And that's why there is no reason for Buffalo to make this trade. The kid is a real nice 4th line player that can throw bombs. Not setting the world on fire but not worth someone else's fringe NHLer either.
- Slump Buster

Seems to me that Buffalo doesn't need "a real nice 4th line player"...they need prospects and/or picks. And they need to lose ALOT to increase the odds of getting the #1 pick.

Trading Deslauriers makes sense if the price is right, unless Pagula thinks keeping a "a real nice 4th line player" is important for when the club is ready to win again...in 4 to 6 years.

I guess we'll see what happens with this latest rumor - wonder if this means Carbomb's time is up after the suspension.

Where are McNeill and Hartman at in relation to getting a call up...any thoughts Eli?

I'd rather see them make a move for a big physical dman (as we all would) but a banger forward is the other item on the shopping list.

Meanwhile on to the Shark Tank...hope the Hawks have some carry over from last night's game - good to see the 2nd line getting hot here. Sharp seems to be on a tear as of late.

Seems to me that Buffalo doesn't need "a real nice 4th line player"...they need prospects and/or picks. And they need to lose ALOT to increase the odds of getting the #1 pick.

Trading Deslauriers makes sense if the price is right, unless Pagula thinks keeping a "a real nice 4th line player" is important for when the club is ready to win again...in 4 to 6 years.
- ArlingtonRob

Evenin' Rob working tonight or are you off?

Seems to me that Buffalo doesn't need "a real nice 4th line player"...they need prospects and/or picks. And they need to lose ALOT to increase the odds of getting the #1 pick.

Trading Deslauriers makes sense if the price is right, unless Pagula thinks keeping a "a real nice 4th line player" is important for when the club is ready to win again...in 4 to 6 years.
- ArlingtonRob

Who would you give up Erixon hopefully for starters...

In his position I would do the same and look for picks and as many prospects as he can get for the vets on the Sabres. Its the smart move.
If he doesn't get his asking price he still is in a good position going into the draft this season. Doesn't Buffalo have 5 picks in the 1st 50 in this draft?
- Elbows15

I think they will take what they can get for Stewart and Stafford, and add NHL players this off season. I can see the Sabres making a big jump next year. There are a few guys in Rochester and in juniors that are better than what's on our roster

Seems to me that Buffalo doesn't need "a real nice 4th line player"...they need prospects and/or picks. And they need to lose ALOT to increase the odds of getting the #1 pick.

Trading Deslauriers makes sense if the price is right, unless Pagula thinks keeping a "a real nice 4th line player" is important for when the club is ready to win again...in 4 to 6 years.
- ArlingtonRob

I don't know about not needing a good 4th line player. Having all the picks and prospects are great and all but those young players need the right kind of vets around to help with the transition.

Seems to me that Buffalo doesn't need "a real nice 4th line player"...they need prospects and/or picks. And they need to lose ALOT to increase the odds of getting the #1 pick.

Trading Deslauriers makes sense if the price is right, unless Pagula thinks keeping a "a real nice 4th line player" is important for when the club is ready to win again...in 4 to 6 years.
- ArlingtonRob

They need high end prospects, trading for a mid level guy doesn't do us much we've got about a half dozen in the system that fit that mold.

They could go 500 the rest of the way (doubt it happens) and still probably finish last.

They'll get more value out of him being on the team than whatever they can get via trade (unless he's part of a bigger deal).

They need high end prospects, trading for a mid level guy doesn't do us much we've got about a half dozen in the system that fit that mold.

They could go 500 the rest of the way (doubt it happens) and still probably finish last.

They'll get more value out of him being on the team than whatever they can get via trade (unless he's part of a bigger deal).
- Sabresfan-365

This is exactly what I was trying to say. We are loaded in mid-level prospects right now. The kid could be a career AHLer or he could blossom into something more. It is tough to find that mix of skating and fighting so I can't see moving him unless the return is something significant.

I think they will take what they can get for Stewart and Stafford, and add NHL players this off season. I can see the Sabres making a big jump next year. There are a few guys in Rochester and in juniors that are better than what's on our roster
- sbroads24

I actually like the direction the Sabres are taking. Building and drafting D first. Not really rushing guys up the NHL before they are ready.

Really wish they would go back to the original uniforms, too. Always liked those.

They need high end prospects, trading for a mid level guy doesn't do us much we've got about a half dozen in the system that fit that mold.

They could go 500 the rest of the way (doubt it happens) and still probably finish last.

They'll get more value out of him being on the team than whatever they can get via trade (unless he's part of a bigger deal).
- Sabresfan-365

The highlighted makes sense. However, a mid level prospect does make sense if there is a draft pick of some value coming with it. That mid level prospect then could be used as a body to replace what would be traded - either in Buffalo or in Rochester.

I guess we'll see what happens with this latest rumor - wonder if this means Carbomb's time is up after the suspension.

Where are McNeill and Hartman at in relation to getting a call up...any thoughts Eli?

I'd rather see them make a move for a big physical dman (as we all would) but a banger forward is the other item on the shopping list.

