Leaving for cooks forest sunday
- cabin

Leaving the beach Sunday night knowing I have to work most of the week is going to be horribly painful

with pick #21 what do you all want?:
a.) trade pick and a 2nd to move up even more, hopefully top 10
b.) trade pick for established player like ROR, Skinner, etc
c.) Wait and draft someone who hopefully falls (konecny, kylington, etc)
d.) draft a tender (blackwood, samsonov)

Also on the goalie front I rather go with anyone but Talbot. Has to be better ideas out there instead of a 27 year old who played well but had a solid d unit in front of him

1. (a) - With the caveat that we are in fact joining the top 10 with a 2nd round pick.
2. (b) - ROR can (frank) himself, but a player around his age with better scoring talent should be seriously considered.
3. (c) - Well I guess this is the only other option, so, my third choice.
4. (d) - With pick 21, I'm not touching a goalie. So no to this.

Good interview with Eichel on Sabres.com. He talks about how he had to miss finals to go to the Worlds. Sounds to me like a kid that probably isn't planning on going back to school if that's the case. But, here's the link if you want to check it out yourself.

http://video.sabres.nhl.c...sole?id=830280&catid=1103

Good interview with Eichel on Sabres.com. He talks about how he had to miss finals to go to the Worlds. Sounds to me like a kid that probably isn't planning on going back to school if that's the case. But, here's the link if you want to check it out yourself.

http://video.sabres.nhl.c...sole?id=830280&catid=1103
- HonkFortheGoose

Dude needs to get rid of that lambs' wool flow and go with the buzzcut.

Dude needs to get rid of that lambs' wool flow and go with the buzzcut.
- Der Kaiser

He can look however he wants as long as he kills it out there on the ice.

He can look however he wants as long as he kills it out there on the ice.
- HonkFortheGoose

If he can get it to this level, I'll be on board.

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.
- TheSabresTaco

Where would ROR fit in?

Where would ROR fit in?
- dadeadhead

It pains me to say this, but he'd be in our top 5 with Ennis, Myers, Pysyk and ahead of Foligno.

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.
- TheSabresTaco

To be fair, post 2011 is when Pegula came in and invested into scouting.

To be fair, post 2011 is when Pegula came in and invested into scouting.
- sbroads24

No need to be fair. It is what it is and it (frank)ing sucked. I mean I can attribute blame to the videoscout 3000, but for (frank) sake.

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.
- TheSabresTaco

This is exactly why I wanted nothing to do with Benning as our GM. So glad they didn't make that mistake. I know that he was only here until 04, but he was awful during those 4 years IMO.

Does anyone know where to rent a car close to the Buffalo airport but not at the airport?
It's not that expensive at the airport but I'm sure I can get it cheaper somewhere else...

Does anyone know where to rent a car close to the Buffalo airport but not at the airport?
It's not that expensive at the airport but I'm sure I can get it cheaper somewhere else...
- jochfr

I'm spoiled. My best friend's mother in law works for Hertz, so we always get a great deal when we need a rental.

No need to be fair. It is what it is and it (frank)ing sucked. I mean I can attribute blame to the videoscout 3000, but for (frank) sake.
- TheSabresTaco

Well I don't think it's a coincidence that in the last 4 years, we have acquired guys like Girgensons, Risto, Compher, Bailey, McCabe etc.

Those few years stocked our cupboards

Dude needs to get rid of that lambs' wool flow and go with the buzzcut.
- Der Kaiser

Like Tim Connolly did?

Well I don't think it's a coincidence that in the last 4 years, we have acquired guys like Girgensons, Risto, Compher, Bailey, McCabe etc.

Those few years stocked our cupboards
- sbroads24

It really is kind of amazing how Darcy went for so many years with so few sucesses after the first round and then seemed to nail his last draft. I know it is still early but things look really bright for his last draft.

It really is kind of amazing how Darcy went for so many years with so few sucesses after the first round and then seemed to nail his last draft. I know it is still early but things look really bright for his last draft.
- Slump Buster

They also drafted higher than they had in in prior years as well.

It really is kind of amazing how Darcy went for so many years with so few sucesses after the first round and then seemed to nail his last draft. I know it is still early but things look really bright for his last draft.
- Slump Buster

i dont like to give darcy credit for much of anything, but to be fair, we were caught in a cycle of mediocrity for a pretty good chunk of his reign of terror. darcys players had relatively low ceilings but they never bottomed out to get that franchise player at the top. picking in the teens every year makes things a lot tougher.

Does anyone know where to rent a car close to the Buffalo airport but not at the airport?
It's not that expensive at the airport but I'm sure I can get it cheaper somewhere else...
- jochfr

http://www.expedia.com/Cars

Well I don't think it's a coincidence that in the last 4 years, we have acquired guys like Girgensons, Risto, Compher, Bailey, McCabe etc.

Those few years stocked our cupboards
- sbroads24

Still early to make a claim on those guys though. People seemed pretty hopeful of the guys we drafted rounds 2-7 before Pegula.

For all the blame Benning gets for the early 2000's, Devine has been the head amateur scout for 8 years now and you rarely hear any criticism of him.

Edit: was for 8 years under darcy

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.
- TheSabresTaco

Being an old (frank) I have a great fondness for the the drafting in the 70's.

