mjd1001

I am still not sold on O'Reilly on this team. He's good, I get that, but I don't think you need to overpay to get him...and that is what you would be doing. You would give up a lot in draft picks/prospects (I'm ok with that) and paying him a lot of salary (probabl overpay for his production, but the Sabres do have cap room).....but I do not want to get in the habit of doing BOTH of those things on one player. So what is the alternative? Don't trade for or sign anyone else, unless it is a screaming deal. I don't mean to make a silly comparison, but building this team is like making a great meal. Don't get all your best ingredients and thrown them in the pot at the same time. Have a little patience. Next year the team will have a new coach, Evander Kane, probably Eichel or Reinhart (or both), Pysyk, a year older Risto and Girgensons.....that is a lot already (not to mention a front office that will make moves to win, NOT to hinder it.) Run with that....see if any of your other young prospects surprise you and force you to move them up. After you see how that goes (for either the full year or at least a half year), then see what you need to do then. I'm just not in hurry (at this point) to tie up a lot of salary (that will be MUCH more valuable to this team in 3 years from now than it is not) to sign a key free agent or trade for a player that another team doesn't want to pay.

Toronto is in a tough spot. If you trade Kessel and Phaneuf, you are not going to get any where CLOSE to equal value...even in assets, because of the contracts they have. And if you do trade those 2, you are really looking at being where the Sabres are now (turning the corner) probably in the 2017-2018 season AT BEST. -Add to that, with the draft lottery, they cannot 'game the system' to ensure they get a top 1-2 pick anymore.] -If they are just turning the corner in 2017-2018, then they will be realistic playoff contender in what, 2019-2020? Cup contenders in 2021-2022? That is basically at the end of Babcocks contract. I just can't see a complete tear-down. All I can see is Babcock referring to 'pain' being the 1 year pain of being mediocre when they do a quick rebuild. What I can see happening: -Trade Kessel OR Kadri...get the best prospect you can for them. Have the rest of the team 'tread water', miss the playoffs this year and take one last shot at the lottery (but not as the worst team in the league) -Start next year with the prospect you get from Kessel/Kadri in the linup, Nylander in the lineup, and MAYBE the guy they pick at #4 this year in the lineup. Sprinkle in a few key FA veterans and go forward. -I think the Leafs can and will go forward with Nylander, Marner/Strome, Morgan Reilly, whoever they get for Kessel/Kadri, and Van Riemsdyk as their young core. (with their 2016 first round pick being a wildcard.) That can start happening next year.

I didn't hear or read any of it...do you remember exactly what he said? I mean, did he basically come out and say he is willing to 'lose' for 2-3 years for the long term benefit? Just curious.

I think they are going to take the middle ground. Babcock, Shanahan, and some of the other front office guys have meetings with Kessel and Phaneuf and make sure they know this is a 'new' team, a 100% fresh start. They integrate a few young players into the roster, hope for Kadri (He might be the one traded away, I think, not Kessel) and Reilly are a year better. That, along with 1 or 2 key free agents (Shanahan/Babcock guys, whater that means) will make Shanahan and Babcock feel it is enough to compete. Beyond that, I think that Nylander and whoever they get at #4 this year will be enough to add as 'future' stars to keep things going a couple years from now. With that said, I think they are not going to blow this thing up, but try to start winning..and doing that now. I don't see a 2-3, or even 4 year rebuild happening when you just hired the 'consensus' best coach in hockey, are paying him 8+ million per year (for at least the first couple years), and a guy who says over and over that he KNOWS he lacks patience and HATES to lose. If what we hear is true and he as an 'out' after 5 years...I don't think even a 2 year rebuild makes sense now. They are going for the playoffs this year.

The leafs went into their 'tank' mode when the fired Randy Carlyle. That was just a few days into January. At the time, they were 21-16-3 and in a playoff position. It is like Shanahan had decided he would take a shot at getting McDavid in the lottery because this year was a 'wasted' year for him anyway, with the team a mid-level team and him in 'evaluation' mode. It may not be he wants to take the entire team apart...but rather take that team BEFORE firing Carlyle and improve upon it enough to make it a legit contener...That team in the first half of the season last year before the change was pretty much the same team (performance-wise) as it was the year before that and the year before that. He may be thinking the talent on the team is a borderline playoff talent team. But, he can make it a contender by adding 10 points per year to their performance by: -Reshaping the front office and scouting staff -taking 1 year to 'tank' for McDavid...failing to get him you will at least get another very good prospect. -hiring the 'best' coach in the NHL..is good for at least a few more points. I can't see Babcock joining a team and signing up for a 2-3 or 4 year rebuild. I think it is just as likely the Leafs sign some players or make some trades with the goal to compete again this year.

