MakeSabresGrr8Again

Will Sam have arbitration rights at that time?

all good points but....even I didn't think it was McCabe at first and only saw the #9. I wouldn't have thought it was McCabe in front of the net either. It's not an excuse but an observation when you don't expect a guy to be in that position. And he did correct himself shortly after.

That all bodes well for his next contract wouldn't you think?

The only problem I can see is if we re-sign Skinner to a big deal.

Could it be that Botts was able to sell Sam's camp a more friendly deal cap wise for now with the promise if Sam continues his development he'll get the much bigger payday when our cap room is more favorable?

It's also a product of getting the right players to fit that system. Dahlin and Pilut fit that mold of Preds style. We also seem to be getting the support from forwards finally along with better short passing game going up ice. Some of that I'm sure is related to coaching and system but also the skill level brought in has alot to do with it. Coachable people can make a difference as well.

I thought about that too for about 10 seconds. Then I thought about it and I still hold hope for the Sabres because most of our guys are young and new to the team. I can only see it getting better for us. We dominated for most of this game and Crosby, Malkin, Kessel, and Letang would have made it a much tighter game no doubt. But it will take time for chemistry to develop and I see good things happening right now and in the near future.

Hopefully we'll be nicknaming him "cork" 'cause he's a stopper ?

They just get a side car for Dahlin to ride in .

I don't think it's just the "supporting cast" and is partly on Allen. But there has been some eye-candy with the kid to have hope that with a supporting cast in the future and some good coaching, he could be at least very good. Eye- candy.....right now I'd have to say sour patch......hopefully turns into Starburst

Hopefully he just wanted to give our guys some confidence scoring and let those goals in on purpose.⏭️

You're welcome...there are 3 games not televised but I will be listening. At least the 2 against leafs are on TV.

No TV 2nite.....just GR55 radio. There was an announcement on sabres.com that showed the schedule for pre-season games. https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/sabres-announce-2018-preseason-broadcast-schedule/c-300127760

Why not the Knights? ?

I don't think Skinner and Sheary quite fill O'Reilly and Kane's scoring and other assets, However, the other additions we make more than cover them. You also have to consider any upgrades that came from the trades such as Berglund/Sobotka and Casey's replacement of O'Reilly. Thompson looks like he can help out scoring too. Do we get 2nd half Sam? The Dahlin effect offensively? Does Jack break out to the top of the league with wingers now? It's like we have an army of guys to take up the slack for Ryan and Evander, we just need it all to come together.

IMO it's not unreasonable to expect more than "a small step forward". We added some serious skilled scoring to our top 6 and veteran leadership with scoring potential to our bottom 6 and have several depth players pushing most of them to play to potential or else. Then add in the changes/upgrades at D and in goal and it should not unreasonable to expect more. You could also add in the "new attitude" along with being in the 2nd year with coaching staff/system. Just being exciting to watch and putting in the effort would be considered more than a small step forward IMO.

We are talking about this year right? I'm as excited as ever, the question really is ....will we be let down yet again!!!! I don't think a cup is within reach but, wildcard a possibility.

I'm sure you're right but he said he wants to be here in Bflo not Roch....don't remember his exact words. I know that's what he's supposed to say but if there was no chance he makes Bflo roster and was told that then why say it? He sounded determined and has made a good push with D-camp and now this. If he turns some heads at Big Boy camp I can see the possibility.

Yeah....just waiting for the opening so he can jump in.

This has been discussed already in around the NHL thread but could have warranted it's own thread. totally unexpected for sure

Supposedly remaining in an "advisory role" ....not saying it won't happen though.

nice try

what can I say....WOW

I've already agreed with you on those positions ....what we don't seem to agree on is that that could "possibly" change no matter what they said. Many circumstances could change their minds....if Larsson has a bad camp, if Asplund shows to be the better option and doesn't need transition time,injuries, etc. There are exceptions to every rule (or philosophy). I could see it if Asplund had any one major/minor flaw to be worked on but every thing I've seen or read says he doesn't except from management. And yes, I know that's what could end up ultimately being their decision. I would like to add that hopefully it wouldn't deter him if he went to Roch but you never know how these kids will react. This kid seems to have the skills and determination/confidence to make it on the roster and to send him down could ruin that, just saying it's possible. Think too that he just led our prospects in points for the challenge.

Yes and Sabres won it based on goal differential as 3 teams were tied with 2-1 records. Asplund was top point getter for us, not sure about the tourney.