JohnC

What I want to see from Mitts is he coming into camp in excellent shape and ready to compete for a roster spot. This extended offseason is important for him because it will demonstrate whether he can on his own initiative without the formal oversight of the organization prepare himself in a way that his talents are actualized. The issue that most commentators have with him is his compete level. That concern is what he needs to dispel. He's still a young player who can mature and develop into an established NHL player. Although a lot of people have written him off I don't believe that Adams or Krueger have written him off. I still believe that the best way to handle him is to start him off in Rochester and give him a boatload of playing time in a variety of situations (which won't happen if he is on the Sabre roster) that will better prepare him if and when he is called up.

In general your characterization of Mitts's attitude of lassitude in his young career is a fair representation. Has he changed? By some accounts once he underwent some adjustment time in Rochester he seemed to regain his confidence and steadily upgraded his play. Is it a reflection of him finally understanding what he needs to do to play as a professional? I'm not sure. If he comes into camp in impeccable shape and right from the start competes at a level that demonstrates that he is going to fight for and earn a roster spot then I will be more willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. This organization did him no favors by rushing him to the big league when he wasn't ready both physically and mentally. If he comes into camp and demonstrates a greater degree of purpose whether he makes the NHL roster or is sent to Rochester for further development then I will give him the benefit of the doubt. As of now I'm not counting on him but I haven't closed the door on his prospects.

What you are starting to see with the Sabres that hasn't happened in a long time is that players are now more likely to be properly line slotted to their talent levels and roles. For too long players were playing above their actual line capabilities resulting in negative matchups. To state the obvious what has changed this dynamic is having better players. Without a doubt there still needs to be some roster reshaping but it should be acknowledged that this roster is starting to be built up the right way. It seemed that with Botterill there was an emphasis in adding talent while under the Krueger influence there is more forethought into properly fitting the pieces together.

We all appreciate your efforts in maintaining this site. Whenever I have problems with this site I resort to cursing the computer in Italian. It usually fixes the problem. However, one time I did that and the computer responded with a "go fungu yourself". Is there an "expletive delete" tab that I can use to respond to this foul mouthed computer?

Another player I see playing in Rochester and eventually moving up to Buffalo is Arttu Ruotsalainen. He like Olofsson who needed the extended play in the AHL to prepare for the style of play in the smaller rinks in the NHL. If some of our young players in the system do move up in the system it will help from both a talent standpoint and a cap standpoint.

Odds are that Kahun will not be brought back because as you stated he doesn't fit the grinder mold. But that doesn't mean that his skating speed and skill level couldn't be utilized on this roster. Although he is certainly not a thumper he does add speed to this lineup, something this staff felt was a necessity. And it should be noted that Adams did say that he told the player's agent that they liked him as a player but not at his asking price. My heart says go back and get him while my head says it won't be done.

The model on how to play Cozens is the Chicago example on how they handled Kirby Dack. They started off playing this talented rookie on the wing and then at the end of the season he comfortably eased into the center spot. I agree with you that Thompson did show glimpses that he can play in the league. The lesson that should be learned with him is that getting extensive playing time in Rochester enhances development while playing a young player before he is ready retards his development. With respect to whether Thompson should be a winger or center my answer is I'm not sure? That's what training camps are there to learn. I'm aware that Kahun had a short stint with us last year but I liked what I saw. He is skilled and he can skate. I hope we can get him back. In a compressed schedule where injuries are more likely adding to the talent base is a necessity.

The composition of the third line is going to be as intriguing, if not more, than how the second lined is assembled. Maybe Cozens/Eakins/Tage? Is it inconceivable that Mitts comes into camp bulked up and juiced up with desire? Or has my imagination run amuck?

The problem is that the WH is not following his basic/standard recommendations in dealing with such a highly infectious disease. I disagree with you that our knowledge of the disease hasn't improved much. For a new disease the knowledge base is increasing at a fairly rapid rate. I do agree with you that the devastating effects are going to be long-term because it is world wide and continues to spread. There are countries that have not severely been affected by this pernicious virus such as Viet Nam and Taiwan. They have been steadfast in sticking to the basics in public health such as mask wearing etc., and it has work. In fact, Taiwan has a lot of business and personal interaction with China but has still been able to control the disease. They have scrupulously stuck to the basics, and it has worked.

