Here we go again…..Kevyn

[inkman]

I’m out of words and emotions regarding this team.  They need a heart transplant. Not sure who or where their heart is but it’s faulty.  Identify it and remove it.  Frankly, I’m not sure how many of the current players I’d keep moving forward. Doan and Benson, maybe Östlund.  After that I’m not sure any of these guys give a *****.  

[Pimlach]

13 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

I've said it before and will keep saying it until they do something else. 

Hire Rick Dudley as Senior Advisor. Give him free rein to hire/fire everyone else. 

No one gives executive advisors free rein.  One aspect of the job is to provide alternatives based on your past experience, current research, and know how.  No has to listen or follow the advice either, your advice could simply serve to make the full time execs feel better that other views an alternatives were considered.   

If Dudley had free rein to hire and fire he would actually be the POHO or GM and he would be accountable for the results of his decisions.   

That said, Dudley would have been a good guy for the Sabre to have.  Zito in Florida hired him for advice, and rewarded him by putting his name on the cup, so he must be pleased with him, but Dudley does not to run the show.  

Duds is not easy and he is not a pushover.  He is considered an “old school” hockey guy.   Terry might not want that.   
 

[PerreaultForever]

9 hours ago, kas23 said:

You may be on to something here. Checks the Nostalgia box. 

There's an old story about Rick Dudley that sticks with me (and no I do not remember the source) from like 20 maybe 30 years ago. He's watching a junior allstar game (I think the old Don Cherry one) and he points to three different guys (not the main stars) and says that guy, that guy and that guy, they all have it. All 3 went on to star NHL careers.  I know, it's folksy, but  it showed to me that he gets it. He knows what it takes and can identify it. I think he's had a hand in shaping Florida. It fits. The culture is strong there. We need a culture overhaul. 

8 hours ago, Pimlach said:

No one gives executive advisors free rein.  One aspect of the job is to provide alternatives based on your past experience, current research, and know how.  No has to listen or follow the advice either, your advice could simply serve to make the full time execs feel better that other views an alternatives were considered.   

If Dudley had free rein to hire and fire he would actually be the POHO or GM and he would be accountable for the results of his decisions.   

That said, Dudley would have been a good guy for the Sabre to have.  Zito in Florida hired him for advice, and rewarded him by putting his name on the cup, so he must be pleased with him, but Dudley does not to run the show.  

Duds is not easy and he is not a pushover.  He is considered an “old school” hockey guy.   Terry might not want that.   
 

Oh I am 100% sure Terry wouldn't like it. Terry has to step away. 

Dudley is very connected. Dudley gets it. Dudley gives you the short list of candidates. It'll never happen, but it would work. It would all change. 

[Thorny]

Hit me like a brick tonight watching highlights (you honestly do sort of become desensitized to it): we had Eichel AND Reinhart along with Dahlin. There was no gun to anyone’s head just because the Taylor Hall, Covid! short season failed. We really could and should have made something of that excellent core and, instead, opted to punt expectations. They should have had a spine. Main requirement of next GM 

oh damn 40k

Edited November 21 by Thorny

[FrenchConnection44]

On 11/14/2025 at 2:06 PM, JohnC said:

In general, we are in accord. Roster construction is inextricably linked to the culture on the team. As you point out, it is not simply about accumulating talent as it is getting the right talent/people in the room. In any line of work, getting the wrong mix of people can become detrimental to the atmosphere that also takes away from the production of the right people in the room. Having the right mix also applies to the staffing within the organization. If not, you are going to have internal conflict that affects the output of the franchise. There will be too much push/pull instead of everyone understanding the necessity of moving in the same direction. 

The problem with the Sabres is that it is headed by a third-rate owner who put together a third-rate organization. Until the organization is properly staffed with the right people, it will continue to falter. It isn't about luck or unluck ---- it's about competency. There should be no surprise that a hollowed-out organization staffed by feebly talented people results in failure. It starts with the owner!

100%. Perfectly stated with this organization. 

[#freejame]

I’ll be in Lewiston on Sunday. I’ll Rick to step up and get involved. 

[darksabre]

Is Josh Doan single handedly keeping Kevyn's job alive?

[Spoonman]

On 11/20/2025 at 2:52 PM, Pimlach said:

No one gives executive advisors free rein.  One aspect of the job is to provide alternatives based on your past experience, current research, and know how.  No has to listen or follow the advice either, your advice could simply serve to make the full time execs feel better that other views an alternatives were considered.   

If Dudley had free rein to hire and fire he would actually be the POHO or GM and he would be accountable for the results of his decisions.   

That said, Dudley would have been a good guy for the Sabre to have.  Zito in Florida hired him for advice, and rewarded him by putting his name on the cup, so he must be pleased with him, but Dudley does not to run the show.  

Duds is not easy and he is not a pushover.  He is considered an “old school” hockey guy.   Terry might not want that.   
 

