erickompositör72

I forgot about that thing. Well, makes the decision for Wowie easier Lost on me... born '85 ;)

I wouldn't use the same reasoning, but I can definitely see Jack not getting the C until he has a real season beyond what he considers "mediocre." (Basically, the season that would validate his contract asking price) If O'Reilly gets it this year, and Jack has 80pts at the end of the year, no one (incl ROR) would be upset for Eichel to get the C the following year.

I - obviously - do not fear the slug. Only wish I had an "away" version, I thought those looked better...

I was also wondering about Gionta's (and also heard about Gorges's) reputation in the locker room. Was it their tone that wasn't resonating with the younger players? Curious about any inside info...

This x1000 I read over this quickly, didn't see the "R," and thought I read "Leino," and almost had a heart attack. Especially if Kane, Eichel, and D-men are the primary impetus of the rush/zone entry. Ok, we get it, you don't like Zemgus's play when he was playing with borderline NHL'ers. I still have memories of Zemgus's dangle vs. Detroit late in Nolan's last season. He has talent. This x1000

again, I agree

And his tan suit

I agree- I also think Samson at center supported by wingers with speed would be a win-win. But doesn't change the fact that I think there are multiple scenarios in which Samson's lack of speed could, indeed, be a liability.

Max did have a 73 pt season. I'd take that.

I think it was a liability last season. Consider our zone entry problems. When people like Reinhart or Foligno were on the ice, opposing d-men knew they weren't going to get beat and could play more aggressively in the neutral zone, etc. I think it affected our zone entries in a big way. Also, that's assuming the team really needs something like that. I think, if our current d corps has success, there is no need to consider letting someone like Kane go. Ideally, Kane also puts up good numbers, establishes chemistry, and signs an extension during the season :flirt:

Wow, you're just really misunderstood around here. The whole bringing-up-Kane-out-of-nowhere on this thread, followed by unsubstantiated rumors, accusations, and again questioned his work ethic.... I don't know. I'm not going to label whatever it is you have against him, but it seems pretty deep-seated.

Off ice issues, if anything, are old news. Get over it. Many people on the Sabres complained (publicly and reportedly) about things last year... none of whom were named "Kane."

No, it wouldn't surprise me. And from now on, it won't surprise me when you present unsubstantiated rumors and speculation on certain players, particularly Kane.

Rumors started here, by trolls like you

I think he meant mediocre is "overstating," as in... mediocre is an understatement, and he overstated the understatement... er.... To the other point: ppg is great, but it's true- players have hot and cold streaks - ultimately, the most important number is what you put on the board after close to 82 games played, and that's where I think Jack and "We've" are coming from

This all sounds right. None of it is relevant to the point that was being made, so...

Don't know what your point with these things is. Hecht played center a lot with us, and was a beast of a 2-way center. See here, and NHL.com's site, which list him as "C": https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/BUF/2007.html I would love Samson at 3rd center, to be clear. I hope playing 3C and PP1 will satisfy his TOI inclinations, because I think it could be really good for our team.

I agree with this as well, and don't see why many here are refusing to see the validity. 3rd line is quite relevant when it comes to TOI, and Reinhart - 2nd overall pick - will probably want more; a "larger role." Isn't that why ROR was happy to leave the Avs? It was Vanek's 2nd season in the NHL, Jochen Hecht was one of the best/reliable 2-way centers we've ever had. Let's not compare our current roster to the one that won the President's trophy.

Well, I don't know these people, but what you say is very encouraging. And maybe I am a little quick to assume things about WNY'ers. Not quite. Some I find quite tenuous. But perhaps the argument could be made that tenuous arguments are made regularly here, as well, for/against any player. That just wasn't my perception- that it was a "run-of-the-mill" tenuous argument, but maybe something worse. As I said, I'll give people the benefit of the doubt. However, I do take issue with having my posts pointed out as "obnoxious." Aren't we all entitled to an obnoxious post, every now and then? ;)

Bills 1st place AFC East

alright, I'm just trying to keep people honest. I'm a pretty fair-minded person, and I've just read some things that made my stomach turn. I'll try to give people the benefit of the doubt, unless it is something blatant. Not really possible to know. A lot of these things are veiled

I'm glad it's not, for you guys.

That's your view, and I respect that. There are many, many people here who seem to have somehow forgot that Kane led the team in goals. There are people who have said "he's a cancer in the locker room," when there are absolutely no reports during his time on the Sabres that validate that. And the comment about him not giving consistent effort- ? At a certain point, I begin to wonder. I thought he was the type of player Buffalo would love- fast, physical, scores goals... but everyone wants to trade him. And somehow they think his production is easily replaceable, the way the talk about it... Some things just don't add up...

FWIW, Someone I know on the "inside" - who has watched Beaulieu carefully - says he's a stud and just needs some confidence. He said he has tons of skill and we're lucky to have him.