Broken Ankles

Actually the data shows they do NOT do well in that regard. These two summaries are of Sabres Draft selections in the last 9 years. Overall (my data includes round #1) the Sabres draft more frequently, with a much higher average selection in each round (average #), and yet they are middle of the pack in Games played and points. If you look only at rounds 4-7 Buffalo is league worst in points and second worst in Games played (Ulmark affecting this positively - otherwise they would be 30th). I'm not going to comment on the performance of JB's sections thus far. The early reports look promising. But this definitely suggests that Darcy's last few drafts and TM's three are less than desirable.

I’d be open to Tage moving to Defense before moving Ristolainen to the wing. A few reasons. First it was successful with Burns. Two, Tage can learn in Rochester for a year or two while he builds strength. No risk. Ristolainen requires an immediate transition and learning on the job with the big club while burdening our cap would only hurt us. Lastly, don’t we already have a RW burning $6m in salary while playing 4th line minutes.

1.) Mostly agree. Our weakness was in bottom six. However as I alluded to in an earlier post, the reason why my position changed was due to the fact that the return of Vlad, Tage and Berglund were all below average. In theory it should have helped. But it didn't. The Berglund circumstances were unique, but still hurt team overall. If you factor in the the 1st round pick drops to 31st overall, it only strengthens the case against the trade. 2.) Yes, Berglund's absence hurt Casey's development. But JB/PH lose points for continuing to play him in that role. He should have been in Roch by January. Or playing 4th line with the Sabres acquiring a veteran Center. 3.) It is subjective, but I too agree. Perhaps only b/c I want to believe it. 4.) Their record was actually better this year than last. It only seemed worse b/c the last 4 months of the season. I cannot say the fact it was slightly better was due to the trade. I also would not suggest it was addition by subtraction. The numbers suggest the pieces that came from STL hurt the team and were below replacement level. The uplift was due to Dahlin, Skinner, and a nice step by Sam. I agree with your argument about anchor's. Anchors away my friend. So no reason not to make better use of that money this season. 5.) If Sheary, Okposo, Casey, Tage or Nylander are playing 2nd line minutes next season, we are doomed. The only player on the roster that I could see in a top 6 role is Olofsson, if he is protected by a strong center (Hayes?) and Sam on the right side. And that means another UFA/Trade assumes the first line RW role. I don't believe anyone offer sheets Marner. Panarin wants $11M+. You might get a Hayes & Skinner in a best case scenario, but you certainly cannot afford Panarin & Skinner. That's over $30M on your top line. And it will not be long before Rasmus will need something to 'wet his beak'.

I’ve changed my position on this trade. I defended it earlier this year, but it’s definitely one sided. ROR was one of many things that came together for this team. Goaltending and a new coach didn’t hurt. I only hope this ‘swing and miss’ does not affect JB in his aggressiveness this summer. He needs to use that aggression on a team that is Salary Cap challenged. I wish our pick was better but I would no sooner cheer for a Boston team than drink my own urine. I despise their organization and all other sports team of that city. Best of luck ROR. FU Boston.

If he projects to be a Bo Horvat would you be OK with that? 2013 Draft, #9 overall? Goes back to Junior draft year, followed by - 25 pts, 40 pts, 52 pts, 44 pts and 61 pts this year at age 24. There are your Monahan's, Ehler's, Tkachuk, Rantanaan's and Meier's, that show big gains between year 2 and 3 of their draft. Then there are those that stagnate and show no growth like Bennett, Virtanen, Zacha and Jost. I think CM's trend line will be slower and steady like Horvat. So I'll predict 42 in a 3C role next year. Although I'd be happy with something more explosive.

is that Paul Hammy in the WGR55 offices?

'Gone Girl'?

Before this announcement it was extremely low (<2%). Apparently Vanek speaks highly of RK, so if you believe that we want a big shake up (which I do), and this team is going to move on from Girgs, Larson, Pommers, Vlad. Then factor in Skinner signing is in question, and Tage clearly not qualified, it increases the odds to maybe 20%. What was Vanek's cap hit last year? $3M. Safely assume it decreases to maybe $2.5M this year? Not a bad bridge. Low risk, high reward. And unlike the other UFA's (Hayes, Duchene, Simmons, Ferland, Zuccarello, etc) it would not require a long term contract. I think it's entirely plausible they have 6 new forwards next season. I pencil (not pen) in Olafsson and Nylander for two. I assume that a second line Center is coming back for Risto. I also assume one more UFA, maybe two if Skinner does not sign. Still leaves at least one forward spot open.

How bout Falco. It will be great when Vanek scores.

