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LETSTUCHINGO

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Posts posted by LETSTUCHINGO

  1. 40 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

    Let's talk about Berkly Catton, the 5'11" 163lb the 54g, 116pts Assistant Capt. of the Spokane Chiefs. First, I honestly hope he slides simply to watch this place meltdown over the fact he is 160lbs and only 5'11". Please let me have that. He was the best player on his team but sadly his team didn't make it out of the first round of the WHL playoffs. Catton had 8 more points than his linemate Roulette but 45 more points than the 3rd player on his team. He is the offensive engine, the driver of his team. Really, quick a stat that pops up in a couple of place (I didn't find this on my own) is that Catton sits 3rd for PtsPG for draft eligible players in the WHL over the past 25 years. Bedard (2.51) and Reinhart (1.75) are the two players above Catton (1.71) with Jarvis (1.69) and Draisaitl (1.64) coming just after. That is some really good company to be a part of. 

    Let's start with the shot because his shot is one of the best in the class and it will only get better as he gets stronger. Quick release that is accurate and already hard, he has that ability to get his stick loaded and fire. He really can fire rockets. You don't get 54 goals if you can't and he can. But if you are just a shot threat, that becomes easier to take away, so maybe we should look at what might be the best passer in this class not named Celebrini or Demidov. Because he has such great hands and a threatening shot, Catton really can manipulate opposing defenders. Once he does that, he has great vision and can make any pass you want. He loves to work pucks inside and find guys on the inside. Watch his reels and you can see him manipulate plays and either speed things or slow them down depending on his feels, which are basically always correct. He reminds me of Jack Quinn in some ways as he can do a bit of everything. 

    Now his skating his just fun to watch. He builds speed with crossovers, he has agility, quickness, and overall great skating. His pull away speed is there but should improve with added strength. He really uses his skating to link his other skills together as he keeps his hands high on on his stick and then uses those dekes while moving to really open things up. Every report talks about how good he can be on the rush and I fully agree. Flies up ice, manipulates the defense, can load up a shot, or make a great pass. Love it. 

    Alright, he isn't all sunshine and sparkles. His defensive zone coverage is meh. It isn't terrible but I wouldn't call it good either. He sometimes loses his guy and even if Spokane is playing more of a zone, he seems to not understand exactly where to be or how to defend it all that well. He does backcheck and forecheck well but needs to get stronger. I think in the NHL, he might end up a winger over center because of that less developed defensive game. Really quick, he will play defense and I think he does try physically but they are underdeveloped aspects of his game that need work. Not surprising for an 18yr old. Overall I would like to see him stronger on pucks in the D zone and to see that offensive hockey IQ translate to the D side of things. 

    I like Catton. He has the skills you want in a first line forward coupled with the IQ to make it all work. His size can be questioned as he physically needs another 15lbs or more of muscle mass to be able to handle some of the rigors he will face as he goes up a level. I think the overall package is nice and when, not if, he develops physically, you could have a nice player that can really break games open offensively while not being a liability defensively. I think Catton slides on draft day if he clocks in at under 6ft and 175lbs because that is the trend in drafts. He shouldn't be available at 11 but could be. 

    Thank you for that right up, very thorough, and I agree with everything you said. With respect to having more of the same, I'm not worried about it. We NEED established NHL talent (2nd or 3rd center, 4th line with grit and more scoring, etc) and trading some of our prospects is one way to obtain that. Meaning, the cupboards won't be as full with the "same" (smaller, skilled, less physical playmakers) type of player if a trade happens! If they keep the pick (I hope they trade it) you draft the best player available regardless of what your prospect pool is made up of!

  2. 8 hours ago, inkman said:

    It’s really quite weird how Buffalo media have been pushing narratives (i.e. the WR Train) now this.  It only creates a fervor in the fanbase followed by disappointment and anger.  Stop pushing your agenda and let these men do their jobs.  How many teams want to trade for the 11th pick in any draft?  Teams are lucky to find a top 6 forward or top 4 D there. Even then they are 3-4 years away from contributing.  

    Zach Benson????

  3. Pecca isn't coming here and as KA stated firmly, he wants Seth Appert to focus on developing the Amerk's talent. Why would he bring him up as an assistant? Let him keep doing the great job he is doing!

