MakeSabresGrr8Again

Just that I think it "could" help his confidence more than dropping him into a 4th line role which suits him even less.

While I don't agree that it's a "hockey IQ" issue, as most here are intelligent, I do believe what was intended by the poster is a "perspective issue". What is a "bad" team? An "average" team? An "elite" team? Let's drop Tampa from this discussion due to them having an "elite" season and way out in front of everyone else. That leaves...everyone else from 2nd place TO to last place Sens. 20 points from top to bottom, therefore the "average" would be Dallas at 17th place with 44pts. The range would be 5pts on either side of that....Columbus at 49pts to EDM at 22nd place with 39pts. FLA is in the "average" range while Phil/StL are 4 and 5pts below. Sabres are near the top of the "average" range. I know that some teams are "expected" to be better than others on any given night, but on any given night any team can win, it's parody in the league. Which brings me to another point in Buffalo sports history....it has almost always been the "curse" of our teams to play to the opponents level rather than our own level. You can say we should've beat FLA, Philly, and STL, but I could contend we shouldn't have beaten Tampa, SJS, WPG, CGY. Every team has players whom could hurt you at any time if you're not on your game. Therein lies our problem. Don't take this as a personal "attack" on you, I'm just trying to bring things into perspective.

I know that Samson would probably be the better answer at C, but what an opportunity for everyone this is. This is what most have been waiting for. Hear me out.... Some people have been "hinting" that Mitts needs better wingers for his development and the success of the team. Others have been wanting the Sabs to call-up some players from ROC. We've been talking about trades and the deadline. We're even discussing our needs in the draft. They called up CJ Smith. Well, here's an opportunity even if it's only a few games. Put Mitts up on the first line (1C) and see what he can do with good wingers. Then we will all know for sure if he's ready or not. I know he's not projected to be a 1C but even a 2C should be able to "fill-in" for a game or two. It might even build his confidence if it works out ok(yes i know it could hurt as well) an JBot, HCPH, and the fans get to see what we have. If he looks terrible we can change to Sam, but if they're so content with his progress so far that they haven't done anything more than juggle some inadequate wingers trying to solve the 2ndary scoring issue, then give the kid the chance for a game or two. No one seems to expect us to win without Jack anyway so why not experiment. It's also a chance to bring up a Nylander or Olafsson just to find out how their progress is going. The call-ups also give JBot an evaluation tool for trades and to showcase some players. You know the fans want too see some of these kids right now and now there is the opportunity to evaluate AND maybe find a way to right the ship. I agree that some of the players in ROC "may" not be ready yet, but alot of us thought that about Pilut too. Just my opinion on this great opportunity to experiment without that "great expectation" over our heads. Would like to hear some input but will get the timbers and nails ready too. I don't expect this to be a long term thing as Phil said he didn't think so either, so why not?

Exactly my point, none will be ready for call-ups (maybe Asplund). The poster had traded Guhle and CJ. Also has Nylander, Olafsson, and Asplund in the Sabres line-up. Pilut up here (likely).

It also makes me wonder ....who would be the call-ups next year?? Nothing left in the lower levels.

Yes, by 1pt over Habs. The Isles are 2pts back and have 2 games in hand on us.....not good. We've fallen to 12th overall (from 7th) in the last 2 days. Krap for Kakko?

I would hope that the "balls" drop during the game. LOL

Recently, we've all been saying "must win" and that we need to stay ahead of the Bruins and Habs. But the game tonight really is a MUST WIN. I don't know how many of you guys realize that the Isles are in 15th place overall in the league. However, with a win tonight they will be ONLY 2pts behind us and have 2 games in hand. I wonder if the team realizes just how close the pack behind us is and how far we could fall in just a short while. Maybe that's what JBots meant when he said help is on the way.....a much higher pick in the draft? Can you say the "T" word that we all hate to say? 22nd place (FLA) is 10pts behind us. They (and 6 other teams between us and them) have games in hand on us, so it's even possibly closer to reality than some would think. LET'S GO BOYS....get the lead out of your 7 of the next 11 games are against teams between us and 22nd place. Two more games are against teams ahead of us. The other 2 games are against NJD and 'Canes who sit just outside that 22nd place spot.

How about offensive linemen?

I thought I heard RJ call Sobotka....Svaboda

Just rip his tongue out and I'll be happy. But he might not play tonite.

The deal as a whole only saves us about $2M. I'm assuming the retaing $1.5M on Sobotka is per year (3M total) if not then it's about $3.5M saved. It's not just unloading 1-for-1. You also have to pay Spooner and retain on Sobotka.

Spooner and Sobotka have exact same numbers this season (bad). Spooner has more upside but we thought Vlad would also be more useful than he's been. You do know that Sekera hasn't played a game yet this year. He only played 36 games last year. He might be playing again sometime in the new year. Injuries have been knee (last year) and achilles (this year). I'd definitely have to say no to this deal.

You're right on the 2C but I think we could use an upgrade or two on the wing.

Pekar

Too many things going on here that I don't like. Like Brawndo said, I don't think the others will go for it either. The name Kane associated with Buffalo gives me heartburn in the least. Good hockey players but... Moving Sheary over to the RW with Eichel? He didn't do enough on the LW with Eichel. Nylander hasn't shown he belongs here yet and you're forcing another rookie into the line-up in the top 6. Sure, we've created some depth in the organization, but I don't think we're where we need to be or where some people think we are. We basically have 2 rookies and a guy who has a history of injuries in our top 6 D. Your trade deal has us giving away 2 Dmen and getting none back. Also, that 1st rd pick could be used to get a D but then we have to wait for him to develop. You are depleting our depth and another trade would likely have to be done. We still have Sobotka/ Mitts/ TT...pretty useless line I think. I would rather trade for a Schenn, Burakovsky, Anisimov, etc. Simpler deal that doesn't create as many problems as it does answers.

SHH, look behind you.

Me too.

Fixed, thanx. LOL It was really just a miscue where I had a lower case and went to change. Forgot to re-enter it.

Instead of a blocker, the goalie plays with a shield.

It's not likely to help their offense either.

M U S T W I N U N D E N I A B L E S A B R E S T H I N K W I N I S N E C E S S A R Y.

Awesome looking pup...hope you show pics of him/her growing up.

It's the old "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". Those 3 make each other better and one of the best lines in the league right now. Let's fix the other lines:)

There's really no sense in continuing this argument since you seem to want to keep changing the game and upping the importance of Jack. Your contention was that Skinner isn't a 30g scorer with an average C and Jack is the reason he's doing it. Now you up the game and say he can't score 50 with an average C(which I agree). I am not asking for them to pay Skinner 9x8. But you don't seem to want to accept the fact that Skinner has been a very good goal scorer his whole career with LESS than average C and not even consistant linemates.. Why did we pay Eichel 10M/yr and not the level he played at for his past which was about 50-65pts? Should we have paid him alot less based on his previous years as you seem to point out for Skinner? Skinner makes Jack better too and seems to make Jack "happy". Whats it worth to you to keep Jack happy and not have to try and find another guy who fits Jack this well. Who was the last the last player to score 30g on Eichels line? Reinhart has 8g...does he not have any if he were not on Jacks line? Reinhart has 28 assists (who's scoring the goals?). Are you also gonna say that Reinhart makes Skinner better? Jack and Sam have played together before while Skinner hasn't. Just maybe, Skinner has made them BOTH better. I trust JBOTS to do the right thing, which ever that may be. If he decides not to pay Skinner, then I'm sure he has an alternative plan.