Hecht?

[sabres1970]

Here's a question to entertain during a dead sports time: will Jochen Hecht play another game as a Sabre? We all know that the winger depth on this team is too deep for him to snag a spot next season on the outside. The only realistic option for him would be our fourth line center, and that means he'll be competing with the up and comer Luke Adam. I saw that article about Hecht being excited to play in Germany next year but I honestly don't believe that he has a spot on this team going into next season. Your thoughts?

[SabresFan526]

Hecht's in the last year of his contract. He'll definitely be on the team and Lindy loves him. I anticipate that his role will be centering the third line between Gerbe and Pominville for 2 and a half periods a game, and Gaustad will replace Gerbe on that line with 10 minutes left in a game and Lindy will shorten the bench and put Hecht-Gaustad-Pominville together to ice the games and be the checking line. He'll continue to be a key PKer on this team and defensive forward. I don't think he is re-signed after this season, but he'll make the team. He certainly has value and Lindy loves him, so I don't see him not making the team. Kotalik is going to be demoted most likely in my opinion.

[Weave]

I agree with Sabresfan526.

[sabres1970]

But who will he make the team over? You think that even if Adam tears it up in the preseason he will still be kept out of the lineup just because Lindy likes Hecht?

[PromoTheRobot]

To serve as tour guide when the team is in Germany.

 

PTR

[Iron Crotch]

I've always liked Jochen. He's a veteran presence who can play wing or center. He quietly led the team in even-strength goals two years ago (and +/-) and was 6th in ES goals last year. He is pretty good along the wall, can hold up in a physical game, is good defensively (career + 93). Plus, he's only the 7th highest paid forward on the team, which isn't unreasonable given his tenure in the league. Personally, I think he's a solid third-liner and I've never understood why so many dislike him.

[Marvelo]

Jochen's been a disappointment to me as far as producing for his salary. Off the boat I say. And he can take Grier and Gaustad with him as far as I'm concerned. I like those guys but want them upgraded to new-souped up versions for our high-flying team in 2011-2012.

[SabresFan526]

But who will he make the team over? You think that even if Adam tears it up in the preseason he will still be kept out of the lineup just because Lindy likes Hecht?

Yes. There's a veteran presence and calmness that he brings. In addition, Adam and Hecht do not play the same game. Adam is trying to fight for a spot on the top 6. Hecht is secured a spot on the third line in a checking role against other teams' top lines. Also, Hecht has scored 20 goals in two seasons in his career. He can bring offense and can play sound defensively. Adam will make the team in 2012-2013, but there's nothing wrong with him playing another year in the AHL to get ready for the NHL. He's on an entry level deal and will be the first call-up if there is an injury and will definitely see time in the NHL this season. Why rush it when Hecht is there to play a role that is needed on the team that Adam cannot play? Hecht makes the team for sure.

[Weave]

But who will he make the team over? You think that even if Adam tears it up in the preseason he will still be kept out of the lineup just because Lindy likes Hecht?

 

I don't expect Adam to tear up the preseason.

 

This won't be a popular opinion here but.... *IF* Adam tears up the preseason and earns his spot centering the 3rd line, I think Gerbe gets bumped into the pressbox. Hecht has value as a late game shutdown forward. He's a very good PK'er. Plays wing or center so he can move mid-game in case of an injury. And he's another guy that can take faceoffs. No way LIndy sits that much versatility. And I don't like Gerbe on the 4th line. His game is soooooo much different than Gaustad's and McCormick's game that I don;t like the way he fits with those two. Kaleta is very limited but his game fits with Goose and Mic. So... *IF* Adam lights up the preseason Hecht moves to wing and Gerbe becomes the extra forward and Kaleta stays in the lineup. Until his inevitable injury anyway.

 

 

My $0.02

[DrDahlinstein]

Jochen's been a disappointment to me as far as producing for his salary. Off the boat I say. And he can take Grier and Gaustad with him as far as I'm concerned. I like those guys but want them upgraded to new-souped up versions for our high-flying team in 2011-2012.

 

Agreed with most of your post, except for getting rid of Gaustad.

 

Right now, on paper, this team looks like a "high-flying team" that will win the President Cup, but then not have the grit, size, and toughness to last through 3 rounds of playoffs and a championship series.

 

I think keeping Goose around helps us in that department.

 

But Hecht can go. And while Ive always liked Grier, I wouldnt mind upgrading him.

[deluca67]

Agreed with most of your post, except for getting rid of Gaustad.

 

Right now, on paper, this team looks like a "high-flying team" that will win the President Cup, but then not have the grit, size, and toughness to last through 3 rounds of playoffs and a championship series.

 

I think keeping Goose around helps us in that department.