But Kevyn listens to everyone (Kiki probably had some say in offseason trades / signings). BUT, the longer TP keeps this 4th rate group together (Front Office, Coaches - why Lindy didn’t get 1 of his guys last/this season??? - and players (no veteran leadership- Zucher is nice but who else?) the longer blades will rinse & repeat with guys forcing themselves off this tire fire. 

Kevyn all about growing it from within. I say 🐂💩 AND no one knows what it takes to be consistent and win in regular season to make playoffs. 
 

From better time w ‘Tickets’ in Dallas several years ago when I still had hair! 

[JohnC]

On 11/20/2025 at 3:52 PM, Pimlach said:

No one gives executive advisors free rein.  One aspect of the job is to provide alternatives based on your past experience, current research, and know how.  No has to listen or follow the advice either, your advice could simply serve to make the full time execs feel better that other views an alternatives were considered.   

If Dudley had free rein to hire and fire he would actually be the POHO or GM and he would be accountable for the results of his decisions.   

That said, Dudley would have been a good guy for the Sabre to have.  Zito in Florida hired him for advice, and rewarded him by putting his name on the cup, so he must be pleased with him, but Dudley does not to run the show.  

Duds is not easy and he is not a pushover.  He is considered an “old school” hockey guy.   Terry might not want that.   
 

One of the main reasons that Zito has been successful is that he has surrounded himself with a top notch senior consulting staff who know hockey and are unafraid to express their opinions to the GM. That’s a tribute to Zito for being receptive to different voices in the room and to bounce around challenging opinions in the room. That’s a sign of having a secure ego and wise head.

[Pimlach]

4 hours ago, Spoonman said:

But Kevyn listens to everyone (Kiki probably had some say in offseason trades / signings). BUT, the longer TP keeps this 4th rate group together (Front Office, Coaches - why Lindy didn’t get 1 of his guys last/this season??? - and players (no veteran leadership- Zucher is nice but who else?) the longer blades will rinse & repeat with guys forcing themselves off this tire fire. 

Kevyn all about growing it from within. I say 🐂💩 AND no one knows what it takes to be consistent and win in regular season to make playoffs. 
 

From better time w ‘Tickets’ in Dallas several years ago when I still had hair! 

So Spoonman is really Danny Gare? 

[Spoonman]

Ok, so here we are again. 

Sabres, I cannot figure this team out. Play below bad teams & get beat. Play good teams & win. 

As a long struggling fan (as well as you all), I am at a loss. 

My overarching thought is that this team has been & is mis managed by GMKA,Lindy a dead end (especially given his inability to bring on ‘his’ guys as assistants), and an owner who keeps trying to string it all along with fans (sword beer & opposition hot dog of the game). JFC! 

THE SABRES are the laughingstock of the league. I don’t blame any player wanting out. As a fan, if I could (not possible), I would get out. 

TP Hubris: Unless & until TP decides to take his franchise seriously, step aside as majority owner, & bring in REAL hockey guys to run his team, it will continue to play out in repeat. 

I struggle with many of you between fandom & apathy. 

Yet here I am…..

Edited yesterday at 02:49 AM by Spoonman

[JP51]

On 11/21/2025 at 12:04 AM, PerreaultForever said:

There's an old story about Rick Dudley that sticks with me (and no I do not remember the source) from like 20 maybe 30 years ago. He's watching a junior allstar game (I think the old Don Cherry one) and he points to three different guys (not the main stars) and says that guy, that guy and that guy, they all have it. All 3 went on to star NHL careers.  I know, it's folksy, but  it showed to me that he gets it. He knows what it takes and can identify it. I think he's had a hand in shaping Florida. It fits. The culture is strong there. We need a culture overhaul. 

Oh I am 100% sure Terry wouldn't like it. Terry has to step away. 

Dudley is very connected. Dudley gets it. Dudley gives you the short list of candidates. It'll never happen, but it would work. It would all change. 

Dudley is totally the guy I have wanted here going back to Rieger... But to your point... Dudley would force change and make people uncomfortable and not cowtow to Pegula and Pegula would likely rather lose than go thru that to be successful...  at least based on his actions of the last 14 years. 

[Pimlach]

19 minutes ago, JP51 said:

Dudley is totally the guy I have wanted here going back to Rieger... But to your point... Dudley would force change and make people uncomfortable and not cowtow to Pegula and Pegula would likely rather lose than go thru that to be successful...  at least based on his actions of the last 14 years. 

Yet Pegula has directed a lot of changes in 15 years.  Tanks and tear downs and firings have been common.   Yet, since Covid, TP has stuck with Adams.  It feels like 6 years of not trying.  

[JohnC]

26 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Yet Pegula has directed a lot of changes in 15 years.  Tanks and tear downs and firings have been common.   Yet, since Covid, TP has stuck with Adams.  It feels like 6 years of not trying.  

