French Collection

My son played with some Russian guys in junior last year. They were here to get away from a few things and to avoid the military. I spoke to them a few times but the war never came up. If they were able to extend their visas they would have stayed here. My wife heard one of them casually mention that Ukraine was a part of Russia. I am not sure if that comes from their education or propaganda but these guys didn’t seem like they would fight for that cause.

I think something might shake loose on other teams as camp gets closer. There are always cap issue somewhere and not many teams can take on the salary of a top 6 player. There are still some RFAs to be signed and that will add pressure to a few teams.

From the comments of his Liiga coach Olli Jokinen, it sounded like he was ready for more than the Finnish league. I know Jokinen said he was going to take a run at the Sabres lineup but that sounded more like a coach trying to inspire his player. He did have a good U18 year there and he probably could benefit more from the AHL if he is mature enough to make the jump.

Golf only, so far.

Ryan McLeod’s brother.

I didn’t mean force them into NHL roles because they dominate at the AHL level. If they dominate then they deserve looks and perhaps they finish the year on the big club or give themselves first dibs at a top 9 role next year.

I guess I should have added that making room for them is not an instantaneous thing. If they dominate at the AHL level then they should get some auditions when there are injuries. If their NHL cameos are solid then they may not need Zucker beyond this year.

If these guys show domination at the AHL level then the big club has to find a way to get them ice time at the NHL.

I really don’t trust any garages. I’ve had good work done and been given the run around by the same places.

KA: Terry, we got this trade worked out with the Jets for Ehlers. However, the deal will put us up against the cap. TP: No

I would hope there was some debate over the list. Editing this out to show unity and KA’s leadership was the goal imo.

I went to Celine Dion for the same reason.

I’ve been to Europe 3 times but never Italy. I can’t comment on guided tours because I like to do my own research and pick what I want to see. The only thing close to a guided tour I have done is the hop on hop off buses that go around some major cities. Those are handy and hit all of the touristy spots. My cousin and his wife did Italy last year for two weeks and it was a guided tour. They loved it because there was no planning involved or stress on how to get to places. The fall would be a great time imo, not as busy and cooler.

That is a significant drop in salary for all of them. I have to say Skinner could get $5-6M on the open market. He is still getting paid by Buffalo and wanted to play with McJesus. The others are about right, Girgs was definitely overpaid. VO negotiated after a terrible season, he could earn a lot more with a better role.

It would be nice if he did some Sabres specific stuff.

I like that they have playoff experience and we’re on the Caps team that grinded out points to get there. NAK has a Cup and played with Byram.

Listening to Malenstyn on Sabres Live yesterday it sounds like his wife and NAK’s wife are great friends.

Team Canada announced that Kyle Dubas is joining their management group for the Four Nations Tournament. We have serious goalie issues and now they bring the failed Leafs stench aboard. Great, I better choose a backup team.

I attended a presentation by Sheldon when he toured across Canada in the late 90’s to raise money and awareness for victims of sexual abuse. It was early in his journey to heal but he was a powerful speaker even then. I met him afterwards and am still impressed with his work and his ability to move forward.

I know some people don’t like them but scratching and clawing for a loser point when they don’t have their best stuff will make a difference. That’s a mental hurdle they need to overcome, like their poor starts to games. This is where Lindy should make an impact.

I’m not upset. I think they need him. Levi may beat him out at some point but maybe not. He could be the #1 for the next 5 years. He’s young enough to improve for the duration of that contract and I hope he does. I hope he avoids the goalie roller coaster ride and finds a groove. I want Levi to become #1 but to have a real goalie duel wil be interesting.

I am not surprised he got a job once Bettman let him and Quenneville out of their rooms. I don’t think I would have hired him. I read an interesting story written by Sheldon Kennedy on Bowman deserving a second chance and the work he has put in to better himself. Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy was abused as a junior hockey player and has been working for many years to educate people about this topic.

That is so cool. I have heard it is relatively easy, as far as mountains go, more like a really long hike. I watched an IMAX movie about it years ago and it was awesome to see the transition from jungle to arctic tundra near the equator. I have done two trips this year and we are planning a month in Europe for next summer so my dance card is full. Enjoy and send some pictures.

Malenstyn is 26 but has only 105 GP, a quarter of Dahlin’s total.

The weather is the biggest factor. Players were getting lots of birdies early today when there was no wind. It seems to turn on a dime.