pi2000

Hello Sam, and goodbye Sam.

Disagree. I don't see Eichel checking out and his presence becoming toxic. It's a team game, those guys know they can't win unless everyone buys in. Same with Skinner, he wants to be in Buffalo. He had some terrible puck luck last season and never found his groove as his ice time dipped. He's a streaky player, I see him having a big 2021-22 season.

The only hint from Eichel was in his season ending presser when he said his main goal this offseason was to get healthy and be ready to play "wherever that may be". When asked if he'll ask for a trade Samson said "that stuff is all going to get figured out when the time comes".

"top line" He had a career low average time on ice per game last season... by almost 4min per game. Combine that with a career low shooting %, and yeah there won't be much production. Free Jeff Skinner

I don't believe he's asked to be traded, but he's open to the idea. If KA decides there are no worthy offers, I believe he plays here next season without any drama. The narrative that he'll sit out because he hasn't been traded is not who he is.

I posted this on 4/17... one month after Granato took over, looking only at the previous 10 games because we gave him some break in time. Even strength only. CF = corsi for SF = shots for HD = high danger (prime scoring area close to the net) HDCF/CA = HD chances for / chances against Ralph Donny last 10 games (league ranking in parens) CF% 48.87(18) 43.90(28) SF% 47.27(28) 44.83(26) xGF/60 2.09(29) 2.41(13) xGA/60 2.59(29) 2.72(25) HDCF/60 10.04(17) 10.68(12) HDCA/60 10.40(20) 11.29(21) SH% 5.92(31) 11.72(2) HDSH% 12.14(31) 21.13(7) SV% 88.98(30) 92.56(8) HDSV% 80.40(22) 89.47(6) Corsi for % (and likewise shots for %) became noticeably worse under Granato. Expected goals for improved slightly, expected goals against became worse. shooting %, high danger shooting % and save %'s all drastically improved... why I'm not sure, it can't all be puck luck... maybe some of it. UPL came back for a stretch there too which helped the sv%'s, but the improved in shooting %'s is puzzling.

I still don't see how any team would be willing to trade for an injured player. IMO, this "resolution" is about Jack's health. Combined with KA's statement it's the agent's way of saying Jack's neck is improving without throwing his client under the bus.

All very good points. The possession numbers regressed under Granato (compared to Krueger). Even if you don't count the first two weeks after he took over, the numbers (corsi, high danger for/against, etc..) are still worse. The only thing that drastically improved was shooting %. Under Krueger they were easily league worst and actually one of the worst of all time in NHL history. Shortly after Granato took over, their shooting % went to top of the league for a good 3-4 week stretch. Is that sustainable? IDK.... doubtful? nah I'll complain now 🙂 DO BETTER

Fair enough, but sorry I'm not convinced things will get better under his tutelage. Their metrics declined after he took over. He's a developmental coach in the top pro league in the world. Veteran NHL coaches will eat him alive.... I saw no indication last season he can make adjustments on the fly to counter what other teams are trying to do. This is another "we're gonna lose a lot of games, but our young players will get better" hire.

the more things change.... this sounded just like the krueger and housley pressers. smh, isn't it obvious we just keep going in circles? ***** laughingstock of the league, they should be embarrassed. If I'm Eichel, Reinhart this hire is the nail in the coffin.

Kinda like Reinhart who had 7 primary assists in 56 games this past season? Better throw him on the trash heap as well, smh.

Power still #1 OA 🙂 Would be nice to get one of Eklund, Beniers, or Johnson as well. I don't understand all the hate for Johnson. Nobody here knows what drives him, what he values, etc... as per KA those attributes are just as important as his talent level. Maybe he's a total douche and thinks he's god's gift to hockey, lacking drive to get better every day... or maybe not, nobody here really knows so lay off the kid, he's 18.

I'm on Team Keep Eichel, but I'll say this.... if these trades go down, KA is taking a page directly from the Brandon Beane playbook... purging the roster of guys who don't fit the culture. Build the culture from within by drafting well, selecting the right players who fit the profile, and developing them. This worked for the Bills, can it work for the Sabres? Patience will be required and they'll need to do a better job drafting, but I believe it could work.

I hated the Housley hire from the get go. Inexperience. Granato has plenty of pro coaching experience which I'm going to try and remain optimistic about, but the results last season speak for themselves, nine wins in 28 games? Not exactly setting the world on fire. Rolston was 15-16 in 31 games to end the season. I mean, just... yeah... it sucks nobody decent wants to coach this team, and I don't think that will change while Pegula is running the show, unfortunately. They're going to have to catch lightning in a bottle to get out of this mess... Is Granato that guy? I hope so, but damn, try and do better for once.

Key metrics actually declined when Granato took over... the only difference was shooting and save percentage, thats it... puck luck. That said, they need to play better team defense, which is the toughest thing for young players to learn.

"Jack is a heck of a player and our focus at this time is getting him back to full health. Moving forward we're going to do what's best for the Buffalo Sabres."

Lindy didn't have much experience when he was hired either. That shouldn't matter. They loved Kruger and by all accounts they loved Housley too. Often times the best man for the job is the guy they don't want.

facts

Not exactly thrilled with the Rolst.. errr.. I mean, Granato hire but as a fan I wish him success.

If it's gonna be Granato, wouldn't they have announced it already?

fixed

Did I say there was something wrong with that?

Sam is all about Sam, he'll do what's best for him and his wallet.