MBD

Talk is cheap. I've heard enough people say one thing and then do the opposite to not trust a single thing anyone says until I see it actually happen. I go more by what I see and whether it makes sense. But if next year at this time Portillo signs with the Sabres (right after Levi does, shyeah, right!), I'll admit I was wrong. A BBA (the only thing he can get in 4 years, and he's still got 2 more years to go and will be an UFA in 14 months...) won't get him far. And all I've heard talk about is him getting his MBA.

If he "wants his business degree," it will take another 4 years for him to be available. Does anyone believe he's waiting 4 years to enter the NHL? Does anyone believe that he's coming out next April to sign with the Sabres and then finishing his degree (that he really wants) in the off-seasons, when he could wait another few months and be an UFA?

Yeah it sucks that he chose to go back to school, but I think he'll sign next off-season, unlike Portillo who will be gone. And again, if he looks good again next year, I'd hope the Sabres start him sooner rather than later. Shocker! Like I said, the whole "I want to finish school" thing is a ruse.

Why? Levi still has 2 more years.

OK then, so he stays in school another year and signs with an NHL team. What then? He's still got another year of undergrad and 2 years of MBA. When's he going to tackle it if it's so difficult to do as a pro?

If he applies himself, he can bang each year out each off-season during the 6 months he's off. It's not that difficult. And if he returns for his senior season, that pushes his availability/development out even further. As I said, time to move on, look to trade him and ensure Levi gets into the fold next year.

That's a crock. He'll be a junior this year and will still need to finish his senior season of college, before even starting an MBA program. Will he return to school for his senior season? If not, why can't he study during the off-season like he would during what would have been his senior season?

Just because he signs with the Sabres, it doesn't mean he can't still get his degree in the off-season. I think he wants out and I'll bet good money he's not a Sabre next year.

If he doesn't think he's ready to make the jump after 2 seasons in college and a gaping hole on the Sabres, he's probably not the guy they need anyway. Concentrate now on making sure Levi signs next year.

Good job. Time to turn pro...

R2D...tour.

There's no way he's staying. Especially if Levi returns to NE.

No, you didn't. I thought that maybe he meant Levi made a decision but hasn't informed the Sabres yet.

Ah, you changed your post. Now it makes sense.

He could be the Sabres' Josh Allen.

Maybe not "deliberate" in that he knew exactly where to put his arm to stop it, but he did put his arm behind him deliberately so as to potentially be able to do something like that.

I liked that he was ready to drop the gloves in his first-ever NHL game. He looks like a keeper.

That was one of the most amazing/lucky saves I've ever seen.

Despite his technical deficiencies, he's still the best G they have right now. And you get better playing against better competition.

Start UPL. Even on a B2B, he's still better than the other stiffs. He can rest after the game.

Why?

Like, say, trading a Sammy Watkins or Marcel Dareus.

Medical, dental...horizontal?

No way do you send him down. Tanking hasn't worked yet. And the NHL probably has other plans for Shane Wright...

That's not the name of that song. FWIW...