Michael Pachla: Tyler Ennis and Jack Eichel displayed some world-class talent in Prague If drafted Jack Eichel would be joining Tyler Ennis, Evander Kane, Matt Moulson and Zemgus Girgensons in the top-six mix.

I think its a bit premature to consider girgensons a top 6 forward already.
A rebound season for hodgson(if he doesnt get bought out or traded) would go a long way to shoring up that top 6

Girgensons is without a doubt a top 6 player. He has size, speed, and scoring ability. He is rarely out of position and and reads the play well. He is not a liability defensively which may be one of the best traits for a young player. He is still very young (21) but he is only going to improve. He needs to get a little bit better on faceoffs but he improved on his faceoff % from his rookie season and that is another good sign that he is still improving on his overall game. Also he can play center and wing effectively, I would say the second line is where he belongs. Maybe once the Sabres get a coach who can write some creative plays he will shine even more.

In a perfect Sabres team, Girgesons would be centering the 3rd line and be the top PK.

Girgensons is without a doubt a top 6 player. He has size, speed, and scoring ability. He is rarely out of position and and reads the play well. He is not a liability defensively which may be one of the best traits for a young player. He is still very young (21) but he is only going to improve. He needs to get a little bit better on faceoffs but he improved on his faceoff % from his rookie season and that is another good sign that he is still improving on his overall game. Also he can play center and wing effectively, I would say the second line is where he belongs. Maybe once the Sabres get a coach who can write some creative plays he will shine even more.
- doppelthat

a guy that just hit a career high of 30pts is without a doubt a top 6 player?
the guy will probably never be a top scorer but looks like he will end up being a solid 35-40 pts 3rd line center

a guy that just hit a career high of 30pts is without a doubt a top 6 player?
the guy will probably never be a top scorer but looks like he will end up being a solid 35-40 pts 3rd line center
- GardinerExpress

In 61 games. The assumption is he'll get better as he's still fairly young.

I think tyler ennis and other players highlight some good amateur scouting on the sabres end. Ennis was the 26th pick and is on the canada world team. Girgensons was also a mid first rounder and looks to be very promising. Risto is a bit different being picked at 8 but still not a super high pick and looks to be a career top 2 guy. Obviously theyre all first rounders but we hit on almost all of our first rounders in the past 6-7 years, ignoring kassian. Huge positive IMO that we were able to get guys like ennis, girgensons, zadorov, and risto without picking in the top 5 for 3+ years.

In 61 games. The assumption is he'll get better as he's still fairly young.
- Sabresfan-365

Not saying he wont develop into one, but you cant peg him as a top 6 forward right now. If he throws up 45-50 points next year playing 18 mins a night, knock yourself out

In 61 games. The assumption is he'll get better as he's still fairly young.
- Sabresfan-365

I think we're all going to be shocked at what his ceiling is both in points and value. The guy is going to be really, really special.

I think its a bit premature to consider girgensons a top 6 forward already.
A rebound season for hodgson(if he doesnt get bought out or traded) would go a long way to shoring up that top 6
- GardinerExpress

Will he end up there? Maybe. Can he? Absolutely. The kid improves every year. His effort and drive is always over 100% but his offensive skill slowly improves year by year. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if he can max out at 55-60 points on a very good team.

a guy that just hit a career high of 30pts is without a doubt a top 6 player?
the guy will probably never be a top scorer but looks like he will end up being a solid 35-40 pts 3rd line center
- GardinerExpress

Reading the score sheet for players not yet in their prime is a rookie mistake, kid. Especially this particular guy. Comparing Girgensons to a simple stat sheet is basically judging a book by its cover.

I think we're all going to be shocked at what his ceiling is both in points and value. The guy is going to be really, really special.
- Slump Buster

There's a lot to like about him and I'm sure he could do fine job in the top 6 but I think we're better off long term if he's our 3rd line C.

There's a lot to like about him and I'm sure he could do fine job in the top 6 but I think we're better off long term if he's our 3rd line C.
- Sabresfan-365

Agreed. Girgs on a line with Foligno and Gionta this season would be a great shut down line with some scoring potential. This is assuming Reinhart cracks the top-6, of course.

As mentioned, it took a while for Eichel to get going for a number of reasons, but when he did his presence on the ice always drew the attention of the opposition, even to the point where Russia's Evgeni Malkin pounded an elbow into the back of his unsuspecting head.
- Michael Pachla

While I can't argue with how well Eichel played, there is nothing worth noting here; that is one of Malkin's trademarks. Some of the sneakiest elbows in the league.

a guy that just hit a career high of 30pts is without a doubt a top 6 player?
the guy will probably never be a top scorer but looks like he will end up being a solid 35-40 pts 3rd line center
- GardinerExpress

Is it not a bit premature of you to say a 21 yr old with 30 points will at best develop into a 3rd line Center? He's probably 3-4 years away from his prime.

If 2 years ago someone said Something about Jake Gardiner never being a solid top pair D Man you would have went Bananas.....even though that's, well, true and all.

Is it not a bit premature of you to say a 21 yr old with 30 points will at best develop into a 3rd line Center? He's probably 3-4 years away from his prime.

If 2 years ago someone said Something about Jake Gardiner never being a solid top pair D Man you would have went Bananas.....even though that's, well, true and all.
- Jeropotato

- nfph

Hey I just call em as I see em.

where does girgens end up?

second line center?
third line center?
do they move him to the wing with jack and kane?
do they move him to the wing on the second line?

Reading the score sheet for players not yet in their prime is a rookie mistake, kid. Especially this particular guy. Comparing Girgensons to a simple stat sheet is basically judging a book by its cover.
- TheSabresTaco

Reading the score sheet for players not yet in their prime is a rookie mistake, kid. Especially this particular guy. Comparing Girgensons to a simple stat sheet is basically judging a book by its cover.
- TheSabresTaco

I think its a bit premature to consider girgensons a top 6 forward already.
A rebound season for hodgson(if he doesnt get bought out or traded) would go a long way to shoring up that top 6
- GardinerExpress

not really...keep it in the context of the sabres being a last place team two years running...

that being said, despite his 30 points in 61-game stat-line (which some see as inadequate,) for those of us who've watched him beginning as an 18 yr. old, the progress he's made points to a legit top-six down the road

I am having a hard time finding a cover for my latest book

this book is called 50 shades of brown

Where's our Babwatch insiders.

not really...keep it in the context of the sabres being a last place team two years running...

that being said, despite his 30 points in 61-game stat-line (which some see as inadequate,) for those of us who've watched him beginning as an 18 yr. old, the progress he's made points to a legit top-six down the road
- Michael Pachla

saad had 52 points for the hawks playing all 82 games and 18 minutes a night
sharp had 43 points in 68 games playing a tad under 17 minutes a night

it's not a stretch to assume girgens puts up similar numbers in year 3 on the second line with decent players

Where's our Babwatch insiders.
- TheSabresTaco

at the beach