nfreeman

Well, I would dearly like for Reino to turn into a consistent high-end player. I also think his play for the past couple of months has been the best I've seen from him, and will be very happy with him if that is his level of play going forward. I just think it would be ill-advised, given the inconsistency in his game to date, plus reasonable cause to doubt his maturity, to give him a fat long-term contract this summer. I also think it would probably be better for his long-term development for him to get a short-term deal now -- so he knows he has to work hard and stay consistent for the next 1-2 seasons in order to cash in -- and hopefully at that point the good habits will have taken permanent hold. And GA -- you weren't here when Derek Roy was in my doghouse.

He has 5 years to go at $6MM per year? He’s not walking away from that. Nobody would. Hopefully he gets whatever medical certification he needs to get him paid but still allows him to retire.

Envious ... have a great time ladies and gents.

I have to run to the bathroom and vomit for a while, but will post when I return.

Fixed.

How do the Sabres get shafted?

It's kinda early to draw any conclusions on DOR.

Ties are and always were an abomination.

It might've been me, although others have certainly recommended Fargo as well. IMHO both season 1 and season 2 are terrific, with a slight edge to season 2. Season 3 was good but not at the level of the 1st 2.

Some tips evidently don't take the form of cash: https://nypost.com/2018/02/28/ive-had-sex-with-three-of-my-uber-drivers/

I started watching "The Good Place" on Netflix. Pretty solid comedy so far.

NYC is so GD soft when it comes to snow. They announced a school closure last night for today. Here it is, 9:45 AM, and there is a bit of rain and zero snow. Weak sauce.

This is a battle that can't be won.

Toronto is more like L.A. than like NYC IMHO.

I think Nelson will probably not be back next year, simply because he's a UFA and is showing some capability (although he looked kinda shaky last night IMHO). With defensemen generally in short supply, I wouldn't be surprised if someone offered him more than the Sabres are willing to offer. I can also see Guhle at least starting the year in Rochester next year. He too did not look ready for prime time. Antipin and Beaulieu, OTOH, looked like a reasonable 3rd pair. That was the best I've seen Beaulieu look -- and it reminded me that Soupy didn't look like he could make it in the NHL until he was 25 (which is what Beaulieu is now). Beaulieu has size, very good speed and is under contract next year. Realistically he's most likely going to be on the Sabres. They need McCabe to rebound next year and they need another good defenseman for the top 4. I kinda expect JBott to make another Scandella-type acquisition. They'll probably end up drafting #3 or #4, will probably draft a defenseman, who will probably go back to juniors. So for next year, that leaves us looking at: Scandy-Risto McCabe-XXX Antipin-Beaulieu ...with Guhle as the 1st call-up.

I don't think either of them will be back.

Well, if he's been making $3.5MM per year, I agree that a deal at less than $3.5MM isn't realistic. I'm pretty fuzzy on what types of bonuses are permitted at this point in his career under the CBA, but I will amend my proposal to something like $3.5MM per year base with another $1MM to $1.5MM in incentive bonuses. I still want a 1- or 2-year deal though. If he crushes it then I'm willing to pay more on a long-term contract than it would've cost to get him to sign one now. (And part of the reason I feel that way is that I think incentivizing him with a short-term deal now is more likely to make him develop into the kind of player who will earn a long-term deal and be worth it.)

IMHO CJ looked like a much smarter goalie last night than Lehner.

Excellent thread. I agree that Reino has really turned it around, and is not just putting up numbers but is also playing with much more tenacity and effectiveness. I would not be at all surprised if he gets a 3-year deal in the $4MM/year range. However, I have no desire to give him anything more than a $2MM x 2 years "prove it" contract, and would prefer a 1-year deal. Here are my reasons: - We shouldn't ignore that not showing up until 40+ games are gone, and the season is effectively over, means that he had a bad season, even if he has a strong 2nd half. - That kind of season shouldn't be rewarded. It's not good for the Sabres from a risk perspective, and it's not good for a young player from a development perspective. - Every parent knows that kids need to learn delayed gratification -- i.e. earning something over an extended period makes the kid appreciate both the reward and the value of hard work. Reino strikes me as a kid who still has mental and emotional maturing to do -- e.g. his recent comments about him not doing anything differently indicate that he hasn't really internalized and accepted responsibility for his poor 1st half. - Before I give him a fat contract, I'd like to be much more comfortable that this isn't another Stafford-in-a-contract-year situation.

Well, congrats on agreeing with your own post.

Maybe we’ll get lucky.

Totally agree. It's much easier said than done. But that's why JBott is getting paid who knows how much (but certainly in the 7 figures) for a job that millions of people would love to have. He needs to find a couple of guys with credibility, skill and leadership. I'm just imagining Ryan Kesler and Shea Weber beating the crap out of Risto and Reino in the parking lot after they blow off Howie's instructions during a home loss...

Totally agree with the bolded, but the TV goes in the man-cave. Also: it goes on the wall. You can get a good mounting bracket for $30 on Amazon, and it's a very easy DIY project. This info is usually in the RE listings. Also, since property taxes vary from town to town, I would contact the town government office. There is usually a town treasurer or tax assessor you can speak with on questions like this.

Awesome. The TV is going on the wall to the left of the fireplace, I trust?

I agree with most of this, except that IMHO goaltending is the biggest need and that I don’t think he’s quite gotten to “really stepped up his game” status yet.