Believer

The good just got better.

Agree. In some earlier thread I posted about Gerry Meehan. As Sabres GM in 1989, he was instrumental in helping the first Russian player defect from the Soviet Union to the Sabres, Alexander Mogilny. My comment was I didn’t think Adams had the audacity to do anything even remotely similar. Somebody gave me an eye roll. Hahaha. Must be an Adams fan. After five years, I’m not.

Got the impression at his Draft Presser KA gave Ruff a backhanded compliment that it was helpful having Ruff “in the room,” but didn’t get the impression he needed his input. Made me think Pegula championed Ruff for the coaching job. Would be just like Pegula to go the nostalgia route as some opined. Agree with you a new HC and coaching staff with a record of winning would do more to reshape a consistent SC contending future team than Robertson or Ehlers or any other signable FA as long as Ruff and staff are in place.

You’ve got his act down pat.

Yes, we can hope. Jarmo was the only one whose remarks and Q&A responses made any sense at their joint presser.

Just sell him. Not the type of player we need to build a team hard to play against.

Wouldn’t surprise me. Dahlin must be sick of losing and losers, no matter how talented. If the 23 yr old 4 yr vet Peterka wasn’t buying into the system and didn’t want to be a Sabre, I would like to believe the 25 yr old 7 yr vet and team Captain Dahlin would have told him goodbye and good luck after asking KA to trade him. Dahlin hasn't worn the C even a year yet. He will grow into the role and get more vocal, my bet. Not an Adams fan, but agree with him 100%. If a player doesn’t want to be in Buffalo, move him. Think Adams made the right decision about JJP. The Sabres need to build a roster of players who want to be here, who care about each other, play a hard game standing up for each other, and play with a passion for winning. Whether it’s hockey or ping pong in the locker room. The Passion for Winning Gene. Hasn’t gotten the attention from our scouting, analytics, and front office it requires to build a Panthers-like culture, imo. Don’t believe I’ve ever heard Adams emphasize it. Winning your shift, winning a puck battle on the boards, winning every game. A GM, Coach, or Player either has it or doesn’t.

Thanks for posting this video, Eleven. And, welcome back. Cannot imagine Kevin Adams having the audacity to do anything even close to this myself. Meehan was a General Manager.

Howl. Howl. Howl.

Just listened to the interview. Thompson has a pro attitude. Appreciates the game. The son of an NHL player and coach, he understands the business side of it. Heard the disappointment in his voice at not experiencing an NHL playoff game yet. My guess is unless the Sabres make major changes this off season, he will ask for a trade. Maybe already has. Savvy GM, new winning Coach, a difference maker or two, and perhaps he sticks around to help Buffalo. Buffalo sure hasn’t done much to help him.

Never say never. It was widely agreed by Gretzky et al last night that Tkachuk completely changed the culture in the Panther locker room. It made welcoming the hated Marchand possible as well. Adams doesn’t have the chops to pull off something similar. Likewise, Ruff wouldn’t have had a clue how to use them, imo. The game has passed him by. Maurice joined the Panthers in June ‘22. In three years he’s delivered 2 Cups, back to back. Sabres need a new GM, a new Coach, and a couple culture changers.

My hope is that the Pegulas, Adams, Ruff, and the players still possess the capacity to be embarrassed by their individual and collective performance over the past five years, especially when compared to what they watched in this year’s SC playoffs, and that they prepare in this offseason to come to camp with a different roster and commitment to change the culture. Playing for each other matters. Winning matters. Apologize for the run on sentence.

Well said, Archie. Think your post captures the likely given reality most Sabres are experiencing in unspoken public disappointment or discontent. There is no quick fix with Pegula and Adams in place, imo. Prime years wasted by disrespect for the players. Money is not the currency of the spirit.

He looks so out of place. A step slower than playoff pace, no board or checking work.

Yep. Me, too. I’m in Sarasota eight years now. Panthers are my second home team.