I think Montreal seen the writing on the wall, they didn't hesitate to take the 2nd for him. I think Murray just wanted stable leadership on the Blue line for the prospects to learn how to be NHLers.
- sskkoo1

Which I was all for. Gorges served his purpose. At this point though I just don't want him back on the ice. I try not to be that dramatic about players but he's one where there is a considerable difference between him and whoever will replace him.

it's not that I don't have reservations, because I do, but signs are indicating that this team is on upswing...how much of one is to be determined, but 7-3-1 in January, against some pretty good teams, indicates that the arrow's pointing up
- Michael Pachla

The arrow has been pointing up since March 2016. The problem is, for such a long time before, it was pointing down, and the climb is by its very nature gradual, and perceptible in the long term, not the short.

But this team is better than it has been in a long while, and getting even better. Making the playoffs this year will not change the overall trajectory of the franchise. The talent we have on the roster is primarily young and in their prime, the talent we have in the minors is getting ready to come in and take over for the older guys, and the non-core assets MAY be valuable enough to pull in the LHD that will make all the difference. The draft this year will not provide the value we need in the window we are opening.

Are the Sabres moving perfectly toward the Cup? Hell no! Are they moving, and will the moves continue, HELL YES!

They've turned the corner so many times this year they keep ending up where they started. I'm happy with how they are playing but I'm only at cautiously optimistic right now.
- Pope of Pucks

I appreciate this sentiment. However at this stage we need to stop using making playoffs(or squeaking in) as the measurement of success. We're setting ourselves up for disappointment. What we need to root for is player growth and consistency. If playoffs work out, cool.

He doesn't want to move him however, if the Blues called That may change............................. oh did I say that out loud
- SABRES 89

Who might he be interested in? I'd be surprised to see Tim go after a rental in Shattenkirk and the Blues probably don't want to move Pietrangelo or Parayko

Which I was all for. Gorges served his purpose. At this point though I just don't want him back on the ice. I try not to be that dramatic about players but he's one where there is a considerable difference between him and whoever will replace him.
- Zschalberg

Agreed. He needs to hang then up.

The arrow has been pointing up since March 2016. The problem is, for such a long time before, it was pointing down, and the climb is by its very nature gradual, and perceptible in the long term, not the short.

But this team is better than it has been in a long while, and getting even better. Making the playoffs this year will not change the overall trajectory of the franchise. The talent we have on the roster is primarily young and in their prime, the talent we have in the minors is getting ready to come in and take over for the older guys, and the non-core assets MAY be valuable enough to pull in the LHD that will make all the difference. The draft this year will not provide the value we need in the window we are opening.

Are the Sabres moving perfectly toward the Cup? Hell no! Are they moving, and will the moves continue, HELL YES!
- Der Kaiser

What I said. Making playoffs this year would only be the result of a good and lucky second half of the season after a bad and unlucky first half. It's very conceivable we are very good in the second half but just aren't lucky enough to make playoffs. Gotta make peace with that now.

What I said. Making playoffs this year would only be the result of a good and lucky second half of the season after a bad and unlucky first half. It's very conceivable we are very good in the second half but just aren't lucky enough to make playoffs. Gotta make peace with that now.
- Buffalo--Sabres

It's part of the process. I am fine with it for this season. I do however expect this team to be in the playoffs in the 2017-2018 season.

I think we all agree that Kane has been a beast for about 20 games or so. He seems totally focused on playing good hockey. It makes you wonder if Murray - or Kane's agent - had a "heart to heart" with him about focusing on hockey and less on the club scene. Whoever is responsible for this turnaround deserves

What I said. Making playoffs this year would only be the result of a good and lucky second half of the season after a bad and unlucky first half. It's very conceivable we are very good in the second half but just aren't lucky enough to make playoffs. Gotta make peace with that now.
- Buffalo--Sabres

You misconstrued what I said. I could not disagree with this more.

Making the playoffs will not change our upward trajectory, but it will help it. Too many of our young guys have been in a miserable locker room for too long - huddled together as a team trying to remain positive and patient while they waited for the critical mass to be there, for an opportunity to show they can compete. That misery is what led to meltdowns like Eichels in December, and Lehner's last week.

