Despite boasting some of the biggest names in the tournament, the Sabres ended up dead-last, losing to the Blues in their final match to go winless overall. Coach Chadd Cassidy believes bad starts doomed the squad and the fairly young group just couldn’t get over the pressure once they got down.
But how did the individuals fare at the tourney? Here are my thoughts on players from the first four teams. Since games were staggered between two rinks, I saw more of some squads than others and the amount of reports reflects that.
Buffalo
Sam Reinhart, C – The second overall pick in 2014 never got on track offensively in Traverse City, failing to score a goal on the week. You could see the smart parts of Reinhart’s game at times and he was pretty good on faceoffs, but he didn’t stand out the way most folks expected.
Rasmus Ristolainen, D – The Finnish world junior hero and fellow high-profile blueliners Jake McCabe and Nikita Zadorov all looked pretty similar. Though all three have had their shining moments on the international stage, the trio couldn’t stanch the bleeding in Traverse City. The Sabres gave up six goals to Carolina and seven to Dallas and goaltending was not the sole reason. I got the impression all three were waiting for the Sabres’ main camp to start; they just weren’t really crisp. Ristolainen showed the most fire.
Vaclav Karabacek, RW – Any time Karabacek got the puck, he seemed to move at double speed. Real fun to watch, he’s got a ton of skill and flash. He can get picked on in scrums, but that’s what brawnier linemates are for.
Brady Austin, D – My most pleasant Buffalo surprise. Austin is a mammoth of a D-man, but he can move pretty well and showed some offensive flair. Ultimately, he’ll be known more for his physicality and defense, but at least he has another dimension to him.
Justin Bailey, RW – I overheard two scouts from another team talking about Bailey and they were impressed. He clearly has a lot of skill and speed, while that 6-foot-4 frame is a great asset. He may need a couple more years of development, but the upside is very high.
Joel Armia, LW – One of the more experienced players here, Armia made that evident. He had some very dangerous rushes and though he didn’t pot one, it was not for lack of effort. Mixed it up in front of the net a lot too.
Brendan Lemieux, LW – I get the impression that Lemieux is a victim of his own creation right now. Openly modelling his agitating game after dad Claude Lemieux, Brendan is always in the middle of things, for better or worse. I can’t see a lot of calls going his way because of that and he can get frustrated. Having said that, there’s a nice defensive element to his game.

http://www.thehockeynews....m-traverse-city-part-one/

Despite boasting some of the biggest names in the tournament, the Sabres ended up dead-last, losing to the Blues in their final match to go winless overall. Coach Chadd Cassidy believes bad starts doomed the squad and the fairly young group just couldn’t get over the pressure once they got down.
But how did the individuals fare at the tourney? Here are my thoughts on players from the first four teams. Since games were staggered between two rinks, I saw more of some squads than others and the amount of reports reflects that.
Buffalo
Sam Reinhart, C – The second overall pick in 2014 never got on track offensively in Traverse City, failing to score a goal on the week. You could see the smart parts of Reinhart’s game at times and he was pretty good on faceoffs, but he didn’t stand out the way most folks expected.
Rasmus Ristolainen, D – The Finnish world junior hero and fellow high-profile blueliners Jake McCabe and Nikita Zadorov all looked pretty similar. Though all three have had their shining moments on the international stage, the trio couldn’t stanch the bleeding in Traverse City. The Sabres gave up six goals to Carolina and seven to Dallas and goaltending was not the sole reason. I got the impression all three were waiting for the Sabres’ main camp to start; they just weren’t really crisp. Ristolainen showed the most fire.
Vaclav Karabacek, RW – Any time Karabacek got the puck, he seemed to move at double speed. Real fun to watch, he’s got a ton of skill and flash. He can get picked on in scrums, but that’s what brawnier linemates are for.
Brady Austin, D – My most pleasant Buffalo surprise. Austin is a mammoth of a D-man, but he can move pretty well and showed some offensive flair. Ultimately, he’ll be known more for his physicality and defense, but at least he has another dimension to him.
Justin Bailey, RW – I overheard two scouts from another team talking about Bailey and they were impressed. He clearly has a lot of skill and speed, while that 6-foot-4 frame is a great asset. He may need a couple more years of development, but the upside is very high.
Joel Armia, LW – One of the more experienced players here, Armia made that evident. He had some very dangerous rushes and though he didn’t pot one, it was not for lack of effort. Mixed it up in front of the net a lot too.
Brendan Lemieux, LW – I get the impression that Lemieux is a victim of his own creation right now. Openly modelling his agitating game after dad Claude Lemieux, Brendan is always in the middle of things, for better or worse. I can’t see a lot of calls going his way because of that and he can get frustrated. Having said that, there’s a nice defensive element to his game.

http://www.thehockeynews....m-traverse-city-part-one/
- GilPerreault11

Hope that changes, considering how highly touted they are

Hope that doesn't change, considering what had been said about him effort wise

It's a little disappointing hearing that our prospects did not score a lot this tournament but I am glad that for most of the games they dominated 5 on 5 play. Hopefully this is doesn't mean much more than just a bad tournament.

