Porous Five Hole

Oof.

I think the need at center is there, but only if you were trying to win a Stanley Cup next year. Since the Sabres philosophy is to “play up” from the player’s current level, it makes total sense to have Mitts, Cozens, Krebs to play center and learn on the fly behind Tage. The team does not want to block this development. Just have to hope people stay healthy, or a move will be required (including propping up the C position in ROC).

I am not a pessimistic fan. I’m usually the glass half-full type. But I don’t expect anything but an injury and a grade of incomplete. 😬

And there’s the extension. Some freezing cold takes in this thread.

KO telling the story of talking to the prospects during dev camp & answering the question, “How do you earn a coach’s trust?” Loosely transcribed, he said it used to be you couldn’t turn pucks over at the blue line. Absolutely not. Not happening. KO went on to say Meatballs preaches the psychology of playing fearless. “No other way to play. Not playing on your heels (and worrying about turnovers or the blue line). That’s how you’re going to play your best. If you’re on your heels, your going to stink. Why would you play any other way? You see it all the time, guys get tight in tight games. Our whole mentality is learn how to attack. Attack, attack, attack. Make plays. Play fearless. When you screw up, get back. But the whole fearless mentality is really good for our team.”

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-07-29/buffalo-bills-owner-backs-startup-targeting-wealth-advisory-boom?utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_content=business&utm_source=twitter&cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&utm_medium=social According to Bloomberg‘s estimates, TP is worth $7.7 billion. 👀👀

Why are we assuming neither player is open to a long-term deal in Calgary? Or is this just an assumption that Calgary isn’t interested in the player long-term?

Highly Suspect at the Rapids in October. 🤘🏼

Haha we were in the same section. I thought the show was excellent.

My personal opinion is none, and it’s too early to make a judgement. They’re all pretty safe for now. I think Mitts has been at the gym all summer long thinking Tage’s stat line was what his should have been (while the injury bug bit him). Mitts was penciled in as 1C coming out of camp. I think we see a very motivated player this year. He’s untouchable for me in 22-23. As many have said, Krebs hasn’t found his role yet. I think this season plays that out for him. The Sabres did not buy out VO’s first UFA season with a two year deal to trade him. A lot can happen between now and deadline 23-24, but I don’t see any of them going anywhere for the next twelve months.

This was max value for Calgary. Their D (which already is good) got better, they replaced the lost offense (Mac and Hub are both Canadian—may increase odds of re-signing), they got a guy who scored 20 goals in the AHL last year as a rookie, and a first round pick…all for a guy who didn’t want to be there anymore. Maybe you were expecting a full on re-build after losing their top line? If that’s the case, now they don’t have to immediately. They get another kick at the can with a veteran coach. And as you said, deadline rental deals for Mac & Hub (if things don’t go well) will bring back lots of value. I think they did great.

Forward group will be fine in ROC. This doesn’t speak to the conversation of asset management, but still deep for next year. Imagine if Peterka or Quinn doesn’t make the big club? Not saying there wouldn’t be room for R2, but the Amerks will be fine.

I don’t think so because they still hold his rights in North America, it was a well-known “secret” he was ready to move to Europe, and the return would have been a late round pick at best.

Because the Pens are still trying to win and the Hawks are not. Sid has no motivation to leave and Kane might still want to try to win a cup.

Someone named Beck Warm plays hockey and signed with the Amerks.

I did not look up stats as a comparable, but I see Dixon Ward style of vision and passing. With hustle. A top 9 on PP2. But I do not see a first line player.

Zack busted up his knee during a performance. Looks like he was seated for the last couple shows.

Thank you for tipping me off to this. I had no idea. Looks like they played Ottawa last night, so fingers crossed!

I haven’t read many posts in this thread, but my reaction is perhaps the recently hired analytics department might pay dividends this time around? Also, no prospect tore up the AHL like Quinn & Peterka, so that is a positive difference.

I hope you’re right about the decent goaltending assessment!

If the Sabres were trying to win the cup next year, I would totally agree with you. And there’s always room for a player like the one you’re speaking of. But since the Sabres are realistically resigned to another year of growth, I want the high ceiling offensive guys in the lineup next year.

The distinct advantage I think the Sabres have here are the highest ceiling defenseman of comparison. While it is close as all three teams gave up more than the league average (Buffalo was best of the three in 21-22), I expect shots against/shot suppression to be a leading factor for the Sabres rise relative to the Sens/Wings. This isn’t to say Meatballs will employ a defense-first strategy, but cream rises to the top. Dahlin/Power/Mule will go a long way toward tipping the scales in the Sabres favor. Please oh please let Comrie be NHL average…if so, I like Buffalo in this comparison.

I’m guessing your HRR comes from Horny Rump Riding