Bolts are going to be good next year

- homiedclown

A lot of it for them depends on goaltending. If Bishop has the same type of year as this year, they'll be toward the top of the conference.

A lot of it for them depends on goaltending. If Bishop has the same type of year as this year, they'll be toward the top of the conference.
- HonkFortheGoose

defense too

A lot of it for them depends on goaltending. If Bishop has the same type of year as this year, they'll be toward the top of the conference.
- HonkFortheGoose

@drosennhl: Oilers trade Sam Gagner to Lightning for Ted Purcell. But there are reports that TBL will put Gagner on waivers for purpose of buyout.

From what I was told when LaFontaine met with Pegula and his wife before the job was offered to him, after he was hired he was told he would have complete say so. That changed because Pegula's wife was interfering on a daily basis and LaFontaine had enough. There were other obstacles as well, don't shoot the messenger just going off of what I was told after LaFontaine was hired. I'm not trying to sound like a know it all I just asked my uncle because I thought it was very strange because of how long Pegula was trying for LaFontaine.
- SABRES 89

I'd be curious to know to what to degree she was interfering in? On the business side or in actual hockey operations?

defense too
- Michael Pachla

I think the defense is pretty decent. They still managed fairly well even without Bishop in net to end the year. I just think he's the real wildcard for them.

I'd be curious to know to what to degree she was interfering in? On the business side or in actual hockey operations?
- Sabresfan-365

My guess would be the hockey side, since that's what LaFontaine was brought in to manage.

I think the defense is pretty decent. They still managed fairly well even without Bishop in net to end the year. I just think he's the real wildcard for them.
- HonkFortheGoose

agreed, goosie

I'd be curious to know to what to degree she was interfering in? On the business side or in actual hockey operations?
- Sabresfan-365

I would think both but that's all I was told, when I talk with my uncle tomorrow I'll ask him again. He's having dinner with his friend from the Sabres tonight.

(kicks blanket)




- grand-magus

OK, so who are/is the veteran(s) on D that will guide our stable of youngsters to the Promised Land? If Myers is the sole guru, then we are french-fried.

My point was that, in a moment of slight inebriation, I saw a picture of Weber being a voice in the locker room that 1) has seen some ups and downs 2) seems like a Nolan guy 3) does not cost a lot 4) will still be a positive force in the locker room night after night, even though he mostly sucks, and will stay positive no matter what (see Erhoff, bought out) 5) The man sucked as$ laST season but played some decent hockey a year before under a coach that more resembles Nolan than Rolston 6) has been brought up through our farm system and can speak rationally in the room when we suck so bad this year that spirits are low 7) who else can be counted on on the back end to drop 'em if needed?

Maybe wishful thinking, but Mike Weber fits that mold more than anyone we got, at least for now.

@TheFourthPeriod: So looks like there is NO buy out on Gagner for the Bolts, accidental tweet by team rep that was deleted.

@drosennhl: Oilers trade Sam Gagner to Lightning for Ted Purcell. But there are reports that TBL will put Gagner on waivers for purpose of buyout.
- Irish 14

Already bought out vinny and malone

I would think both but that's all I was told, when I talk with my uncle tomorrow I'll ask him again. He's having dinner with his friend from the Sabres tonight.
- SABRES 89

Not a slight at her but does she have any knowledge of the sport beyond the basics? Maybe she's secretly and advanced stats freak and didn't like the Lafontaine was dismissing them or maybe it's the other way around?

It's just really strange. Appreciate the info though

A lot of it for them depends on goaltending. If Bishop has the same type of year as this year, they'll be toward the top of the conference.
- HonkFortheGoose

Bishop is fine. They need a competent back up
Griess?

OK, so who are/is the veteran(s) on D that will guide our stable of youngsters to the Promised Land? If Myers is the sole guru, then we are french-fried.

My point was that, in a moment of slight inebriation, I saw a picture of Weber being a voice in the locker room that 1) has seen some ups and downs 2) seems like a Nolan guy 3) does not cost a lot 4) will still be a positive force in the locker room night after night, even though he mostly sucks, and will stay positive no matter what (see Erhoff, bought out) 5) The man sucked as$ laST season but played some decent hockey a year before under a coach that more resembles Nolan than Rolston 6) has been brought up through our farm system and can speak rationally in the room when we suck so bad this year that spirits are low 7) who else can be counted on on the back end to drop 'em if needed?

Maybe wishful thinking, but Mike Weber fits that mold more than anyone we got, at least for now.
- LandlordTom

Weber does have some use to this team right now. He's a hard worker. He can help show the young guys the ropes. The problem is that he's really just a 5-6 guy at best. He has good moments and bad moments.

Weber isn't enough though. They need to bring in another veteran voice that actually has some talent as well.

Bishop is fine. They need a competent back up
Griess?
- homiedclown

I think Bishop is fine as well. But with goalies you never really know. This was his first full year as a starter, so he's still a bit of a wild card IMO.

Greiss is an interesting thought. I've always liked him.

Weber does have some use to this team right now. He's a hard worker. He can help show the young guys the ropes. The problem is that he's really just a 5-6 guy at best. He has good moments and bad moments.

Weber isn't enough though. They need to bring in another veteran voice that actually has some talent as well.
- HonkFortheGoose

Agreed. Not saying he;s tha Man but he most definitely has a place on a team trying to tank but still stay positive.

Weber does have some use to this team right now. He's a hard worker. He can help show the young guys the ropes. The problem is that he's really just a 5-6 guy at best. He has good moments and bad moments.

Weber isn't enough though. They need to bring in another veteran voice that actually has some talent as well.
- HonkFortheGoose

Gilbert

Not a slight at her but does she have any knowledge of the sport beyond the basics? Maybe she's secretly and advanced stats freak and didn't like the Lafontaine was dismissing them or maybe it's the other way around?

It's just really strange. Appreciate the info though
- Sabresfan-365

I don't understand it either, why would she get involved is beyond me.

do we sign anyone on Tuesday?
- mhp

some bums i hope

I think Bishop is fine as well. But with goalies you never really know. This was his first full year as a starter, so he's still a bit of a wild card IMO.

Greiss is an interesting thought. I've always liked him.
- HonkFortheGoose

You,myself and an ape have been banging that drum for years

Agreed. Not saying he;s tha Man but he most definitely has a place on a team trying to tank but still stay positive.
- LandlordTom

This year is going to be about having guys that can teach the young kids that even if they're not winning, there's things they can do to continue to improve. The issue I have with him being the sole person doing that, is that hard work can only take someone so far. There has to be real talent to go along with it.

Gilbert
- homiedclown

Just posted by the Flames blogger that he Flames have interest in Gilbert.

I'm gonna say 5.

Myers
Hodgson
Stafford
Ennis
Foligno
- HonkFortheGoose

3, if you include Luke Adam.

Myers
Stafford

some bums i hope
- GERBE!!!75PTS

It won't be bums, won't happen

I'd be curious to know to what to degree she was interfering in? On the business side or in actual hockey operations?
- Sabresfan-365

I've heard differing reports. Mine centered around Pat being difficult to work for (general) but also many people believing Pat's concussion issues (forgetting what he's said and repeating himself in many conversations) caused people to really lack respect for him.