There is one thing that keeps coming up in my mind..and it leads me to think he is probably staying in Detroit..with a SMALL chance of Toronto. He is supposedly 'deciding' by Wed...yet does anyone know if his wife has been with him touring the area. We have heard a ton (especially from Canadian Media) that is wife is very instrumental in making this decision. Babcock himself said in one interview they have had in depth discussions about it before he made his visit. With that in mind, I cannot think he will just 'decide' to come to Buffalo without having her spend at LEAST a day (maybe more) with him in that area..looking at neighborhoods, the arena itself..meeting the owners..etc. For that reason I think he is staying in Detroit. The only reason I bring up Toronto is that it may be more likely she knows more about the city and the neighborhoods..but I still think it is leaning Detroit for the above reason of the timing. Now, if anyone sees him and his wife here Today or Tomorrow, then maybe I'll change my mind.

I kinda agree with you. He may be the best coach in Hockey...but I don't think there is a big difference between him and the #3 or #5 guys. Between him and Nolan? Maybe, but not between him and the rest of the top guys. I also personally go by the line of wanting a guy who wants to be here. If you have to convince, talk to, wine-and-dine, and then wait it out...the guy MIGHT eventually be happy here, but I'd rather have a guy who is happy and grateful for the opportunity. So would I be happy if Babcock is hired? Even at 5-6 million a year? Sure, I'd much rather overpay for a coach than to overpay for a player like Ryan O'Rielly (that will count against your cap and EVENTUALLY make it harder to resign other guys).....but I'd be just as happy with the next John Cooper...give me a younger guy who is up-and-coming and well respected. Give me the next star coach...not the current one who is already half way (or more) through their career.

I don't think it is the size of the nets or the goalies alone...I think there is just too much traffic in front of the net. Too many times I watch a game, and if a shot is taken from more than 15 feet out..odds are it is going to be blocked or hit a leg or arm or something. There is just too much traffic in front of the net. How can get you get rid of that? making rules, like the 3 second rule in the NBA, might be too hard to enforce and change the game too much. So I go back to what many have said, reduce ALL equipment, not just goalies. If the skaters have less padding, SOME of the guys might be more reluctant to hang around in the shot lanes...and there is a chance they might be a bit "smaller" (due to less equipment) to let an extra shot or two go though. That is part 1. Part 2..more shots will get through, but the goalies will see more...they have to have reduced padding and/or SLIGHTLY larger nets. A more (and very radical) idea....D-zone wingers cannot come any closer to the net than the faceoff dots. Only the 2 d-men and Center can...it will allow the offensive team a little more room to work in the O-zone..and maybe clean up the area right in front the the net (although the wingers aren't there all that often) Bottom line..I'm not so much upset with the lack of goals scored..but rather the fact it seems like half the shots are blocked or deflected on the way to the net.

What is is that the stats tell us about top scorers? They usually 'peak' in production between 26-28 or 29 year old. After that, there is a gradual fall-off...maybe with Vanek that decline is going to be a bit quicker than usual? Regardless, glad we didn't resign him or Miller. No matter how good players are, you can't be signing them to big contracts when they are 28-30 years old that will take them to the age of 33-35...UNLESS they are a key piece of a CURRENT cup contender.

I wish more of the Amerks games would be on TV in Buffalo. We saw some this year, but on nights the Sabres weren't on, I enjoyed watching the Amerks. It's a little hard to get too invested though. NHL teams deal with injuries....AHL teams deal with their own injuries AND the parent teams injuries (via callups) and seem to be impacted by trades more. I told myself I'd make it to Rochester for a game this past season..and I didn't. I really am going to try to take in a game or two in Rochester next season.

Over the last 5 full seasons, an average of 76.6 points is what the 5th worst team in the league had. One year, it was 80 points. Do we all want the Sabres to do better than that next year? Sure, but one or two injuries to a key player or some average at best goaltending for the year, and the Sabres could pretty easily be 80 points or below and have a shot at one of the top players in next years lottery. You really need 80 points to pretty much ensure you are not in the bottom 5, and this would be more than a 25 point improvement for this team.

