[Is O'Reilly worth what he is being paid?]

O'Reilly is not having a good year so far, so his play/production so far this year don't justify his hefty salary.  That said, the rising tide lifts all boats.  The team seems to be getting a grasp of Housley's system of late and the team is playing better hockey (with mixed results in the W-L column).  As the team improves as a whole, the individuals on the team are looking better and stats are improving (Eichel, Reinhart, Okposo, etc.)  O'Reilly is a good hockey player and as the team plays better, he will play better.  If he remains a part of the team, he will eventually get back to his expected level of play and will justify his salary.

[Zemgus signed to 2 year deal 1.6 AAV]

Seems like a fair deal for a guy with some upside.  He was a 1st round pick for a reason.  He has some grit, some speed and some scoring ability.  He showed well a couple of years ago and his development seemed to screech to a halt under the previous coaching regime.  Let's hope he can regain his form with the new regime.  If so, this contract could be a bargain.  If not, teams need veterans on the 3rd and 4th lines whose contracts don't break the bank and I think that Girgs and this new deal fit that bill.

[Around the NHL 2017]

While I believe in a free market system in general, the salary cap has its place in preserving the integrity of the league.  Without one, in this day and age, we would probably see a disproportionate number of players signing in big markets with good teams.  How many Cups would Chicago and LA have won if there was no salary cap?  The cap (and the draft system) forces talented players to be more dispersed throughout the league, which creates parity and results in more teams being in the hunt.  Less cosmopolitan markets, particularly those that have not had recent success (both of which define Buffalo) are able to compete for Free Agent talent that might otherwise sign elsewhere.  

[Sabres hire Davis Payne as an Assoc. Coach]

Seems like a solid hire with a lot of NHL experience.  Was about a .500 head coach with St. Louis and won a cup as an assistant with the Kings.  Probably not someone that would be high on the list for a head coaching position, but seems like a good fit for an assistant.  Does anyone know if he has any specialties - PP, PK, Forwards, Defense, etc.?  I read a few things I could find online and there wasn't much beyond where he has coached and what his record was.

[Sabres interested in Kevin Shattenkirk...yes or no?]

Now that we have added 3 defensemen in Antapin, Beaulieu and Scandella, we don't need that Shatt.

[Prediction time: Who will Vegas take from the Sabres?]

With a side deal: Moulson

Without a side deal: Carrier

This looks about right to me.

[Prediction time: Who will Vegas take from the Sabres?]

I have idea what agreements are in place, but I read one opinion stating that we left Carrier unprotected (and protected Ennis instead) based on an agreement with LV that they would not take Ullmark if we left Carrier unprotected so that they could take him.  Given the surprise to most that we protected Ennis and not Carrier leads me to believe that this opinion is plausible and that they will probably take Carrier.  He's a legitimate prospect - has speed, size and some grit.  He hasn't show the ability to finish, but that's why he's still a prospect - he's still developing and the scoring touch may come.  Even if it doesn't, he still has the speed, size and grit and teams need guys on the 3rd and 4th lines too.  As a side note, I hope they don't take Bogo.  I think that he can improve with the new coaching staff and if he becomes a top-4 D, his contract won't be so out of line.