From what I've been hearing, Pysyk is sulking and McCabe regressed while Ruhwedel is becoming more of a Torey Krug.
- sippyd

Ruhwedel could be the first D called up and he might even find a spot here next year.

Post Script:

I should add a couple of things I hear whispers on, since this particular site is predicated on hockey rumors, specifically trades.

Mez and Ben are on our blue line for a reason. Don't call it tanking, consider it strategic implementation to accomplish an objective. Them's big words for "McDavid or Eichel".
And on that subject, while McDavid was brought to Buffalo via the hosted Otters games and the Harbor Center opening, that was no coincidence. I realize the fans are a smart bunch, but the fan base should really connect the dots.
Tim Murrary and company fully expect McDavid to be hear opening night next season, just thought I'd give you all a little good news. And while that sounds good, the Sabres are hedging their bets, in the past month, over 20 of the Sabres NHL and Amateur scouts have attended multiple Eichel games.

Expect 1 of the 2 here in Buffalo next season, hence why Mez and Ben keep seeing ice time and why Armia, Grigs, Pysyk and some others in Rochester won't.

There is a strategy in play here, it's a chess game the likes of which hasn't been seen by the NHL in a long time. Some NHL GM's and owners became so concerned about the Sabres strategy, set by Pegula himself (and I know that to be a fact, his exact words to Black and Sawyer was "tear it down, build it from scratch), that they actually changed the rules of the NHL draft in an effort to stem the tide of that strategy.
There were real owner battles over implementing the 16 rules this coming season, ultimately Jacobs sided with Pegula.

I know this to be fact, so take it at face value.

But in the end, the Buffalo Sabres fan base should be very pleased with this strategy. Short term pain for long term gain.

I normally don't chime in on projecting the success of such strategies, but, in this case, other teams are afraid, very afraid, of what the Sabres are about to become, and that to, is fact.
Other fan bases can ignore this all they like, but the writing is on the wall for the NHL from 2019/2020 to 2025 and beyond, a possible Buffalo Sabres Dynasty is in the making. And that, from multiple insiders, not my words.

Once again, enjoy the holiday week.
- TWGsabres

Thank you for that . Exactly what the enlightened in here have been preaching . But the thundering minority in here find losing too painful and would rather make a gallant charge for ninth again.

Post Script:

I should add a couple of things I hear whispers on, since this particular site is predicated on hockey rumors, specifically trades.

Mez and Ben are on our blue line for a reason. Don't call it tanking, consider it strategic implementation to accomplish an objective. Them's big words for "McDavid or Eichel".
And on that subject, while McDavid was brought to Buffalo via the hosted Otters games and the Harbor Center opening, that was no coincidence. I realize the fans are a smart bunch, but the fan base should really connect the dots.
Tim Murrary and company fully expect McDavid to be hear opening night next season, just thought I'd give you all a little good news. And while that sounds good, the Sabres are hedging their bets, in the past month, over 20 of the Sabres NHL and Amateur scouts have attended multiple Eichel games.

Expect 1 of the 2 here in Buffalo next season, hence why Mez and Ben keep seeing ice time and why Armia, Grigs, Pysyk and some others in Rochester won't.

There is a strategy in play here, it's a chess game the likes of which hasn't been seen by the NHL in a long time. Some NHL GM's and owners became so concerned about the Sabres strategy, set by Pegula himself (and I know that to be a fact, his exact words to Black and Sawyer was "tear it down, build it from scratch), that they actually changed the rules of the NHL draft in an effort to stem the tide of that strategy.
There were real owner battles over implementing the 16 rules this coming season, ultimately Jacobs sided with Pegula.

I know this to be fact, so take it at face value.

But in the end, the Buffalo Sabres fan base should be very pleased with this strategy. Short term pain for long term gain.

I normally don't chime in on projecting the success of such strategies, but, in this case, other teams are afraid, very afraid, of what the Sabres are about to become, and that to, is fact.
Other fan bases can ignore this all they like, but the writing is on the wall for the NHL from 2019/2020 to 2025 and beyond, a possible Buffalo Sabres Dynasty is in the making. And that, from multiple insiders, not my words.

Once again, enjoy the holiday week.
- TWGsabres

Good stuff TWG, thanks.

Post much more.

