The bashing has lightened up . A lot . His play since Jan 1st has really improved.
- cabin

Still does take the ill-advised penalty from time to time. But he has looked better. I think he's one of those guys who if you limit his time he can help a team. Once he's asked to do more he can't handle it.

His last 5 games his TOI is:
18:49
21:47
15:24
15:38
10:35

Muzzin - Doughtry are together 18% of the time.
McNabb - Dougthry are together 24% of the time.

Seems like split ice time to me depending on defensive or offensive entry or special teams.

I liked McNabb but he played here when we were bad and he just developed slower. I think that getting Deslauriers and Fasching were very nice pieces. You are just upset because McNabb has already blossomed for them and our biggest piece being Fasching is still in the NCAA where he is a PPG player mind you.
- JVince11

I'm upset bc I always thought McNabb would be a good player for us & that a McNabb-Pysyk 3rd pair would be one of the best in the league, and actually good enough to be considered "2nd pair" quality

As much as I was just saying Weber has been good this year...
I'd MUCH rather have McNabb right now

Idk about the "developing slowly" with us point
The Kings plugged him into the lineup as soon as he was traded there

As far as Fasching goes...
His ppg as a Junior in cowge is that impressive to me
I've always said he needs to skate MUCH better if he's ever going to be an NHL regular
He has improved from last year to this year, but still has to improve quite a bit IMO
I do like his game around the net though


If LA would trade us back McNabb for Fasching & Deslauriers I'd do it in a heartbeat
I wouldn't even ask for the two 2nd round picks back

I really think that he will be able to come here and be a 2nd line winger in his first year.

He is Girgensons with more scoring touch to him or a poor man's Lucic of physicality but with slightly less scoring touch according to most reports I've seen on him.

There has been talk about him leaving Minnesota last year so I think he really could leave this year.
- JVince11

Does a player like Fasching, if he makes it, do anything to Girgensons? If we have O'Reilly and Fasching and they play the same game with a little more offense do we keep Girgs to be on the 3rd line? He's played that role pretty well this year, but is that his long term?

Stupid Feaster
- DDM-Coga

He started the "flames" within the lockerroom
...Best pun i coud think of lol

I'm pretty sure Fasching left the option of where he was going to to play this year up to the Sabres. They told him they thought he needed another year in college. I bet they'll revisit it this summer during prospect camp.
- HonkFortheGoose

That is something you don't hear about all the time but cool if true.

I think that between Fasching, Bailey, Baptiste, or our 1st rounder this year... we find a 2nd line winger option.

Granted... resigning McGinn could be a short term band-aid to help those guys get another year under their belts. Ennis, Reinhart, and Kane should be able to be 3 of those.

I was a big fan of McNabb and wasn't a huge fan of the trade at the time. That said, I think we're going to be just fine without him. His game never really developed (even now) the way that I had hoped it would. He's got a really nice shot from the point, but hasn't figured out how to utilitze it at the NHL level. His skating also leaves a LOT to be desired and the physical presence he's had at every level hasn't translated in the NHL for the most part either.

I think if you look at just Deslauriers alone, it's even from that standpoint. The 2 second rounders they gave up resulted in Fasching, who has developed quite nicely at the NCAA level. It'll be interesting to see if he can take the next step at the AHL level soon.
- HonkFortheGoose

U think that McNabb, who is playing on the top pair with Doughty, on a true Cup contender...
Is equal to a guy playing on the 4th line for one of the worst teams in the league?

I don't see how u get there?

If his skating was that bad, I don't see how he could hold his own in the role LA currently has him in

That is something you don't hear about all the time but cool if true.

I think that between Fasching, Bailey, Baptiste, or our 1st rounder this year... we find a 2nd line winger option.

Granted... resigning McGinn could be a short term band-aid to help those guys get another year under their belts. Ennis, Reinhart, and Kane should be able to be 3 of those.
- JVince11

Financially, he could use the pro contract. One thing that's always been talked about with him, is how he wants to help ease the financial burden on his family due to having siblings with disabilities. He'd probably like to be able to make a good amount of money sooner, rather than later.

I remember reading that Murray had a talk with him during this past off season. The organization felt that he would benefit from another year of NCAA play. I wouldn't be shocked to see him sign at the end of his current season and then finish out the year in Rochester though.

I'm pretty sure Fasching left the option of where he was going to to play this year up to the Sabres. They told him they thought he needed another year in college. I bet they'll revisit it this summer during prospect camp.
- HonkFortheGoose

Did u read that somewhere?
Usually it's the team that dictates the situation, not the prospect.
Fasching's skating has definitely improved,
But if the Sabres want him to stay in college for his senior season to continue to work on it, I wouldn't be shocked
Odds are that he's with Rochester next year though
Makes me wonder if they plan on trying out Baptiste or Bailey at LW?
They've got a bit of a logjam with those 3 on the right side

I haven't seen much of Rochester this year...
Any opinions on those guys?
And Rodrigues & Carrier?
I know u watch their games more than I do

Financially, he could use the pro contract. One thing that's always been talked about with him, is how he wants to help ease the financial burden on his family due to having siblings with disabilities. He'd probably like to be able to make a good amount of money sooner, rather than later.