Despite boasting some of the biggest names in the tournament, the Sabres ended up dead-last, losing to the Blues in their final match to go winless overall. Coach Chadd Cassidy believes bad starts doomed the squad and the fairly young group just couldn’t get over the pressure once they got down.

http://www.thehockeynews....m-traverse-city-part-one/
- GilPerreault11

Thanks Gil

For sure he will be a good player.

Not a great player like a Toews or Crosby or Doughty, but a good solid guy who might average a point per game in his prime.

Any Sabres fans jumping off his bandwagon because he didn't score in a prospect's tournament need to relax and take a tranquilizer
- Rang

Could you send a boat load of them traquilizers to Rochester please...I need all I can get.

sabres are even tanking the prospect tournament...
- docavalanche

Getting my season tickets for canisius hockey at the harbour center. Can't wait to go to some games.

Wow, this Johansen stuff is getting messy!

“When you see the numbers that are thrown at us, we shouldn’t even respond. That’s how bad it is. It’s embarrassing. And if the kid sits out (of training camp), he sits out. I wonder if the agent is going to pay him his money back that he’s going to lose by sitting out?” - John Davidson

"He announced that the team had offered Johansen $6 million over two years and $32 million over six years (which JD correctly said is more than Jamie Benn makes) and $46 million over eight years. Which is astronomical money for a player that has one standout season to his credit."

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...ct-numbers-191358217.html

Wow, this Johansen stuff is getting messy!

“When you see the numbers that are thrown at us, we shouldn’t even respond. That’s how bad it is. It’s embarrassing. And if the kid sits out (of training camp), he sits out. I wonder if the agent is going to pay him his money back that he’s going to lose by sitting out?” - John Davidson

"He announced that the team had offered Johansen $6 million over two years and $32 million over six years (which JD correctly said is more than Jamie Benn makes) and $46 million over eight years. Which is astronomical money for a player that has one standout season to his credit."

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...ct-numbers-191358217.html
- stashu

I would have taken that deal if i were him.

Wow, this Johansen stuff is getting messy!

“When you see the numbers that are thrown at us, we shouldn’t even respond. That’s how bad it is. It’s embarrassing. And if the kid sits out (of training camp), he sits out. I wonder if the agent is going to pay him his money back that he’s going to lose by sitting out?” - John Davidson

"He announced that the team had offered Johansen $6 million over two years and $32 million over six years (which JD correctly said is more than Jamie Benn makes) and $46 million over eight years. Which is astronomical money for a player that has one standout season to his credit."

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...ct-numbers-191358217.html
- stashu

I think it's insane he's asking for that much.

Wow, this Johansen stuff is getting messy!

“When you see the numbers that are thrown at us, we shouldn’t even respond. That’s how bad it is. It’s embarrassing. And if the kid sits out (of training camp), he sits out. I wonder if the agent is going to pay him his money back that he’s going to lose by sitting out?” - John Davidson

"He announced that the team had offered Johansen $6 million over two years and $32 million over six years (which JD correctly said is more than Jamie Benn makes) and $46 million over eight years. Which is astronomical money for a player that has one standout season to his credit."

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...ct-numbers-191358217.html
- stashu

While this, if true, sounds absurd, I'm not sure making it public is the right thing to do.

While this, if true, sounds absurd, I'm not sure making it public is the right thing to do.
- buffalofan19

I would have to agree that he may be asking for a bit much, considering that he does only have 1 30+ goal season to his credit. However, he was a top 5 pick and is probably still going to continue to grow a bit. He hasn't reached his ceiling and he isn't about to decline dramatically either.

He's their #1 center. Pretty much the only "star" player they have. It's a pretty ugly situation all around though. And if I'm a player that's going to be a UFA soon, I certainly don't think Columbus is going to be on my list of teams I'd be interested in after hearing all of this.

