Derrico

Surprised Day is ranked 10th. He was one of only 4 players to be granted Exceptional Player Status for the CHL Draft. The other three (Tavares, Ekblad, McDavid) all went 1st overall in their NHL draft year.

That's a fair point but I think it's a big enough jump into the NHL as it is that I don't know if I want my Reinhart's and Eichel's learning a complex system while also getting use to the speed of the NHL etc. To me it's like putting a kid starting highschool in Grade 12 algebra because in three or four years when he's applying to universities he wants him to be a master. Maybe it works out, or maybe the kid is so lost because he hasn't learned the fundamentals that things go sideways for a couple years and the teacher (Bylsma) is gone and we're left learning a new system anyways.

You admit yourself that it's a complex system. Do you think it's best to bring in a guy with a complex system when the Sabres are going to be icing a very young team over the next few years? You obviously are an advocate for him and seem knowledgeable. I guess, I just read you tearing down other peoples opinions on why he's not a good fit than you proving your point why you think he is the best fit. Not trying to be confrontational as it's a good discussion. Could you just elaborate on why you think that's the best idea?

I think that's a great point. Two divisional teams looking for a head coach, why not slow play it a bit unless you think the guy you have targeted will be gone while you continue dragging your feet. When I saw this thread had a new post I just repeated please say he's fired, please say he's fired, please....

I know hockeybuzz gets a bad rep but I thought this was an interesting read on why the author does not want Disco Dan as the next head coach. http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Michael-Pachla/BylsmaBuffalo-inevitable/209/68890

A LHD is a preference right now but I do agree that I hope they go BPA. I still think there's a good chance that pick is moved in a trade but I enjoy the discussion nonetheless.

So he's the Mikhail Grigorenko of coaches?

I don't think we will know about these guys for another few years. They look like they could be promising but nobody's blown it out of the water yet.

No worries. Thanks for the updates, they've been key to figuring out how long until I pick and keeping track of everyone.

Isn't it Thorny, 3Putt and Qwk?

They won't have empty seats or empty luxury boxes at the ACC. They just won't. They've been mediocre to downright terrible for the last decade plus and have sold that place out without a problem. I do agree that the best course of action is a full on bottoming out which I can't see happening with Babcock in the mix. Going to be interesting to see what goes on there. For our sake, hopefully Babcock improves the team to the point where they aren't DFL but based on talent will continue to wallow in mediocrity.

It's true he's a late bloomer. He was the Gens 6th D for the first half of the season. But come the second half he was given a shot due to some injuries (ironically Vandel Somple) but boy he's looked good. I'm not grabbing this guy in the first or second round or anything but I'd take a look anytime after that. He already has an NHL shot and he plays a good physical game. If you're watching any of the Memorial Cup keep an eye on him.

Two words: Stephen Desrocher. Even before he puts home the winner in the memorial cup round robin game today I've been dreaming of him in a Sabres uniform. If vande somple is taken before Desrocher in the draft then someone is making a huge mistake. Guy has an unbelievable shot and can play very sound defensively. He has gotten better and better as the playoffs and now mem cup move on. Look for him to really move up draft boards. Oh and ns, how'd you like my gens putting up a five spot on your boy FUCALE?! Go gens go!!!!!!

Let's look to the future. Darnell nurse.

Corey Crawford. Give me that playoff experience.

I agree with this. If there's a keeper league then please count me in but I went d heavy because I thinks that's how you win in the nhl, not fantasy leagues.

I'm not a big follower of Corsi stats but respect them. Just seems strange that those stats were higher when the team went 9-28-5 when he was replaced than the 21-16-3 record he had before he was fired.

His possession stats increased after leaving the leafs? That team was horrendous after he left.

Don't know how it could be taken any other way.

http://mweb.cbssports.com/nhl/eye-on-hockey/25192061/report-sabres-receive-permission-to-speak-to-coach-dan-bylsma

Fair points. Doing some additional research and it appears Corsi numbers were horrendous. Moving on.

You don't think that was mainly the fact that you had Tyler Bozak as your number 1 centre through the entire coaching tender??

To add to the Carlyle point, he had a .600 winning percentage with the Ducks plus a cup. He also had a .554 winning percentage with the leafs. That second stat is pretty impressive with that roster.

I would actually listen to this idea. He has a Stanley Cup to his resume and although the leafs were horrible I think that's a product of their roster. Look how far that tank job went after he was fired.

Any interest in Brent Sutter?