MBD

So it's the Pegulas then, right? You think they're intentionally trying to screw over the franchise and its fans?

Why? What's the worst that can happen (to the Pegulas, that is)? Fewer fans show up?

Yup. Maybe that threat is what's needed.

Nope. Which is why I said "rumor has it." But it wouldn't surprise me. Terry's the hockey lover and the franchise (obviously) hasn't done well and reportedly isn't making much money. The fans seem to hate them so might be a good idea to sell and let someone have a crack at it, allowing them to focus on the Bills, their real prize.

The wife watches it whenever it's on TV.

If you've watched any games, it wouldn't be a surprise. It's probably why (rumor has it) Kim wants to sell the team.

LOL! I knew that would be lost on many. Arendelle. From "Frozen."

Let it go...

IOW, Robby's hitting the sauce again?

Meaning finishing his BBA by the end of this, his 3rd, year at Michigan. If he's planning on finishing it completely, that's 2 more years, after which he'll definitely be an UFA. If you are thinking he could return to school for just this year and then finish it after he joins the Sabres, he could have done the same right now. As I said before, if in a year I'm wrong, I'll admit it. If I'm right, I won't gloat. But the Sabres better make sure that Levi is signed, sealed and delivered next year.

His MBA? In 1 year? No chance. Even a BBA in 1 year is far-fetched. I don't see that as an enticing option for EP. Maybe being loaned-out, but again, why not sign with another team?

Some just could careless.

I don't know Portillo's true motivations for returning to school, but since he decided not to come out this year, and Levi will likely sign next year, it will be up to the Sabres to decide who plays in Rochester and who plays in Cincy for the 2023-2024 season. By all appearances, Levi is the golden child so he likely gets Rochester. Why would Portillo sign with the Sabres if he can be an UFA a few months later? I've heard the "burn a year of his ELC" argument, but if it's a matter of being stuck behind another prospect for a year anyway, someone you may not unseat, is that really much of a motivating factor, especially when you can sign with someone more of your liking?

My hunch is he's scared/wary of Levi and sees the club has a preference for him. And as a result, he'll be an UFA next year.

Every Sabres fan should want Jacky Boy to play poorly so he doesn't help them and the pick the Sabres get from Vegas is the highest possible. How is this even a discussion? The biggest regret is they didn't trade him before he got injured, which lowered his compensation.

Yeah, expecting Robby to stay sober that long...

Better natural talent or hockey player, which encompasses more?

Plan on him not signing and go all-in on Levi.

It's all just made up numbers.

He might figure a bigger market might get him more in endorsements and such.

It's just a few more weeks from May to UFA for him. Probably figures Levi will sign by then, he can make his decision and there will be less vitriol directed at him.

OK, so maybe he gets his undergrad business degree by next May-August. By then he becomes an UFA, free to sign with anyone.

No, I'm actually saying the opposite of "it's impossible." If he can plan on pursuing his degree after next year (during the off-seasons), when he ostensibly joins the Sabres, he could also do it right now.

Just to clarify, what do you think I am asserting is impossible?

Talk is cheap. I've heard enough people say one thing and then do the opposite to not trust a single thing anyone says until I see it actually happen. I go more by what I see and whether it makes sense. But if next year at this time Portillo signs with the Sabres (right after Levi does, shyeah, right!), I'll admit I was wrong. A BBA (the only thing he can get in 4 years, and he's still got 2 more years to go and will be an UFA in 14 months...) won't get him far. And all I've heard talk about is him getting his MBA.