Iron Crotch

For you millennials, back in the 80's at the old War Memorial, the Butcher used to catch foul balls behind his back when they rolled off of the net behind home plate. Definitely a Buffalo original. RIP Butcher (he passed away last year)

That's just it. We've had some world class goaltenders over the years, but never a world class attacking player. By "world class" I mean a regular starter at one of the world's top 10 or 15 clubs. That's what Christian is right now (assuming Dembele is sold to Barcelona as expected). Many of the Dortmund games are shown on the various Fox sports channels. Chris was unbelievable today.

I disagree. I think Pulisic is already great now. Kid is a regular starter for a Champions League club. Goal and an assist today against Wolfsburg. Christian is arguably the best American player on the planet right now (as a teenager).

The humidity is crazy. Has rained every day except one since I moved to New Orleans in early July. I picked this city, in part, because of the unique music scene. No other US city has stuff like this... (Google "second line" if you are unfamiliar)

Summer in the Big Easy...

I agree. I like the coach/GM combination we have in place for the first time since probably the late 1990's. I don't expect miracles, but also don't think the team will be as bad as what the "doomsday" crowd thinks. I genuinely like the moves that were made this week. Love Jordan Matthews. Great kid.

Don't know enough to evaluate the CB swap, but I freakin' love Jordan Matthews and I really like the swap of WR. Matthews was the best player I ever saw at Vanderbilt. Watkins, as we all know, is injury prone... and he would have been gone at the end of the year. I think the move makes sense.

In honor of my new home state, I'm going way obscure with this one... The King of Zydeco! The late great Clifton Chanier.

I thought Nylander looked very good today. Way to early to talk about trading him. Kid has loads of skill. I liked Asplund and Willman from the less heralded group (everyone already knows about Bailey, Fasching, etc.). Pu had some nice plays (if this kid makes the league, he'll be the butt of jokes for his entire career - pun intended). All in all, I agree that there was a lot of skill on display at the 3-on-3 games today.

A little dark, but given we lost Chris Cornell not long ago, this song comes to mind today...

My last 4th of July in Nashville... moving to New Orleans this weekend. Happy 4th to Sabres fans everywhere!

First year is a two-way contract and the second year is a one-way contract. ...solid AHL signing.

Lehner is the worst shootout goalie I've ever seen. He's pretty much dead last in the league year-over-year in shootout stops. That's a killer for a team fighting for a playoff spot.

I like Chad Johnson. I think he's underrated. He seems to always sign somewhere as a backup... and then he quietly outperforms the starter.

I think this was a very good trade for the Wild. They unload a bad contract (Pommer) and get rid of, essentially, their 5th defenseman who is injury prone for two younger, cheaper forwards. The Sabres wanted Scandella in this deal. He's been playing in the Pred's division, so Housley knows his game. We were forced to take on Pommer's (bad) contract as a provision for securing Scandella. It had nothing to do with wanting Pommer back, although Pommer and Botterill were teammates for a couple of season with the Amerks, so I'm sure they are friends.

We'll be running a totally different system this year. Assuming Housley embraces the 5-man interchangeable parts system run by Nashville, our defensemen will have very different responsibilities this coming season. They need to be able to skate, carry the puck, and jump into the rush (and even lead the rush). I think this system will be great for Risto. But, our defense-first guys (e.g., Gorges) will either fall by the wayside or be relegated to the third pair. I think Fedun fits our new system better than a guy like Falk.

Hopefully he won't post a (team worst) -24 +/- rating again this year!

Housley already coached Del Zotto in Nashville. MDZ was awful down here, so I doubt Housley would want him again (but who knows?). Housley also had Radulov on the Preds and he was a nightmare away from the ice. If we really want "character" players then Radulov certainly doesn't fit the bill.

Once Pekka Rinne retires the league will need another Pekka!

Wait until you see what we get back for Evander Kane before assuming that the organization needs defensemen. In the meantime I think we take BPA and (assuming they turn out as projected) those guys can be flipped for future organizational needs (e.g., defensemen) as necessary. IMHO, it's all about acquiring assets at this point.

What's going on: We took two players essentially where they were projected and... THE SKY IS FALLING! ;) http://www.eliteprospects.com/draftcenter.php?year=2017&layout=&ranking=Rank7&con=EU

All Swedes are good. When in doubt, draft a Swede. :P

Totally random thought, but maybe Housley can steal Lane Lambert away from the Caps? (I'm sure it is highly doubtful, but just throwing it out there)

Ooh... From Darren Dreger: "Matt Duchene's agent, Pat Brisson had a quick chat with Joe Sakic at the end of 1st round and is now in discussion with David Poile."