irregularly irregular

Yes, you are correct. Usually the team just has to swallow the costs and move on. I think we can all agree the situation with Eichel is different than the usual LTIR or cast-off player getting his contract fulfilled. I believe it is extremely unlikely that Eichel is traded before he is proven to be healthy and the Sabres receive acceptable trade value in return. I believe it is even less likely that Eichel will have ADR surgery while still a Sabre, unless steps are taken to significantly reduce the teams financial risk. In order for Jack to get what he wants, he has to give something up. How bad does Jack want that surgery? It's got to be badly enough to be willing to take the Sabres off the hook for the bill(s) that will result.

Negotiating 101: In order to get something, you will have to give something up. For Jack to get his desired surgery and protection from the potential fallout, he is going to have to give up something very precious. I'm now seeing a contract renegotiation as an avenue of discussion.

I'm on the opposite side. I don't like to use the word hate, but I really do not like that some games are worth 2 points when others are worth 3. My preference would be 5 x 5 for a sudden death overtime period of 10 minutes. If there is no winner after that, it's 1 point each. The whole hockey game turning into a skills test is not appealing to me.

Sorry Bun, can't do that. John Boy is a valuable commodity and maximizing return is vitally important for the Sabres going forward.

The short answer is yes, you are wrong. There are 2 reasons why. First, unless you are holding out on us, there is no way you know all of the pieces and parts that part of this mess. Secondly, many of those moving pieces and parts are way beyond KA's control.

Metacarpal. Overuse syndrome.

This ^^^. Be a fan, not a fanatic. Your life will be better for it.

I'd adjust your idea a bit to say that solid team defense combined with solid - hot goaltending will win you a championship. Winning games 2-1 or 3-2 will get you a parade in your hometown. Having a couple of HOF level Dmen is nice, but that's not enough to win the Stanley Cup.

I'm on the opposite end of that discussion. I'm not lowering the ask by even one cent until there are more answers to a bunch of unanswered questions. The unknowns here are where exactly our boy Johnny is at with regards to 1) the injury 2) the recovery and rehabilitation of said injury as of today 3) the need for more rehab 4) the NEED for surgical intervention 5) if surgery is needed (unavoidable for him to play hockey this upcoming season), then which surgery serves ALL PARTIES best. There are probably more questions beyond those, and I want to hear that any and all of those items have been addressed before any trade is made. KA needs that information, as does Johnny and his agents, as do any of the GMs that have an interest in acquiring his services. All of this could be cleared up by this time next week if Eichel presents himself at the doctors office in Buffalo at 8am Monday morning and is ready for a day of testing and evaluation to determine what his CURRENT status is. Until those answers and the pathway(s) going forward are determined, KA needs to sit tight, wait for answers and not have another ROR trade shoved down his throat.

Glad you are back. Not that there is anything wrong with that.

Not from me. I say the bar gets moved higher and Jackie Boy might get lonely sitting at home watching hockey games this winter.

That does not get released without Eichels approval. First thing tomorrow morning, if I were in GMKA's shoes, is an email to every GM in the league that resets the negotiations. The price starts at 4 real firsts, as in before pick 12, and don't bother me with any calls offering anything less.

Maybe it's just that Terry has lost his love for the game?

Culture creates winning. Winning sustains and strengthens culture. IMHO

Of all the rumors, lies, speculation and delusional thoughts that have occurred.... this one is at least palatable. I would hope for more. KA is not going to allow another ROR trade to happen. It's just that simple and straight forward. Therefore, I don't see Jack getting moved anytime soon.

Fishing guide, Florida Keys in March - June before hurricane season hits and Seychelles September - December.

Spot on. Jack will be a target for all kinds of extra-curricular douchebaggerie in an effort to get him off his game or out of the game.

Might be an opportunity to move that Skinner contract that is going to haunt us for feels like forever. And yes, I know there is a NMC. A guy can dream, can't he?

Dahlin is good, or better than that. Dahlin is certainly not bad, although he has his moments and is still a youngster figuring things out. In my worthless opinion, stapling Will Borgen (or equivalent player in terms of mindset, ability and age) to his right hip for next season and beyond would be the best move.

There is only one way to go, which is up. The first thing you must do when you realize you are in a hole is stop digging. In order for that to happen, everyone must be working to move in that one direction to get out of the hole. I'd only add that the list also includes from ownership all the way down to the janitors cleaning the locker room. They all have responsibilities that must be fulfilled if this team is going to change course and be the team we all want to see compete each and every year for the cup.

Possibly, although I hope not. I think that Sam is professional enough to give it everything he has for at least 1 more season with the Sabres. Hall took the payday, made minimum effort after the calendar changed to 2021 and then hung KA out to dry at the trade deadline. That's not the Sam we have seen for the past 5 seasons.

Voted yes. The 2 caveats are: Getting Samson to sign his 1 year contract and buy in to having a great season in anticipation of his big payday, wherever it may be. Moving Risto (+/- pieces to make the trade work) for a NHL 1B goalie to pair with Linus. The biggest question is who is coaching this team.

my team

That f...ing toilet is still clogged up? Damn it, someone call the plumber 'cause this thing just won't flush and the stench is overwhelming!

And there is the unenviable task KA is faced with. Does he hold out for more and not trade Jack before the season.... season goes in the crapper and Jack says he wants out.... Jack's trade value now drops far below what was being offered before. I agree with Weave that the trade has to be sum of its parts. Wookie is also right in that there is no trade happening were the best player is not Jack.