I'm a big fan of Myers but he'd be a 2nd pairing D on most any other team right now. I think he has the potential to be really, really special and I hope everyone (fans, coaches, etc.) give him a longer chance to develop.

2 things holding him back IMO.
1. He has ZERO mean streak to him and I'm not sure he ever will.
2. He still needs to learn to just make the simple play and get the puck out. He thinks too hard.
- Pairo11

Imo, he thinks too hard because he's not a smart player.

Have you heard him in interviews? The words "surfer dude" and "douche" come to mind.

Thank you for that . Exactly what the enlightened in here have been preaching . But the thundering minority in here find losing too painful and would rather make a gallant charge for ninth again.



- Maximum Signal

x2....i cant claim to know about the plan as fact, but if i had to bet money, i would have followed the same line in TWSabers outline there. Management "arranged" the tank....its not on the players. I expect them to finish 30th. I expect to see them play better next year.

Post Script:

I should add a couple of things I hear whispers on, since this particular site is predicated on hockey rumors, specifically trades.

Mez and Ben are on our blue line for a reason. Don't call it tanking, consider it strategic implementation to accomplish an objective. Them's big words for "McDavid or Eichel".
And on that subject, while McDavid was brought to Buffalo via the hosted Otters games and the Harbor Center opening, that was no coincidence. I realize the fans are a smart bunch, but the fan base should really connect the dots.
Tim Murrary and company fully expect McDavid to be hear opening night next season, just thought I'd give you all a little good news. And while that sounds good, the Sabres are hedging their bets, in the past month, over 20 of the Sabres NHL and Amateur scouts have attended multiple Eichel games.

Expect 1 of the 2 here in Buffalo next season, hence why Mez and Ben keep seeing ice time and why Armia, Grigs, Pysyk and some others in Rochester won't.

There is a strategy in play here, it's a chess game the likes of which hasn't been seen by the NHL in a long time. Some NHL GM's and owners became so concerned about the Sabres strategy, set by Pegula himself (and I know that to be a fact, his exact words to Black and Sawyer was "tear it down, build it from scratch), that they actually changed the rules of the NHL draft in an effort to stem the tide of that strategy.
There were real owner battles over implementing the 16 rules this coming season, ultimately Jacobs sided with Pegula.

I know this to be fact, so take it at face value.

But in the end, the Buffalo Sabres fan base should be very pleased with this strategy. Short term pain for long term gain.

I normally don't chime in on projecting the success of such strategies, but, in this case, other teams are afraid, very afraid, of what the Sabres are about to become, and that to, is fact.
Other fan bases can ignore this all they like, but the writing is on the wall for the NHL from 2019/2020 to 2025 and beyond, a possible Buffalo Sabres Dynasty is in the making. And that, from multiple insiders, not my words.

Once again, enjoy the holiday week.
- TWGsabres

nice...wonder when Pegula first thought of tearing it down and building it from scratch...methinks it was back around dec. 2011 just after the 8-3 Pittsburgh loss and a month or so after the lucic/miller incident and subsequent fallout

I have to respectfully disagree. Judging him solely on the 9 games he has played this season, he has been one of Buffalo's top 4 defenders in almost every game. Some nights I would argue he was one of our top 2 defensemen. I think we also need to put this into perspective, it's not whether he is a top 4 nhl defensemen, but a top 4 defensemen on this team. I would say the only defensemen this year that have been better than him are Myers, Gorges, and Risto.

You look at our other d-men: Meszaros and Benoit have been terrible. Weber has been so so but I would say Zads has been better. Strachan is what he is, just a seventh d-man.

If you want to talk about guys in the minors, I could see an argument that Psyck is better now, but it would be close. Regardless, based on the guys that have played in the NHL this season, Zads has been one of the 4 best D-men on the ice for the Sabres.
- rsg87

Well said.

And I agree.

Post Script:

I should add a couple of things I hear whispers on, since this particular site is predicated on hockey rumors, specifically trades.

Mez and Ben are on our blue line for a reason. Don't call it tanking, consider it strategic implementation to accomplish an objective. Them's big words for "McDavid or Eichel".
And on that subject, while McDavid was brought to Buffalo via the hosted Otters games and the Harbor Center opening, that was no coincidence. I realize the fans are a smart bunch, but the fan base should really connect the dots.
Tim Murrary and company fully expect McDavid to be hear opening night next season, just thought I'd give you all a little good news. And while that sounds good, the Sabres are hedging their bets, in the past month, over 20 of the Sabres NHL and Amateur scouts have attended multiple Eichel games.

