Michael Pachla: Sabres GM Tim Murray's in a bit of a conundrum

Good blog.

I can't imagine a scenario outside a huge win streak that the Sabres are buyers. Too many teams to catch

This season is over, we need more high-end talent. Period! Risto and McCabe alone does not make up a S.C. defense. We could also use another sniper on the offense.

Murray should start playing more prospects, let the injured core have a break to heal, and start playing more UFAs, see if he can up their value.

From the last blog regarding Lilroots post

I like this. We are building a Stanley cup contender not just a playoff team. That takes time. Look at Tampa Bay, was in Stanley cup last year and they have injuries to their top 2 players and are not in playoffs (if started today) and have less future potential than us yet we are crying over here. Didn't we lose our best 2 players for a while (and a lot of other guys too)? Drafted players are not busts because they don't crack Nhl lineups at 18-22, be patient.
- Lilroot9


Wish more people on here had the same thoughts of the team. It's understandable to be pissed on the standings stat and seeing the team lose a winnable game . But our opponents are trying the exact same thing we are. Is it the make up of our team or just a result of playing a more established team. We have some lessons to learn . The team will be fine with some experience.

From the last blog regarding Lilroots post

I like this. We are building a Stanley cup contender not just a playoff team. That takes time. Look at Tampa Bay, was in Stanley cup last year and they have injuries to their top 2 players and are not in playoffs (if started today) and have less future potential than us yet we are crying over here. Didn't we lose our best 2 players for a while (and a lot of other guys too)? Drafted players are not busts because they don't crack Nhl lineups at 18-22, be patient.
- Lilroot9


Wish more people on here had the same thoughts of the team. It's understandable to be pissed on the standings stat and seeing the team lose a winnable game . But our opponents are trying the exact same thing we are. Is it the make up of our team or just a result of playing a more established team. We have some lessons to learn . The team will be fine with some experience.


- cabin

Thanks Cabin! Just tired of people saying we are doomed and destined to fail forever. Yes we have some bad losses. What is the largest loss the Sabres have had this season? Maybe by 3 goals?

The Canadians have lost at least two games by 7 goals and they are the best in the league. What does it mean? No idea, but they have bad (worse) losses too!

Edit: lost 10-0 to Columbus and 7-1 to wild (Price played this one).

Thanks Cabin! Just tired of people saying we are doomed and destined to fail forever. Yes we have some bad losses. What is the largest loss the Sabres have had this season? Maybe by 3 goals?

The Canadians have lost at least two games by 7 goals and they are the best in the league. What does it mean? No idea, but they have bad (worse) losses too!
- Lilroot9

I'm old enough to know you gotta think long term , Like 401K style . We should end up a better record than last season. Being at the 1/2 way mark, good chance we do the norm and crush the 2nd half . Will build experience . That's what this team needs. Some contracts will be gone by seasons end and new ones will need that learning curve of the team. But the teams core will have something established compared to the injury riddled mess we had this year the first half. Nothing but up!

Thanks Cabin! Just tired of people saying we are doomed and destined to fail forever. Yes we have some bad losses. What is the largest loss the Sabres have had this season? Maybe by 3 goals?

The Canadians have lost at least two games by 7 goals and they are the best in the league. What does it mean? No idea, but they have bad (worse) losses too!
- Lilroot9

People just want the playoffs now. Between the Bills and the Sabres they're sick of spring coming with no playoffs. I get that. But like you're saying it's about building a long-term cup contender. That means growth and stacking the team with as much talent as possible, the system to boot. The reality people don't want to face is that, even though the standings look close, they're not. It would be a herculean task for us to make it at this point and more than likely it would be a first round exit. Yes, it would help in the growth and confidence of the team, but it would also cost us a top 5 pick something we really need and in the selling of our UFAs which would add to the amount of picks we'll be making to help restock the system for long-term stability. Our best interest is still in being at the bottom and building this team with top-notch guys.

I blame Pegula...

I blame Pegula...
- rmiethaner

I blame the weather man.

I blame the weather man.
- cabin

Kevin O'Connell? That guy is a jerk and his son is a POS.

Kevin O'Connell? That guy is a jerk and his son is a POS.
- rmiethaner

I agree. Don Paul is awesome . Shared a few drinks in the past . Hate that he went too 7 after a short retirement .

