pi2000

That wouldn't be very professional for him to say because it makes GMTM and the Sabres look bad for travelling all the way over there only to waste their time. Fish needs to maintain a positive working relationship with the Sabres because of Eichel and whatever other clients he may have in their system. He needs to acknowledge to the league (other teams) that they were happy they came to visit Jimmy and give a presentation, so when Aug 15 rolls around they can simply open their doors for business and start lining them up at the door. I'm not saying he's lying, maybe they really were impressed with the presentation and will talk contract down the line here soon, but I really didn't expect him to say anything other then that they enjoyed the presentation, it was productive and informative visit and we'll consider our options.

Sure, fair question. I see plenty of positives, I agree with pretty much all of TMs moves. I predicted Eichel would have a better rookie year than McDavid because of his size and strength. I thought the tank strategy was a positive and the right way to rebuild the team. I like Lehner, I think he's the answer in net, he has the right demeanor and physical talent to have long term success. I like the draft picks over the past few seasons. I can't really name one player I wish they would replace besides maybe Gorges who I think is much too slow footed for the modern NHL. I like Bylsma, I think he's the right coach for this team at this time. Don't get me wrong, I like Risto, I really do. He has upside, but he's only been in the league for 2 full seasons and is not on the same level as an Ekblad or Krug, I think most on here overvalue him at this stage in his career... maybe I'm still a bit jaded from the Tyler Myers contract... a guy who won the Calder, Risto wasn't even nominated. Giving a guy financial security with an 8 year deal at the tender age of 21 can easily derail his career. A bridge deal keeps him motivated and developing and gives him a chance to earn a larger contract in the long run.

Not to throw a wet blanket on this, but Fish's quote means nothing. It's the only thing he can say. Behind closed doors Fish/Vesey could be very disappointed and have no interest, but he's not going to come out and say that to the media when his other client, Eichel, is the darling of the city.

Well, it will be interesting to see what Barrie is awarded in arbitration (if they get that far) vs what Risto gets from GMTM.

ha, well, I actually forecast Matthews to do well early in his career, I expect him to be in the mix for the Calder.

Have you watched Barrie play? His skating, puck handling, and offensive awareness are light years ahead of Risto. Risto's point totals are a result of being a 1A in a lackluster lineup. With a Fowler in the lineup, or even an improved McCabe, I expect Risto's offensive production to drop. GMTM said it himself, he's still looking for a PP QB on the backend.

Kane is a model citizen, a role model for young adults in the WNY area. The media needs to leave him alone and let him live his life. He's a target simply because of his skin color and.... a it. Seriously tho, Vesey on the otherhand....

Good point. However, IMO Jones has a higher ceiling. I highly doubt this. Defensively they're on par, perhaps a slight nod to Rasmus, but he can't hold a candle to Barrie's skating and offensive prowess.

How did Vesey do? Oh wait...

I wish I didn't give a crap. But I do. I don't want this spoiled kid anywhere near the Sabre's locker room.

He hasn't done anything to deserve an 8-year deal. IMO you can't hand out long term deals to unproven guys. You save those contracts for proven core guys, not somebody who you think might grow into one. There is still a lot of room for Risto to improve, can he fullfil his potential? Maybe, but I'm not investing 8 years in the guy if he's already plateaued. If he wants term, go up to 6 at a reasonable cost for what he's proven his worth is to this point. Giving him a shorter bridge at a higher value protects the franchise down the road if he doesn't reach his potential as a 1A type of defenseman.

That wobble was just from the dozen strippers putting their clothes back on for landing.

You don't give a guy who's only played 2 full seasons in the NHL and is a -54, an 8 year deal.

He hasn't proved he's worth an Ekblad, Hedman, or even Krug or Jones type of deal.... yet. Not even close. I'd go 6 at 4.5, or 3 at 5. A bridge makes more sense for him if he believes he still has more room to grow. It's fascinating to see how highly folks on here think of his game. He's a good young prospect, not anywhere near an all star like these other contracts being used as examples. Can he get there?Sure,su mabe, but he's still a few years away.

"My diet is fresh vegetables, fresh fruit. That’s got to be the main things that I eat. But I’ll have a burger in the summer, a hot dog or something like that at the golf course. During the season I’ll have a BLT or something, because I miss it. I wish I could go vegan (no animal products, including dairy), but it’s too tough. I like my ice cream too much.”

They prolly picked up Vesey and flew him to BUF for the weekend. My source tells me he demanded to sit in the first six rows of the plane. Not sure what Bowman is doing there. He can't even talk to Vesey or his coddlers, errr I mean agents.

Golotov cocktail?

oh that's right, I almost forgot.... he too good for dev camp.

how does Vesey look?

Am I? Or am I so sane you blew your mind, your head is spinning like a top, and your entire world is crashing down around you

You're not serious.

43

Tyson Barrie officially files for arbitration. Let's hope he gets awarded a deal too sweet for the Ave's to stomach. The full list of player-elected arbitration (team elected arbitration deadline is July 6th)... http://www.nhlpa.com/news/24-players-elect-salary-arbitration notables: Hoffman Barrie Kreider J. Schwartz Killorn Namestnikov Marcus Johansson

The only stipulation is that teams are allowed to exceed the cap by 7.5% as a result of performance bonuses. So if you're not a cap team, there's no limit on the number of perf bonuses you can hand out. Eichel has the max, $2.85m, Reinhart is $2.65m, Fasching at $637k are the only significant perf bonuses on the roster.