Michael Pachla: O'Reilly joins Sabres' 20-goal club. Lion-eater's goal chases "King"

We actually look like an NHL team.

RoR gets to 20 as well. Good.

The add to the roster through the draft is important, but the big steps for next year will come from FA signings and trades.

Here's a great truth: we're going to finish this year close to .500. This year, the guys came into camp thinking "We made some real changes and there's reasons to think we won't suck anymore." Next year, we add FA pieces; traded pieces; developing prospects; and drafted rookies, and with the confidence established through this year's play, the thinking will be "There are reasons to think we could be good, really good."

A pick in the top 5 would be nice, but I'd much rather be where we are - without the top 5 pick - than where the Oilers are - with a top 5 pick, but no confidence, no momentum, no plan and no clue.

The add to the roster through the draft is important, but the big steps for next year will come from FA signings and trades.

Here's a great truth: we're going to finish this year close to .500. This year, the guys came into camp thinking "We made some real changes and there's reasons to think we won't suck anymore." Next year, we add FA pieces; traded pieces; developing prospects; and drafted rookies, and with the confidence established through this year's play, the thinking will be "There are reasons to think we could be good, really good."

A pick in the top 5 would be nice, but I'd much rather be where we are - without the top 5 pick - than where the Oilers are - with a top 5 pick, but no confidence, no momentum, no plan and no clue.
- Der Kaiser

Well put, the team is definitely coming together to look like a real hockey team. Little bit more growth out of the kids and we have a shot at the playoffs again. I hope that the 1st pick is dealt for a high end player to put back with what we have already. I hope the direction we are going continues.

Well put, the team is definitely coming together to look like a real hockey team. Little bit more growth out of the kids and we have a shot at the playoffs again. I hope that the 1st pick is dealt for a high end player to put back with what we have already. I hope the direction we are going continues.
- hubie

For a long time now I have said I think we are at a place where young established players on the verge of breaking out are more important to this club than picks and prospects - I would trade the picks and prospects for under 24 "gonnabe's" (a better version of a "wannabe").

The add to the roster through the draft is important, but the big steps for next year will come from FA signings and trades.

Here's a great truth: we're going to finish this year close to .500. This year, the guys came into camp thinking "We made some real changes and there's reasons to think we won't suck anymore." Next year, we add FA pieces; traded pieces; developing prospects; and drafted rookies, and with the confidence established through this year's play, the thinking will be "There are reasons to think we could be good, really good."

A pick in the top 5 would be nice, but I'd much rather be where we are - without the top 5 pick - than where the Oilers are - with a top 5 pick, but no confidence, no momentum, no plan and no clue.
- Der Kaiser

Even if we had finished with a top5 pick this year,
I'd still have said we were headed in the right direction

This team has come together nicely
For the 2nd half of the season, we're on a pace that would get us around 95pts & make the playoffs

As far as free agency though...
Idk if I want anyone other than Stamkos
Everyone else that's talented is a bit too old for us to be signing to 7 year deals (like Yandle, Backes, etc)
I'd save that $$$ for next year
Or try to take advantage of teams in Cap trouble

Even if we had finished with a top5 pick this year,
I'd still have said we were headed in the right direction

This team has come together nicely
For the 2nd half of the season, we're on a pace that would get us around 95pts & make the playoffs

As far as free agency though...
Idk if I want anyone other than Stamkos
Everyone else that's talented is a bit too old for us to be signing to 7 year deals (like Yandle, Backes, etc)
I'd save that $$$ for next year
Or try to take advantage of teams in Cap trouble
- jdfitz77

If Bodeker played anywhere else other then Arizona the whole league would be drooling to get him. Just like if OEL played anywhere else he'd win the Norris. I would not mind adding a Bodeker or a Hoffman through a trade if Stamkos is off the board

My apologies it's spelt Boedker ^ He's also been good for the Avs since they acquired him at the deadline. If the price is right I would take a flier.

If Bodeker played anywhere else other then Arizona the whole league would be drooling to get him. Just like if OEL played anywhere else he'd win the Norris. I would not mind adding a Bodeker or a Hoffman through a trade if Stamkos is off the board
- Pegullaville

I would jump on board with either, I wonder if in the CBUS rebuild could we land Foligno? IM not asking about him as hes a Foligno, but a top 6 guy who had a down year who may do well with a change of venue.