Expect 1 of the 2 here in Buffalo next season, hence why Mez and Ben keep seeing ice time and why Armia, Grigs, Pysyk and some others in Rochester won't.

There is a strategy in play here, it's a chess game the likes of which hasn't been seen by the NHL in a long time. Some NHL GM's and owners became so concerned about the Sabres strategy, set by Pegula himself (and I know that to be a fact, his exact words to Black and Sawyer was "tear it down, build it from scratch), that they actually changed the rules of the NHL draft in an effort to stem the tide of that strategy.
There were real owner battles over implementing the 16 rules this coming season, ultimately Jacobs sided with Pegula.

I know this to be fact, so take it at face value.

But in the end, the Buffalo Sabres fan base should be very pleased with this strategy. Short term pain for long term gain.

I normally don't chime in on projecting the success of such strategies, but, in this case, other teams are afraid, very afraid, of what the Sabres are about to become, and that to, is fact.
Other fan bases can ignore this all they like, but the writing is on the wall for the NHL from 2019/2020 to 2025 and beyond, a possible Buffalo Sabres Dynasty is in the making. And that, from multiple insiders, not my words.

Once again, enjoy the holiday week.
- TWGsabres

Now we know why Myers is getting so many minutes as well. It's a mirage to increase his value while at the same time enhance the tank. Brilliant

Now we know why Myers is getting so many minutes as well. It's a mirage to increase his value while at the same time enhance the tank. Brilliant
- GilPerreault11

All I know is that tanking never works out as easily as it seems. It's crazy...the stuff that post had about the Sabres building a dynasty for 2019/20 and on is the same stuff that has been said about the Oilers for the past 5 years.

Havent we always?

What TWGSabres posted is exactly what we have said for a while, Myers is this teams best defensemen and he has big value

Except when we say it, we are being "fan boys"
- sbroads24

I think, and I'm not starting with you, that whenever someone makes a negative comment about Myers, you come charging in, without fail, on your white horse to protect his honor.

It's "fan boy"-ish, to be sure.

I get that you're a fan, but let's face it, Myers is not perfect. He still has no mean streak, and his offensive game is just average. So what does he bring that makes him so special? Because he's big and fast? Stewart is big and fast, too.

All I know is that tanking never works out as easily as it seems. It's crazy...the stuff that post had about the Sabres building a dynasty for 2019/20 and on is the same stuff that has been said about the Oilers for the past 5 years.
- rangerdanger94

They are the exception. If you noticed the Penguins and Blackhawks implemented the tank the proper way. The difference between the Oilers and those franchises was there was not a Crosby, Kane, Malkin, or Toews for the taking when they implemented this strategy. As well you have to look at the Oilers ownership and management. If that team wasn't run by a bunch of boneheads then they very well could be a dynasty in the making. Draft Murray instead of Yakupov, make trades for leadership and talent rather then throwing a team of toddlers on the ice then they would be better set up then they are now.

Post Script:



I normally don't chime in on projecting the success of such strategies, but, in this case, other teams are afraid, very afraid, of what the Sabres are about to become, and that to, is fact.
Other fan bases can ignore this all they like, but the writing is on the wall for the NHL from 2019/2020 to 2025 and beyond, a possible Buffalo Sabres Dynasty is in the making. And that, from multiple insiders, not my words.

Once again, enjoy the holiday week.
- TWGsabres

I thought this part was obvious.

I think, and I'm not starting with you, that whenever someone makes a negative comment about Myers, you come charging in, without fail, on your white horse to protect his honor.

It's "fan boy"-ish, to be sure.

I get that you're a fan, but let's face it, Myers is not perfect. He still has no mean streak, and his offensive game is just average. So what does he bring that makes him so special? Because he's big and fast? Stewart is big and fast, too.
- grand-magus

I always wonder where the expectation for him to have a mean streak came from in the first place. He was drafted as a puck-mover/above average skater.

