Zamboni

He surpassed my expectations as a rookie. So I can see him hitting 60. Baring injury. One thing that could could could happen this year... teams key in on him more and punish him on the forecheck. Sophomore slump. Injuries. He takes a while to get used to the new system RK puts in place so his production dips for the first two months.

It’s a situation ... I’m more of a glass half full kinda guy usually and not a Debbie downer negative Nancy. So I’ll say this ... He should have done more during the season once the losses started piling up. I understand why he didn’t fire Housley during the season. He truly believed in him and wanted to see if he can right the sinking ship. It’s not the worst thought and hope to have as a GM. What’s done is done. Firing Housley was the right thing to do and the timing was right too. It remains to be seen if RK is the answer. For JB’s sake, he better be. ROR trade should have been better. It created a massive hole that may take several seasons to replace. It’s been talked to death over and over. Enough said. I know all GM’s do this, but I’m glad he’s not shy about looking to Euro leagues to grab help. For both the Sabres and the Amerks. Amerks look the strongest and the most complete they’ve looked in years. Like all teams they have holes to address still. Glad he moved Kane. Glad he signed Skinner. Glad he acquired Montour. Getting Hutton was nice. He and Ullmark are a better tandem than how Lehner and Johnson played 2 years ago. Hutton is a great placeholder for Ullmark and perhaps UPL in a couple years. With better coaching, system and in game adjustments. The goaltending should be even better. Draft picks he made are fine at this point. Work in progress naturally. He has moved a lot of guys in and out the two off seasons he’s had. At least in my opinion he has.

The biggest hurdle has been done. Fire Housley. Next hurdle was to acquire a good coach. By all accounts RK seems (key word seems) to be. Next hurdle was to sign Skinner. Next hurdle is to acquire a good solid 2nd line center. Next hurdle is to have key guys already on the team to continue to develop well. I believe if those things happen, this team can make playoffs IF the coaching staff succeeds in getting the most out of everyone.

I love that STL won. Man I miss ROR.

I am in no way saying either of you are making anything up. Let me be clear on that. i just asked for the source and link to the story so I can digest what’s being claimed.

So ... they are just ... stories? Rumors? Nothing definitive? Is that correct?

I never heard most of this “behind the scenes” story. Where in gods name did you dig this up from? I’d like to read it, see who the source is etc ...

Yep. You find your core players. And swap talent in and out of the lineup around them to support them. Hawks did that wonderfully for years.

I can’t see JB moving Risto AND Scandella in one off season. That’s too much depth. Have your feelings about those players, but it’s too much depth to lose in one season. I think JB wants to see what RK can do with Risto and Scandella before moving them off the roster. Unless of course he gets a good offer for either one. Housleys management of the roster have really skewed some fans perception of some of the talent on this team.

And if you didn’t play Binnington, you will undoubtedly lose. He gives the Blues the best chance to win a cup.

It won’t stop. People like straw men arguments.

No. You did. Honestly.

Huh? You lost me.

I’m not. The sentiment of “skinner’s large contract hurting us down the road” is not exclusive to just Skinner. Most Hockey fans realize you can insert any number of names who get paid a huge contract, can “hurt a team” down the road. It can also work out wonderfully. PF makes it sound like it’s exclusive to Skinner. It’s not.

Um I didn’t say the statement you had an issue with. PF did.

Marchand the scum bag at it again. I know some of you guys wouldn’t mind him on the Sabres. I would mind. I have just never liked the way he plays the game.

Skinner contract isn’t exclusive in regards to that opinion. Most hockey fans know this. Most.

Hey, as long as JB does it very wisely we should be in good shape.

Trader Joe’s Almond Windmill cookies are da bomb. I recommend you buy and devour.

Different coach. So we’ll see.

Nah ... that’s too negative for my blood. Pominville will be gone. the others, although not great choices, can in fact play a key roll (positively) in a new system. I’m gonna go out on a limb and say the Sabres will barely make it in the playoff in 2020. and Nelson is the ideal #7 D man. Maybe you don’t remember, but he played solid in 2-4 game stints. Perfect type for a role as #7. I don’t have an issue with Larsson on the team for another season. It’s our coaching and top 6 that was the major issue. Mostly coaching and in game adjustments. Or lack thereof.

We are paying Cody freakin Hodgson for a few more years. I highly doubt JB will buyout anyone this season. With Moulson and Pominville coming off the books, that just went to Skinner for 8 years.