Tondas

Interesting line up. I took last years actual goals per game and extrapolated to this year if they are healthy every game and score at the same rate as last year. (I had to guesstimate for Bailey Fasching, and Antipin. This production would have ranked us #19 in the league in goals scored. That's shooting distance to a playoff spot (tied with Sharks.). Kane Eichel Reinhart 33 32 18 Bailey ROR Okposo 10 23 24 Pouliot Larsson Pominville 10 14 14 Girgs Josefsson Fasching 8 2 7 Scandella Risto 5 6 McCabe Bogo 3 3 Bolo Antipin 5 2

I saying it might be a smart move to take great money now more than having the chance for fabulous money next year. Get some financial security now. If he suffers a career-ender next year, by signing a bridge today, at least he'll have a great financial start to his life. If he turns into a stud, money will never be a problem for him. Take a 2 year deal, make 7-8 million, get yourself peace of mind for life. Now everyone get off my lawn.

I see Pominville and Moulson being bought out next year. Not just for the cap savings (dead money is very reasonable) but they have to make room for the youngsters. And the youngsters need to step up.

Gamble is a good word. Maybe Sam is more conservative. All it would take is an injury (nagging or season-ending) for Sam to lose leverage for next year.

Agree. I think JBOT is smart and has a plan. I like his approach with both Jack and Sam.

Character only when it's convenient isn't character. IF not signing Vanek is character related, then I have to respect that. If it's not a character thing, I think we should have already signed him. Maybe waiting for the price (or the term) to come down.

I can't see the season starting without ROR and Jack being 1C and 2C (not necessarily in that order). JBOT said that all teams are looking for the type centers the Sabres have. ROR will be at center.

Might be the gambling situation. TP preached character in his presser when he hired JBOT.

A group of piers? Were Kulikov, Gorges and Franson there? ;)

I like the Dineen hire. Experienced with defensive expertise. Seems to have fallen out of favor with the Marlies.

I like Lehner too, but not at 6 mil (if he gets that in arb, similar to the Jones new contract). I don't think he is $3.5 mil better than Chad. And Linus could be the future. Use the $3.5 mil elsewhere (LW for example.)

Payne is an interesting choice. He worked primarily with the forwards and oversaw the power play with the Kings. Will Housley work the defense and let Payne run the offense? Makes sense due to Housley's experience, but not sure how many teams' HC runs the defense.

Calgary needs a quality goalie, and we could use a D-Man. Perfect fit. Maybe take Lack off their hands.

It was 100% Golisano. I worked with the man. He's the type that will F with you just because he can F with you. Think Christie, only older and slightly less rotund. Glad he no longer own the Sabres.

What if the arb gives Lehner 5.5mil or better, then what?

Good point. For a 3rd line LW, that's acceptable providing he can replicate that production this year. Like you state, it's the contract, and the lack of any upside.

If we're keeping Kane, we better.

Exactly. I wanted to trade Kane gone by now for a top 4 D-man. But seeing what we have now at LW, there's no way we trade him. If we're out of it at the deadline, get what you can, elsewise, I think he's gone and we get nothing (maybe a conditional 7th for his rights).

Bailey or Baptiste? Looks like Bailey has the advantage since he played some LW last year. RW seems pretty set for at least a couple years. Should Baptiste learn the left side quickly to have a shot at the big club?

Evidently, Sakic's favorite drink is a "Failed White Russian". That's 2 shots of vodka in a glass (plenty of ice) that is immediately poured down the sink.

Very true. Sad.

Maybe that was the point all along. With Ullmark, there was a distinct pecking order. With Johnson, not so much. Lehner will be pushed, and that's a good thing.

If he outplays Lehner, so be it.

Some team would take Gorges. It all depends on how much salary we retain. If I'm another team, I would ask the Sabres to retain 75%. At that price, it makes more sense to keep him in case we have to break the glass. It's a no win situation. I think we have to keep him as number 7 and hope he doesn't have to dress.

Then why did they sign him if he's not needed? If they're the cup champions, I assume they know what they're doing.