Tondas

OK. Then why don't the Sabres do it with Okposo? You think they wouldn't do it if they had the chance? "Kyle, we're going to waive you and have you ride the bus for the next four years in Rochester or you could get paid in full to not play and go on LTIR and live life on a beach?" Why would Kyle not agree to the LTIR?

Either you're cleared to play or you're not cleared to play. A second opinion may get you not cleared to play, and I think that's valid. But to use a future injury that may never happen to use LTIR is gaming the system. All players could claim that playing in the NHL COULD lead to a career ending injury. It's harsh, but the injury has to occur before you can claim LTIR (with a doctor's certification).

Can't say we don't have experience playing that system:

The creation of culture is vital to any successful organization. It isn't a buzzword and should not be used in quotation marks. Culture is not a byproduct. It is the foundation in which sustained success is built.

I think culture comes before winning. And I certainly agree with the bolded part.

I'm not saying I disagree, but can a player that's been cleared medically voluntarily opt to be put on LTIR due to the future concern of another concussion?

Great point. Access to good food and the ability to afford it is so important. Eating healthy costs money. I've been living the Atkins lifestyle for 20 years and feel great (not that Atkins is right for everyone and I'm not preaching it). It's protein based and chicken, fish, scallops, steak, crab, etc,. costs a lot. You are what you eat and many don't have the means to properly provide quality food for their families. I also agree, health care for all is a right. How the country goes about achieving that is a political discussion for another thread.

Hopefully, the new goalie coach can squeeze a few more saves out of our dynamic duo.

Yep. 70% (I'm guessing) of people don't like their jobs, but they get up every morning and do their best. Surely for $5.4 million, Risto can suck it up and play hard if he's here.

He's the only GOAT where there's no discussion.

Taking a page from @Randall Flagg, I thought a discussion of the G.O.A.T’s in all major sports would be in order. Here are mine: MLB – Willie Mays. NFL – Walter Payton (Brady is a Patriot and therefore not in any consideration). NBA – LeBron James. NHL – Wayne Gretzky. Soccer – Pele. Golf – Jack Nicklaus (has a grandson who doesn’t wear gloves). Tennis – Serena Williams (Federer really close). Boxing – Mohammad Ali. NASCAR – Richard Petty. Dodgeball – Patches O’Houlihan Horses are not athletes so I did not go there.

Got to go with 6K. While I think the others will have solid careers, the fact that he's a goalie puts him in a position to be noticed more and have a bigger impact from game to game.

I get the sentiment and I can't argue. Having been through a few of these off seasons, I comfort myself (maybe delusionally so) that things will change this year. I'm going with the following: RFK is a hockey whisperer. Jack will be a 30-60 player. Rhino will be a 30-40 player. Dahlin will be a force and put up 60 points. Mitts, having gained some weight, will be the answer as a #2 center. Our goalies will be better. VO will pack 25 this year. Skinner will pack 35 this year. Our defense will be mobile and agile. Sobotka will bring in the nicest, biggest bag of pucks known to the NHL. One can dream, can't one? .

You gotta believe that Lou is going to drop that offer sheet on his former team and then pop a little blue pill.

Good point. My guess is Josh Bailey.

Islanders new arena will be completed in 2021 just as Marner enters his prime. Smart move to build excitement and sell PSL's to STH's. They'll be able to afford him. And if the cap goes up in the next few years, it's just icing on the cake.

Again, sounds like my balls. ?

I can't ride a bike with a seat like that. Every time I do, my balls go numb (and not in a good way).

I think Jokiharju makes it. Gilmour, I'm not too sure. Unless you're saying he's a placeholder until Bogo and Pilut are ready. If so, I think Nelson has the upper hand.

Goofball is right. For $14 mil per year, I'd play in one of these:

Drury is an assistant GM. I thought you couldn't block an employee seeking a promotion. Obviously, GM would be a promotion. I may be thinking about the NFL. Or maybe a team CAN block a promotional opportunity but usually do not. I thought that's how the Sabres were able to pry the new goalie coach from the Canes. He went from goalie coach to an assistant head coach.

Bike looks great. Make sure you keep it away from falling trees and water main breaks.

Real men don't eat wings with staple removers. He cannot possibly have any friends or they would have kicked his a$$ the second he tried that.

Every time I think of Sobotka and Scandella, I think of Ralphing.

I'm 57 but I'm great at left dot face offs and will work for Duffs wings. Is that enough to push him off the cliff?