This team needs to start playing to win for the growth of the existing talent. We can do that, and still add new talent. But we can't disregard the guys who are already here.

You misconstrued what I said. I could not disagree with this more.

Making the playoffs will not change our upward trajectory, but it will help it. Too many of our young guys have been in a miserable locker room for too long - huddled together as a team trying to remain positive and patient while they waited for the critical mass to be there, for an opportunity to show they can compete. That misery is what led to meltdowns like Eichels in December, and Lehner's last week.

This team needs to start playing to win for the growth of the existing talent. We can do that, and still add new talent. But we can't disregard the guys who are already here.
- Der Kaiser

Do you think this changes by just making it to the playoffs though?

On Gionta:

I don't see the value in cutting Ennis and Larsson in favor of a 39 year-old Gionta unless those pieces get you a good Dman. Moving Moulson is easier said than done, Especially when considering the buyout hit is $3.8 in two years, when Jack will be in the first year of his new deal. I still think Gio is the odd man out next year in order to see some young guys
- jcragcrumple

15/16

Larsson had 10 goals, 7 assists
Foligno had 10 goals and 13 assists

When on a line with Gionta, Larsson had 10 goals and 4 assists (82% of his points)
When on a line with Gionta, Foligno had 7 goals and 7 assists (61% of his points).

Without Gionta on their lines, they were crap (Larsson moreso). Larsson was playing very mixed lines prior to that group being put together last season - spending time with Eichel, Reinhart, Girgensons and Ennis.

Gionta had 33 points last season, tying him at 223rd in the NHL (with Marion Hossa and Colton Parayko). 223rd in the NHL - and this is even including Defensemen - would put him as a #8 ranked scorer on any team in the league. Removing defensemen (41 had more points) and he places basically as the 6th best scoring forward on any team (182/30=60.something)

When is Lehner going to learn to hug the post????

Who might he be interested in? I'd be surprised to see Tim go after a rental in Shattenkirk and the Blues probably don't want to move Pietrangelo or Parayko
- chilliard77

I wonder if the Panthers have buyers' remorse on Yandle. That contract is awful, but he could help this team

On Gionta:




15/16

Larsson had 10 goals, 7 assists
Foligno had 10 goals and 13 assists

When on a line with Gionta, Larsson had 10 goals and 4 assists (82% of his points)
When on a line with Gionta, Foligno had 7 goals and 7 assists (61% of his points).

Without Gionta on their lines, they were crap (Larsson moreso). Larsson was playing very mixed lines prior to that group being put together last season - spending time with Eichel, Reinhart, Girgensons and Ennis.

Gionta had 33 points last season, tying him at 223rd in the NHL (with Marion Hossa and Colton Parayko). 223rd in the NHL - and this is even including Defensemen - would put him as a #8 ranked scorer on any team in the league. Removing defensemen (41 had more points) and he places basically as the 6th best scoring forward on any team (182/30=60.something)
- stashu

I know i'm in the minority on this one - and there is value to keeping him - but realistically, are we expecting this production to continue next year? the year after? There's no doubt that he's effective at the minutes he's playing, but if you play him more the wheels fall off. Your stat shows his effectiveness at limited minutes, but when you throw him in the top 6 with those kind of minutes he can't perform. That's fine when there aren't injuries, but there are always injuries.

My view is that you can probably get a decent haul for him, and we need to see what the kids can do. When we lose, people complain about the roster that we have, but when we win, we want to keep everybody. Someone today said we should keep Franson if he's cheap.

I think to resign all these guys who will be a year older next year is folly. They aren't going to get better. Let's start looking toward the future of this hockey team.

TLDR; Gionta is fine. We can do better

I know i'm in the minority on this one - and there is value to keeping him - but realistically, are we expecting this production to continue next year? the year after? There's no doubt that he's effective at the minutes he's playing, but if you play him more the wheels fall off. Your stat shows his effectiveness at limited minutes, but when you throw him in the top 6 with those kind of minutes he can't perform. That's fine when there aren't injuries, but there are always injuries.