My apologies it's spelt Boedker ^ He's also been good for the Avs since they acquired him at the deadline. If the price is right I would take a flier.
- Pegullaville

How dare you spell something wrong

Even if we had finished with a top5 pick this year,
I'd still have said we were headed in the right direction

This team has come together nicely
For the 2nd half of the season, we're on a pace that would get us around 95pts & make the playoffs

As far as free agency though...
Idk if I want anyone other than Stamkos
Everyone else that's talented is a bit too old for us to be signing to 7 year deals (like Yandle, Backes, etc)
I'd save that $$$ for next year
Or try to take advantage of teams in Cap trouble
- jdfitz77

I would love to take on this years Patrick Sharp imagine him on this team

My apologies it's spelt Boedker ^ He's also been good for the Avs since they acquired him at the deadline. If the price is right I would take a flier.
- Pegullaville

He's a UFA I believe.

The add to the roster through the draft is important, but the big steps for next year will come from FA signings and trades.

Here's a great truth: we're going to finish this year close to .500. This year, the guys came into camp thinking "We made some real changes and there's reasons to think we won't suck anymore." Next year, we add FA pieces; traded pieces; developing prospects; and drafted rookies, and with the confidence established through this year's play, the thinking will be "There are reasons to think we could be good, really good."

A pick in the top 5 would be nice, but I'd much rather be where we are - without the top 5 pick - than where the Oilers are - with a top 5 pick, but no confidence, no momentum, no plan and no clue.
- Der Kaiser

this...glad you reposted it

Well put, the team is definitely coming together to look like a real hockey team. Little bit more growth out of the kids and we have a shot at the playoffs again. I hope that the 1st pick is dealt for a high end player to put back with what we have already. I hope the direction we are going continues.
- hubie

I'd like to see fate be kind and buffaluck turned on it's head with a top-3 pick...the #2-overall would add some nice symmetry to the 2014-16 drafts

My apologies it's spelt Boedker ^ He's also been good for the Avs since they acquired him at the deadline. If the price is right I would take a flier.
- Pegullaville

Leave Body by Boeds alone

I'd like to see fate be kind and buffaluck turned on it's head with a top-3 pick...the #2-overall would add some nice symmetry to the 2014-16 drafts
- Michael Pachla

Id actually like to stick between 5-8 which still would give a chance for a high skilled player in a deal. I still dont think Eichels full line mates are on this roster. As much as I like him with Reinhart long term I split them up.

So if the Sabres are scared of Stamkos now and they turn their attention to Hall it would cost a 2016 1st rounder plus. That would give Edmonton two top 10 picks to screw up.

Id actually like to stick between 5-8 which still would give a chance for a high skilled player in a deal. I still dont think Eichels full line mates are on this roster. As much as I like him with Reinhart long term I split them up.
- hubie

if they don't win the draft lottery and finish 22nd or higher, there goes your top-8 pick...right now they're 24th, tied with Arizona and one point behind montreal

So if the Sabres are scared of Stamkos now and they turn their attention to Hall it would cost a 2016 1st rounder plus. That would give Edmonton two top 10 picks to screw up.
- Stripes77

1st,Ennis,3rd for Hall

1st,Ennis,3rd for Hall
- hubie

I think they're looking for a top-two/four d-man

I think they're looking for a top-two/four d-man
- Michael Pachla

Nope, thats what they can use their picks on. In all honestly Risto and Bogo are our only true Top 4 guys that hold high value. Pysyk has value but not Hall getting value

Nope, thats what they can use their picks on. In all honestly Risto and Bogo are our only true Top 4 guys that hold high value. Pysyk has value but not Hall getting value
- hubie

if they could get hall for that, it would be great, but methinks if hall is the name, risto needs to be in the mix

I think they're looking for a top-two/four d-man
- Michael Pachla

They are going to pay up for Hamonic, or go for Trouba if hes being shopped.
Thats my guess.

Eberle for Shattenkirk is also the talk of that fan base

They are going to pay up for Hamonic, or go for Trouba if hes being shopped.
Thats my guess
- DDM-Coga

and they should...their defense has been a mess, even with the additions Chiarelli brought in last off season

edit, shattenkirk/eberle would make for a nice trade for both sides

and they should...their defense has been a mess, even with the additions Chiarelli brought in last off season
- Michael Pachla

If they do Eberle for Shattenkirk and pay the Nurse for Hamonic bounty.

Hall McDavid (Finns Pick)
Draisaitl Nuge Pouliot

Hamonic Klefbom
Shattenkirk Sekera

They would have a better looking Top 4 and still have a strong Top 6...and could look at moving Nuge and Yak for wingers so they can shift Drai back to C