To all of you my hiatus is over. I am sorry for the deep sleep that I had through most of September. I have written what I have felt, and there was no activity from the organization that warranted any significant response or analysis. I still feel how I feel, and through my writing I really have not deviated from my perception. With the preseason on the doorstep, I am excited to write on a consistent basis and am enthusiastic about the commentary from loyal fans with their own ideas. Prospects challenge is over, training camp has started, live action people, the season is here.
We all were clamoring for a move that would define our identity, but it never came to fruition. It is fun to speculate, but it is obvious from the recent press conferences that management has a plan and they are confident in their process. By stepping back and really understanding, after so many years of ineptitude, it all makes complete sense and we have to eat some crow. Our prospect pool is so deep that valuable assets will never make the team unless positive restructuring is constituted. Simply put, we are destined for success, the pipeline is rich.
What Kevin Adams has done was very proactive in regards to contract negotiations. He has core players on long term deals that would have cost us a lot more in the future as the NHL develops its economic power. It has taken a few years of building, but his decisions have been calculated. When he finally spoke to us, he did not deviate from his plan. I am not sure what your perception was from him and his coach, but I heard confidence and belief that what they have in place will take us to another level. Giving scripted answers to legitimate questions is easy, sacrificing your teams future by doing the right thing is hard.
Thank god this is not him –
Building a core with patience is a hard thing to do with all of the noise. We have a group that has grown together and have each-others backs. We have a team. It's not all about skill, it is about coaching a system and having players who will comply and do the work, especially in the defensive zone. Everyone has been pushing for a goaltending upgrade but we have Levi and UPL. With the additions on the blueline and Granatos' message of discipline, we are going to be just fine. Our offense is potent and the few tweaks needed will tip the scale. We are fine in net. Mark my word. Clifton and Johnson will be the difference. Those moves were calculated. Physicality and a veteran presence who knows what is takes to prepare and endure for the long term in the NHL. Oh yeah, we also have Dahlin and Power. We have three first overall draft picks on our blueline. We are truly on the cusp of being one of the leagues best for years to come. Everything is in place. The salary cap is understood, the prospect depth is unheard of, and trades could be made. That however, needs to be done carefully because of the core that we invested in. Remember that Kyle, Zemgus, and Jost are on one year deals. This gives us flexibility moving forward. They are providing necessary substance to the current impetus, but also are stepping stones.
On Don Granato –
How in the world did we get this guy to run our bench? How did so many other teams miss on his ideal approach to modern day coaching? After Bylsma, Housley, and Kreuger, he has been a blessing. He is a leader, and having cohesiveness in regards to guys following a plan is invaluable. He seems to have a grasp on what it takes. It’s pretty simple. If you have enough talent, you can coach a 1-2-2, a left wing lock, the trap, whatever you want. If your soldiers buy in you are going to easily win more than half of your games. I do get it however. Hockey is a random sport, it is not as systematically predictable as basketball, soccer, football, or baseball. It is arguably just so must faster, and the components that are needed to play are more complicated. You need to have the gems who have the capacity to elevate and disrupt structure with their creativity. We have at least a handful of these guys. As long as the other people on the ice know how to shift and cover, we will be in for one entertaining season.
I apologize for not getting to it earlier, but from now on I will be bringing you my analysis, thoughts, and scrutiny as the season drops before us on a regular basis. I am excited to see what happens, and I am sure all of you chomping at the bit as well. My optimism is not towing the company line, I just smell a little victory in the fall air.
Our Sabres have the marks of being something special. Continuity with our general manager and coaches has been prevalent, and now has been made obvious since they have been speaking with the media.
Notes from the cage –
Patience with Rasmus Dahlin through his development has been scrutinized but well worth it. This guy is a top five defenseman in the league and sometimes we forget that the acclimation process for somebody from Europe with a language barrier takes time. His press conference was night and day from his first few years. He was confident, complimentary, funny, and comfortable. He will get his contract and I believe will be the most likeable and successful guys in franchise history. With all of the weight lifted off his shoulders he has become the anchor that will steady the ship in a storm. He is one of us and loves being here. Great things are coming. He is will carry the sword proudly and it is really awesome that we finally get to know him.
Sometimes you just have to go with your gut and believe. Levi can play fifty games and be extremely successful. This kid is prepared and has put in the work. It’s a different world, and professionalism in regards to your craft starts at an earlier age. He has what it takes and has the athleticism of a top tender. It is an unpredictable position and most teams deal with that fact. We have major potential here. Do you think Toronto would swap their netminders for ours? You know the answer.
Can’t wait to see which one of our prospects get a chance, or if a blockbuster transaction is made. We have leverage to manipulate our bottom six.
Lock up our kingpins on the back end. Numbers 25 and 26 need to be in the long-term numerical equation so everything else can be figured out. It is going to cost us but they are the pillars that hold the arch of our prosperity. Get it done.
Buffalo Sabres Blogger • 
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