JohnC

Yes. The addition of Jost has made a difference and solidified that line.

Tell that to the Granato who has kept him on the first line. Explain that to me.

His unique style of play is certainly working well with his linemates. The Sabres have one of the most productive top lines in the league. If that isn't meshing with his linemates then I don't know what meshing means. Skinner is certainly contributing to the Sabres's winning. Just check out the team's record. That is nothing to be dismissive about; it's something to celebrate. Why would you want to put Skinner on the third line or help to elevate a lower line? Isn't it better and more productive to be a contributing first line player?

I agree with you. Skinner is on one of the better first lines in the league. If someone wants to argue that he is a little overpaid, maybe a $7.5 million to $8 million player would be more fitting, I won't quibble with one's position. But a consistent 30 to 40 goal scorer is a valuable commodity. There is another aspect to his game and contribution that also needs to be factored in when computing his value.: He's a good teammate on and off the ice. And his emerging passing skills and grit on the ice shouldn't be dismissed when considering his value. Krueger took a valuable commodity and made it valueless. Granato took over and restored his value. Coaching matters!

I don't know who was responsible for putting Granato on the Krueger staff. It could have been Krueger, himself. I'm not sure? There were reports that KA had a say on adding him to the staff when Krueger was hired. If that is true, then in hindsight, that would have been one of the most consequential decisions he made because when Krueger was dismissed the replacement was on staff and available.

Stating the obvious that Dahlin's signing a bridge deal gave him more time to demonstrate that he is in the elite category. He is going to get a contract commensurate with his status as a top tier player in the league. What would have been the cost if Tage would have signed a short-term deal and then pursued a long-term deal? Our GM is systematically locking up the new core and doing in such a fashion that he will have roster flexibility because of his cap management. The GM has been in his position for a short period of time. In short order with a lot of smart decisions (including those associated with staffing) he has not only stabilized a teetering franchise but has also put it on a favorable path.

I don't know for sure if he will be the difference maker to getting in or not. But if he is a factor in a couple or few more wins, he could be the difference between getting in or not. It looks like there are going to be maybe three to four teams vying to get in for the last spot. As you said, let's wait and see.

Horvat may or not be a decisive factor for a playoff spot. But my main point is that their goalie is such an exceptional goalie that he will be the main reason why they could be a playoff team. Could you imagine if we had a Sorokin caliber of netminding this season? In my estimation we would have at least an additional 10 pts. That would be the difference of us being chased instead of us having to chase other teams for a playoff position.

The Sabres have faced a number of good goalies this season. The Island goalie, Sorokin, was as good as any of them. As you point out he is capable of compensating for some of their deficiencies. The Islanders may not be a serious Cup contending team but the addition of Horvat could be a factor in solidifying a playoff spot for them.

If a better player can be brought in to move him down a pairing, that would be fine. Certainly, no one would be against that. That's not the case now, or probably the near future. If you want the organization to be aggressive to add to the second pairing, then it is going to be costly. From what I have seen from KA and how he handles contracts, I just don't see him paying the price $$$ to the position you find troubling.

I'm sure, much to your displeasure, that Granato's assessment of Joki is much higher than your assessment of him. Every time I hear him talk about Joki it is to praise his play with the added comment that there is more upside to him. Power is becoming an important backstop for the defense. He credits Joki's supportive play for his quick adaptation and advancement.

I understand your position but it is not going to happen. The demand for tickets will go up as the team becomes a more serious team. And it is moving in that direction right now. And not surprisingly, steadily the attendance numbers are going up.

Is variable pricing (hate it) factored into season ticket prices? In my view if variable pricing is a fact of life, it should be for week day games at a discounted price.

Tage-Samuelsson-Cozens. All signed to new deals before the organization was required to. Collectively, these are not only good deals for the organization but also demonstrates a smart long-term view when making decisions. From an overview standpoint, this is smart cap management. If KA would have delayed in getting these players in the fold, the cost would have been greater. Signing upcoming young players to a lengthy contract is not as risky as signing more veteran players to a lengthy contract. Many lengthy contracts become diminishing returns. These players are entering their prime and will very likely give value returns on the backside of their respective contracts. This is good GM work.

I've said this before that even if Johnson considers all his options when he finishes his college career, Buffalo would be one of his best options. Not only would he be joining an upswing team, there is also an obvious need to add a defenseman to the NHL roster, especially in a system where there is a dearth of quality prospects. He would be joining a team with a need that would offer him an opportunity to play sooner rather than later.

The owner of the board has a right to voice his opinion, as does everyone else.

Stop with this reflexive "cancel culture" response. The criticisms for this particular Skoopy response were not only warranted but should also have been expected. It was a classless and gauche comment to make. No one is silencing the poster. That doesn't mean that he can't be criticized for it.

What you are saying makes a lot of sense. Where I disagree with you is your judgment on Joki. I consider him a good #2 on the second pairing. Of course, I wouldn't be against moving Joki down to the third pairing if a better option arises. I have listened to Don G a number of times on WGR. He is not only satisfied with his play but repeatedly said that he has more upside to offer. I lean more toward his view than your view on this particular player. (I'm also aware that I represent a minority view on this player.)

I said this before but the Reinhart trade that resulted in acquiring Levi might in the long run become the most consequential of the three old core players dealt by KA. It took a few years to determine the value on Tage Thompson but the ROR deal ended up being a corner stone deal for this franchise. I can envision an even bigger impact if in a couple to few years he becomes our #1 goalie.

Odds are more likely that KA won't make any moves than he would do so. Although I'm confident you would be disappointed in a status-quo approach, it might be the best course of action for this team. I would like to see a defenseman added for the sake of having depth in case of any injury.

You bring up an interesting question regarding Okposo? Is he going to retire or not? I think he is so respected by the organization that whatever he wants to do the organization will do its best to accommodate him.

How good is Johnson? If he signs, would he likely have to play a full year in Rochester? Is he at best a third pairing player? Not that there is anything wrong with that.

One of the reasons why I don't see Mitts as expendable is that he is versatile enough to play wing and center. I can see the GM adding another defenseman but I don't see it happening at forward spot. We shall see??

Every once in a while, he will make a nifty move in tight quarters and get off a sniper shot. Whether the puck goes in or not you get tantalized by the talent. There has been a pattern in Quinn's development. At whatever level he has been in after a first year adjustment period, he takes off in his second year. He acclimates and then thrives. I expect him to make progress in the second half of this season. Next year, I expect him, and also JJ, to become not only better players but also mainstay players for us.

I understand why you would believe that Mitts would be an odd man out if a forward addition was made. But I don't see Mitts falling out of the picture even with another forward added, at least right now. After hearing Don G talk positively about Mitts on a number of occasions I think that he values him and his versatility more than others. I, like you, have a high regard for Kevin Weekes's knowledge about hockey and the league. He seems to be knowledgeable and insightful about our roster and needs.