There is no real conundrum here.

1. Hang on to the core group - Eichel, O'Reilly, Nylander, Risto, Okposo, McCabe, Guhle and unless you get an offer you can't refuse Samson.

2. DO NOT sign Lehner to a multi-year extension just because you invested a #1 pick for him.

3. Actively try to move as much of the remaining roster as possible for picks/prospects

4. Fire Bylsma in the off-season and replace him with an offensive minded coach

5. Hope to make a deal with Vegas to help them get to the cap floor - maybe throw them a pick or prospect to take Bogo and/or Moulson off our hands

6. Go with youth next season - no reason why we can't ice an exciting young team that plays fast like this year's Leafs

From the last blog:

WE SUCK BLOW THIS poop UP DOOM AND GLOOM REINHART BUST EICHEL MORE LIKE ECHL LEHNER SUCKS BYLSMA SUCKS TIM MURRAY SUCKS TRADE KANE NOW

There is no real conundrum here.

1. Hang on to the core group - Eichel, O'Reilly, Nylander, Risto, Okposo, McCabe, Guhle and unless you get an offer you can't refuse Samson.

2. DO NOT sign Lehner to a multi-year extension just because you invested a #1 pick for him.

3. Actively try to move as much of the remaining roster as possible for picks/prospects

4. Fire Bylsma in the off-season and replace him with an offensive minded coach

5. Hope to make a deal with Vegas to help them get to the cap floor - maybe throw them a pick or prospect to take Bogo and/or Moulson off our hands

6. Go with youth next season - no reason why we can't ice an exciting young team that plays fast like this year's Leafs
- Losman

2,4,5,6
Do #4 faster than chits from mighty taco.

Offer Lehner a 1 yr show me contract . Same pay he is at now + the mand. 10%

From the last blog:

WE SUCK BLOW THIS poop UP DOOM AND GLOOM REINHART BUST EICHEL MORE LIKE ECHL LEHNER SUCKS BYLSMA SUCKS TIM MURRAY SUCKS TRADE KANE NOW
- BeadyEyedDouche

Seems just like the posts from 2 years ago. Was that a copy and paste ?

HBSL news for you players ...Holiday tomorrow

Week 15 Roster Deadline
January 16, 2017 1:00 PM ET

Nice job Mike!

Seems just like the posts from 2 years ago. Was that a copy and paste ?
- cabin

Cabby!!!

How are you my man!

Cabby!!!

How are you my man!
- Irish 14

Good Irish. Just living the dream.

Losman, I agree with all but #6. Going with mostly all youth is dangerous. You wont win as much as you think and the team will lack leadership and maturity. Its important, and close to the time for the Sabres to ship off the dead weight and add some younger vets that can contribute for a 3 -5 seasons. They have to be the right guys, not just stop gap vets to fill a role while Johnny Blaze developes in the minors.

Losman, I agree with all but #6. Going with mostly all youth is dangerous. You wont win as much as you think and the team will lack leadership and maturity. Its important, and close to the time for the Sabres to ship off the dead weight and add some younger vets that can contribute for a 3 -5 seasons. They have to be the right guys, not just stop gap vets to fill a role while Johnny Blaze developes in the minors.
- Larsson_fan

O'Reilly and Okposo can be veteran leaders. Maybe add a veteran 4th line center/penalty killer as well.

Interesting thoughts. The way you like to play is what WD does best. Send Dano out West. There is a top 4D type to send to Sabers from Canucks. What you got to send back in prospect forwards?

Im really really rreally hoping adding Ennis to the lineup helps rather than makes this team look even more confused and out of synch.

O'Reilly and Okposo can be veteran leaders. Maybe add a veteran 4th line center/penalty killer as well.
- Losman

Do you think your sabres will be better next year replacing your poopty veterans with underdeveloped rookies?

Its not a solid strategy. I witnessed it first hand in Edmonton.

Do you think your sabres will be better next year replacing your poopty veterans with underdeveloped rookies?

Its not a solid strategy. I witnessed it first hand in Edmonton.
- Larsson_fan

Not at all. Rookies need another year experience . See if we can fill some holes with talented established players . Ones that will not be a buyout candidate at seasons end.
Not an easy task. Some have all the answers playing NHL whatever year they are up to.