In all fairness, up until this year, the only Bills preseason games you could see were the road ones (and yes, I get that it's because of NFL blackout rules, etc).
- HonkFortheGoose

They played the home games locally on tape delay, though.

I get that some of these games were tape delayed on the NHL Network, but given that the channel is a specialty channel on most cable and satellite outlets, and the games are always broadcast on the opposing team's feed, it's not anywhere near good enough.

it's a draft pick, dude...yes, a first-rounder...yes, it could be the deepest, greatest draft ever in the history of drafts...but it's still a draft pick...


just sayin
- Michael Pachla

Which was traded for a dime a dozen commodity (in my opinion). Fist round picks shouldnt be taken for granted. I have not payed alot of attention to the other picks but i know Travis Konecny (who we should have drafted) looked awesome in flyers camp. Something I cant say about Lehner. Even if that pick was a couple years away

Maybe not. Heard a lot of rumours last few days that dude was way out of shape. Like Myers post contract level.
- Sabresfan-365

If that's true

Bovada odds on Rookie of the year


McDavid- 4/7
Eichel- 4/1
Bennett- 7/1
Reinhart- 9/1

They played the home games locally on tape delay, though.

I get that some of these games were tape delayed on the NHL Network, but given that the channel is a specialty channel on most cable and satellite outlets, and the games are always broadcast on the opposing team's feed, it's not anywhere near good enough.
- buffalofan19

I think the overall consensus though is that the majority of the fan base probably doesn't care one way or the other. Those of us on here aren't what I'd consider "the general fan base." We're all quite a bit more in tune with the team and care about the "little things" more than most.

I'm not saying I agree with why they're not on or that I like it. I just don't think it's as big of a gaffe by the organization as some think it is.

Which was traded for a dime a dozen commodity (in my opinion). Fist round picks shouldnt be taken for granted. I have not payed alot of attention to the other picks but i know Travis Konecny (who we should have drafted) looked awesome in flyers camp. Something I cant say about Lehner. Even if that pick was a couple years away
- MCGUIZZY

Agreed 100%. IMO Konecny will be the Dylan Larkin of this draft. People will wonder how he wasn't a top 10 pick.

He's a Zach Parise clone.

While that's a viable alternative, the Sabres need to figure out a way to get all these games on local television. For a supposed "big time" hockey market, the way they are handling this is pretty amateurish.
- buffalofan19

Let's see what MLB brings to the table next season. While I agree it would be nice to see, I'm not too bothered to not see pre-season games in the grand scheme of things.

Which was traded for a dime a dozen commodity (in my opinion). Fist round picks shouldnt be taken for granted. I have not payed alot of attention to the other picks but i know Travis Konecny (who we should have drafted) looked awesome in flyers camp. Something I cant say about Lehner. Even if that pick was a couple years away
- MCGUIZZY

Agreed. I personally think the days of building around a goalie are over. It's true they can still steal games for you but I find that as long as the team in front is a legit contender it really doesn't matter who you put in net as long as he isn't terrible. The team will wind up making him look good.

Could've signed Greiss (who could end up with similar or even better numbers than lehner) and traded the 1st for something else

Agreed. I personally think the days of building around a goalie are over. It's true they can still steal games for you but I find that as long as the team in front is a legit contender it really doesn't matter who you put in net as long as he isn't terrible. The team will wind up making him look good.

Could've signed Greiss (who could end up with similar or even better numbers than lehner) and traded the 1st for something else
- Sabresfan-365

I think it's worth it if the goalie is top 5. Other than that they seem interchangeable.

It's not like you see the same goalies in the cup every single year. You do se a lot of the same forwards......which are usually drafted in the 1st round

Which was traded for a dime a dozen commodity (in my opinion). Fist round picks shouldnt be taken for granted. I have not payed alot of attention to the other picks but i know Travis Konecny (who we should have drafted) looked awesome in flyers camp. Something I cant say about Lehner. Even if that pick was a couple years away
- MCGUIZZY

you're trading potential for a known commodity with presumed upside...outside of the 2003 draft, how many first-rounders in the 20-30 range have actually made an impact?

they usually end up being those dime a dozen checking line/depth defensemen type players...

that said, a first rounder is first round potential

your trading potential for a known commodity with presumed upside...outside of the 2003 draft, how many first-ronders in the 20-30 range have actually made an impact?

they're usually end up being those dime a dozen checking line/depth defensemen type players...

that said, a first rounder is first round potential
- Michael Pachla

It's not just about the pick itself. We obviously can't be sure but I'd have a tough time believing that there weren't other impact players they could have acquired using that pick.

I think it's worth it if the goalie is top 5. Other than that they seem interchangeable.

