Carmel Corn

Crap....now I have to completely reset my hopes....didn't have a plan B thinking Simashev would be there for us.

The Price was NOT right there

OMG - is Carey OK? Yikes

As somebody else said above....wishing Katherine Tappan was on the broadcast

I wouldn't have been sad if ALL of our assistant coaches were let go, but I guess the org is preaching loyalty as a theme.

Perhaps, but when you have a loaded talent pool, it might work against you. The other team's GM might look like a failure if he only gets Buffalo's 5th or 6th best prospect vs. one of our blue chippers.

Alternative thought...maybe on one 1st. Joki is a former 1st rounder as well and perhaps could eventually become something more than a 5/6 on another team. VO might fetch a 2nd round equivalent. So I guess I am wondering if Joki, VO and one 1st might work with team that is facing a major challenge retaining its existing players?

Definitely a fluid situation, but part of me wants GMKA to take the risk while other teams may get cold feet.

So how does Benson compare with Michkov...how much of a difference is there between the two.....assuming Michkov is taken before Benson?

IDK, #13 is not "high" in my view of drafting order. Also, top 4 D do not come easily outside of the draft....you either have to pay big in a trade or overpay via FA for an older guy who wants term that will take him to his mid 30's....although there is one I'd risk (Graves). Overall, I'd like to see us strengthen our D pipeline with someone who can become a shutdown kind of guy (besides Mule), as I feel we need it.

Arizona will buyout Kassian and Nemeth, so yes their cupboard is getting a little bare!

Loved Z's rugged game last season....hopefully he can bring the same style and get a few more players to follow his lead.

I don't disagree with your arguments for....but my only concern is whether he can be obtained for < than #13 or a top prospect. I may not know the market very well, but at the same time I would not be surprised if another team might offer more. Once upon a time, a former Sabre GM offered a 1st rounder for a less accomplished goalie....which certainly was an overpayment.

Laviolette seems to like former Sabres as assistants.....Housley in Nashville and now Peca in NY

Does anybody have any insight as to why his game has fallen so far? Age, injuries, something else?

Does he maybe take Z's spot? Possibly Jost?

I think there needs to be another option with 8 years at >$8.5 million. Frankly, it may take $9 or more to get him locked up that long.

Seems to me that a Peca type former player is exactly what the Sabres need to develop a better defensive structure to help reduce the high quality scoring chances they give up....especially inside their own zone. I'd like to see them try to retain him.

Question....is he still an RFA after the 4 year deal?

Regarding Mitchkov.....who does he mostly resemble in terms of current NHL players?

Maybe GMKA would offer VO along with other assets? Seems the Canes had some challenges scoring goals (in the playoffs), meaning they could use more sniper help on their roster.

Sorry, but don't think VO will fetch a 1st rounder, plus Simashev will not last until the 20's IMHO.

IDK, I don't see a 1st coming back....maybe a 2nd though!

Hopefully so....his young body will eventually fill out, which will allow him to challenge better (and win)!

Interesting......born in New York state if I'm not mistaken!