I remember reading that Murray had a talk with him during this past off season. The organization felt that he would benefit from another year of NCAA play. I wouldn't be shocked to see him sign at the end of his current season and then finish out the year in Rochester though.
- HonkFortheGoose

That does all sound familiar
Makes sense

U think that McNabb, who is playing on the top pair with Doughty, on a true Cup contender...
Is equal to a guy playing on the 4th line for one of the worst teams in the league?

I don't see how u get there?

If his skating was that bad, I don't see how he could hold his own in the role LA currently has him in
- jdfitz77

Deslauiers is more than "a 4th liner" IMO. he is a guy that can go up and down the lines depending on injuries. He has played 2nd line and even 1st line in some situations for a games here or there. He doesn't project there at all but he is more than "just a 4th liner". This is not Kaleta we are talking about here.

We got a legit top 6 potential winger out of that deal too. He just hasn't blossomed.

Like a lot of people here who hit the panic buttons quick.... Patience is a virtue young grasshopper.

Did u read that somewhere?
Usually it's the team that dictates the situation, not the prospect.
Fasching's skating has definitely improved,
But if the Sabres want him to stay in college for his senior season to continue to work on it, I wouldn't be shocked
Odds are that he's with Rochester next year though
Makes me wonder if they plan on trying out Baptiste or Bailey at LW?
They've got a bit of a logjam with those 3 on the right side

I haven't seen much of Rochester this year...
Any opinions on those guys?
And Rodrigues & Carrier?
I know u watch their games more than I do
- jdfitz77

I was impressed with Rodrigues when I went to the game. Carrier was invisible to me. Baptiste impressed me with his speed. Bailey needs to hit the net but looked good. We agreed the big thing they all need is a good center. We have all of them up in the NHL but if they had Sam in Rochester I think they'd all look a lot better.

Speaking of Rochester, how good has Schaller looked this year? Excited for him to be here full time.

U think that McNabb, who is playing on the top pair with Doughty, on a true Cup contender...
Is equal to a guy playing on the 4th line for one of the worst teams in the league?

I don't see how u get there?

If his skating was that bad, I don't see how he could hold his own in the role LA currently has him in
- jdfitz77

He's not playing all of his ice time with Doughty though. Someone else posted a bit back that it's only like 28%.

I think that a guy like Deslauriers brings a lot to a team that is underestimated by the casual fans of the sport.

Also, you're making it sound like I'm saying he's a bad player, and I'm not. I just don't think he developed into the guy that he looked like he could be when he was drafted. Is he a capable NHL defenseman? Sure, seems like it to me. Does that mean that at the end of the day Murray thought he was a good fit here? No.

I'm glad to see he's having success out there. I'm sure you know that I was a fan of his. But I think that Deslauriers plays his role very well and it was something we needed here more than we needed McNabb at the time. Don't forget, he'd been passed on the depth chart by several other guys that had been drafted in subsequent years after him when that trade happened.

Does a player like Fasching, if he makes it, do anything to Girgensons? If we have O'Reilly and Fasching and they play the same game with a little more offense do we keep Girgs to be on the 3rd line? He's played that role pretty well this year, but is that his long term?
- Zschalberg

Sure...
If Fasching, Bailey &/or Baptiste can become a top6 winger, then we have the luxury of putting Girgensons or Ennis (maybe even both) on the 3rd line

Girgensons is pretty versatile & can move up & down the lineup IMO

Did u read that somewhere?
Usually it's the team that dictates the situation, not the prospect.
Fasching's skating has definitely improved,
But if the Sabres want him to stay in college for his senior season to continue to work on it, I wouldn't be shocked
Odds are that he's with Rochester next year though
Makes me wonder if they plan on trying out Baptiste or Bailey at LW?
They've got a bit of a logjam with those 3 on the right side

I haven't seen much of Rochester this year...
Any opinions on those guys?
And Rodrigues & Carrier?
I know u watch their games more than I do
- jdfitz77

Bailey and Baptiste are struggling to adjust to the game. I know that Baptiste is doing the better of the two but I think he only has about 15 pts in 30+ games. Bailey has 13. Carrier has 10 pts.

No one is really separating themselves from the pack down there.

Did u read that somewhere?
Usually it's the team that dictates the situation, not the prospect.
Fasching's skating has definitely improved,
But if the Sabres want him to stay in college for his senior season to continue to work on it, I wouldn't be shocked
Odds are that he's with Rochester next year though
Makes me wonder if they plan on trying out Baptiste or Bailey at LW?
They've got a bit of a logjam with those 3 on the right side

I haven't seen much of Rochester this year...
Any opinions on those guys?
And Rodrigues & Carrier?
I know u watch their games more than I do
- jdfitz77

Not with College players. The team can't force a guy to leave college. When it comes to Jr and the AHL guys, you're correct. But a college player holds more cards than others.

