Michael Pachla: Building the 2015-16 Buffalo Sabres roster--D, Rasmus Ristolainen Franson signing won't affect Risto's top-pairing slot

i have to say....I think the idea that defencemen take longer to develop only applies to those from the middle of the pack. Because, it's obvious a D man taken in the first round CAN play in the NHL after little or no seasoning. It's just a matter of the type of player he is when it gomes to being smart and athletic. We were able to trade Zadorov because we also had Ristolainen....

i have to say....I think the idea that defencemen take longer to develop only applies to those from the middle of the pack. Because, it's obvious a D man taken in the first round CAN play in the NHL after little or no seasoning. It's just a matter of the type of player he is when it gomes to being smart and athletic. We were able to trade Zadorov because we also had Ristolainen....
- seedy

Love Risto but dont be fooled. Zadorov was a big loss. Out of all the players we traded away, I think Zad is the one that is going to hurt the most down the line..

Love Risto but dont be fooled. Zadorov was a big loss. Out of all the players we traded away, I think Zad is the one that is going to hurt the most down the line..
- MCGUIZZY

I agree. my paoint was, it either wouldn't have happened or hurt a lot more if we didn't even have Risto. in fact, I heard Colorado asked for Risto and got a flat out "no."

Pach, this is a really strong series of blogs.

GMTM has said he wants the team to get better every day. There can't really be a question that signing Franson does that, whether because he pushes younger or less talented players down the roster, because he replaces other vets from last year with a better cap hit, or, if we're really lucky, because he recaptures some of his best point scoring form. I give the signing my approval.

I agree. my paoint was, it either wouldn't have happened or hurt a lot more if we didn't even have Risto. in fact, I heard Colorado asked for Risto and got a flat out "no."
- seedy

Oh no doubt. Risto is a stud which certainly helps ease the pain a little. I think risto is as untouchable as you can get so that makes sense that they said no. The Zadorov trade still stings though.. not sure if il ever get over that.

Pach, this is a really strong series of blogs.

GMTM has said he wants the team to get better every day. There can't really be a question that signing Franson does that, whether because he pushes younger or less talented players down the roster, because he replaces other vets from last year with a better cap hit, or, if we're really lucky, because he recaptures some of his best point scoring form. I give the signing my approval.
- Der Kaiser

I like the signing, but based on the histories of Franson and the team and the fanbase, he's my vote for whipping boy come February.

I like the signing, but based on the histories of Franson and the team and the fanbase, he's my vote for whipping boy come February.
- nfph

That job will always belong to Weber.

I would keep an eye on Foligno and Moulson for backups.

That job will always belong to Weber.

I would keep an eye on Foligno and Moulson for backups.
- Der Kaiser

It will be O'Reilly IMO

"He is paid 7.5 mil for ___ points?"

It will be O'Reilly IMO

"He is paid 7.5 mil for ___ points?"
- sbroads24

I dunno, his style of play will be well liked by the buffalo faithful and I think the points will come (especially since last 2 years haven't set the bar real high).

My pick is Bogosian once the honeymoon phase is over.

I dunno, his style of play will be well liked by the buffalo faithful and I think the points will come (especially since last 2 years haven't set the bar real high).

My pick is Bogosian once the honeymoon phase is over.
- Sabresfan-365

Lehner.

Pach, this is a really strong series of blogs.

GMTM has said he wants the team to get better every day. There can't really be a question that signing Franson does that, whether because he pushes younger or less talented players down the roster, because he replaces other vets from last year with a better cap hit, or, if we're really lucky, because he recaptures some of his best point scoring form. I give the signing my approval.
- Der Kaiser

well said

Lehner.
- mhp

i think he'll get a pass because most fans acknowledge that our defence isn't very good.

Having said that, if they make a splash and land a top pairing guy i would agree that any sign of trouble and the fans will point the finger straight at him given what Murray gave up to get him.

Lehner.
- mhp

gotta agree with you on this. Hopefully we are both wrong. I was hoping for Lack and offering up a 2nd or 3rd in return. I think he went to Carolina for a 3rd

gotta agree with you on this. Hopefully we are both wrong. I was hoping for Lack and offering up a 2nd or 3rd in return. I think he went to Carolina for a 3rd
- SabreWest

We both wanted Lack. For what we paid to get Lehner, if he stumbles out of the gate, the fans will be on him.

i think he'll get a pass because most fans acknowledge that our defence isn't very good.

Having said that, if they make a splash and land a top pairing guy i would agree that any sign of trouble and the fans will point the finger straight at him given what Murray gave up to get him.
- Sabresfan-365

I hope Lehner plays well and shows us something and agree the D is a work in progress, but gotta think the fans will get on him if he starts letting in the softies.

I hope Lehner plays well and shows us something and agree the D is a work in progress, but gotta think the fans will get on him if he starts letting in the softies.
- mhp

His GAA last year was very close to Neuwirths and Enroths. Those guys both had fans here.

Re: Schultzie:

thx, bud...i'm over the franson thing...he'll find his proper place in this series

His GAA last year was very close to Neuwirths and Enroths. Those guys both had fans here.
- Der Kaiser

It might be a little different now that the team is built to win, and they didn't give up a 1st rounder to get neuvirth or enroth.

It will be O'Reilly IMO

"He is paid 7.5 mil for ___ points?"
- sbroads24

This is Exactly why I think Moulson could catch it. With his style of play and blue collar work ethic I think ROR is less likely than Moulson, in fact.

I like the signing, but based on the histories of Franson and the team and the fanbase, he's my vote for whipping boy come February.
- nfph

why wait?

I hope Lehner plays well and shows us something and agree the D is a work in progress, but gotta think the fans will get on him if he starts letting in the softies.
- mhp

I really hope not. Im sure he'll let in his fair share of softies, this will be the largest workload of his career. After everything we've been through you'd think the fans going to the rink would be happy just to see an entertaining product.

His GAA last year was very close to Neuwirths and Enroths. Those guys both had fans here.
- Der Kaiser

We paid a lot to get Lehner, his numbers better be better.

BTW, where is Enroth this year? Didn't Neuvirth sign with Philly?

We paid a lot to get Lehner, his numbers better be better.

BTW, where is Enroth this year? Didn't Neuvirth sign with Philly?
- mhp

LA Sabres

LA Sabres
- Sabresfan-365

Gotcha.