As you point out by loading up the top 2 lines instead of spreading some of the talent down line you are playing your most prolific players the most minutes. It's been a long time since our second line was deemed to be a credible second line. It seems that it is now. What is most interesting is seeing how Krueger is going to construct the third line? He has some young pieces to work with. Are players like Cozens and Tage ready? I'm hoping that Kahun can be brought back into the fold and added to the mix after he scans the market.

If people would just listen to the national treasure in Dr. Fauci and simply do the basics in wearing a mask, social distancing and washing hands the virus would be greatly contained (not subdued). The head of our government not only gives credence but also authority to a crackpot like Dr. Atlas instead of embracing the advice of Dr. Fauci is an act of insanity.

What are you talking about? I answered your hypothetical question. And then I followed up with an additional response related to the reality of the situation.

With your scenario of the fantasy world of knowing what will happen in the future I say yes. In the real world of making a judgment based on the current facts I say no.

We are in accord. 🍺

I would be receptive to acquiring Kuemper but not for the price you are willing to pay. Kevin Adams has been wise in being patient and waiting for the market to settle before jumping the gun on his transactions. He needs to continue on with that approach. There is still time to seize opportunities if they become available. Be patient and you will be rewarded. Act with impatience and you will be taken advantage of.

It's fair to criticize Botts for deals he made on his watch. It's not fair to include him for criticism for transactions made on someone else's watch. What's fair is fair.

I've asked this question before but I will ask it again: What goalie/s do you consider worth paying a hefty price of a first round pick plus additional assets and who is available? If the current Lehner of the Vegas version was available I would consider a deal for him. However, that's not the case.

If I'm not mistaken wasn't Murray the GM who traded a first round pick for Lehner?

I'm not giving up on Mitts but I'm not counting on him. It is going to be interesting to see if he comes into training camp in peak condition and plays beyond expectations. He is a player that the organization glaringly mishandled. He should have been playing full time in the the AHL right from the start and allowed to develop at his own pace and earn his move up the ranks. Based on his comments the GM still believes that he can become a player that was worthy of his draft status. My primary concern about Mitts is not his talent level but his compete level. He reminds me too much of Nylander where intermittently he will show you some tantalizing ability and then mostly fade away as an invisible player. If he surprises and earn his spot on the roster it would be an unexpected bonus.

So what you are essentially saying is that he is not worth our first round pick. That's what I have been saying all along. As I stated in a prior post if I had an opportunity to acquire a goalie such as Tampa's Vasilevskiy or Dallas's Ben Bishop I would make the deal.

I can go along with that view as a winger. That is why I want him to be retained.

Name a goalie that you believe is available that will elevate this team and is worth a first round pick? I would certainly give up a first round pick for Tampa's starter and Dallas's Ben Bishop but those upper tier goalies are not on the market. I agree with the highlighted segment in your last sentence. So there is something we agree on.

Black and white positions are easy to differentiate. On this issue you go this way while I go that way. 🍺

There is an assumption on your part that one of the goalies available will be the difference/reason that gets you into the playoffs. If you scan the market now name the goalie who you believe is of the caliber that will make such a difference? Again, make no mistake what I am saying here. I'm not against upgrading the position, and that position is more likely to be for the backup. I'm just not willing to pay the extravagant price of giving up a Risto and/or a first round for that type of addition.

Your position about Sam is sound but I disagree with it. What's telling is that the Sabre brain trust was determined to make it a priority to trade for Staal to center the second line. It was this new staff's first order of business. If there was a belief that Sam could be the 2C it wouldn't have been such a priority to seek an alternative from a deal. There is no doubt that with more talent that Sam could be a more effective 2C. But that skirts the issue that the organization believed that it could find a better center for the second line with another player. I'm a Sam fan. He has unparalleled vision and a nuance to his game that can't be taught. As a winger he has attributes that will enhance the line he is playing. There is no question that with more talent on his line the more benefit will be derived from his exceptional cerebral play. That can happen with him on the wing.