Just when you think I would not give you anymore nostalgia, we will give a brief take on my favorite number thirteen. Before I get into that I want to make sure that as I stated before, I am very indebted to the backing that the hockeybuzz community provides Buffalo, and this website. Obviously, it is very apparent that we eclipse almost every other market in the United States in regards to passionate involvement. I have been taking it in through the banter, social media, and the airwaves. Nothing goes unnoticed, and discussion points are not missed. What an amazing thing to be a part of such an ardent marketplace. Good or bad, venomous or loving, crazy or composed, you all bring it with a certain level of caring that has substance. We all want the best for our teams and there is no exact formula. If you want to ride a bison, there are infinite avenues for success. Everybody’s support lifts our region up. I am confident that we will get to a better place and rejoice as one with a major championship. We are in this together and all opinions are valid. The vast information from all entities helps formulate insightful and heartfelt stances.
Back to the number and my propensity to lull the youthful contingency to sleep.
One of the more interesting components to a superstar lineup in Sabre’s history was none other than Yuri Khymalev. In the 1994 playoffs, with Scott Stevens trying to put him over the glass and into the crowd while he played on a broken leg, Khmalev scored two goals. With a language barrier and flanking Mogilny and LaFontaine, Yuri was a true unselfish teammate. Highlights are fun. The great Martin Brodeur had a five hole people.
All reminiscing aside, I am very interested to see what our general manager does with the thirteenth pick in this years NHL draft. I am desperately hoping that it is a component for a large move to solidify a number four defenseman that can play next year with undeniably budding superstar Owen Power. With the defense prospect pool thin, and the uncertainty of anything of substance that might be on the clock, there is no doubt in my mind that our position needs to be leveraged for immediate help. We all are aware that we have an abundance of forwards in the pipeline, and that roster spots are limited, so I am also inclined to part with one of these assets as well. Let’s be brave, let’s do this, let’s take our window to the next level. It’s a balancing act as our current keepers will be getting paid in the next few years. Adams has done a great job gambling on giving out reasonable contracts to valuable commodities, but there is still key machinery to lock up. We can talk all we want about our cap space and the need for a solid veteran goalie, but that comes at a cost. We will not have the wiggle room for some of your virtual dreams of an all-star team unless it is done with foresight.
For the heck of it, and my willingness to point out how irrelevant things can be perceived, in jest, humor me. Here is the history of the Sabre’s thirteenth picks in the opening round.
2009 Zach Kassian
2005 Marek Zagrapan
2004 Drew Stafford
1991 Phillippe Boucher
1988 Joel Savage
1978 Larry Playfair
These are the players that I conclude need to be targeted for contractual lock down as soon as possible. Proactivity is essential. Bridge deal or long term. I am not going to throw numbers around because we all have perception on where they should be slotted. The big guys will fall in line with what the league dictates, and we have heard what the professionals predict –
Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power, Casey Mittelstadt, Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka
This is going to be a very intriguing summer and I am confident that a few substantial moves will be made to enhance our team’s chemistry. Victor Olofsson is all but taking his skill to a different wheelhouse, in a city that I hope embraces him. He deserves the best because he gave us what he could. Sometimes it is the nature of the business and it is the proverbial numbers game cliché. In regards to calculated untouchables in the minds of many? In my perception Savoie is on the table for something significant that is a difference maker, and Kulich is not. The rest of them? We have finally moved into the passing lane and we can’t lock the speed limit in on cruise control. Open ears hear the possibilities. Not only can we use a top defender, a gritty veteran with enough left in the tank could serve us well.
Thanks to Jonathan Marchessault for saving us from another one of our captains from winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. I am at peace with Jack winning the cup, but not comfortable with saying he conducted himself with integrity while he was here. Regardless of the organization’s stance, and possible blunders while you were in town, you have a certain responsibility to a generation of kids and charitable institutions who looked to you as a role model, and a city who wanted to embrace you at all costs. I feel sorry that you are near sighted, but in the end, you are all right as you stated mundanely in the locker room after the Tkachuk hit. You have raised the hardware over your head, and as a professional athlete you are entitled to have it proudly on your resume. Congratulations. Surround it with Lobsters and Quahogs on ice instead of chicken wings. This however will still be on your highlight reel. Feel free to consult Umberger.
As far as the crease is concerned, I want to reiterate that I have trepidation bringing someone in at a high cost that might handcuff moves that present themselves. I am inclined to believe that Levi’s short stint was not an anomaly, and that UPL is still developing into at the very least serviceable. If we can get another proven backup at a discounted rate, and move UPL, I am all for it, but the position historically can be unpredictable. Broker strength in front of them and the statistics will come.
Beautiful day on Elmwood Avenue, our city is a secret that can’t be kept. So many former NHL guys come and never leave. There is something to be said about that.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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