Elias Pettersson-Potential pick for the Sabres at 8..


A crafty and agile two-way forward, Pettersson is consistently productive in all three zones. As he gets stronger, he'll become even more physical and aggressive than he is now, and his creativity could definitely elevate his game to dominant levels. He can be described as a tenacious, jack-of-all-trades kind of player; he is well versed in all the important aspects of his own game. His speed and top-end acceleration continue to improve game by game, and his hard-nosedness shows through in his dogged pursuit of puck control. Elias Pettersson is a complete hockey player with exceptional hockey sense who brings intellect and youthful exuberance to a game that feeds on his kind of exciting athleticism.
- MCGUIZZY[EP]

Don't you think we have enough of the "two-way forwards?" We need goal scores and defense, I just don't see us going any other way if we make the pick.

Sure, but in this case the value is attached to the draft before the draft and not in hindsight. Either way, Anaheim wouldn't bite on that. I don't know if #8 (without the exchange) would do it.
- Slump Buster

Well you are assuming that every team sees this as a weak draft


Sure there may not be a superstar in this draft but that doesn't mean a top 10 pick isnt valuable. often when drafts are considered "weak" they are referring to the entire draft as a whole.

Yep, I still do think Vatanen or Fowler are the real option.

I think the best point you've made is the fact that a few other teams with player assets (such as Drouin) are going to be looking for a d-man. That could really hurt us.

Best we could hope for is Anaheim would covet the 8th pick more than a player because cost controlled salary/term - something they won't necessarily have with Vatanen/Drouin.

I think itd be a good deal if we could pull something off like:

Buffalo gives
#8 overall
2nd round pick
Forward Prospect

Anaheim gives
Vatanen
#25ish overall
- Phatjohnsn

Yea, I doubt that gets it done, but I would as Buffalo here. It depends on what the teams (with extra D) want back, a player to protect (Droiun) or just things not to protect (entry level guys / draft picks).

This is a year that I could draft no one and be ok (but get NHL players instead). I think the draft is important for sure, but I think we have tons of prospects and I need more reason to get rid of roster players I dont want (Ennis, Moulson, Gorges, Bogosian, Girgensons, Foligno, D-lo)

Don't you think we have enough of the "two-way forwards?" We need goal scores and defense, I just don't see us going any other way if we make the pick.
- sskkoo1

I Think you can be a 2 way player and still be a goal scorer but yea I hear you. I think we have just been starved of goal scorers.

Eeli Tolvanen could be more of the guy you are wanting

Future Considerations: "This goal-scoring winger is a real offensive threat…plays with speed, intensity and skills…elusive with the puck on his stick…likes to shoot and has an impressive accurate shot with an absolutely deadly release…positions himself correctly to be open for the one-timer…a smooth, agile skater and covers ground at high rates of speed in transition…quick thinker who doesn’t stop moving his feet…good speed when carrying the puck and can accelerate quickly"

Dennis Schellenberg Hockey Prospectus - Nov. 9th: "The Sioux City winger is a true goal scorer and an offensive weapon. He can make skilled plays when he possesses the puck and plays with good speed. His biggest asset is without any doubt his deadly shot. Fires the puck with great velocity and accuracy."

ISS Hockey - Feb. 10th: "High end skills offensively. This kid has a rocket of a shot. Good hockey sense & skating ability."

"One of the top pure snipers in the draft this season."

with one hand inside his front pocket.....
- RoloTahmasee

What a wiener

Don't worry, government subsidiaries would just keep bailing you out.
- BeadyEyedDouche

But I will be fired.

I Think you can be a 2 way player and still be a goal scorer but yea I hear you. I think we have just been starved of goal scorers.

Eeli Tolvanen could be more of the guy you are wanting

Future Considerations: "This goal-scoring winger is a real offensive threat…plays with speed, intensity and skills…elusive with the puck on his stick…likes to shoot and has an impressive accurate shot with an absolutely deadly release…positions himself correctly to be open for the one-timer…a smooth, agile skater and covers ground at high rates of speed in transition…quick thinker who doesn’t stop moving his feet…good speed when carrying the puck and can accelerate quickly"

Dennis Schellenberg Hockey Prospectus - Nov. 9th: "The Sioux City winger is a true goal scorer and an offensive weapon. He can make skilled plays when he possesses the puck and plays with good speed. His biggest asset is without any doubt his deadly shot. Fires the puck with great velocity and accuracy."
- MCGUIZZY

Maybe he will be a good pick, but I just can't put any stock into player write-ups. They all read like the player will be a surefire stud. I'm sure we could go dig up Cody Hodgson's player profile and I will say he's a can't miss pick as well. At #8, I hope they maybe trade that extra 2nd rounder to move up a spot or two and take Tippet. If not, stick with a defense pick, we may have our choice of all of them.

Maybe he will be a good pick, but I just can't put any stock into player write-ups. They all read like the player will be a surefire stud. I'm sure we could go dig up Cody Hodgson's player profile and I will say he's a can't miss pick as well. At #8, I hope they maybe trade that extra 2nd rounder to move up a spot or two and take Tippet. If not, stick with a defense pick, we may have our choice of all of them.
- sskkoo1

Yea i mean...Thats all we really have to go on at times. And I wouldnt say they all read as if they will be studs.