Meanwhile on to the Shark Tank...hope the Hawks have some carry over from last night's game - good to see the 2nd line getting hot here. Sharp seems to be on a tear as of late.
- DK002

McNeill has looked better in the last couple of weeks since coming back from his injury, but not as red-hot as he was to begin the season. Still, I believe that he should have a look in Chicago at some point.

As for Hartman, check back next season.

In his position I would do the same and look for picks and as many prospects as he can get for the vets on the Sabres. Its the smart move.
If he doesn't get his asking price he still is in a good position going into the draft this season. Doesn't Buffalo have 5 picks in the 1st 50 in this draft?
- Elbows15

Something like that. After having 6 last yr. Hell of a stable of prospects over there

Who would you give up Erixon hopefully for starters...
- DK002

I'm not even gonna speculate...Bowman and Co. are doing their homework I'm sure.

Deslauriers isn't a decent skater, he's a very good skater. He's fast, aggressive in every way, from hitting to fighting, and he has underrated offensive skills. He is noticeable on the ice every time and in a good way. He's a legitimate impact player who can play either the third or fourth line. With him, you simply let him go on the ice and know he'll make a difference.

You would love him on your fourth line. Love him.

They need high end prospects, trading for a mid level guy doesn't do us much we've got about a half dozen in the system that fit that mold.

They could go 500 the rest of the way (doubt it happens) and still probably finish last.

They'll get more value out of him being on the team than whatever they can get via trade (unless he's part of a bigger deal).
- Sabresfan-365

Like I said...

if the price is right...Buffalo receiving picks, or prospects they like, then a deal makes sense. The Hawks would want parts to hopefully put 'em over the top NOW, while the Sabres need assets that may provide talent in the near FUTURE.

Its interesting that 2 days ago the Buffalo G.M. said publicly that things were very quiet on the trade front; he was ready to talk deals but nobody was calling him.

Maybe he should watch his team play and he would understand why no phone calls.
- RickJ

Do you really believe EVERYTHING you read?? lol

Of course a GM will say there is nothing going on. Its called misdirection and plus if you were a GM would you really tell the media and every other fan base in the world what your intentions are?

Deslauriers isn't a decent skater, he's a very good skater. He's fast, aggressive in every way, from hitting to fighting, and he has underrated offensive skills. He is noticeable on the ice every time and in a good way. He's a legitimate impact player who can play either the third or fourth line. With him, you simply let him go on the ice and know he'll make a difference.

You would love him on your fourth line. Love him.
- kingcong39

And you will love Erixon and Mashinter on yours. Not only would it help getting the top pick this year, it would really help next too.

Do you really believe EVERYTHING you read?? lol

Of course a GM will say there is nothing going on. Its called misdirection and plus if you were a GM would you really tell the media and every other fan base in the world what your intentions are?
- RobitailleFAN20

Yeah. Rick has faith in the honour of humanity. He takes everything at face value. Especially if he has read it on the internet.

Do you really believe EVERYTHING you read?? lol

Of course a GM will say there is nothing going on. Its called misdirection and plus if you were a GM would you really tell the media and every other fan base in the world what your intentions are?
- RobitailleFAN20

I assume all GM's lie to the media, until trades are finalized...

McNeill has looked better in the last couple of weeks since coming back from his injury, but not as red-hot as he was to begin the season. Still, I believe that he should have a look in Chicago at some point.

As for Hartman, check back next season.
- EKolb13

Thanks Eli...I'd like to see McNeill as well we'll see what the powers that be have to say...

I'm not even gonna speculate...Bowman and Co. are doing their homework I'm sure.
- ArlingtonRob

We'll see what Stan and Co. do...

I assume all GM's lie to the media, until trades are finalized...
- ArlingtonRob

Not in Bowman's case.

He's been saying "we like where we are", "we won't be active", "we don't want to mess with our chemistry", etc. for the past 5-6 years (since taking over as GM), and that has basically been the story. Looking at every single trade that Bowman has made during his tenure as GM, I can only think of one or two of them that actually made an impact. His other trades have been subtle, extremely minor trades with absolutely no impact. Sometimes, you almost get the notion that he makes these moves to prove that he's not just sleeping at his desk.

Of course, the 'Hawks have had their success, but it was Uncle Dale who built this sandwich. Bowman has just been cutting the crust.

Do you really believe EVERYTHING you read?? lol

Of course a GM will say there is nothing going on. Its called misdirection and plus if you were a GM would you really tell the media and every other fan base in the world what your intentions are?
- RobitailleFAN20

I didn't read it because I'm still trying to acquire that skill.

But if I hear it on my transistor radio, I take it to heart. Especially if Darryl Sutter says it.

I assume all GM's lie to the media, until trades are finalized...
- ArlingtonRob

You don't believe it when Stanbo says he really likes his team?

Very true. but to have the same situation happen twice in one year is bizarre to me.
- duxcup07

As bizarre as Wes McCauley officiating 16 straight wins for the LA Kings from seasons end through the Finals last year?

Maybe Disney wants repeat business from all those Chicago road trippers and gave a wink to the league?

Feel free to add a tinfoil hat GIF or image anyone. Though the McCauley thing seems a little more than odd.