I'd say Neuvirth or Lindback as the starter. Chad Johnson as the backup. Why? This team is going through a lot of changes. That fine, but you aren't winning the cup next year (I really don't think so) so play with a goalie who was well liked by his teamates. From what we have heard from the media, both Neuvirth and Lindback were well liked by their teammates. If after a year of them, they aren't good enough make another decision.

I always thought the better comparison would be like the difference between Gretzky and Messier. I"m not saying either of them will or won't get to that level, but the differences between them is more similar there: Eichel may have as much (some people say more) high end speed, hes just not as agile. Eichel has a harders shot, but not as good of hands around the net. Eichel is a bit bigger and stronger, but not as good of vision and/or anticipation. McDavid is likely to get more points and be a better player over an entire career, but they are close enough that there might be some individual years where Eichel is more valuable. If you are going to use Gretzky to compare McDavid too....Messier may be the better player to use for Eichel.

I know that is a pretty good argument and a lot of people subscribe to it, but I would rather take the NFL route and call everything...get rid of fighting totally (It can be done, just treat it like the NFL does.) I have more fun at a high scoring, end to end game than I do at a fight filled game. The only time fights add to the game for me is when the game is boring to begin with.

I think the league need more penalties...at first it will give more powerplays and afterwards when the 'players adjust' it will lead to more open play. Just as big of an issue is the dirty stuff that the league just doesn't fine or suspend for. I'm sure in the NFL, there is a lot of dirty stuff that goes on that we don't see, but we see VERY LITTLE in the NFL that we see in the NHL. VERY FEW intentional knee to knee hits. Very few fights. Very few punches to the back of the head. WHY? In the NHL we hear it is a rough and physical sport so that stuff will happen and you need fighting to sort it out? The reason is the NFL won't put up with it. If you fight, you WILL be thrown out of the game and probably heavily fined and suspended. What to get rid of the dirty stuff in the NHL, let NOTHING go. ANY punch to the back of the head should be a suspension and a fine...then guess what? you won't have it anymore.

Basically, what we have heard for the last week or so is not much but negative comments about Edmonton: The NHL hates they won the Lottery. The east coast will hardly see McDavid play becauuse of late start times. It is the worst city to play in. No one wants to go there. They are going to screw McDavid up. "Anywhere" but Edmonton...etc. But, after having thought about it for a while, I don't see it so poorly anymore. -The NHL doesn't want Edmonton to have McDavid because there will be less marketing there and a lot of poeple won't see him play. So what? I really don't care TOO much about what the bean-counters of the NHL say. -Edmonton will screw him up. Really? New coaching staff (maybe another) New GM, basically a whole new front office. Soon to be a brand new (and rather nice looking) building. I don't think that is an issue. -Edmonton will likely be turning into a really good team that will be on TV more than they are now. Even when they get better, the team the way it is built will NOT be a defensive juggernaut. They are likely to score as many goals as any 'good' team now and allow as many (or more) than the 'good' teams do now. What is not to like? -People make fun of Edmonton. Why? Who has actually been there? Sure, it gets cold, REALLY cold, but most of the people who live there are as used to that just like those of us in Buffalo are used to our winters. The downtown area actually isn't that bad, and they are going to have a nice new arena. Who are we in Buffalo to be making fun of another city (yes, I have heard people here ripping on the city of Edmonton). -Finally, when staying up late to watch some games (especially on Saturday nights), it will be kinda nice to see a good Edmonton team be featured against a good Calgary team (the Battle of Alberta.) To see a rivalry not only with Calgary but with a rising Winnipeg team also. It will be nice for a change to see a top rivalry that is new...not LA/Anaheim....Chicago/St. Louis/Detroit....Montreal/Boston. I think Edmonton has gotten really lucky...but instead of hating on the team and the city...I'm kinda happy for them.

I think a small part of the issue is the Arena itself. Is FNC a good place to watch a game? Yes, Its clean, good sight lines, nothing wrong with it at all. But, on the other hand, there isn't much special about it either. It isn't a "small" barn like Winnipeg has...or like the Aud was. And in terms of anything unique about it....once again, it is up to NHL standards, but in the past 15 years or so, a lot of the new arenas are really really nice (the 4-5 of the newer ones I have been to are really great.) Does that make the crowd louder? maybe not...but some of them really out-shine the FNC now in terms of the gameday experience.

