LGR4GM

Okay you haven't said it directly but if this isn't heavily implying we should go after OEL (you literally started this thread) than idk what you are talking about here. Every posting is basically saying "why don't we at least think about signing OEL." I wouldn't sign him. He hasn't been good in several years, is on the wrong side of 30, doesn't shoot right, isn't particularly big or physical, has a long injury history, doesn't bring anything to the team we need. Also, I don't need OEL as my bottom pairing defender. I need someone who can actually you know, play defense for that.

I think it's fair to criticize Granato. I don't think it is fair to label him "a development coach"

For a guy who's been constantly posting in every thread how Adams needs to upgrade the defense, I'm absolutely floored that you're arguing we should acquire OEL. If both Dahlin and Power are injured, there isn't a player we can acquire this offseason to make up for that. That's like asking why Edmonton doesn't add P Kane in case Draisaitl and McDavid get injured.

OEL isn't going to mentor him do anything. Okposo and all the other team leaders can mentor him. I would not give a dollar for OEL at this point. I want to win and make the playoffs. Cuz he's only playing on PP two?

Fairly certain his model still says Quinn isn't good.

He's disagreeing with you saying OEL could be an asset.

To be fair, I don't think there's a bunch. Skinner - Tage - Tuch JJP - Cozens - Quinn Greenway - Mitts - Krebs? ? - ?(Jost)? - Okposo That's if VO is traded and they don't sign Jost. There's only 2 open forward jobs. If they sign Jost then you have 1 forward starter and a depth injury slot.

Kulich is not ready.

No. Absolutely not. He's had defensively and shoots left. He brings nothing to the Sabres except "I'm old now" Also, Owen Power pretty much proved he is the stable presence. He was the best defender on the team last season, he doesn't need OEL.

I'm really confused how he gets a 21 for defense when all his numbers are better except "defensive impact" Like, that doesn't add up.

No, Granato can still fail but it won't be because "he's just a development coach." Idc about being right. I care about winning the cup. It's why Adams must, I repeat must, strengthen the defense this offseason with a big move.

I see it here, I see it there, I see it most everywhere. Lukáš Rousek isn't promoted to Buffalo, instead we see Kulich or Savoie. I don't think that will be the case. I think Rousek will have a spot on this roster to open the season and we should be talking about how he might actually be fairly decent.

You don't wanna see Bryson. It's bad, like I'd rather play Novikov right off the bat in his spot instead of letting him get ice time. I feel bad because I like Bryson but he's reached his peak.

Last season 22-23, was the first full season Granato had his team together. Yes, last year was about developing because we were the youngest team in the league and if you're not developing that, idk what you're end goal is. Through that process we beat some really good teams and we came up short. I think coming up 1 game short might be the best thing because adversity helps ppl grow. This team will be better for that experience because I think internally their goal was playoffs. Now it is the Stanley Cup, players expectations changed. Granato has been mostly great. He's honest and if you listen to him you get a good glimpse of his hockey knowledge. He's not "just a development coach" and I think this team isn't just going to make the playoffs next year with him, they are going to make noise.

I don't agree and I'm not going to agree. Calling him just a development coach is just not true. There is an underlying bias there whether you want to admit it or not. This board and in this case you, constantly say "he's just a development coach" even though we have evidence that's not true. Granato not pulling goalies is such a low bar because what's he supposed to do? Pull Comrie for UPL? Pull UPL for Comrie? That's like peeing into the wind and wondering why you're wet. Line combos? They scored the 3rd most goals in the league. Defense? He only had limited options there. Granato is fine. He did exactly what he needed to last year. He got the team to consistently play their style. He wanted them to be free offensively first and has said as much. We watched them adjust down the stretch. We watched them grow when the pressure ramped up. "Jump from a development coach" is such a low blow for a guy who has won and just about every level of hockey except one. Don Granato isn't just a "development coach" and I stand by saying your take on him is bad.

Negative Ghost Rider

This is honestly *****. This entire post is atrocious and wrong. You're wrong, flat out about Granato and I think this post reflects a deep seeded bias against Granato simply because he wasn't some well known ex head coach.

Sign power for 8 years. Worry about what 3 time cup winner Power's next deal is in 8 years.

Who the ***** cares about Jack Eichel anymore? OR Why? Let him go and move on.

I don't understand this response. Russians by and large weren't at the combine. I don't know any Russian that was there. You're fishing

Most if not all the top Russians weren't at the combine.

Uhh, looks average from stats side. Hard to tell because St Louis was bad

Owen Power is from Mississauga, I'm not sure he'll be too interested in ufa. He basically got drafted by the 2nd closest team to his home. I think it means a lot that family can easily visit and watch games. Still, lots of time to work out a deal. I think he's going to get better too, which should be fun.