Buffalo should take Draisaitl. Big center who picked up a ton of points playing alongside worse players than Bennett or Reinhart. He has more upside than the Sam's.
- DWE-74_29

I beginning to see it that way too:

http://www.nicholsonhocke...down-leon-draisaitls-game

Yakupov and the 3rd please
- beargk

I feel like MacT would rather call their bluff and then if they drafted Ekblad start pestering you guys about Ehrhoff.

I see you caught onto this disaster.
- TheSabresTaco

I stopped reading after that. Never saw the local part about Bennit!

I feel like MacT would rather call their bluff and then if they drafted Ekblad start pestering you guys about Ehrhoff.
- Morris

If I am EDM I am not moving unless they are offered a top 10 pick this year (4-10) and a top 4 d-man for the 3rd overall. Possibly even try to squeeze a 2nd this or next year out of teh deal.

JJ (Hawks blogger) dropping the mic!!!:

And let me just get on my soapbox once (and finally) today, because this little drama extends past this blog now and onto twitter.

i know most of you come here for the talk and for the information in the blog (whether it comes to fruition in actual trades or signings or not).

The reason for the latter is some of the stuff I report—before anyone else—does get proven correct. Signing Hossa in 2009. Kane's wrist surgery in 2011. Winter Classic last week. And there are more examples. Those are probably the three biggest and clearest. Whatever. I am no better than the sources who graciously provide me with information so I can share with you.

But some people don't like that fact. They don't. Why? You'd have to ask them. One of my sources laughed yesterday and said they're just jealous. Could be, I am fortunate to have this gig and to have made the friendships I have through it.

And as far as that goes for others, tough. Go out and do what I did, start writing for an internet hockey publication, network, make friends, put some ideas forth (instead of attacking others on Twitter and hiding behind a little pack of wannabes on a podcast).

Or they sit here and take little shots at me and my information. Without really much or any of their own. Why? Nothing better to do? No other message board thread to hang out on that has information they deem more accurate? Can't say. Doesn't make a whole lot of sense though.

Bottom line is this though. I will keep doing what I do: trying to get ahead of stories, offering opinions (which you are welcome to dispute if you have facts—and that means something more tangible than "what you say isn't true"). And you can say that I can't prove what I say is true. But yes, I can. Because I preface it, pretty much always, with "this is what I'm hearing," which any moron can read and understand. And it IS what I'm hearing. So it is true. It's what (mostly) credible sources are telling me. And if they're wrong too often, they don't stay sources, trust me.

It isn't "made up" whether you like the content or not. If it was, my "hit" rate would be a lot lower. As in pretty much 0%.

Do the (frank)ing math, sweetheart. And then shut yer yap.

If I am EDM I am not moving unless they are offered a top 10 pick this year (4-10) and a top 4 d-man for the 3rd overall. Possibly even try to squeeze a 2nd this or next year out of teh deal.
- ImThatGuy

The two deals we hear a lot about are Phaneuf + 8th for Gagner +3rd and Byfuglien + 9th for Gagner + 3rd. Both are pretty realistic, but I dunno if that's what the GMs are actually discussing

We should take Bennett. Reinhart would be fine...but think Stafford. Also, Bennett is a local and has blue collar roots..he's from Holland Landing, Ontario...not from out west. Some players (Hmmmm....Myers!?) seem to have a little adjustment period. Don't underestimate being away from family and friends...and he has a top flight mentor in Doug Gilmour. Also, I would get rid of Grigs plus some/all second round picks to Edmonton for the 3rd and get both Sams...Grigs is a headcase and is not one to build around...
- Jackwagon11

I hate debating prospects because none of us are scouts, but if Reinhart's hockey IQ is as ridiculous as the scouts say it is, he's nothing like Stafford

I was wondering the same thing.
- HonkFortheGoose

Drafted2004: 1st Rnd, 13th by BUF


See Stafford's "Talent Analysis" prior to draft...

Stafford is a player with good size and strength who possesses excellent hockey sense. While he is listed at 200 lbs. he looks to be a bit on the thin side. He possesses very good hand-eye coordination along with a long reach. Stafford is a player who has the ability to really step up his game and plays very well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater with good hustle and acceleration. His play along the boards and in the corners is also quite good, with the ability to grind things out. He maneuvers very well around opposing defensemen, at times making some highlight reel moves. He’s willing to drive to the net and is able to create havoc around it. He can deliver as well as take the punishing checks and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game. He sees the ice and anticipates remarkably well. He possesses some nice hands and good passing ability. His awareness both offensively and defensively allows him to play in any situation. His outstanding work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either.

