gavin will be just fine" Mrs M. - "That's great!" "I'm sure that we'll get that Blue and Gold color scheme approved sometime on Friday, June 30th."

I'm very happy with the draft. I think Benson is a huge steal at 13. I really like Strbak at 45. Wahlberg and McCarthy have the potential to develop into players who outperform their draft positions. I also think Raztlaff is a steal in the 5th rd. I agree with others that Benson is now our top prospect. All in all, I think KA and his team did a fine job.

Probably JJP's cousin.

Mon grabs Luke Mittelstadt with pick 197.

Suchanek may go undrafted. Sounds like a perfect UFA signing post draft. Milic went in the 5th rd (151) to WPG. Might even be a good idea to use our 7th rd pick on him.

Wahlberg's contract has only one more year in Sweden.

https://www.hockeyjournal.com/dexter-southfields-sean-keohane-focused-on-prep-defers-ushl-journey-until-2023/ Apparently playing for Tri-City in the USHL next season before heading to Harvard.

High School kid out of Mass.

Does this remove VO from the trade block?

The Funky Cold Miedema?