Really happy with the Nylander pick, and also really happy we didn't trade #8 for Fowler.

Brother of William and son of Micheal is a speedy offensive wing with a high skill set, great vision and excellent offensive instincts. I went into this season thinking of him as I do many hockey siblings - same bloodline but far less talent. My opinion was based on his awkward skating stride and lack of speed. He had high-end offensive instincts, exceptionally soft hands and puck handling skills, but just didn’t display the wheels to complete the portrait. He must have committed to improving his feet and has clearly shown he can generate the attack and make teammates better. He may never reach his brother skill set, but is unselfish to a fault, and strong competitor. He has a really quick shot, but his soft hands make him a brilliant set up artist. He generates chances because he reads situations well, and quickly reacts with precise passes through traffic. As a scorer, he will raise you from your seat with his accurate blistering shot. When his team has possession in the offensive zone, he will find the crack of open space in coverage and surprise with an accurate shot of the pass. His new found quick feet and balance add to his agility and stop/start ability. He always was good East-West who was ultra shifty with the puck. He is now quicker, more dynamic and possible the most skilled player in the draft.


—Bill Placzek—

Brother of William and son of Micheal is a speedy offensive wing with a high skill set, great vision and excellent offensive instincts. I went into this season thinking of him as I do many hockey siblings - same bloodline but far less talent. My opinion was based on his awkward skating stride and lack of speed. He had high-end offensive instincts, exceptionally soft hands and puck handling skills, but just didn’t display the wheels to complete the portrait. He must have committed to improving his feet and has clearly shown he can generate the attack and make teammates better. He may never reach his brother skill set, but is unselfish to a fault, and strong competitor. He has a really quick shot, but his soft hands make him a brilliant set up artist. He generates chances because he reads situations well, and quickly reacts with precise passes through traffic. As a scorer, he will raise you from your seat with his accurate blistering shot. When his team has possession in the offensive zone, he will find the crack of open space in coverage and surprise with an accurate shot of the pass. His new found quick feet and balance add to his agility and stop/start ability. He always was good East-West who was ultra shifty with the puck. He is now quicker, more dynamic and possible the most skilled player in the draft.


—Bill Placzek—
- RhinoFan

I don't get it, how did he go from awkward and slow to one of the fastest/best skaters this draft class in a season?

He may be the better goalscorer, doesn't mean he's the better player.

At the same age, in the same league, William scored the same number of goals, and notched three more points, in 15 fewer games. And for what it's worth, William was a +14 to Alex's -4.

The next two years, William went on to put up numbers in the Swedish pro leagues that were unheard of for players his age, and then dominated the AHL.

Alex had the kind of season in the OHL you'd expect from a top-10 pick, but nothing you don't see every year from a number of players.

Time will tell.
- Feeling Glucky?

In 2014 AIK was 2nd last in the league, in 2012 Södertälje SK was 2nd best. That could explain both the points and especially the plus minus.

Time will tell is absolutely fair.

I don't get it, how did he go from awkward and slow to one of the fastest/best skaters this draft class in a season?
- chilliard77

How did Sam turn into a 23 goal scorer after that 9 game tryout the year prior?

How did Sam turn into a 23 goal scorer after that 9 game tryout the year prior?
- RhinoFan

Skating isn't usually something you can just do a 180 with.

Skating isn't usually something you can just do a 180 with.
- chilliard77

At these kid's ages I imagine it's much more common than with the pros. I'm sure he was seeing skating coaches in Sweden as well, but different atmosphere with different coaches can help. If this was his biggest flaw then it does make sense it would be a point of emphasis with his training.

Love it speed kills!!!!


so how about that no Russian rule

In 2014 AIK was 2nd last in the league, in 2012 Södertälje SK was 2nd best. That could explain both the points and especially the plus minus.

Time will tell is absolutely fair.
- RhinoFan

yea +/- isn't a very reliable stat... but you don't score at a 60% higher pace just because of team quality... in fact a lot of talented players thrive on poor teams, because they get more opportunity and ice time.


Think about this in NHL terms, if a guy got 130 points vs a guy who got 82... you wouldn't be saying it's just because he's on a better team

Love it speed kills!!!!


so how about that no Russian rule
- GERBE!!!75PTS

I'd rather Nylander over Sergachev anyways

Did we sign stamkos yet

Did we sign stamkos yet
- GERBE!!!75PTS

@FaahakYouu 2 mins ago
I hear Sabres sign Stamkos yet.

Love it speed kills!!!!


so how about that no Russian rule
- GERBE!!!75PTS

The Russian was a defensemen, it would appear they wanted a forward....

The Russian was a defensemen, it would appear they wanted a forward....
- Mentalorgasm5

If he was not Russian he might of been the pick

Did we sign stamkos yet
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Perhaps both Stamkos and Vesey are not realistic signings to the Sabre brass hence the forward pick.

Love it speed kills!!!!


so how about that no Russian rule
- GERBE!!!75PTS

I'm glad I didn't take that bet... We still holding up on the trade up bet you lost?

Perhaps both Stamkos and Vesey are not realistic signings to the Sabre brass hence the forward pick.
- fastek

Doubt it. Murray said he went best player available and it didn't matter that they had holes in defense because he said you look and you have holes on defense then all of the sudden its holes on the wing so we just went bpa

Doubt it. Murray said he went best player available and it didn't matter that they had holes in defense because he said you look and you have holes on defense then all of the sudden its holes on the wing so we just went bpa
- bluengold12

At the same time you sign Stamkos or Vesey and you'd probably regret the Nylander pick right ?

At the same time you sign Stamkos or Vesey and you'd probably regret the Nylander pick right ?
- fastek

Best case scenario in two years we're looking at...

Stamkos O'Riley Reinhart
Vesey Eichel Nylander

At the same time you sign Stamkos or Vesey and you'd probably regret the Nylander pick right ?
- fastek

No Kane will be gone soon enough The speed on this team is going to be so fast

I'm glad I didn't take that bet... We still holding up on the trade up bet you lost?
- bluengold12

My friend already lost $100 so it's a good Day for me lol A Russian factor

it's good to know our gm takes the best player available instead of drafting a lesser player that fills a need

it's good to know our gm takes the best player available instead of drafting a lesser player that fills a need
- homiedclown

I agree. Still a lot of work this offseason though. Two defensemen, backup goalie, top 9 forward (potentially).

I had to put my cat down today, 15 years old

named after #61

RIP Max

I agree. Still a lot of work this offseason though. Two defensemen, backup goalie, top 9 forward (potentially).
- chilliard77

If Vesey signs, we got 2 impact players before july 1st, good start