Drafted2004: 1st Rnd, 13th by BUF


See Stafford's "Talent Analysis" prior to draft...

Stafford is a player with good size and strength who possesses excellent hockey sense. While he is listed at 200 lbs. he looks to be a bit on the thin side. He possesses very good hand-eye coordination along with a long reach. Stafford is a player who has the ability to really step up his game and plays very well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater with good hustle and acceleration. His play along the boards and in the corners is also quite good, with the ability to grind things out. He maneuvers very well around opposing defensemen, at times making some highlight reel moves. He’s willing to drive to the net and is able to create havoc around it. He can deliver as well as take the punishing checks and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game. He sees the ice and anticipates remarkably well. He possesses some nice hands and good passing ability. His awareness both offensively and defensively allows him to play in any situation. His outstanding work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
- Jackwagon11

It's still much different to be drafted in the top 2 or 3, than 13. That right there differentiates him. Stafford does have decent hockey sense from what I've seen, but Reinhart is touted as having off the charts hockey IQ. It's not quite the same as having excellent hockey sense. But, it's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

Drafted2004: 1st Rnd, 13th by BUF


See Stafford's "Talent Analysis" prior to draft...

Stafford is a player with good size and strength who possesses excellent hockey sense. While he is listed at 200 lbs. he looks to be a bit on the thin side. He possesses very good hand-eye coordination along with a long reach. Stafford is a player who has the ability to really step up his game and plays very well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater with good hustle and acceleration. His play along the boards and in the corners is also quite good, with the ability to grind things out. He maneuvers very well around opposing defensemen, at times making some highlight reel moves. He’s willing to drive to the net and is able to create havoc around it. He can deliver as well as take the punishing checks and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game. He sees the ice and anticipates remarkably well. He possesses some nice hands and good passing ability. His awareness both offensively and defensively allows him to play in any situation. His outstanding work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
- Jackwagon11

Stafford was never predicted to go 1st overall. Reinhart is a superior player to Stafford. I am not sure why you are even mentioning the 2 in the same breath.

P.S. Just for kicks Read a John Tavares scouting profile. Reinhart's is about on par with him.


Edit: not saying they will be the same player (He and Tavares)

It's still much different to be drafted in the top 2 or 3, than 13. That right there differentiates him. Stafford does have decent hockey sense from what I've seen, but Reinhart is touted as having off the charts hockey IQ. It's not quite the same as having excellent hockey sense. But, it's your opinion and you're entitled to it.
- HonkFortheGoose

Can't argue with the the 2/13 distinction...depending on overall draft talent...I just think "heart" plus talent equals success...I really don't get that feeling from Reinhart or Draisaitl...you know who #2 was in '04 right? Malkin!

Can't argue with the the 2/13 distinction...depending on overall draft talent...I just think "heart" plus talent equals success...I really don't get that feeling from Reinhart or Draisaitl...you know who #2 was in '04 right? Malkin!
- Jackwagon11

You'd see no complaints out of me. While he seems to have disappeared a bit over the last few years, I think it's because of all the injuries he's had.

JJ (Hawks blogger) dropping the mic!!!:

And let me just get on my soapbox once (and finally) today, because this little drama extends past this blog now and onto twitter.

i know most of you come here for the talk and for the information in the blog (whether it comes to fruition in actual trades or signings or not).

The reason for the latter is some of the stuff I report—before anyone else—does ...............................
.................................

Do the (frank)ing math, sweetheart. And then shut yer yap.
- stashu

He should have taken a page from Garth on this one. Just ignore the haters. To be fair though JJ does actually engage his posters, so it is tough.

He should have taken a page from Garth on this one. Just ignore the haters. To be fair though JJ does actually engage his posters, so it is tough.
- Buffalo-Sabres

I just liked the post for the whole aspect of just because 50 things were reported as being talked about but don't happen does not mean there weren't talks and he's just trying to keep his readers up on what he's heard.

Having fun on the Isles thread:

Then I hope Barroway has a good PR man to spin the Sabres drafting McDavid or Eichel with our pick.
- eichiefs9


Buffalo finishes 30th and then wins the lottery with the Isles pick.
- stashu

I just liked the post for the whole aspect of just because 50 things were reported as being talked about but don't happen does not mean there weren't talks and he's just trying to keep his readers up on what he's heard.
- stashu

When things are talked about on here I don't take it as gospel. No one owes us inside info on here. Sometimes things work out, some times they don't.

