Sabres Training Camp 2025

[LGR4GM]

Just now, shrader said:

I just wish I had made that exact point about Novikov getting some time in the NHL this year. Oh right, I did. Arguing just for the sake of argument sure is fun. I love the internet. 

I just wish you'd use a better argument than "don't rush players! We always rush players!" When it's not actually a thing. 

[Taro T]

3 minutes ago, shrader said:

I just wish I had made that exact point about Novikov getting some time in the NHL this year. Oh right, I did. Arguing just for the sake of argument sure is fun. I love the internet. 

Well, it's your fault the argument started.  You said explicitly and clearly that every single prospect the Sabres have ever had in the Pegula era has been rushed to the big team.

 

Wait, that's NOT what you said?  Well, gosh durn it, we'll still have to run with that being what you said because otherwise this might get silly.  😜

[shrader]

14 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Well, it's your fault the argument started.  You said explicitly and clearly that every single prospect the Sabres have ever had in the Pegula era has been rushed to the big team.

 

Wait, that's NOT what you said?  Well, gosh durn it, we'll still have to run with that being what you said because otherwise this might get silly.  😜

And those comments I made about Mrtka?  What was I thinking.  I need to go back and find those.

[LGR4GM]

20 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Well, it's your fault the argument started.  You said explicitly and clearly that every single prospect the Sabres have ever had in the Pegula era has been rushed to the big team.

 

Wait, that's NOT what you said?  Well, gosh durn it, we'll still have to run with that being what you said because otherwise this might get silly.  😜

I quoted him. Feel free to read it. 

4 minutes ago, shrader said:

And those comments I made about Mrtka?  What was I thinking.  I need to go back and find those.

You've screwed up at least 2 other conversations in the last week claiming I couldn't read or follow or however you worded. Except the issue is you didn't follow and you dived into it missing the point. Guess I've earned 1 of those. 

Still, "don't rush" is a nonsense argument no matter how you slice it. Especially in regards to Novikov. 

But you two are right. You win. I concede. 

[LGR4GM]

That last part isn't snark, I truly do concede the point. 

[DarthEbriate]

Novikov needs to make his NHL debut this season, even if only a 2-game stint at the end (and the only reason for just 2 games would be if they're in a playoff spot and all the defenders are healthy and playing consistently). Otherwise, you bring him up for 5-10 games when Samuelsson is out to see if he can handle that role.

Re: rushing players. Their biggest issue is the age and makeup of the roster. A playoff veteran team can easily break in one rookie F every 40 games and one rookie D every season. But this is not a veteran team -- it's already a bunch of young guys still learning the grind/consistency and now you throw in another rookie with folks who aren't even 24 yet, all expected to play prominent roles. They may finally be starting to exit that phase simply because enough guys are under contract for long enough term to hold it together.

[Ctaeth]

56 minutes ago, DarthEbriate said:

Novikov needs to make his NHL debut this season, even if only a 2-game stint at the end (and the only reason for just 2 games would be if they're in a playoff spot and all the defenders are healthy and playing consistently). Otherwise, you bring him up for 5-10 games when Samuelsson is out to see if he can handle that role.

Re: rushing players. Their biggest issue is the age and makeup of the roster. A playoff veteran team can easily break in one rookie F every 40 games and one rookie D every season. But this is not a veteran team -- it's already a bunch of young guys still learning the grind/consistency and now you throw in another rookie with folks who aren't even 24 yet, all expected to play prominent roles. They may finally be starting to exit that phase simply because enough guys are under contract for long enough term to hold it together.

Agreed.  Giving him a few NHL games this year is a show of good will which, at this point, is deserved.  I wouldn't be surprised to learn that he is the total +/- leader for the AHL over the last 2 seasons (note:  I didn't actually check this). And I know someone is going to complain about using +/-, but how else would you measure success for a defensive defenseman in the AHL (that's actually a serious question, I don't think there are advanced stats tracked for the AHL?)

From Lindy's perspective though, you really don't want to be rolling the dice with inserting rookies into the lineup this year.  He's on the last year of what may potentially be last his contract and if he returns the Sabres to the playoffs, he'll be a hero again.        

[Ogelthorpe]

Novikov and Komarov might be the slowest skaters in the organization.

[Jorcus]

28 minutes ago, Ogelthorpe said:

Novikov and Komarov might be the slowest skaters in the organization.

That is probably true but no one should expect them to play behind the opposing net. Most of the times I have watched Novikov play he is anchored just inside the blue line. He is the definition of the stay at home D man. Take care of your net first worry about the rest later. Isn't he the guy you want protecting a 3 to 2 lead in the third period? I honestly am not sure if the Sabres see it that way. For all of Lindy grumbling about being harder to play against why is most of the blue line based on speed and skill? Sure get your top 4 to skate circles in the offensive zone but the third pair should be shut down types that are physical in their own end. The Sabres seem to have a lot of hope invested in Johnson. The whole Org. last year pointed to him as the the guy who would be in the NHL from the prospect pool. He might be fine but he just seems like a lesser version of Byrum. I am not sure that is what this team needs right now.