Stupid Feaster
- DDM-Coga

In more ways then one as wouldn't the Flames have had to put O'Reilly through waivers after signing him to that offer sheet?

Sure...
If Fasching, Bailey &/or Baptiste can become a top6 winger, then we have the luxury of putting Girgensons or Ennis (maybe even both) on the 3rd line

Girgensons is pretty versatile & can move up & down the lineup IMO
- jdfitz77

If your 3rd line is McGinn - Girgensons - Ennis due to all the talent you have in your top 6, you have a damn good team IMO.

I'm pretty sure Fasching left the option of where he was going to to play this year up to the Sabres. They told him they thought he needed another year in college. I bet they'll revisit it this summer during prospect camp.
- HonkFortheGoose

Murray mentioned Friday, specifically "I think he's ready for the pros."

So if his word means something to Hudson, Amerks 16-17.

Bailey and Baptiste are struggling to adjust to the game. I know that Baptiste is doing the better of the two but I think he only has about 15 pts in 30+ games. Bailey has 13. Carrier has 10 pts.

No one is really separating themselves from the pack down there.
- JVince11

They don't have a center worth a damn down there. That's a huge problem when you're trying to develop wingers.

Plus, Bailey was a 2nd rounder that was considered a project and Baptiste was a 3rd rounder. They're both going to need time to develop. Anyone who expected them to go into Rochester and tear it up this year needs to temper their expectations by a lot.

Bailey and Baptiste are struggling to adjust to the game. I know that Baptiste is doing the better of the two but I think he only has about 15 pts in 30+ games. Bailey has 13. Carrier has 10 pts.

No one is really separating themselves from the pack down there.
- JVince11

According to Rochester people they think Baptiste has looked worse and looks like a career AHLer. Bailey is the one that impressed them.

He's not playing all of his ice time with Doughty though. Someone else posted a bit back that it's only like 28%.

I think that a guy like Deslauriers brings a lot to a team that is underestimated by the casual fans of the sport.

Also, you're making it sound like I'm saying he's a bad player, and I'm not. I just don't think he developed into the guy that he looked like he could be when he was drafted. Is he a capable NHL defenseman? Sure, seems like it to me. Does that mean that at the end of the day Murray thought he was a good fit here? No.

I'm glad to see he's having success out there. I'm sure you know that I was a fan of his. But I think that Deslauriers plays his role very well and it was something we needed here more than we needed McNabb at the time. Don't forget, he'd been passed on the depth chart by several other guys that had been drafted in subsequent years after him when that trade happened.
- HonkFortheGoose

McNabb was a 3rd rounder in 2009 just like Deslauriers was. McNabb is 24 years old already too.

he would have been behind Risto, Zads, Pysyk, and McCabe on an organizational depth chart. We had EMPTY cupboards for wingers at that time too.

If your 3rd line is McGinn - Girgensons - Ennis due to all the talent you have in your top 6, you have a damn good team IMO.
- kingcong39

TRUE STATEMENT.

If your 3rd line is McGinn - Girgensons - Ennis due to all the talent you have in your top 6, you have a damn good team IMO.
- kingcong39

TRUE STATEMENT.

Deslauiers is more than "a 4th liner" IMO. he is a guy that can go up and down the lines depending on injuries. He has played 2nd line and even 1st line in some situations for a games here or there. He doesn't project there at all but he is more than "just a 4th liner". This is not Kaleta we are talking about here.

We got a legit top 6 potential winger out of that deal too. He just hasn't blossomed.

Like a lot of people here who hit the panic buttons quick.... Patience is a virtue young grasshopper.
- JVince11

I couldn't disagree with u more about deslauriers
Flynn played on our 1st line a little bit, that doesn't mean he's anything more than a 4th liner
We were horrible & had a lot of injuries

Let's put it this way
We have some injuries now...
Did Deslauriers get moved up to the Eichel line?
Or did they plug in Varone?
IMO, reason they did that was bc Deslauriers just doesn't have the skill to be anything more than a 4th line guy

It has nothing to do with patience

If I liked Fashing better I'd be fine with it, but I'm not as high on Fasching as most & don't think he'll be a top6 winger for us (even though I agree he does have potential)

If your 3rd line is McGinn - Girgensons - Ennis due to all the talent you have in your top 6, you have a damn good team IMO.
- kingcong39

And a pretty good 3rd line. That would be our scoring 3rd line.

Kane-O'Reilly-Reinhart
Puljujarvi-Eichel-Fasching
McGinn-Girgensons-Ennis
Deslauries-Schaller-Foligno/Larsson

That 2nd line is way too young as is the rest of the team, but they could become really good. Or bad. But hopefully good.