PerreaultForever

That is simply not true. Some do some don't. Some can't handle the playoffs at all (Mitch Marner eg.). If you think the current team we have will simply elevate if they make the playoffs you are sadly mistaken. Besides, Reinhart has been good all year. The intensity and push back comes from learning to play without fear.

No, what I'm saying is the contract number might help end the argument over whether it's a good deal or not. Obviously if one plays great and one doesn't that'll be a clear decision on who "won the trade" but I think, right now, if Mitts signs for a smaller number than people are thinking then the question of 3C is greater. The only necessity for trading Mitts was IF he wanted Cozens/Tage money and hence Adams avoided that debacle.

Except it's Campbell, not "Cambell" so X strikes again.

I think in general terms, the argument over Mitts vs. Byram might end when we see the number he signs for.

So now I tell you you are wrong thrice and we can go on forever. Oh yes, I remember those guys on the Sabres well. So much winning I got tired of winning. And the cup wins, wow, those were great times. All thanks to the fabulous play of these revered superstars who excelled to their maximum on the Sabres. Such wonderful history.

Smart yes, tough no. You are wrong. Exclamation point. What's next a meme? If so, be creative.

Agreed. I think this is the way you should always operate (unless there's something exceptional in your prospect pool and you are 100% sure). You already know how I feel about Adams "don't block the kids" philosophy. Too many guys pressing for one job is not a problem. That's what trades are for.

Maybe there was a taste here or there, but certainly not on a consistent basis.

I suspect these guys will be deadline dealt next year (assuming Seattle is out of it, which is likely). That's when they will have peak value and will also likely waive NTCs for cup runs. Seattle does have a 2C issue though. Wright just isn't that at this point (if ever).

Rumours have Ottawa calling Boston about Ullmark. No idea on a return proposal or if Ottawa is on the 15 team NTC.

Not worth the price, but he'd be invaluable as an addition to the Sabres soooooooooooooo, an overpay would still make sense if you could get him. I do not think, however, that Tampa will trade him, as the GM overpaid for him and GMs rarely like to do things that make them look like they made a mistake. He'd need to get something that at least looks like what he paid (which was tons). I like Cirelli and getting him would be huge. If we could get Cirelli AND Jeannot together, I'd give up whatever picks and prospects that takes. To the D above however, this is a pipe dream. I agree that Tanev and Chatfield are the type of defenders we could use, but I will be shocked if Adams makes any major D moves beyond signing Jokiharju and maybe keeping Bryson as #7. Like it or not (and I don't) our D is what it is right now.

Interesting. Is she any good? I'm not sure how they work out the locker room dynamics around that but sure, why not.

No. Absolutely no. The biggest no I've ever written here. He is 100% NOT the same player he was here no matter what his "fans" on this board say.

I'm going by what he says here:

Won't happen though. GMs rarely flip the guy they picked up, it makes them look bad. If he trades a D man it's more likely to be one of JBots. But I don't think they will trade any of the D they have now. I think that's it.

If successful. If they fail to make the playoffs this year fire Adams and rearrange that. Rick Dudley - Senior Advisor Lindy Ruff - POHO/GM Jason Karmanos - GM or Associate GM and Sam Ventura - Assistant GM with a new coaching hire unless they want to give Appert a one year shot first.

It's funny how much players change when they leave Buffalo and become immersed in a different culture. Reinhart hitting back against Trouba end of the game, you'd never have seen that here, never did, and then the intensity and emotion in the OT. Don't ever remember a look like that in his eye on any night here. ex-Sabres on Florida all playing well, go figure. My guess, matching Rangers dressing Wheeler (who took the OT penalty no less). Old vet for old vet.

You were worried about him sitting in the penalty box and whatnot. I couldn't care less if he gets 30 minutes of penalty time each night (exaggerating obviously) that means he can still be on the ice the other 30. I want hockey players on this team. Players who aren't afraid of anything. Dahlin needs to lead with toughness, not shy away from it.

Oh I totally don't disagree with that. I don't think Byram was the type of guy we needed and the 3C hole is a problem for sure.

Character. He elevates players around him and rises in tough situations. He's a leader. I've been listening for years to all the "skating will be an issue" crowd here on various players, and most of them are wrong. Geekie for example, was one of Boston's best forwards in the playoffs. His skating is still an issue. There are other things that matter as well as skating. But whatever. 10-1 we pass and Detroit snaps him up.

I hear what you're saying, but as a fish eating vegetarian I must object. This marathon runner is strictly vegan for example.

I agree with what Adams said to Serivelli. The LD RD thing is over rated and not that big of a deal. Power, Byram and Dahlin have all played RD and been fine. Dahlin's numbers are actually better. Clifton's played the opposite side too actually in reverse (with Boston at one point). I think it's clear he sees next year's starting D as: Dahlin, Power, Byram, Samuelsson, Jokiharju and Clifton. Who plays right or left is up to Ruff.

That philosophy is what I have an issue with, especially if you want him to be a leader. You shouldn't really designate this guy to that or not that. You don't want him dropping the gloves very often (if at all) but being physical? I see no reason for him not to and a penalty here or there so what? Good rest for him. If your star leader plays hard it becomes infectious and vice versa. He has the size to be just as physical as a guy like McAvoy and that shouldn't hamper his offense at all. Might even open up more ice for himself as he gains respect.

Oh I know, I was just combining posts for simplicity. It is a little weird. I guess Canucks losing to Bruins was the closest that I remember. Game 7. Leafs being good regular season bad playoffs has been a big part of it. It's odd to me how Montreal has lost it's stature. It was such a mainstay for so many years and despite the underdog cup run (due to goaltending mostly) they have just fallen away and it no longer has the glamour. I think Calgary, Ottawa and Winnipeg have all suffered from being smaller markets where some players don't want to be there. Vancouver might be back in contention depending on how they handle the off season and McDavidland has a shot as they've balanced their roster finally but overall I think free agency and the revealing of salaries has hurt Canadian teams in general.

Greentree. This is the guy. 100%. Absolutely. (unless Iginla slides which is not going to happen)