Having fun on the Isles thread:

Then I hope Barroway has a good PR man to spin the Sabres drafting McDavid or Eichel with our pick.
- eichiefs9


Buffalo finishes 30th and then wins the lottery with the Isles pick.
- stashu



- stashu

Drafted2004: 1st Rnd, 13th by BUF


See Stafford's "Talent Analysis" prior to draft...

Stafford is a player with good size and strength who possesses excellent hockey sense. While he is listed at 200 lbs. he looks to be a bit on the thin side. He possesses very good hand-eye coordination along with a long reach. Stafford is a player who has the ability to really step up his game and plays very well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater with good hustle and acceleration. His play along the boards and in the corners is also quite good, with the ability to grind things out. He maneuvers very well around opposing defensemen, at times making some highlight reel moves. He’s willing to drive to the net and is able to create havoc around it. He can deliver as well as take the punishing checks and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game. He sees the ice and anticipates remarkably well. He possesses some nice hands and good passing ability. His awareness both offensively and defensively allows him to play in any situation. His outstanding work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
- Jackwagon11

Comparing Reinhardtdtd and StaffInjection is like comparing apples to Ville Leino. One is delicious and useful, the other one isn't.

Having fun on the Isles thread:

Then I hope Barroway has a good PR man to spin the Sabres drafting McDavid or Eichel with our pick.
- eichiefs9


Buffalo finishes 30th and then wins the lottery with the Isles pick.
- stashu



- stashu

Crotch kick

at this point, i will be kinda surprised if bennett is there at 2, and the sabres do not take him.
- Mentalorgasm5

Do you think if we could get Reinhart (Toews) and Bennett (Kane) coupled with next year's findings (McEichel) we could get somewhere quick...heck they were pretty young when they won their first cup...would Edmonton take Erhoff/Myers and a couple seconds? D-men take longer to mature I get it...and I like Myers...but again he could want to go "home"...he's probably over his learning curve, and with the right coaching he could be a stud. It's all about chemistry!

Do you think if we could get Reinhart (Toews) and Bennett (Kane) coupled with next year's findings (McEichel) we could get somewhere quick...heck they were pretty young when they won their first cup...would Edmonton take Erhoff/Myers and a couple seconds? D-men take longer to mature I get it...and I like Myers...but again he could want to go "home"...he's probably over his learning curve, and with the right coaching he could be a stud. It's all about chemistry!
- Jackwagon11

His feelings matter not, he can't block a trade.

Do you think if we could get Reinhart (Toews) and Bennett (Kane) coupled with next year's findings (McEichel) we could get somewhere quick...heck they were pretty young when they won their first cup...would Edmonton take Erhoff/Myers and a couple seconds? D-men take longer to mature I get it...and I like Myers...but again he could want to go "home"...he's probably over his learning curve, and with the right coaching he could be a stud. It's all about chemistry!
- Jackwagon11

I don't think we a shot to get back into the top 4 without including the islanders 1st next year, so I want no part of it.

I am all for moving Ehrhoff and 2nds to get back in the 1st, where ever it might get us though

Comparing Reinhardtdtd and StaffInjection is like comparing apples to Ville Leino. One is delicious and useful, the other one isn't.
- TheSabresTaco

Perhaps...was I that dumb!

Drafted2004: 1st Rnd, 13th by BUF


See Stafford's "Talent Analysis" prior to draft...

Stafford is a player with good size and strength who possesses excellent hockey sense. While he is listed at 200 lbs. he looks to be a bit on the thin side. He possesses very good hand-eye coordination along with a long reach. Stafford is a player who has the ability to really step up his game and plays very well at both ends of the ice. He’s an excellent skater with good hustle and acceleration. His play along the boards and in the corners is also quite good, with the ability to grind things out. He maneuvers very well around opposing defensemen, at times making some highlight reel moves. He’s willing to drive to the net and is able to create havoc around it. He can deliver as well as take the punishing checks and doesn’t shy away from the physical aspects of the game. He sees the ice and anticipates remarkably well. He possesses some nice hands and good passing ability. His awareness both offensively and defensively allows him to play in any situation. His outstanding work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed either.
- Jackwagon11

Sounds much more like Bennett than Reinhart.

His feelings matter not, he can't block a trade.
- stashu

Correct.

NMC/modified NTC can't kick in until 16/17