They are the exception. If you noticed the Penguins and Blackhawks implemented the tank the proper way. The difference between the Oilers and those franchises was there was not a Crosby, Kane, Malkin, or Toews for the taking when they implemented this strategy. As well you have to look at the Oilers ownership and management. If that team wasn't run by a bunch of boneheads then they very well could be a dynasty in the making. Draft Murray instead of Yakupov, make trades for leadership and talent rather then throwing a team of toddlers on the ice then they would be better set up then they are now.
- Pegullaville

Islanders had a rough longer-than-expected rebuild as well but they seem to be coming together nicely. The Hawks rebuild was eased greatly by a great Sharp trade, Hossa signing, and drafting some excellent talent outside the 1st round.

The Pens just lucked out and happened to get the 2 best centers back to back

And yes, agreed about the leadership and talent aspect regarding the Oilers. They simply thrusted these kids into 1st line positions and told them to carry the squad. The kid obviously put up big numbers in juniors, but they still have a lot to learn before they get close to putting up similar numbers in the NHL. The Oilers seem to think it's a guarantee rather than just a possibility. I look at the Flames and see how they kept veterans around and made moves to bring in experience and talent and they very well could make the playoffs this year as a result of it.

I always wonder where the expectation for him to have a mean streak came from in the first place. He was drafted as a puck-mover/above average skater.
- seedy

Question: If Myers is only 5'10", does his pure talent and skill still warrant his hype?

Now we know why Myers is getting so many minutes as well. It's a mirage to increase his value while at the same time enhance the tank. Brilliant
- GilPerreault11

I missed you.



Glad you're back.

I always wonder where the expectation for him to have a mean streak came from in the first place. He was drafted as a puck-mover/above average skater.
- seedy

Then Ruhwedal can do that for 25% of what Myers makes. $6 million a year for an above average skater/"puck mover"? Yikes.

Then Ruhwedal can do that for 25% of what Myers makes. $6 million a year for an above average skater/"puck mover"? Yikes.
- grand-magus

It's 11.8% of cap hit or 12.5% in salary.

It's 11.8% of cap hit or 12.5% in salary.


- dadeadhead

- grand-magus

I aim to please.

Myers is by far our top. Gorges compliments him well. Those two are individual talents that compliment each other (offensive minded and defensive minded). Trading Myers would set us far back in terms of D unless it was a kings ransom in return (Mantha plus). Our defense needs to be shored up prior to the offense coming around.

If the defense gels and plays well and we have another solid draft then it would be seamless the lean on the defense to bail us out.

Benoit, meszaros can talk a walk after this year. Next year I like Myers, gorges, risto, zadorov, McCabe and weber. Yes weber! Strachan as 7th.

Here is why I say weber. He gives his whole body and will provide leadership to a very young crew. He has played a lot of games and has a bad rap but I luke his attitude. He will be 3rd pairing so damage will be minimal. No PP time and sparingly on PK.

Risto and zadorov compliment each other well like Myers and Gorges. Could the rivalry of the same draft year, trying to put perform the other for bragging rights be fueling both? Our top 4 should only play with each other and grow together. Get the confidence growing.

Then Ruhwedal can do that for 25% of what Myers makes. $6 million a year for an above average skater/"puck mover"? Yikes.
- grand-magus

What has Ruhwedel done to put him in the same league?

He isn't literally even in the same league

What has Ruhwedel done to put him in the same league?

He isn't literally even in the same league
- sbroads24

Ruhwedel makes Myers expendable.

Ruhwedel makes Myers expendable.
- Herzeleid

Mezaros makes Myers expendable
Ruhwedel makes Myers expandable
McNabb makes Myers expendable


I have heard this before

Myers is by far our top. Gorges compliments him well. Those two are individual talents that compliment each other (offensive minded and defensive minded). Trading Myers would set us far back in terms of D unless it was a kings ransom in return (Mantha plus). Our defense needs to be shored up prior to the offense coming around.

If the defense gels and plays well and we have another solid draft then it would be seamless the lean on the defense to bail us out.

Benoit, meszaros can talk a walk after this year. Next year I like Myers, gorges, risto, zadorov, McCabe and weber. Yes weber! Strachan as 7th.

Here is why I say weber. He gives his whole body and will provide leadership to a very young crew. He has played a lot of games and has a bad rap but I luke his attitude. He will be 3rd pairing so damage will be minimal. No PP time and sparingly on PK.

Risto and zadorov compliment each other well like Myers and Gorges. Could the rivalry of the same draft year, trying to put perform the other for bragging rights be fueling both? Our top 4 should only play with each other and grow together. Get the confidence growing.
- badgermilk

Pysyk?