While this, if true, sounds absurd, I'm not sure making it public is the right thing to do.
- buffalofan19

I agree you shouldnt negotiate though the media....while I understand he wants the Jackets org. To look like the good guys and gain support...ultimately it leads to bad blood and he and the front office will shoulder the blame when he leaves or is traded, especially if last season was no fluke....

All and all I think more players should take bridge deals, and prove that they aren't one year wonders...it's just not going that way for many 30goal scores these days.....

So the jackets hand will ultimately be forced one way or the other......hey I would take him on the Sabres

I agree you should negotiate though the media....while I understand he wants the Jackets org. To look like the good guys and gain support...ultimately it leads to bad blood and he and the front office will shoulder the blame when he leaves or is traded, especially if last season was no fluke....

All and all I think more players should take bridge deals, and prove that they aren't one year wonders...it's just not going that way for many 30goal scores these days.....

So the jackets hand will ultimately be forced one way or the other......hey I would take him on the Sabres
- aschwach

I can see both sides. On one hand, I can see where the Blue Jackets are coming from. This isn't just about Ryan Johansen. This is about setting precedent. If they cave and give the guy this kind of money, other players are going to use that contract as a comparison, and then we end up at the same situation we have for the past two lockouts. At some point, common sense says these teams will say "enough is enough". The question is how do you do it without getting accused of collusion.

On the other hand, you have the players, who, if you remember the last lockout, believe that they conceded a lot from the past two lockouts. They're going to milk this CBA for every dollar they can get, and I can't necessarily say I blame them. The money's sitting theoretically sitting there. Far be it from me or anyone else to tell a player he can't take it.

http://www.sportsnet.ca/h...blasts-ex-coach-boudreau/


That's interesting

I can see both sides. On one hand, I can see where the Blue Jackets are coming from. This isn't just about Ryan Johansen. This is about setting precedent. If they cave and give the guy this kind of money, other players are going to use that contract as a comparison, and then we end up at the same situation we have for the past two lockouts. At some point, common sense says these teams will say "enough is enough". The question is how do you do it without getting accused of collusion.

On the other hand, you have the players, who, if you remember the last lockout, believe that they conceded a lot from the past two lockouts. They're going to milk this CBA for every dollar they can get, and I can't necessarily say I blame them. The money's sitting theoretically sitting there. Far be it from me or anyone else to tell a player he can't take it.
- buffalofan19

Both sides make a good point...but I feel like the Davidson is going about it the wrong way by going though the media. It will only lead to bad blood...and ultimately he will get blamed by the fans.....I think Kekalainen is a good GM who has CBus on the right track...and I think he will figure things out for the best of the team...but if Davidson keeps stepping over him I don't believe this situation will end up well.

Both sides make a good point...but I feel like the Davidson is going about it the wrong way by going though the media. It will only lead to bad blood...and ultimately he will get blamed by the fans.....I think Kekalainen is a good GM who has CBus on the right track...and I think he will figure things out for the best of the team...but if Davidson keeps stepping over him I don't believe this situation will end up well.
- aschwach

I think I agree that taking it to the media is a bad idea, but then again, I'm not sure how you keep your mouth shut without looking cheap.

Agent Kurt Overhardt, who represents restricted free agent Ryan Johansen, reportedly tried to meet with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday, but was turned down.

Overhardt and Blue Jackets president John Davidson have made their cases to the public lately in a heated fashion and that has led to Columbus taking the unusual step of revealing what its offers were. The Blue Jackets proposed three deals to Johansen, including a two-year, $6 million contract, six-year, $32 million deal, and an eight-year $46 million offer. All were rejected. At this point, it wouldn't be in the least bit surprising if Johansen doesn't sign by the start of the season.

Per Roto World

8 yrs 46 mill....... wow.

It's more about he wants to play elsewhere.

It's more about he wants to play elsewhere.
- sippyd

He will go to the Rangers or the Flyers...............you didn't know?

It's more about he wants to play elsewhere.
- sippyd

I will take him here.....

He will go to the Rangers or the Flyers...............you didn't know?
- SABRES 89

No , He will go to the Leafs ! He wants to play for the Leafs ! Doesn't everyone ? Just ask any Leafs fan !

Nice start for the Leafs

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=462053

I will take him here.....
- aschwach

Signing him to an offer sheet would mean giving up our 1st rounder this year. No thanks.

I would imagine that even making a trade with Cbus for him would mean we'd have to give up a 1st rounder. I suppose we could send them the Isles pick. Plus I'm sure they'd want more.

No , He will go to the Leafs ! He wants to play for the Leafs ! Doesn't everyone ? Just ask any Leafs fan !



- Maximum Signal

They have alot of GLUE there?