I didn't jump in last night for various reasons, but now that the poop throwing has temporarily ceased, I'll offer my simple analysis.

Trottier was a respected player, and even though he hasn't been coaching for the past decade, he's a "quiet, and honest and genuine" person, along with a "wealth of hockey knowledge and experience." The guy has a few cups, but more importantly, he knows what it takes to get there and what it takes to win. That's invaluable experience for a team like this.

Murray and Nolan must really like this guy in order to bring him into the fold. And I'm sure there's gonna be a naysayer bunch ready to hate on this for reasons such as no one wants to work for Nolan except washed up past network connections and Trottier hasn't coached in years and he's only hired one guy DoubleU-Tee-Eff mayte where are the rest of the coaches Nolan isn't an X's and O's guy so no one wants to work from him. It's all theory and conjecture that has no basis of proof and frankly it's quite tiring.

At this point in time, there is absolutely no reason to not be positive about Trottier coming on board. Check back at the end of the season.

I am not impressed with the BT hire. People in charge who are not confident in themselves tend to hire people who they feel will not be able to compete for their own job.

I would be more impressed with a hire of some young, smart, up and comer rather than a never has been.
- rmiethaner

There's still spots. It could all be a part of a plan that is not yet visible.

In regards to negativity on this board……

Honestly, is there anything wrong with that? People are wishing for this team to lose ALL of their games, for christ sakes. That is negativity. People with opinions that go against the cheerleading is not negative, it's honest.

I saw the Sabres go to the cup finals when they had the best hockey player in the world. I also saw them go to two straight ECF's after the lockout when nobody knew they were any good. Besides those three years, what is there to believe in? We are all hoping for a championship, not just playoff success.

Everyone has been "cautiously optimistic" about the Bills for 20 years.
- rmiethaner

I like this post a lot. I have a lot of thoughts to toss back.

First, I'll say I'm an optimistic guy to a fault, and I consistently try to draw positives from any situation. With that said..

I admit I am a part of the 'lose this year as much as possible crowd.' I, like I'm sure of many others here, strongly desire a potential superstar to lead this team into the promise land. Now is the perfect time, and probably the last chance we'll have at an elite franchise forward for a long time. The way I view the team is that we are so (frank)ing stacked on every defensive and forward line except for forward line 1. Armia, Grigorenko need development and at this point, right this second, they are still question marks as to how they will develop. I personally have faith in them but that's not what this post is about. It's painfully obvious this team needs a few big time scorers, and the Sabres are in prime position to draft a PAIR of them in the next draft. That's what I want. I want the guys that will lead this team throught he post season. It's not the only way to get there. The Bruins did it. And for the most part, the Kings did it. Twice. But we have a chance at a pair of franchise potential talents. This team, this city, these fans. We deserve a winner. I personally am willing to sacrifice one more season to see perennial success. To be like the Leafs or the Sabres since '07 is futile and frustrating. Now, if that makes me negative, so be it.

This team is developing the depth to either trade for other pieces or to be fixtures on this team for years to come. The identity is already taking shape. Hard to play against. Fast. Skilled. Tough. Not John Scott style, but Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry (or choose your own player) style. It's exciting to be a Sabres fan again, but the patience might be a little overwhelming for some.

I have faith in the ownership, the management and the head coach and all of the assistant coach selections until otherwise proven wrong. They deserve a chance to turn this franchise around. Many posters knock the character of Nolan and the coaching style he implements. But apparently players like him, and that's not the end all be all, but it's a decent start. Maybe it works, maybe it doesn't. Maybe past tendencies have been revised. Some of you have insider information which is basically hearsay about the character of Nolan. He is what he is, and frankly I have no (frank)s to give as long as he ices a hard working product that improves individually and as a team. If we don't have the talent this year to make it out of the basement, fine. There are other ways a 'team' can improve besides in the standings. Last year, even though we were terrible, I saw a lot of individual and team based improvement. Most of the guys really looked like they wanted to be here and usually put in a solid effort every night. Hard work alone never beats talent, but this team is close to infusing a ton of talented and hard working players. Then..then the wins will come.

I love the hire. Just listen to how encouraging Trottier is on the bench to young up and comers: "you're the best! You're a superstar!"

http://youtu.be/1MNA0_n32Hc

I love the hire. Just listen to how encouraging Trottier is on the bench to young up and comers: "you're the best! You're a superstar!"

http://youtu.be/1MNA0_n32Hc
- Der Kaiser

That is one of the most amazing videos I've ever seen posted here.

