Doohicksie

Probably SRO

I'm sure you didn't miss me but I'm glad you're back. Unfortunately I just want to see a hockey game. Honestly, all the pomp of the VGK opening ceremonies make me want to vomit.

...with Krebsie moving up to the 3rd line? That's the way it always begins.

Yes. If they make the playoffs with Helle but then are hamstrung as time goes on with that crap contract as he inevitably declines, I would be pissed as hell.

They did bring Anderson in for camp didn't they? I wouldn't be surprised to find out see him make several other appearances as the season progresses, as a "special goalie development consultant." It won't be as taxing as playing; it'll be more like taking a few business trips during the year but being able to spend time with his family otherwise. I won't be surprised to find out he's helping the goalies, particularly Levi, via virtual link all season long.

Yeah, what he sed.

I really think it comes down to Kevyn likes to find the undervalued player and squeeze the value of out them (by acquiring them for minimal assets or paying them "team friendly" dollars), then develops them into what he wants. I'm pretty sure he looked at several trades for goalies over the summer but decided, for instance, that Hellebuyck wasn't worth the asking price for a one-year rental and didn't want to pay him until he is 38. I mean that's a defensible decision. He probably kicked the tires on other goalie trades too but decided they just didn't work with his long term plans (either in terms of acquisition cost or salary hit). I'm quite sure he sees the situation the same way the forum does but sometimes the best trade is the one you don't make.

What's the fun in that?

I doubt it. How much do you think he will demand on the open market? How much do you think he will settle for to stay with the Sabres (which is, I think, his desire)? And realistically: Other than bragging rights for their agents, does an extra 10% *really* make a difference in their lives?

But Dak is an elite QB!!!

In the other thread I answered that I hoped not, but if Stillman and Bryson were otherwise equal but Bryson is better plugged into the other players on the roster then... maybe? And maybe that's not a bad thing? To me that kind of sounds like you have to lay off one person and you two candidates equal ability and you start looking at things like which one takes more sick days.

The thing is: I think Mitts is a guy that would give a hometown discount to stay here. I think he's finally settling into a niche and right now and while he won't make the coin Cozens and Tage do, neither will be expected to hold up a top 6 line (except as an injury replacement) so it's kind of a "cushy job" as center spots go in the NHL. In Buffalo he'll be slotted possibly a bit below his ceiling ability but also won't have the stress of having to be "the guy" which I think in his case makes it easier for him to actually be the guy... but only on the 3rd line. And having a top-six C injury replacement already on the roster is a big benefit for the Sabres in terms of depth.

I certainly hope not. If you can get him for 8 years at a low enough cap hit, you sign him now. It's a gamble just like it was with Cozens, Tage and Muel.

fify 😉

Sorry, @Brawndo.... didn't see your thread when I created mine. I did look but I think it slipped down in the order overnight.

Yer gettin' old, dood.

I do. He had a pretty good two-way game going before he was injured. When he returned it took a long time to get his shot back, plus he wasn't playing the full 200 foot game anymore. If it was the lingering effects of the injury then possibly he'll look better this season with a fresh start. A fully healthy Mitts and a fully healthy VO might work, especially if VO actually backchecks a bit.

When Savoie is healthy I want to see him on the same line with Benson. They've been very in sync in the WHL. He will have to earn his ice time and position for sure.

I'm seeing Jack Eichel with a 200-foot game right out of the box.

Let's see how it plays out. I tend to agree with you, but I think it's a toss up whether Olofsson would work better with JJ/Cozens or Greenway/Mitts.

I think swapping out Olofsson and Benson will be the last bit of tinkering with the lines.

Samuelsson-Dahlin.... gettin' the band back together.

fify

I look at it this way: You're right about the team getting friendly deals going forward, but give Kevyn credit for signing three key pieces long term before the team turned the corner and those assets realized their potential. It was a bit of a gamble but so far it looks like it's working in the team's favor. To expect the team to be able to get team-friendly deals indefinitely was never realistic.