It's not like you see the same goalies in the cup every single year. You do se a lot of the same forwards......which are usually drafted in the 1st round
- sbroads24

I think we're jumping the gun here...he's coming off of a concussion...we should at least give him one regular season game before we crucify him and the guy that traded for him

Agreed. I personally think the days of building around a goalie are over. It's true they can still steal games for you but I find that as long as the team in front is a legit contender it really doesn't matter who you put in net as long as he isn't terrible. The team will wind up making him look good.

Could've signed Greiss (who could end up with similar or even better numbers than lehner) and traded the 1st for something else
- Sabresfan-365

I have to imagine there could have been a dozen better ways to use that pick. Im glad we have a young netminder with upside but trading that pick for it was a tough pill to swallow for me.

I have to imagine there could have been a dozen better ways to use that pick. Im glad we have a young netminder with upside but trading that pick for it was a tough pill to swallow for me.
- MCGUIZZY

Just out of curiosity, would it bother you as much if the 1st rounder was part of the O'Reilly deal and the Lehner deal was the 2nd rounder?

It's not just about the pick itself. We obviously can't be sure but I'd have a tough time believing that there weren't other impact players they could have acquired using that pick.
- Sabresfan-365

or he could bypass that pick and the 31st pick to help bring in known quantities while having enough self-confidence to feel that he can land an impact player further down in the draft--ala, Brendan guhle...

plus, with all the picks the sabres have had, how much room is there in the system right now?

again, don't want to discount a first round pick, but there are reasons other than giving his uncle a sweet deal, that made him feel as if he could move one

Just out of curiosity, would it bother you as much if the 1st rounder was part of the O'Reilly deal and the Lehner deal was the 2nd rounder?
- HonkFortheGoose

well played

you're trading potential for a known commodity with presumed upside...outside of the 2003 draft, how many first-rounders in the 20-30 range have actually made an impact?

they usually end up being those dime a dozen checking line/depth defensemen type players...

that said, a first rounder is first round potential
- Michael Pachla

I can think of one off the top of my head...tyler ennis 26th overall

listen I understand and I get that you can make the point about trading potential for a proven commodity but I would argue that Lehner has not proved his worth (a 1st round pick) thus far in his career. And for the record sometime teams actually keep players with potential and they are rewarded for it.

I can think of one off the top of my head...tyler ennis 26th overall

listen I understand and I get that you can make the point about trading potential for a proven commodity but I would argue that Lehner has not proved his worth (a 1st round pick) thus far in his career. And for the record sometime teams actually keep players with potential and they are rewarded for it.
- MCGUIZZY

no worries, I get what you're saying...i agree it was a high price to pay...that said lehner's 24 and hasn't even hit his prime yet...i'm willing to give it some time

no worries, I get what you're saying...i agree it was a high price to pay...that said lehner's 24 and hasn't even hit his prime yet...i'm willing to give it some time
- Michael Pachla

what did you eat for lunch?

Just out of curiosity, would it bother you as much if the 1st rounder was part of the O'Reilly deal and the Lehner deal was the 2nd rounder?
- HonkFortheGoose

I know the Q wasn't directed at me but it would still bother me. The value is still way off.

Just out of curiosity, would it bother you as much if the 1st rounder was part of the O'Reilly deal and the Lehner deal was the 2nd rounder?
- HonkFortheGoose

This is a moot point because ottawa wouldnt take anything less than our 22nd pick for Lehner. The fact that Murray was willing to give up 22nd overall for a goalie that still has alot to prove is where i get upset. Murray could have walked away from that asking price if they werent willing to budge

I know the Q wasn't directed at me but it would still bother me. The value is still way off.
- Sabresfan-365

What part of the value though? What they would have given up for Lehner or O'Reilly?

what did you eat for lunch?
- Der Kaiser

juju beans and unicorns with a side of rainbows

juju beans and unicorns with a side of rainbows
- Michael Pachla

I had egg salad. No olives, naturally.

or he could bypass that pick and the 31st pick to help bring in known quantities while having enough self-confidence to feel that he can land an impact player further down in the draft--ala, Brendan guhle...

plus, with all the picks the sabres have had, how much room is there in the system right now?

again, don't want to discount a first round pick, but there are reasons other than giving his uncle a sweet deal, that made him feel as if he could move one
- Michael Pachla

There is plenty of room now.

I'm not ready to run Lehner out of town. In fact, I have no issue with us acquiring him. I do have an issue with the way Murray has seemingly handed out draft picks for nothing in a few instances.

2nd rounder for Gorges who's career could be over (his injury is tough to recover from)

1st rounder for a concussed goalie.

2 2nd rounders, and a 4-6 guy in McNabb for a 4th liner and someone still in college who had a rough season.