Pegula bid reported to be $1.3 Billion for the Bills.

Would we would re-name Buffalo, Pegulaville?

Pegula bid reported to be $1.3 Billion for the Bills.

Would we would re-name Buffalo, Pegulaville?
- ImThatGuy

A large bronze statue will be constructed in his honor by the new silo project.

Pretty decent article talking about the potential/question of trading for Grigorenko:

http://blogs.edmontonjour...y-for-mikhail-grigorenko/

Good to see an outside view of him, IMO

Pretty decent article talking about the potential/question of trading for Grigorenko:

http://blogs.edmontonjour...y-for-mikhail-grigorenko/

Good to see an outside view of him, IMO
- stashu

Pegula bid reported to be $1.3 Billion for the Bills.

Would we would re-name Buffalo, Pegulaville?
- ImThatGuy

Giant Statue of terry on top of the HSBC tower with arms open and out spread..."Pegula the savior" lol

Pretty decent article talking about the potential/question of trading for Grigorenko:

http://blogs.edmontonjour...y-for-mikhail-grigorenko/

Good to see an outside view of him, IMO
- stashu

Nice article.

I'm glad he's still viewed as a top prospect. No one should be written off at 19-20 years old like he was 6 months ago.

As much as I want him to succeed here, if he has a great year in the AHL, or even some solid production here, if we draft Eichel or McDavid next year he could be a big piece to help get an all-star caliber winger or D-man

Giant Statue of terry on top of the HSBC tower with arms open and out spread..."Pegula the savior" lol
- aschwach

And facing Toronto with arm extended. With the middle finger the only one visible

Nice article.

I'm glad he's still viewed as a top prospect. No one should be written off at 19-20 years old like he was 6 months ago.

As much as I want him to succeed here, if he has a great year in the AHL, or even some solid production here, if we draft Eichel or McDavid next year he could be a big piece to help get an all-star caliber winger or D-man
- sbroads24

Or he could turn into that allstar center/winger.

+2
- Herzeleid

+ 3 , 4 , 5

I feel that strongly

Pegula bid reported to be $1.3 Billion for the Bills.

Would we would re-name Buffalo, Pegulaville?
- ImThatGuy

I'm not a Bills fan but if Pegula's bid was accepted and he became the Bills owner, a stadium near the waterfront somewhere would be the icing on the cake to development down there, that would be pretty cool.

Oh wait maybe that was being too positive..

And facing Toronto with arm extended. With the middle finger the only one visible
- cabin

Love it....I been saying we as a region should organize a Giant "screw u Toronto" rally.....

Or he could turn into that allstar center/winger.
- cabin

Was just about to post this.

Pretty decent article talking about the potential/question of trading for Grigorenko:

http://blogs.edmontonjour...y-for-mikhail-grigorenko/

Good to see an outside view of him, IMO
- stashu

It would seem that after next year's draft, Grigorenko could be the odd man out within their prospect pool and more than likely a candidate for trade.

It would seem that after next year's draft, Grigorenko could be the odd man out within their prospect pool and more than likely a candidate for trade.
- mhp

Or with a good year of development in Rochester he could redeem himself, and make someone else expendable.....either way this training camp and AHL season will be huge for him...and the team's opinions of him

Or with a good year of development in Rochester he could redeem himself, and make someone else expendable.....either way this training camp and AHL season will be huge for him...and the team's opinions of him
- aschwach

From what was posted earlier about his different aproach he has taken this off season. You could be right. He is talking the right attitude. Lets see if he skates it.



Oh and New Blog.

It would seem that after next year's draft, Grigorenko could be the odd man out within their prospect pool and more than likely a candidate for trade.
- mhp

I'd rather they keep him, personally. The kid has been Richarded around in the 2 seasons he's been with the team and has huge skill. Unless he's going out for a top line type player (likely with more on the Sabres end going out), I don't see a reason to give up on him.

Sure, it may be better to sell before he potentially busts, but if he doesn't bust and they trade him for scraps, then it sucks.

Dk why Trump bothered.

The NFL will never let him in after the USFL stuff.
- dadeadhead

He will do anything to get his name in the news.

Pegula bid reported to be $1.3 Billion for the Bills.

Would we would re-name Buffalo, Pegulaville?
- ImThatGuy

One potentially good thing going for Pegula is the NFL puts a lot of emphasis on how the money is raised to purchase a Team. Reason why this could be good is that pegula has that 1.75 billion in cash.

Not sure how much they'll actually weigh that in, but trying to point out a positive