nfreeman

I think Granato and the move to C were big factors in TT’s development, as were his natural development and growing into his body. One under-discussed factor IMHO was simply him shooting more, shooting more quickly once he gets it, and shooting more wrist shots instead of trying to tee up the slapper each time. I recall DG at some point discussing that shooting more and shooting more quickly than were points he had emphasized to TT. He’s always had the slapper, but last season TT showed a world-class wrister that he can get off quickly and put anywhere he wants with velocity. I think he’s going to keep scoring in bushels.

I think the question about reportability was rhetorical. In any case, I can understand why not responding to new poster A but responding to longtime poster B, even though the 2 of them have made the same point, can feel off-putting to poster A. I don’t think that most here intend to snub poster A when this happens, but I take the point and would encourage everyone to respond to poster A as well as poster B.

I agree that he isn't trolling, although the presentation could certainly be improved. The goal is, as always, for the board Certainly there are some here who don't always cover themselves in glory, but I don't agree that the board is unwelcoming or that the regulars shun newcomers. There are quite a few posters who make a point of welcoming new members. The mods try to coax everyone into behaving in a friendly and respectful manner, but don't always succeed. If anyone feels that a post has crossed the line, please report it. ...and this will probably be the rising tide that lifts all boats.

Maybe an issue with the coach?

Now that is an interesting observation. It may not be true by the end of this year, but I think you are correct right now. OK, but at least stop saying "4 seasons." You and everyone else here knows that he missed over 75% of one of those seasons and over 50% of another. It's just BS to keep saying it. In any case, he exploded as soon as he returned. He can skate, he can shoot it like Auston freaking Mathews (I'll urge everyone to watch the video of all 24 of his ES goals last season that someone posted upthread), he can pass it, he turns 25 in October and he has a great attitude. He could easily score 40 this year and then you're looking at 8 years x $8.5MM to keep him. Speaking of which, I won't be at all surprised if he scores 40 a few times during that contract. I like this extension.

I think they lost to KC last year because: - #1 with a bullet: the game was in KC -- which was a direct result of the Bills' highly inconsistent regular season -- and the offense was probably more guilty here than the D was. - they had a good pass rush but they couldn't convert pressures into sacks. That's what the Von Miller signing was about. If he's still got it, and Rousseau and Epenesa are improved, this can be a big difference-maker. - they wasted a few possessions vs KC with dumb play-calling/execution. When KC has it going, like they did that night, you need to take advantage of every single GD opportunity you have.

Bienvenue!

Serious question: assuming Araiza didn’t force her to do anything (which appears to have been the case), what if she told Araiza she was 19? What if she showed him a fake ID? I doubt we’ll ever know, but I would like to know what the Bills concluded that he did specifically.

What if the Bills did indeed screw it up, and she was the one who was handling it and supposed to get it right? Don’t the facts matter?

What if it turns out that the whole thing is BS?

Well, ESPN states: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/34460423/buffalo-bills-punter-matt-araiza-two-san-diego-state-football-players-accused-gang-raping-minor-lawsuit

Indeed. Gilleon had a long phone call with the team's attorney. What else was he expecting?

Well, they said they investigated. Presumably their investigation yielded the conclusion that he didn't do what he's accused of, which is what his attorney said. It's also worth noting that criminal charges haven't been brought despite this occurring 10 months ago. It's likely the DA's office concluded that there isn't sufficient evidence to support criminal charges. I don't think a team has to dump a player based solely on an accusation.

Be careful with the NFL hubris my friend. TP is 71 and KP just had what seems like a serious health scare -- and Toronto will still be an economic powerhouse in 150 years. Nothing lasts forever.

I voted mostly Rochester, but there is a decent chance that he jumps over one or both of Bryson and Fitzie, as those 2 are still pretty unproven.

I am so sorry. God bless you and your family.

The will is clearly there, as is the speed. We've only seen the finish and the touch intermittently though. I think Dylan's finish will improve gradually, and his production will rise at a similar pace, although it will be accelerated somewhat with more talented linemates than he had last year. So last year's 39ish-point pace will probably improve to 48ish points this year and perhaps 59ish points the following year? I also think he'll cement himself as a core top-6 guy and beat out Mitts for the #2 C slot. Cozens was 5th in ice time among forwards last year (6th if Mitts is included, although he only played 40 games). I would expect him to maintain or improve that ranking.

Not the only one, sir. That late KO of Usman last night was shocking and amazing.

I really liked what I saw last year from Mule but I’m wary of expecting too much from a defenseman in his first full NHL season, especially when he’ll be drawing the opponents’ top guys.

But Kris Baker’s tweet said “last season in Czechia’s top men’s league” — not at the WJC.

Don’t forget the giant Finn between da pipes! Also I think it’s pretty likely Kulich is there — so that’s at least 5 good forward prospects, a couple of whom are explosive scorers, plus maybe Kojak, plus a legit goalie prospect. That’s an interesting AHL situation IMHO.

By the by: does anyone know why attendance at those games seemed like it was below 5% pretty much every game?

Excellent. So if he’s eligible for the AHL now and had a very good year last year in the WHL, it seems likely that both the Sabres and he would prefer the AHL this coming season, innit? The rumors of a bare cupboard in Rochester seem pretty exaggerated at this point.

Is he the guy who shows a lot of potential but is a slow skater? And he's not eligible for the AHL this year, right? It's either WHL or NHL? In any case, team captain, 2nd-team all-star and 33rd in the WHL in scoring in his D+1 season (remembering that Savoie was 7th and was in his D+0 season -- yeah baby!) isn't too shabby for anyone, let alone a 7th-rounder. Also, he's from Souris, Alberta (population: 1876).

I see him struggling early as he acclimates to NHL opponents and then, if he stays healthy, getting comfortable and becoming a consistent threat in the 2nd half of the season, especially since he'll probably have the benefit of lower-lineup opposition during 5-on-5.