pi2000

I don't need advance metrics to opine on his shortcomings as a hockey player... my experience and my eyes tell me all I need to know. What I see when I focus on his play is that he's slow, he's soft on pucks, he's not physical, he's near the bottom of the league on face-offs, his shot is below average, he falls down way too often, turns too many pucks over, marginal compete level, doesn't seem to hate losing very much (maybe through no fault of his own). In fact, last season, I reviewed all his shifst keeping track of his turnovers and how many times he fell down... and it was alarming... Even I didn't expect the results to be as bad as what was observed. That said he does flash some ability at times, but not nearly often enough that I'd offer him a long term deal north of $6m/yr. The problem with those types of players is that if they're not scoring, then they're largely a liability on the ice (he was a -15 last season). I want to see more of the good Reinhart with a consistently high compete level, not the indifferent disappear for weeks at a time Reinhart.

I'd bet dollars to donuts that both Ullmark and Olofsson sign before their hearings. Ullmark in the $2.25-2.50m range, VO around $3.1-3.4m. Reinhart is a self-absorbed egomaniac who things he's worth north of $8m, haha, j/k... but do I think he does end up in arbitration getting a one year deal around $5.25-5.75m.

Wrong, the burden of proof is on you, kind sir, to prove that he's worth $7m. IMO most of his points are because he plays with Eichel... when he's not with him he's practically invisible. You talk about him "driving play"... that's some weak nonsense... Eichel drives play, Sam is just along for the ride. His skating is below average, he's slow (by today's standards), his shot is weak and inaccurate, he scores most of his goals picking up trash within a 3ft radius of the net. Eichel was a +5 last year... Sam? Try minus 15... how is that even possible playing with Jack.. I don't even know. Look, I'm not saying Reinhart is trash.. he's a decent middle 6 winger that deserves about $4-5m/yr. He has good hands around the net, good at deflections, can make a slick pass here and there, but he's just too helter skelter for my liking. He's not the guy I'd invest in heavily to be Jack's long term wingman. Do better.

It's not about style. If the Sabres were on the brink of a Cup run, then yeah, pay the guy simply for what he brings to the stat sheet. However, fact is, they're nowhere near that. At this point they need well rounded players who play a more complete game in all areas of the ice (strong on the puck, defends well, skates well, speed+quickness, physical, puck hound)... Reinhart isn't that guy. For that amount of money he should excel at something (shooting, setup guy), or do many more things better. I've yet to hear any of his apologists clearly state what it is that he excels at... what is it about his skillset/game that elevates him above somebody that makes $4-5m (Palmieri, C. White, R. Smith, Sutter, Lindholm) ? IMO any of those guys would be just as productive in that spot. I'd pay him $5-5.5, max.

He puts up middling first line point totals (17th in points for RW'ers), he brings few intangibles. He doesn't skate particularly well, he's not fast agile or quick. His shot is below average, isn't a physical presence, averages about 20-25 goals/season. For a guy who's been touted to have elite hockey sense and vision, he's averaging just over 30 assists/season... getting ample PP1 time and playing alongside Eichel that's underwhelming. For $6-7mil you can do better... Maybe you sacrifice a few goals, but I'd rather they invest that money in a more complete player who brings more to the table.

Last year's thirds are amazing, keep those for at least a few more seasons before trying someting different.

too many jerseys

praise jesus

As a former player yeah you walk into the rink and see all the same faces you've lost with over the years and that's a tough mental hurdle when things aren't going well.

NHL comparables... Jason Pominville, Casey MIttlestadt, TJ Oshie, Alex Nylander, Brock Boeser.

He'll be money on shootouts.

Quinn seems like a process guy... reminds me a young Jason Pominviple. The euro, Leino.. I mean Rossi? Not so much.

IMO this draft is deep into picks 12-14... also consider the last few years have seen guys like Werenski, Couturier, W. Nylander, etc.. go 8th overall. All things considered I wouldn't move the pick unless a deal comes along that absolutely knocks your socks off.

If this team was 1 or 2 pieces away from contending, then yes, put the 8th overall on the table. However, fact is, they're more than 1 or 2 or 3 pieces away... also consider their prospect cupboard isn't exactly overflowing with talent. Their immediate needs (goaltending/top 6 W) can be filled without sacrificing picks considering many teams are facing a cap crunch.

It's make or break time for Tage. Personally I have absolutely zero expectations for him... won't be surprised either way if he flops or flourishes.

They'll need to start in a half-dozen bubble cities.. play a few weeks in each bubble then rotate.

That's Beane/McDermott speak...

trading away the 8th pick will set this franchise back a few years

It's a skating league and his skating is arguably his greatest attribute. Give him the full season in Buffalo, but bring in an established veteran 2-3C he can learn from. Eichel isn't that guy, not yet anyway, he has enough on his plate. Start him on the wing, ease him in to start the season. Give him 12-15min/gm, with a clearly defined role. It's all about putting him in the right situation where he's not relied on to produced offense, but is challenged enough to develop his game. If they don't or can't put him in that environment, then let him play out the season in the WHL.

As a former teammate of his I'll say this.. he's competitive, smart, and extremely passionate about the game. He's one of those guys that truly loves the game, not the most talented, but he enjoyed working at it and that took him to the top. He was a locker room favorite among the boys, looked up to even at a young age for his leadership abilities, core values, and outstanding character. That said, it's not surprising the Pegula's have taken him under their wing. He's their type of guy. Does that translates to being a successful GM? I have concerns.... NHL GMs need to be a bit conniving and cutthroat. That's not the guy I knew. When it comes time to make tough roster decisions, eg waiving guys you've built a relationship with who have young families etc... I don't think he has that in him. That's not a bad thing, it speaks for his values as a human. Great guy, just not what I would consider NHL GM material.

@john_wawrow: The Latest: NHL could reopen training facilities next week https://apnews.com/355f60488468c9122597d76c4d0e183f

smart move

I'm hoping Gretzky but so far I'm seeing Lemieux.