WhenWillItEnd66

Ok, going to try and use a bit of optimism. Dahls and Byram were one of the top 10 defensive pairings when they were together last year 5 on 5. They were top 5 in most advanced statistics! If Timmons and Kesselring improve over their replacements, our defense could be a plus for this team. We know the Sabres can score. Even with JJ gone, those goals could be made up with the current team as is. I think we are sneakily a better team based on the moves that were made and KEEPING Byram. The question is can they keep up with the rest and make the playoffs with what they have. I truly believe they can if the defense plays to its potential. Dahlin and Byram make the goalie play a lot better when they are on the ice. If the other 2 pairings can do that i think our netminding is better this year!

I have to say, i do not disagree with you here. We were a good offence last year. Only JJP out and we will have a full year of Norris. If our defense and goaltending was not a sieve last year, they would have been someone better. IF this team actually forechecks and plays a more physical defense and not allow other teams to just walk in our zone with just a stick check, there is a possibility it may not be that bad. The players we brought in is really what this team needed outside of more scoring. Trying to stay somewhat positive and not be miserable.

I think he has a higher upside then that but has never had that chance to really prove himself in the big club!

Typical KA say. We are not moving him. His return right now would get him lynched if he pulled the trigger. Just keep him, sign him to a 1 or 2 year deal and move on. It is what it is. Another season of no playoffs.

But that would mean spending to the CAP!!! LOL

I am resigned that Byram is staying and our offense is what it is with what we have. Only decent news is that we are defensively slightly better and a bit bigger. I do not believe hard to play against until i see a Sabres team actually do it!! Would love to see a couple of opposing forwards get laid flat as they try and enter our zone without our player getting injured in the process!! (Yes Muel, that is YOU!!)

I hear you.... his sample size is too small i think for a honest opinion. I have liked him since he was in college. Not huge but really smart with angles and very rarely out of position. Would love to see him get a fair shake to see if he was worth the hassle as he almost did not come to Buffalo after college.

Johnson got buried for some reason. Hope he plays to the potential that he was showing for a long time.

Yes..... He really is a smart defensively sound kid! He looked good when called up. He never should have been sent back with what we had up here. Not flashy, but steady. That kind of defenseman where you do not hear his name much.

I am with you on JBD. BUT, i am glad they look like they are finally going to start using Johnson!!!

Bet nobody had him!!!

DId anyone have none? LOL

Lets face it, KA is bust as he is at prospect camp. We know this story. He is not acting like a GM on the hot seat. Maybe he already knows TPeg is going to give him an extension. He is going to wait for the FA dust to settle. Then overpay for a 5th line player that won't make the Amerks.

Yes, Perry and Armia!! LOL