pi2000

Just because he graduated from Harvard (being coddled by tutors) doesn't mean he's a hard-working kid willing to earn his spot. He wants his top 6 spot handed to him on a platter with guarantees of PP time and second contract value. That flies in the face of everything this team is trying to build. Not even Evander Kane (an established scorer) makes such outlandish demands. Did last year's Hobey Baker winner demand a top 6 spot? Not even close, when asked about his number last summer Eichel said he needed to make the team first. Vesey is the anti-Eichel, dont want him anywhere near the kids. Maybe Eichel already knows this about him which would explain why he's not leaning on him too hard.

Vesey needs to go play someplace where he can be coddled. BUF is a blue collar, hard working, earn your keep type of city, and the team is a reflection of that. Vesey would be a better fit in LA, ANA, or NY. If he does join BUF, I see it backfiring in a big way, setting this team back by impeding the workman like attitude a guy like Ryan O'Reilly is trying to establish in the locker room. Everything is earned, unless you're Jimmy Vesey.

Plot twist, he waits until 8/15 then signs with NSH. Murray's head explodes.

Mods complained he was too sexy, so I got him a pair of shorts a week or so ago.

There should be a rule that instead of being a UFA in August, he should've been put back into the draft.

No idea. It's on him to reinvent his game. That said, the only way I see him getting close to 20g is if he establishes himself as a net front presence on the PP, like an Andreychuk.

Good for those folks with old Stafford, Hecl, or Hurlbut jerseys.

I doubt Nilsson plays much if at all. If/When Lehner gets hurt or needs a day off, they can call up Ullmark.

sorry i think its terrible, would look nice on myspace or Geocities tho

I dont want his entitlement attitude anywhere near the Sabres locker room. Good luck Jimmy.

27g in 37 games in the A last season. Will help Roch in a big way.

I think he gets put on a 4th line with Moulson. Sort of an underdog line with guys that have something to prove. Could be fun to watch, or embarrassing.

Vanek spent some time on the island, but why talk to Stafford? Did they play team USA together at the worlds or? Stafford had 38 points last season and was a -23, I don't see the comparison.

You're right, good point about not being tied into an expensive long term contract.

Understood, fair point. Doesn't the fact that he lied to Poile bother you? It's a sign of poor character and signals potential problems down the road with negotiations, playing time, etc... Seems like a high maintenance guy which typically aren't received well in the locker room.... and being Jack's buddy, could have an impact on his development as well if he doesn't pan out. Maybe I'm just overthinking this, I hope I'm wrong about him.

Yes, I understand that. When I said "he doesn't have the right choose who he plays with", I'm literally talking about what players he wants to play on a line with... not which team. He's a rookie, who does he think he is to dictate to NSH or BUF which line he plays on? We're supposed to just bow down to his demands, because why? GMTM should just tell him, look we rate you a high prospect but you have to earn your spot on the team and that starts with attending Dev camp and integrating yourself in the culture. I understand my opinion is not the most popular here, but nobody has addressed the fact that he either lied to Poile in the Spring about his intentions and then reneged, or he lied to the press about what he told Poile. Poile is well respected, he has no history of jerking around prospects. Vesey thinks he's so smart and can get away with these shenanigans with no repercussions. I guarantee this comes back to bite him in the ass at some point.

I understand the CBA and what he's doing is perfectly within the rules. However, the fact he didn't sign with NSH, a successful franchise with one of the most respected GM's in the league is a giant red flag. I'm sure players will ask him about it, but I find it very very difficult to believe it was Poile's fault. IMO, Vesey's camp flat out lied about what his intentions were in the Spring, and then lied to the media about what he told Poile. That reeks, and the only logical reason for this is that he feels he's too good for them. Nope. NSH told him he'd have a top-9 spot, not top-6. Is that the reason he didn't sign? If so, he's a bigger jerk than I thought. It's not his right as a rookie out of college to dictate to NHL franchises who he gets to play with. He's essentially doing just that, and it flies in the face of all the league veterans who've had to earn their spot with the team that drafted them. He was wrong when he lied about his intentions to Poile in the spring, and wrong when he lied to the media about what was communicated to Poile. Vesey is basically calling Poile a liar, and I don't believe it for one second. Don't think that won't come back to bite him at some point in his career.

I disagree. He a rooke FA out of college with no pro experience. He's acting like he has a right to play in the NHL. Players need to earn their right to be a UFA after years of service in the league. If waits until 8/15, he's acting like he's already reached that point in his career, and it reflects poorly on his character, and he'll be viewed poorly in the locker room by guys who have had to actually earn their spot on the team.

If this drags on to 8/15, he's a goner. Something needs to get done in the next 7 days or whatever GMTM presented just isn't good enough for him... which means he's a spoiled little Harvard brat who thinks he's better than every one else. You think you're better than me!? MANDLEBAUM! MANDLEBAUM! MANDLEBAUM!

NO! </thread>

Any old scrub tendy will do. If Lehner needs a rest you call up Ullmark to play. If Lehner gets hurt you call up Ullmark. Whoever backs up Lehner to start the season might not a single minute of action. The important thing for Ullmark right now is to play and play a lot.

I don't think it's playoffs "or BUST". If they can stay healthy and some guys improve, they'll be in the mix, but their not a slam dunk contender yet by any stretch.

Justin Schultz. He's terrible.

hahaha, all is forgiven! He'll help Roch, they need to fix that team too.

Doesn't matter how fit Moulson gets, his feet are too slow for the modern NHL.