 

But Hecht can go. And while Ive always liked Grier, I wouldnt mind upgrading him.

:blink:

[Formerly Allan in MD]

Here's a question to entertain during a dead sports time: will Jochen Hecht play another game as a Sabre? We all know that the winger depth on this team is too deep for him to snag a spot next season on the outside. The only realistic option for him would be our fourth line center, and that means he'll be competing with the up and comer Luke Adam. I saw that article about Hecht being excited to play in Germany next year but I honestly don't believe that he has a spot on this team going into next season. Your thoughts?

You'll know the Sabres are progressing when Hecht is no longer on the team. I'm not sure what he brings other than consistently mediocre play.

[Marvelo]

looks like there's a real German element to this new Sabres club, with Hecht, Vanek and Ehrhoff. What next, the Gestapo Line?

[thesportsbuff]

I would be utterly shocked if Luke Adam makes the team. I mean, I hope he does I guess, because that would mean he made some HUGE strides over the off-season.. but I highly doubt he's ready for the NHL.

[IKnowPhysics]

Vanek

 

Austrian.

 

Hecht is a decent two way player that puts forth good effort. He's never appeared to me to be an effective offensive threat to opponents. It always seemed like he underperformed in this area, but not as mush as Connolly (lack of effort sometimes) or Grier (lack of hands/skill sometimes). I think he wears the 'A' because he's an alright veteran presence on a younger team and he works pretty hard. I imagine he'll have a similar role going forward: decent option for a hard working 3rd line or occasional 2nd line winger and time on the PK.

[nfreeman]

I don't expect Adam to tear up the preseason.

 

This won't be a popular opinion here but.... *IF* Adam tears up the preseason and earns his spot centering the 3rd line, I think Gerbe gets bumped into the pressbox. Hecht has value as a late game shutdown forward. He's a very good PK'er. Plays wing or center so he can move mid-game in case of an injury. And he's another guy that can take faceoffs. No way LIndy sits that much versatility. And I don't like Gerbe on the 4th line. His game is soooooo much different than Gaustad's and McCormick's game that I don;t like the way he fits with those two. Kaleta is very limited but his game fits with Goose and Mic. So... *IF* Adam lights up the preseason Hecht moves to wing and Gerbe becomes the extra forward and Kaleta stays in the lineup. Until his inevitable injury anyway.

 

 

My $0.02

I must disagree with the bolded part. I think McCormick will sit before Gerbe. Gerbe was the Sabres' best forward for most of the 2nd half and the playoffs last year. He has the highest intensity level of anyone on the team except possibly Miller. I have a strong suspicion that Gerbe is working out like a maniac this summer and is going to have a bigger role and a good year next year.

 

Also, Gaustad-Gerbe-Kaleta were very good together last year.

 

However, I think this is moot because I also don't see Adam tearing it up in camp and forcing his way onto the opening day roster.

[BetweenThePipes00]

Even if Adam does rip it up I bet he starts in Rochester ... not unlike Roy in 2005-06. He got sent down basically because he could without dealing with waivers and had 20 points in 8 games before coming back up for good. If Adam does THAT, it will be a nice problem to have.

[Taro T]

I must disagree with the bolded part. I think McCormick will sit before Gerbe. Gerbe was the Sabres' best forward for most of the 2nd half and the playoffs last year. He has the highest intensity level of anyone on the team except possibly Miller. I have a strong suspicion that Gerbe is working out like a maniac this summer and is going to have a bigger role and a good year next year.

 

Also, Gaustad-Gerbe-Kaleta were very good together last year.

 

However, I think this is moot because I also don't see Adam tearing it up in camp and forcing his way onto the opening day roster.

I'd expect Kaleta to typically sit before McCormick primarily because McCormick can play center but could see McCormick sitting. I think either would sit before Gerbe.

 

Gerbe and Hecht will both be a regular part of the 12 man forward crew. Hecht at C3 unless they make 1 more trade (where's that cross your fingers smiley when you need it?) in which case he's L3. And Gerbe at L3 most likely, but also possibly at L4 or L2 w/ injuries.

 

I know a lot of people here don't like Hecht, but salary aside, he's almost a perfect fit as 3rd line winger & 1st PKer and is versatile enough to fill in at 3rd line center or 2nd line wing or 2nd PP unit.

 

I still expect Adam to be the spare forward this year, but if he plays his way into the lineup, then Jochen slides to L3.

[nfreeman]

I'd expect Kaleta to typically sit before McCormick primarily because McCormick can play center but could see McCormick sitting. I think either would sit before Gerbe.

 

Gerbe and Hecht will both be a regular part of the 12 man forward crew. Hecht at C3 unless they make 1 more trade (where's that cross your fingers smiley when you need it?) in which case he's L3. And Gerbe at L3 most likely, but also possibly at L4 or L2 w/ injuries.

