tom webster

Yes. Goaltenders are just do unpredictable. It’ll be great if Levi is the next great one but counting on that would be unforgivable given this team’s prospects for next year.

I also believe both Mollers played for them.

Just a hunch, but I believe he will sign before noon today.

It is possible but I think unlikely. I believe they really like Johnson.

First, you don’t know why he might pass. Just as likely, maybe more likely, that it has nothing to do with Buffalo. Second, Toronto and Minnesota both signed their guys by agreeing to burn a year. It’s how it’s done.

I agree with all of that but for an elite prospect, wouldn’t all that be just as likely with an expanded roster where the bottom twelve practiced at home with all the same resources and played an NHL game once a week. Teams have more data available to them than ever before. The smart teams evolve ahead of the curve.

This, plus no one else can burn a year so from a long term financial impact, it’s a no brainer. On the other hand, like you said, no one knows what truly motivates someone else.

I understand the argument but believe it’s just a function of the current system. Until someone discovers a parallel universe there really is no way of knowing if development is a function of playing in the AHL or just growing up.

I disagree, they could have left Quinn and JJP in the AHL another year, or could have sent them down when they were struggling. Instead, they went on record as saying they were better off up with the Sabres, even if they had to sit out some games.

You don’t really know they benefited. You just assume they did. Players get better as their minds and bodies mature.

The fact that UPL has been MIA since Levi joined the team tells you all you need to know about their “true” feelings about him. They keep saying the right things publicly, but their actions speak volumes.

Depending on how the top nine shake out, I envision a scenario where JJP and Krebs make up the the fourth line and Kulich, Savoie and Rousek alternate throughout the season as long as everything else goes according to plan.

Because I don’t believe there is any benefit to playing in the AHL and teams are starting to realize the same thing for their elite talent. I’ve been pretty consistent in that regard just like I think playing in the AHL playoffs has little to no value for most prospects.

The Sabres actually done their season ticket holders a solid by waiting till the last possible moment to ask for money. I was expecting the email about a month ago.

The Sabres have already demonstrated that they believe that once a prospect outplays their level they are better served practicing with the team than dominating at a lower level. Barring injuries, I am 100% convinced that both Savoie and Kulich are two of the 13/14 forwards next year.

I was going to wait till the season is officially over, but it seems it’s all the rage on twitter. So here it is, do the best job of predicting the off-season, as judged by me, win a pair of awesome tickets to a game next year. You can predict specific transactions, or just post a predicted line up. I will start, just to get it out of the way. Skinner - Tage - Tuch Quinn - Cozens - Tom Wilson Gus - JT Compher - Greenway JJP - Krebs - Savoie Kulich Rousek Mule - Rasmus Power - Hanifan Stillman - lybushkin Ryan Johnson Varlomov Levi

I always suspected that if he grew up a little he would at least be a decent player. He has exceeded my expectations. As LGRM has repeatedly stated, he has actually far out produced his role. All that being said, I think he could be a prime trade candidate to balance out the roster. I won’t be disappointed if he is still here, but I also realize that the Sabres are entering that stage in their development were they will trade good players in order to get better.

As I eluded to earlier, Noah Hanifan is a name that has come up with the Sabres. Calgary is expected to rest their roster barring a playoff run, so we will see.

I agree with this but I’m additionally encouraged by the fact that KA recognizes that it is time to step on the accelerator. It won’t be full throttle, but I expect some help this offseason.

I spent about thirty seconds thinking of a response to your obvious “typo,” but I got nothing.

52 years and 17 days ago, a giant of a goalie(especially by 1971 standards) started his career winning out during the regular season and leading his team to a Cup becoming the only player to win the Conn Smythe before winning the Calder Trophy the following year. Friday, a diminutive goalie(by 2023 standards) begins his NHL journey. Can history repeat itself? One can only dream….

The Sabres have come a long way but they still don’t attract high end college free agents. Considering how rare it is they turn into anything, it’s not a major hurdle at this time.

I was responding to his desire to accelerate the rebuild. We weren’t discussing actually accomplishing that. I’ve made my feelings regarding that clear. Just trying to stay on point.

I haven’t read the whole thread but anyone still concerned that KA is playing the long game just isn’t paying attention. Known facts, they thought they made a legitimate offer for Chykurn, had a deal for Murray and explored Timo Meier. Other rumors abound with no available verification. The team is still in a playoff race. The GM is not going to make public statements about future moves.

I think they are more interested in a guy like Hanifan than a guy like Orlov. I could also see them going for a guy similar to Teppo or James Patrick. Orlov is going to get at least 5 years. They want a guy willing to take a two year deal which is actually the same as Anderson and Kyle.