Michael Pachla: Of Lehner/Bylsma, Brian Gionta and Buffalo at the 46-game mark

Rather than a one (round) and done... sell. That is if they can even make the playoffs. I don't think they are quite there yet.

Good read!

While another top pick would be nice, I'm still hopeful they make the playoffs, even if it's a one and done. I would rather they learn what playoff hockey is like this year as opposed to next.

Rather than a one (round) and done... sell. That is if they can even make the playoffs. I don't think they are quite there yet.

Good read!
- burner087

thx for reeding, burn...would love to see this team make the playoffs this season, regardless of what might happen

This is refreshing.

It will take 5 minutes for the mood to change after people see the new blog is up.

I would like to see Buffalo get on a roll and if they move a few expiring contracts for more than just draft picks and add a player or two that can help this team going forward that's even better.

In reality this team would probably be a 1 and done in the playoffs unless they starting getting on a 05-06 like run.

Dream scenario (besides winning the cup) is to finish 1 point out of the playoffs and win the draft lottery to draft in the top 3.

Im all for moving forward. Even if it a one and done playoff round, the expectations we're to make the playoffs this year.

Add a player that's worth protecting.

Add a player that's worth protecting.
- TheSabresTaco

I think he's planning on doing some heavy work in the off season

I think he's planning on doing some heavy work in the off season
- Michael Pachla

I'd like to see him add a solid player who is under contract for next season around the deadline, I am not thinking a huge piece but someone like a McGinn type player, forward or defensemen and then go after a big fish after the expansion draft.

I'd like to see him add a solid player who is under contract for next season around the deadline, I am not thinking a huge piece but someone like a McGinn type player, forward or defensemen and then go after a big fish after the expansion draft.
- Stripes77

depends upon how he approaches the expansion draft and who looks to be worth keeping

depends upon how he approaches the expansion draft and who looks to be worth keeping
- Michael Pachla

Homie and I (as well as several others) have found it really hard to find all of the players worth protecting.

I would think a McGinn like player would be someone worth keeping

Homie and I (as well as several others) have found it really hard to find all of the players worth protecting.

I would think a McGinn like player would be someone worth keeping
- Stripes77

I like mcginn, but the forward group is pretty crowded right now

I'd like to see him add a solid player who is under contract for next season around the deadline, I am not thinking a huge piece but someone like a McGinn type player, forward or defensemen and then go after a big fish after the expansion draft.
- Stripes77

I don't know how much activity we should expect at the deadline other than the usual rentals.

There are some obvious names like Fowler who are victims of expansion and what not but i can't really see anaheim addressing that in a season where they lead the division. I bet the 2 weeks leading up the expansion draft after the season's done will be absolute chaos.

I don't know how much activity we should expect at the deadline other than the usual rentals.

There are some obvious names like Fowler who are victims of expansion and what not but i can't really see anaheim addressing that in a season where they lead the division. I bet the 2 weeks leading up the expansion draft after the season's done will be absolute chaos.
- Sabresfan-365

i'm still trying to figure out why murray has eight open contract spots

I don't know how much activity we should expect at the deadline other than the usual rentals.

There are some obvious names like Fowler who are victims of expansion and what not but i can't really see anaheim addressing that in a season where they lead the division. I bet the 2 weeks leading up the expansion draft after the season's done will be absolute chaos.
- Sabresfan-365

Agreed.

I can't see teams like the Ducks, Wild, or Preds not going all in for a cup run and then waiting until the time before the expansion draft to make the necessary moves they need to make.

i'm still trying to figure out why murray has eight open contract spots
- Michael Pachla

first guess would be something to do with being too close to the cap as is. Or maybe flexibility leading up to the expansion draft. 8 is rare though no? most teams usually hover around that 45-49 number?

first guess would be something to do with being too close to the cap as is. Or maybe flexibility leading up to the expansion draft. 8 is rare though no? most teams usually hover around that 45-49 number?
- Sabresfan-365

you're right...normally they leave just a few spots heading into the deadline for a variety of reasons...

eight is way high...or seems that way

thx for reeding, burn...would love to see this team make the playoffs this season, regardless of what might happen
- Michael Pachla

Getting there is a great step. Beats waiting till next year

Getting there is a great step. Beats waiting till next year
- cabin

Key is getting there and staying there. May need one more sell off/high pick to do it.

you're right...normally they leave just a few spots heading into the deadline for a variety of reasons...

eight is way high...or seems that way
- Michael Pachla

cap situation short term doesnt look too good. I hope hes waiting to offload some salary at the deadline and position himself to take advantage of other teams before expansion. It's the only thing i can think of.

Key is getting there and staying there. May need one more sell off/high pick to do it.
- Sabresfan-365

Once we get in, anything can and usually happens

This post is a complete fabrication with no data of any kind to support it.

This post is a complete fabrication with no data of any kind to support it.
- Der Kaiser

I prefer "alternative facts."

While I certainly appreciate all that Gionta has done the last 3 years, I think we would be better served to find a spot on the roster for Justin Bailey or Nick Baptiste and believe me, I told anyone who would listen that Gionta would be the perfect guy to bring in to Captain us through the rebuild at least a half a year before we signed him. I would not be mad if they resign him, I just think younger players should start making their presence felt in the lineup.