  4. 21 hours ago, phil_soisson said:

    What is he supposed to do?  If the buck stops with him, as he claims, then the honorable thing is to resign. He essentially gave"responsibility" lip service and you  apparently bought it.

    You apparently no nothing about being a leader and I won't waste my time trying to explain it. Buy that and chew on it.

  5. 1 hour ago, phil_soisson said:

    It's a legitimate question. In his presser, he was emphatic that this debacle of a season was on him. 

    What is he suppose to do, put all the blame on the players and coaches and take no responsibility himself. Good leaders share in the blame and take responsibility. 🙄

    • Agree 2
  6. 36 minutes ago, WhenWillItEnd66 said:

    Last time he got hurt he only needed a practice or two to come back. Not to mention he was playing 100% apon return. He has been skating for a week or two so i am sure he is itching to be back on the ice.

    I think you're right. I fully expect him to be in the lineup tomorrow night. Otherwise, why would Meats switch JJ out of the 1st line in practice and mess with that lines chemistry. The JJ-Tommer-Tuch line has been too hot!! Everything I've seen from practice shows a fully healthy, fast, and explosive Quinny!! Players are paid to play!! Ring the bell!!

  7. 12 minutes ago, Crusader1969 said:

    Greenway Thompson. Tuch

    JJP Cozens.  Quinn

    the top 6 at today practice 

    are you happy if this is the top 6 going into next year ?

    would be cool to get a LW to drop Greenway to the 3rd line BUT then you have an issue with what to do with Skinner.   Yes, I understand his metrics are good 5v5    I just don't think you should have a one dimensional player on your top line, especially when you have the youngest team in league.  Your vets need to set a standard

    i would probably want them to switch Benson to 1st line and Greenway to 3rd 

    skinner Krebs greenway as your 3rd line isn't terrible I don't think

    There's a part of me that wishes JJ was still on the 1st line as he has obviously done very well playing with Tage and Tuch, but I can understand why he's back on the "Kid Line" to get that line back to where it was! I like your 3rd line suggestion of Skinner-Krebs-Greeny. Krebs and Greeny's grit and 200 ft game could cover for Skinner's deficiencies and having Skinner there gives Krebs a chance to blossom into the 3rd line center the Sabres are hoping for!

    • Like (+1) 2
  8. Well, I voted for Skinner. I don't "hate" Skinner the person (actually find him very funny, witty, and have watched him many times engage the fans giving pucks, etc), but I hate skinner the player. This is what the SS Poster was getting at IMO. Skinner's lack of effort in all areas except scoring, his contract, and his lack of leadership are my reasons. VO is another, but he hasn't played much this season. Bryson would have been my number 1 last season, but as another SS poster has mentioned, he has shown tremendous growth this season and as such gets credit for that from me.

    • Like (+1) 1
  9. 2 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

    Dahlin is still growing/learning/getting better. BUT, I think his play gets better and he gets more recoginition if/when he is on a team that is doing a lot better.  If the Sabres were to be a 100+ point team next year and fighting for a division title, he may very well get attention as one of the best in the league.

    100 percent agree, you're spot on!

  10. 36 minutes ago, Getpucksdeep said:

    So did my 13 year old son in AA hockey.  Baseline give a f maneuvers.  I didn't watch last night, sounds like 26 had a very good game. Nice! Now I want to see smart and disciplined play to buy-in.  I know he has the gaf and exceptional skill already.

    How does 26 not play smart and disciplined? How has he not bought in? He plays a strong, physical game consistently taking players off the puck. He checks and plays physical along the boards night in and night out! He is supremely talented offensively as his stats show. Does he make mistakes? Yep. Does he press at time trying to do too much. Yep, but who wouldn't given all the losing he has endured. Has this season been frustrating, ABSOLUTELY! It has nothing to do with Dahlin playing smart, not disciplined or him not buying in. It's ridiculous that even needs to be stated!  He should be our next captain and if everyone played like him night in and night out, we wouldn't be missing the playoffs again this year.

    • Like (+1) 2
    • Agree 2
  11. On 3/14/2024 at 8:02 AM, Buffalonill said:

    This is what the sabres are best at Getting the fans all psyched up and having hope and then crushing them at the end.

    It's a vicious cycle and we come back for more

    That's the spirit! 🤣

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