JohnC

None of us know how the staff is going to be reshuffled, assuming there will a change at the GM position. I do believe that Ruff could be elevated to the POHO position, but in mind it is more likely to happen after the season. We’ll just have to see how things shake out. Your guess is as good as any other other.

KA was not good selection as a GM. That doesn’t mean that he should be automatically pre-judged. He didn’t do everything wrong but he definitely do enough right things to make the Sabres a serious team. He was given more time on the job than most other owners would have allowed. His body of work was inadequate. And that’s an easy and fair judgment to make.

Everything he did wasn’t wrong. But he didn’t do enough to get the job done. He didn’t support the new core adequately enough with experienced players. An incomplete job resulted in a failed job.

You didn't fully accurately read my response to @PASabreFan. I made it clear that it was evident almost from the start that Pegula was chaotically steering the franchise ship. He was constantly lurching back and forth with no foundational strategy to build upon. That's accurate. And I was an open Granato supporter. He took over for Krueger who was an unmitigated failure. Granato's talent was with working with young players. He was the right coach for young players. To be candid, I would rather have kept Granato than bring in Ruff. In my view, Granato was a scapegoat for a failed GM. He did his best with what he had to work with. I was never on board with KA. I've had scathing criticisms for him since he was bizarrely hired. And once he assumed the reins he had a publicly stated rebuild strategy to go mostly with their own drafted and develop approach. I'm not against emphasizing young players once that approach is established as policy. However, his execution has been dismal because he doesn't have the imagination and ability to successfully carry it out. I hope this clears up your misconception about my position.

The Sabres' record with Eichel and Reinhart and without was not too sterling. They got dealt and ended up with their names on the Cup, Reinhart for multiple times. The lesson to be learned is that improving the overall talent base of the team is the right course to take rather than setting yourself further back by getting rid of your best players who end up being good players on championship caliber teams.

Absolutely. That goes with the territory. That doesn't mean that one can't have some compassion for someone who most likely (hopefully) will lose his job.

I remember that episode. Be careful, I’m a Sicilian. If you upset me, I’ll shoot in the kneecap and watch you dance/hobble.😎

I’m aware of the tradition. I’m not totally against it. But I’ve heard of stories where some inconsiderate players take advantage of the tradition by buying bottles of the most expensive liquor (champagne) just because it is free and don’t even consume all of it. I agree with you that it is a time honored NHL tradition. It shouldn’t be a surprise that sometimes a few people take advantage of it.

I say yes. Adding Tuch and Norris should energize this tired group for its last game on this extended road trip. This battered group needs some positivity for its long flight back. Question: Are players allowed to drink on team flights?

Veteran players can afford it even more.

Yes. It didn’t take long to recognize that he didn’t know what he was doing. The confusion in the organization started right away with the Lafontaine saga that ended with a settlement that included a non-disclosure clause. The Pegula franchise has always been known for its instability and foolishness. The inexplicable hiring of KA to be the GM was odd, reckless and jaw dropping stupid. It really doesn’t take much talent to recognize stupendous incompetence. It’s there for everyone to see.

I may sound like a spoilsport but I don’t like the tradition where lesser paid rookies end up shelling out for richer and older players while they pig out and drink expensive beverages. It should be the other way around where the younger players are embraced as teammates and are taken care of.

I don’t see a HC change this season even with a newly installed GM unless there is a team meltdown. Replacing the current GM is the priority, and then whatever follows be in the hands of someone who is more competent.

It is harder for the Sabres to make big and consequential deals because so many players have Buffalo listed on their NTCs. When you become a scorned team because of your wretched reputation, the trade pool to consider is much smaller to draw from. Embarrassing reality.

Even if Jarmo becomes the GM, I don’t see a coaching change being made this season.