My view is that you can probably get a decent haul for him, and we need to see what the kids can do. When we lose, people complain about the roster that we have, but when we win, we want to keep everybody. Someone today said we should keep Franson if he's cheap.

I think to resign all these guys who will be a year older next year is folly. They aren't going to get better. Let's start looking toward the future of this hockey team.

TLDR; Gionta is fine. We can do better
- jcragcrumple

My opinion on the matter:

If anyone other than Eichel is captain next year I will be disappointed

it's not that I don't have reservations, because I do, but signs are indicating that this team is on upswing...how much of one is to be determined, but 7-3-1 in January, against some pretty good teams, indicates that the arrow's pointing up
- Michael Pachla

Again, if you switch the Tampa, Toronto and Carolina losses with the wins against Dallas, Winnipeg and Nashville, and things seems a bit different.

That would put Tampa at 47 points, Toronto at 51 and Carolina at 47.

So basically, the standings would look like this from 8-16 in the ECF:

8. Toronto - 51
9. Philadelphia - 52
10. Florida -50
11. NY Isles - 49
12. Buffalo - 49
13. Detroit - 49
14. New Jersey - 49
15. Carolina - 47
16. Tampa - 47

Do you think this changes by just making it to the playoffs though?
- sbroads24

No - in fact, I don't think "making it to the playoffs" is the change we need. I think "an attitude within the franchise that we're going to affirmatively try to win" is the change we need.

Its a change that says "we believe you guys can do it" instead of saying "we're going to trade neuwirth because he's putting the tank at risk" Its a change that says "I'm ready for war with the soldiers I have" instead of "We're going to let the bad guys give us swirlies for a while longer cause there's no way we can fight the bad guys." Its a change that tells our players "We are proud of you" and not "We wish you were better."

People that don't understand that don't know how to get more from people than they're already giving.

No - in fact, I don't think "making it to the playoffs" is the change we need. I think "an attitude within the franchise that we're going to affirmatively try to win" is the change we need.

Its a change that says "we believe you guys can do it" instead of saying "we're going to trade neuwirth because he's putting the tank at risk" Its a change that says "I'm ready for war with the soldiers I have" instead of "We're going to let the bad guys give us swirlies for a while longer cause there's no way we can fight the bad guys." Its a change that tells our players "We are proud of you" and not "We wish you were better."

People that don't understand that don't know how to get more from people than they're already giving.
- Der Kaiser

Great moments in tank history. That was so worth it.

Still mad that I left that game early...
- jochfr

your not ready

Again, if you switch the Tampa, Toronto and Carolina losses with the wins against Dallas, Winnipeg and Nashville, and things seems a bit different.

That would put Tampa at 47 points, Toronto at 51 and Carolina at 47.

So basically, the standings would look like this from 8-16 in the ECF:

8. Toronto - 51
9. Philadelphia - 52
10. Florida -50
11. NY Isles - 49
12. Buffalo - 49
13. Detroit - 49
14. New Jersey - 49
15. Carolina - 47
16. Tampa - 47
- HonkFortheGoose

when the dust settles, I see boston around 13 or 14th in the east

My opinion on the matter:

If anyone other than Eichel is captain next year I will be disappointed
- chilliard77

I am still torn if I want a push for the top 8, or move on from gorges, franson, kulikov and perhaps ennis now and save the chips for next season with a better prospect pool

I am still torn if I want a push for the top 8, or move on from gorges, franson, kulikov and perhaps ennis now and save the chips for next season with a better prospect pool
- homiedclown

Moving on from Gorges might actually help us push for the top 8

I am still torn if I want a push for the top 8, or move on from gorges, franson, kulikov and perhaps ennis now and save the chips for next season with a better prospect pool
- homiedclown

Really depends on what the market is offering. If we can manage to dispatch a short term defenseman or two for a good pick or a longer term, high end prospect, I'll do that all day.

Really depends on what the market is offering. If we can manage to dispatch a short term defenseman or two for a good pick or a longer term, high end prospect, I'll do that all day.
- TheSabresTaco

I agree at this point. Especially because our prospect pool is fairly thin in a lot of ways right now. Especially once they graduate Baptiste, Bailey and Nylander to the NHL club.