 

I know a lot of people here don't like Hecht, but salary aside, he's almost a perfect fit as 3rd line winger & 1st PKer and is versatile enough to fill in at 3rd line center or 2nd line wing or 2nd PP unit.

 

I still expect Adam to be the spare forward this year, but if he plays his way into the lineup, then Jochen slides to L3.

I agree with all of this except for Kaleta sitting before McCormick, because I think Kaleta has quite a bit more game than McCormick. You could be right though, especially for games where Lindy anticipates a fight or 2.

 

As for Adam, I also see him as the 13th forward, but I think he'll spend most of his time in Rochester, not healthy-scratched with the Sabres (not sure if that's what you meant as well).

[FolignosJock]

I agree with all of this except for Kaleta sitting before McCormick, because I think Kaleta has quite a bit more game than McCormick. You could be right though, especially for games where Lindy anticipates a fight or 2.

 

As for Adam, I also see him as the 13th forward, but I think he'll spend most of his time in Rochester, not healthy-scratched with the Sabres (not sure if that's what you meant as well).

 

This.

 

Hecht is an excellent two way forward and that is what he has always been. We didnt pay him the money because we thought he was going to start being a first line center. He plays Lindy's game and he does it better than anyone else that has been on this team and thats why lindy is so in love with him. I for one have no problem with hecht playing as the third line center. Also going forward to next season, I think his contract is a bit high and if he takes a paycut then perfect. However, I sign him over gaustad every day of the week. Gaustad is overpaid and as the seasons go by he gets slower and his skating looks like garbage, I feel like the only thing he is good for at this point is taking the faceoff and skating directly to the bench for a change... maybe we could play it like in lacrosse ???

[ROCBuffalo]

This.

 

Hecht is an excellent two way forward and that is what he has always been. We didnt pay him the money because we thought he was going to start being a first line center. He plays Lindy's game and he does it better than anyone else that has been on this team and thats why lindy is so in love with him. I for one have no problem with hecht playing as the third line center. Also going forward to next season, I think his contract is a bit high and if he takes a paycut then perfect. However, I sign him over gaustad every day of the week. Gaustad is overpaid and as the seasons go by he gets slower and his skating looks like garbage, I feel like the only thing he is good for at this point is taking the faceoff and skating directly to the bench for a change... maybe we could play it like in lacrosse ???

I agree with this. Hecht would fit great as a 3rd line center only because we are short on centers. Him and pominville have been playing for years and Lindy shouldn't break that up. He is still a good player as a two way forward. However, i hope that one of the younger guys steps up. I can't wait to watch the Amerks in ROCHAHACHCHAAAA

[BetweenThePipes00]

I really don't like Hecht as a center but if it is the 3rd line it's not the end of the world I guess, and Hecht-Pominville-Gerbe could be interesting offensively ... although I fear they would get pushed around a little.

And the thing is, even if they do get another center, someone is almost always hurt ... so Hecht is going to end up playing half the damn season at center anyway ... at one point they had Briere, Drury, Roy, Connolly and Gaustad on the team and he STILL played center quite a bit. I guess that's where his "value" is, that he CAN do it ... I just hate that cap hit for a guy that doesn't really do it all that well.

[SabresFan526]

I really don't like Hecht as a center but if it is the 3rd line it's not the end of the world I guess, and Hecht-Pominville-Gerbe could be interesting offensively ... although I fear they would get pushed around a little.

And the thing is, even if they do get another center, someone is almost always hurt ... so Hecht is going to end up playing half the damn season at center anyway ... at one point they had Briere, Drury, Roy, Connolly and Gaustad on the team and he STILL played center quite a bit. I guess that's where his "value" is, that he CAN do it ... I just hate that cap hit for a guy that doesn't really do it all that well.

Remember Connolly, Tim? How much did you hate that? Even bigger cap hit for a guy who didn't play center all that well.

[BetweenThePipes00]

Remember Connolly, Tim? How much did you hate that? Even bigger cap hit for a guy who didn't play center all that well.

 

Well obviously ... kind of beside the point though ... the question is who is the 3rd line center now. Thankfully, Connolly is out of the mix.

[SabresFan526]

Well obviously ... kind of beside the point though ... the question is who is the 3rd line center now. Thankfully, Connolly is out of the mix.

Sorry, I could not resist that one.

 

I think Hecht-Gerbe-Pominville will be fine, and they'll close the games out with Hecht-Gaustad-Pominville as the defensive checking line when the game is tight. I'm fine with that. And, let's not forget, Hecht hit the 20 goal mark twice in his career, both times when his primary position was center. Something to think about.