What was the best decade for drafting?

70's- Perreault, Martin, Ramsay, Hajt, Schoenfeld, Gare, Derek Smith, Sauve, Edwards, Seiling, Playfair, McKegney, Mike Ramsey, Ruff.

80's- Virta, Housley, Cyr, Andreychuk, Barrasso, Creighton, Tucker, Puppa, Ruuttu, Krupp, Sheppard, Calle Johnasson, Hogue, Turgeon, Mogilny, Ray, Plante.

90's- Brad May, Smehlik, Dawe, Holzinger, Barnaby, Khmylev, Primeau, Curtis Brown, McKee, Biron, Rasmussen, Sarich, Tallinder, Afinogenov, Campbell, Miller.

2000's- Gaustad, Roy, Pominville, Paille, Vanek, MacArthur, Stafford, Enroth, Weber, Myers, Ennis, Foligno.

2010-2014- Pysyk, Grigorenko, Girgensons, Risto, Zads, Reinhart.

For me it's close between the 70's and 80's but gotta go with what Punch did in the 70's to build this expansion team.

What say you?

Not that this is news to anyone, but back in the 70's, our drafting was exemplary. Our drafting in the 2000's was piss poor. Just. Awful. Comically bad.

From 2005-2011, here's our draft successes. AKA, NHL game players.

Marc-Andre Gragnani, Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Alex Biega, T. J. Brennan, Corey Tropp, Paul Byron, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Luke Adam, Zack Kassian, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk, Nathan Lieuwen.

Now when we look at current or potential full time NHLers, the list becomes real sad.

Chris Butler, Nathan Gerbe, Jhonas Enroth, Mike Weber, Tyler Myers, Tyler Ennis, Brayden McNabb, Marcus Foligno, Mark Pysyk.

I left out Kassian and Armia. Kassian might be a fringe NHL grinder his whole career and Armia looks like a question mark especially after his regression post-Rochester.

Butler - 4-6 D
Gerbe - Top 9 F
Enroth - NHL backup
Weber- 5-7 D
M(e)yers - 2-4 D
Ennis - Top 6 F
McNabb - 4-6 D
Foligno - Top 9 F
Pysyk - 2-5 D

So in 7 years, we came out with 9 NHLers. Not a single one worthy of top forward position for the exception of maybe Ennis. That's why we (frank)ing suck. 1 top 6 F and 2 D that can play no higher than #2. Not 1 starting goalie. Everyone else are auxiliary players that can be found anywhere.
- TheSabresTaco

That is some great research. Good work there. Depressing but good.

I had no idea that Armia fell off when he got to WPG's AHL squad. All i knew is that Stafford and Myers were killing it for WPG.

Armia had 8 pts in 21 games but I looked at St. John's team around Armia... Peter Budaj is the only name on that entire roster that I even recognize. While in Rochester he had some pretty damn good colleagues to help him out.

Being an old (frank) I have a great fondness for the the drafting in the 70's.

What was the best decade for drafting?

70's- Perreault, Martin, Ramsay, Hajt, Schoenfeld, Gare, Derek Smith, Sauve, Edwards, Seiling, Playfair, McKegney, Mike Ramsey, Ruff.

80's- Virta, Housley, Cyr, Andreychuk, Barrasso, Creighton, Tucker, Puppa, Ruuttu, Krupp, Sheppard, Calle Johnasson, Hogue, Turgeon, Mogilny, Ray, Plante.

90's- Brad May, Smehlik, Dawe, Holzinger, Barnaby, Khmylev, Primeau, Curtis Brown, McKee, Biron, Rasmussen, Sarich, Tallinder, Afinogenov, Campbell, Miller.

2000's- Gaustad, Roy, Pominville, Paille, Vanek, MacArthur, Stafford, Enroth, Weber, Myers, Ennis, Foligno.

2010-2014- Pysyk, Grigorenko, Girgensons, Risto, Zads, Reinhart.

For me it's close between the 70's and 80's but gotta go with what Punch did in the 70's to build this expansion team.

What say you?
- mhp

I also had to highlight all of those guys you mentioned in the 2000s. They were that "core group" that year.. but almost every one of them were traded for picks that we didn't have or players our cupboards were bare of.

Just think of all of the picks that we got for those guys who would never even be here if it wasn't for them. Good lord.

Gaustad's greatest achievement in a Sabres uniform was that our 3rd line C got us a 1st rounder that lead to Girgensons.

I forget if it was Pommer or Vanek that got us Zadorov but one did. Compher, Bailey, Hurley, Possler... I believe all but 1 of those came via trades for their draft picks.

I also had to highlight all of those guys you mentioned in the 2000s. They were that "core group" that year.. but almost every one of them were traded for picks that we didn't have or players our cupboards were bare of.

Just think of all of the picks that we got for those guys who would never even be here if it wasn't for them. Good lord.

Gaustad's greatest achievement in a Sabres uniform was that our 3rd line C got us a 1st rounder that lead to Girgensons.

I forget if it was Pommer or Vanek that got us Zadorov but one did. Compher, Bailey, Hurley, Possler... I believe all but 1 of those came via trades.
- JVince11

I think Pommer got us Zadorov.