I would def consider either moving up or down. I like the idea of targeting Tippett

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Two people with direct knowledge of the Buffalo Sabres' general manager search tell The Associated Press the team has met with at least six candidates, and say the first round of interviews has not yet been completed.

The people spoke to The AP on Monday on condition of anonymity because the team is not publicly discussing its search to replace general manager Tim Murray and coach Dan Bylsma, who were fired last month.

One person said the Sabres have interviewed two Pittsburgh Penguins executives, associate general manager Jason Botterill and assistant GM Bill Guerin. They have also interviewed four other assistant general managers: Columbus Blue Jackets Bill Zito, Nashville Predators Paul Fenton, New Jersey Devils Tom Fitzgerald and Los Angeles Kings Michael Futa.

The person said Toronto Maple Leafs assistant GM Kyle Dubas has not been interviewed, despite his name surfacing in media reports as a potential candidate.

Maybe he will be a good pick, but I just can't put any stock into player write-ups. They all read like the player will be a surefire stud. I'm sure we could go dig up Cody Hodgson's player profile and I will say he's a can't miss pick as well. At #8, I hope they maybe trade that extra 2nd rounder to move up a spot or two and take Tippet. If not, stick with a defense pick, we may have our choice of all of them.
- sskkoo1

How about a pretty good stat: Tolvanen's shot per game rate is almost the same as Eichels from his USHL days.

Thats not to say he'll be eichel but thats very impressive.

Well you are assuming that every team sees this as a weak draft


Sure there may not be a superstar in this draft but that doesn't mean a top 10 pick isnt valuable. often when drafts are considered "weak" they are referring to the entire draft as a whole.
- MCGUIZZY

A top 10 pick is valuable. My point is that it isn't anywhere near valuable enough to get Vatenen

How about a pretty good stat: Tolvanen's shot per game rate is almost the same as Eichels from his USHL days.

Thats not to say he'll be eichel but thats very impressive.
- Sabresfan-365

He has had some pretty good stats in tournaments as well for Finland

A top 10 pick is valuable. My point is that it isn't anywhere near valuable enough to get Vatenen
- Slump Buster

Disagree. Anaheim wanted the 8th overall pick last year for Fowler so why would it be any different for Vatanen

He has had some pretty good stats in tournaments as well for Finland
- MCGUIZZY

he's got very good numbers in general, i think like pettersson the size is keeping him out of the top 10.

Good news for whoever is picking 11-15, they're going to make the team that takes Rasmussen top 10 look very, very stupid.

he's got very good numbers in general, i think like pettersson the size is keeping him out of the top 10.

Good news for whoever is picking 11-15, they're going to make the team that takes Rasmussen top 10 look very, very stupid.
- Sabresfan-365

i think there is definitely some sleeper picks this year. I actually like that Tolvanen is heading to Boston College next season. Go go the same route as Keller did. One and done. Could be a similar player too

i think there is definitely some sleeper picks this year. I actually like that Tolvanen is heading to Boston College next season. Go go the same route as Keller did. One and done.
- MCGUIZZY

its why i really want them to trade down. Could walk away with two players better than the guy you pick at 8th

its why i really want them to trade down. Could walk away with two players better than the guy you pick at 8th
- Sabresfan-365

Im all for trading down. Or maybe even trading up if the cost isnt too high

How about a pretty good stat: Tolvanen's shot per game rate is almost the same as Eichels from his USHL days.

Thats not to say he'll be eichel but thats very impressive.
- Sabresfan-365

Sure. I'm not knocking the kid, maybe he'll be the find of the draft. I'm just saying that the guys in the draft are typically hyped so much that I don't know what to believe. I know it will never happen because commentators will never go out to hurt feeling or sabotage a players draft status. But, it would be refreshing if commentators were truly honest.

New blog? Front page.

Disagree. Anaheim wanted the 8th overall pick last year for Fowler so why would it be any different for Vatanen
- MCGUIZZY

We would have been buying semi-low on Fowler. #8 won't get you Vatanen

We would have been buying semi-low on Fowler. #8 won't get you Vatanen
- Slump Buster

Your opinion..He will be an expansion casualty. I think you are forgetting that

And he's been struggling with propaganda, failures and a massively expensive product. That guy is eccentric as it comes. He really thinks we're going to have a Mars colony by 2030, lol.

NASA hasn't produced new space suits in over 40 years, they have about 15 left unused, yet still getting old and prone to breaking down and no funding from the government.

I like Elon Musk, but his business ventures have been anything but successful. He's overambitious, and has the money to back up his failures, as well as the investments and aforementioned loans to support net loss profit margins.
- BeadyEyedDouche

Word salad.

I do know that Hamilton was younger and had a huge hype train when he was dealt. Vatanen is older and I don't think nearly the hype. He might be the better player but perception matters. Maybe I'm wrong.

That said, I still don't think Theodore or Montour would command such a high value given their age and lack of experience. They're really good prospects but not 100% sure-things yet.
- Phatjohnsn

But why would the Ducks trade a defenseman they do NOT have to protect?
That doesn't really make sense to me

Sounds like Vatanen is the guy they would like to move
Supposedly working out an extension for Fowler
I'd love Manson from them