JohnC

The Sabres' record with Eichel and Reinhart and without was not too sterling. They got dealt and ended up with their names on the Cup, Reinhart for multiple times. The lesson to be learned is that improving the overall talent base of the team is the right course to take rather than setting yourself further back by getting rid of your best players who end up being good players on championship caliber teams.

Absolutely. That goes with the territory. That doesn't mean that one can't have some compassion for someone who most likely (hopefully) will lose his job.

I remember that episode. Be careful, I’m a Sicilian. If you upset me, I’ll shoot in the kneecap and watch you dance/hobble.😎

I’m aware of the tradition. I’m not totally against it. But I’ve heard of stories where some inconsiderate players take advantage of the tradition by buying bottles of the most expensive liquor (champagne) just because it is free and don’t even consume all of it. I agree with you that it is a time honored NHL tradition. It shouldn’t be a surprise that sometimes a few people take advantage of it.

I say yes. Adding Tuch and Norris should energize this tired group for its last game on this extended road trip. This battered group needs some positivity for its long flight back. Question: Are players allowed to drink on team flights?

Veteran players can afford it even more.

Yes. It didn’t take long to recognize that he didn’t know what he was doing. The confusion in the organization started right away with the Lafontaine saga that ended with a settlement that included a non-disclosure clause. The Pegula franchise has always been known for its instability and foolishness. The inexplicable hiring of KA to be the GM was odd, reckless and jaw dropping stupid. It really doesn’t take much talent to recognize stupendous incompetence. It’s there for everyone to see.

I may sound like a spoilsport but I don’t like the tradition where lesser paid rookies end up shelling out for richer and older players while they pig out and drink expensive beverages. It should be the other way around where the younger players are embraced as teammates and are taken care of.

I don’t see a HC change this season even with a newly installed GM unless there is a team meltdown. Replacing the current GM is the priority, and then whatever follows be in the hands of someone who is more competent.

It is harder for the Sabres to make big and consequential deals because so many players have Buffalo listed on their NTCs. When you become a scorned team because of your wretched reputation, the trade pool to consider is much smaller to draw from. Embarrassing reality.

Even if Jarmo becomes the GM, I don’t see a coaching change being made this season.

I don't know what the Tuch contract situation is. He may just ride it out and put himself on the market to sign with another team that will put him in a better hockey situation. The sad and embarrassing reality is that the Sabres are one of the top teams most cited on NMCs. Most high-end players have no interest in coming here, and to make it even worse, the downtrodden Sabres have an ignominious history of their better players wanting out of this cesspool. This franchise created its own crippling stench.

Beats me. When there is a talent deficit you dig down and just try to temporarily hang on.

Why not have Thompson centering the first line?

The last thing this ghetto franchise needs is acting irrationally due to desperation. That will only set this 😆 laughed at franchise farther back and make it an even lesser appealing place for potential new staff and players. Acting more intelligently and competently might not sound very jazzy, but it is what this dumb franchise needs more of.