Completely agree. I never interview anyone that is not “in consideration” for a position. Maybe you give a look to someone who on paper might not measure up to others but you want to see and hear them. Otherwise it’s a waste of time. Botterill taking time to interview a candidate that clearly would be a step back is a curious and concerning decision. And I was a huge fan of his in the day. Next to Scotty my favorite. But no.

I'm more in line with school of thought that Keefe is the heir apparent in Toronto. But it would be interesting to see him take a meeting. To force the hand of Dubas if you will. There are also rumors that he is in no hurry and would wait for the right position....and Buffalo does not meet that criteria. And if that's the case, he can pi$$ off. https://theleafsnation.com/2019/04/27/is-sheldon-keefe-about-to-be-buffalos-new-head-coach/

Do not lose faith in the Stars attempt to upset the Blues. Apparently the team was "distracted" during the game. Rest assured. There is no chance this will occur in St. Louis on Tuesday. Stars win.

Unless you want to have Rodrigues bookend that, it probably ends draft weekend. Risto will be traded.

NHL: (6) Buffalo (Aud and Key Bank Arena), Toronto, Staples/Kings, Anaheim Ducks, TD Garden, MLB: (28) Angel Stadium, Arizona Stadium, Old Shea/Mets, Citizens Bank Park (and old Vet), Comerica Park (and old Tiger Stadium), Coors Field/Colorado, Dodger Stadium, Fenway Park, Arlington (Rangers), Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Chicago White Sox, Minute Maid Houston, Nationals Park, Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oracle Park/SF (and old Candlestick), Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Petco Park (and old Jack Murphy), PNC Park/ Pittsburgh, Progressive Field/CLE, Rogers Toronto, T-Mobile /Seattle (Safeco), Tropicana Field Tampa Rays, Wrigley Field/ Chicago, Yankee Stadium (Old only) NFL: (9) Rich Stadium, Chargers (Qualcomm and Carson), Rams – Coliseum, Arizona, Cleveland Municipal Stadium (Browns or Ravens?), Paul Brown Stadium, Giants Stadium, Veteran Stadium Philly. NBA: (3) The Aud/Braves, Staples, The Pond (Clippers played in OC) Seattle and San Francisco are my two favorite baseball stadiums. If you cannot make it out west, PNC is nice, and Wrigley has such a tradition. But the Auditorium will always be the absolute best. You cannot beat memories of going to your first game with your Dad or concert with your friends.

I'm referring to this off-season. Last season was unique. Most players do not get a chance to get a max term agreement @ $11m for the city of their choosing. Of all the players in UFA for the NYI's (Nelson, Lehner, Eberle) I think Lee is the priority. If some team goes crazy and offers Anders a $9m *7, don't you think the Isles with their cap space would match or go above this with an extra year to offer?

Agreed. He could play Center or first line LW if Skinner is not resigned. But how likely is it that the Isles do not resign their Captain? That’s a really low number.

Best case next year is he plays most of the year on a bottom pairing (maybe Pilut). He goes into March healthy and nets us a 2nd and a prospect to a team like Toronto this year. We wish him well, and use his $5.1m (and Scandella/Hunwick’s cap) to acquire a high end talent next summer. P.s look at the Right handed defense hitting UFA next year. Bogo is not getting term nor salary. I’d be surprised if he exceeds $4.5m *2.

Don’t bet on it. Every underdog has won (save NYI and Pit was an early favorite with the sports book). If Carolina, Vegas and Tor can win road game 7’s, then only one higher ranked seed advances. Washington has only one line playing well, so if Carolina can shut them down and stay out of the box they have a chance. Should be a good game 7.

#1 is a huge concern. #2 is easy. If Dahlin gets an offer sheet, you match. If Casey gets one, pending compensation you walk, and take the picks.

Agreed. His bio suggests he left school at 15 to play professionally in Vancouver. I would think 5 years is barely enough to become so proficient that he was paid to play in clubs.

You are big on Donskoi I see. Has it got so bad that we are targeting UFA’s that cannot make the top 12 forwards in a playoff series? I know he has grit and has scored goals before but DeBoer referenced his 33 game scoring drought and inconsistency as to why he is not playing. If he is available late in FA to fill out the roster maybe.

Nice Scoop. Heard the same on Boomers show/NHL on Sirius. Edit - and of course Brawndo has this posted....amazing

Couldn't take post games like this (where he berated his team for a loss against the Buffalo Sabres). Yes he holds players accountable. Yes he has more winning seasons than not. Yes, can even be entertaining sometimes. Just like his failure in Vancouver, I don't need a coach asking Jack/Sam/Rasmus to block shots. Grit is fine on your fourth line. Not in your top six. Are the Sabres coddled? Probably. Was Housley soft? Probably. Do we need to go 180 degrees on this? Question - If players like playing for him, how many of their UFA's return? Dzingel, Panarin, Bob, Duchene, McQuaid.