I've said this in a prior post, so excuse me for the repetition. As you indicate, what's outrageous to me is that we have a person who has been an owner for more than 15 years of a franchise that has overall been a failure. Although he's not a high-profile owner who is more known for not speaking than speaking, we simply don't know where he is coming from. (As you noted.)  Is he committed or not? I don't know. Is he determined to turn things around by reconstituting the staffing? I don't know. Based on his invisibility, it would appear to many that he is apathetic to this particular enterprise. Is that the case? I don't know. There's an enraging absurdity to this Wizard of Oz behind the curtain scene owner act that makes no sense to me. Why get involved in the highly competitive and public business of owning a sports franchise if you act as if you are not engaged or have a passion for an endeavor that you chose to get involved in. What bothers me the most about Pegula isn't that he isn't much of a public figure as it is his seemingly inactions/involvement, especially during the KA floundering era. It makes no sense to me.  

[Pimlach]

33 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I've said this in a prior post, so excuse me for the repetition. As you indicate, what's outrageous to me is that we have a person who has been an owner for more than 15 years of a franchise that has overall been a failure. Although he's not a high-profile owner who is more known for not speaking than speaking, we simply don't know where he is coming from. (As you noted.)  Is he committed or not? I don't know. Is he determined to turn things around by reconstituting the staffing? I don't know. Based on his invisibility, it would appear to many that he is apathetic to this particular enterprise. Is that the case? I don't know. There's an enraging absurdity to this Wizard of Oz behind the curtain scene owner act that makes no sense to me. Why get involved in the highly competitive and public business of owning a sports franchise if you act as if you are not engaged or have a passion for an endeavor that you chose to get involved in. What bothers me the most about Pegula isn't that he isn't much of a public figure as it is his seemingly inactions/involvement, especially during the KA floundering era. It makes no sense to me.  

Ralph Wilson was not a public figure and neither was Seymour Knox.  But we at least heard from them from time to time.  Terry's silence shows apathy.   I don't care what he does with his football team, he owns two teams and he is responsible for both of them, not just the one that is winning.  

I showed you the letter that Jacobs wrote to the Bruins fans after missing he playoffs last season.   The Bruins are in the thick of the playoff race once again and that team is still not very good.   But they expect to win games from the top of the organization on down.  

 

[JP51]

1 hour ago, Pimlach said:

Yet Pegula has directed a lot of changes in 15 years.  Tanks and tear downs and firings have been common.   Yet, since Covid, TP has stuck with Adams.  It feels like 6 years of not trying.  

Agreed, I didnt have this feeling about Pegula Pre Bills, Pre Covid Pre Kim's tragic medical event... my feeling is that he seems to have lost a significant amount of passion and his desire to win no matter what is just non existant...  I am not claiming to know... I am just claiming I feel like this whole "sole existence" thing has shifted to I am happy to be here... 

Edited 30 minutes ago by JP51

[JohnC]

13 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Ralph Wilson was not a public figure and neither was Seymour Knox.  But we at least heard from them from time to time.  Terry's silence shows apathy.   I don't care what he does with his football team, he owns two teams and he is responsible for both of them, not just the one that is winning.  

I showed you the letter that Jacobs wrote to the Bruins fans after missing he playoffs last season.   The Bruins are in the thick of the playoff race once again and that team is still not very good.   But they expect to win games from the top of the organization on down.  

 

An apathetic owner can still hire quality hockey staff and allow them to operate within a reasonable set budget. That's what the Bruins' owner, Jacobs, does. (Not from an apathetic standpoint but from an operational standpoint.) In that way, his aloofness wouldn't be so damaging. If he has become so apathetic to his hockey franchise, why not simply sell it and pocket the immense profits he would accrue? It's weird and maddening to me. 

 

[JohnC]

3 minutes ago, JP51 said:

Agreed, I didnt have this feeling about Pegula Pre Bills, Pre Covid Pre Kim's tragic medical event... my feeling is that he seems to have lost a significant amount of passion and his desire to win no matter what is just non existant...  I am not claiming to know... I am just claiming I feel like this whole "sole existence" thing has shifted to I am happy to be here... 

I'm not claiming to know, either, but it seems through his actions/inactions it doesn't appear that he is happy to be here as a hockey owner. 

[Scottysabres]

Reading through the thread, I fully understand the Buffalo sports franchises customers frustration.

Many of us are well old enough to remember the “almost did it”, “fell just short in spectacular, sometimes in major sports leagues historic events fashion”. The decades of wondering in the bottom of mediocrity or out right at the bottom of the barrel has shortened some patience. The French Connection Stanley Cup run, 4 Super Bowl losses in a row, the no infamous no goal event, the Drury/Breire run, and now, the KC stonewall of recent. Throw in that aforementioned years in the darkness and it rips the heart out of many, thick skins others, but ultimately, it is our bond as lifetime long Buffalo sports fans. In short, it is our Opus, our glue that binds.

Pegula is going through something with his family I wish on no one. And while I am critical of his handling of the hockey club, I recognize it is only a game, and real life events supersede that. I support Terry, and I want him and his family to share in any success these sports franchises can achieve. I thank him for keeping the teams in Buffalo.
 

With all of that said, to Terry, the Pegula family, if this ever gets read to them or even just mentioned, step aside Terry, hire an experienced hockey guy, staff, let them build the team. Give us the chance to share that moment with you when success comes.