I was having a discussion at work today (actually, a few) regarding the future of the Sabres and most people are pretty happy if the Sabres keep the #2 pick and take Eichel. However, it was brought up, more than once, that this Sabres team in a few years might have the feeling of the late 1980's/early 90's Bills team, and Edmonton will be like Dallas that just has too much talent and keeps Buffalo from the ultimate prize. With that in mind, how do you compare the key pieces of each team? -McDavid will be comparable to Eichel, but with the Edge to Edmonton and McDavid -Eberle is pretty comparable to Ennis, in terms of position, age, where taken in the draft, production so far...etc. Pretty even there. Who would you rather have? Eberle has better career stats so far. Slight edge Edmonton? -R.N. Hopkins would be comparable to Girgensons (Reinhart too young yet). Hopkins is a higher pick with more offensive skill, but is he better all around? I think many give Edmonton the edge, but it is debateable. Once again, in a one-up trade between the two, who would you pick? Hopkins or Girgensons? -Taylor Hall is a high end, top tier talent on Wing. Compare to Evander Kane? Edge? I think Edmonton with the slight edge, but that can change. Again, who would you rather have? -Yakupov...who is comparable on the Sabres? While he has been up and down, if you want to compare him to Larson or Grigorenko I think you have to give Edmonton the Edge there. If Reinhart develops, maybe that matches Yakupov. -Defense. Nurse is up and coming next year for Edmonton, but can they match Risto, Pysky, and Bogosian? Big Edge for Buffalo. -Veteran leadership. I'm not sure who Edmonton has, but I'd say with Gionta, Moulson, Gorges, Buffalo has the definite edge there. -Coaching and minor league development? Wide open, but hopefully Pegula's $ over Edmonton will lead to a much better development system. -Goalies? Nothing to go on. I think Edmonton has a clear edge in young talent up front, but while clear it isn't overwhelming. Buffalo has at least as much of an edge on the Blueline. I think the fear of Edmonton being a team that is one good coach away from blowing away the league for the next decade is overblown. If Buffalo keeps on developing talent, they might be able to match the talent Edmonton has top to bottom in the next 4-5 years. Any different thoughts?

I agree with you. I really hope that Murray just is happy with the #2 pick. I'd rather have the current team with the #2 pick than really give up any legitimate prospects or young players on this team +#2 to get McDavid.

What are the chances that he DOES go to Edmonton...he has a meeting with ownership....and out of that meeting he gets hired as coach and is allowed to 'pick' the GM he wants to work with...and the current Edmonton management team is dismissed?

I know everyone has their own opinion, but I really can't wait until the draft is here and over. The Sabres are picking 2nd, I just want them to take Eichel and then move forward. Hearing the talk about them trading Risto, the Eichel pick and Girgensons to move up to one....or hearing about 'what would it take for you to move down' is already a tad bit stressful. I just want to know that the Sabres are getting McDavid or Eichel (looks like Eichel now) AND to know which up and coming young guys that are here already will be here next season. There hasn't been much to invest in with this team in the last few years..but Risto and Girgensons have been there, and I don't want to give them up.

Since we now have a target about the new Star Wars movie (and after tonight things will probably get quiet around the forums), I figured I'd see if anyone has any opinions of the new Trailer for the DC Batman V Superman movie also. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwfUnkBfdZ4

I don't know the exact date, but I have always been in favor of a 'strip-it-down' rebuild...ANYTIME it looks like your team is going to flounder around a bit in the middle of the pack. Once my best players hit 28 or 29 years old....and I become older (as a team) than an average NHL team...it is time to strip things down and start over..UNLESS I am currently a top-5 favorite for the cup with that team.

I can understand a fanbase for Star wars, I just cannot understand the total mania. Some of the movies were good movies, some kinda dragged a little. No movies (even the first one) had a GREAT story. I'm pretty sure I'll it when it hits the theater, just I'll probably wait a week or two in order to avoid the massive crowds.

I would have been OK with Nolan staying...but I'm also OK with him not here. Babcock? If it happens good, but I'd almost rather have a younger guy. If Murray hires someone new this week and it isn't Babcock (obviously with him still coaching), I'm good with that because it tells me he is getting what he wants. As far as him hiring one of his 'buddies'? So what? as long as the guy has coaching pedigree/experience, I think it is a GOOD thing to have a guy you get a long with.