It's not for the sake of change, it's for the sake of we're dead last, big change is needed.

I agree that Ristolainen would be better with better players around him, but that by extension means he's not a top pairing guy, and that's a problem.

Same with a guy like Reinhart, and ROR. I suppose you could keep them and add core players moving these guys to complimentary roles. Im just not sure how you add core players without including these guys in the deal or tanking for a few more years.
- Sabresfan-365

Agreed, big change is needed. I just want to make sure we're not taking .50 for 1.00. I'm all for trading ROR if the value is right, but if someone is only coughing up a third, I hang on to ROR. Now you're not advocating that, I'm just trying to paint a picture.

I disagree, I agree he's not top pair quality right now, but I don't think it's fair to close the book on that possibility with that team. We both agree that Eichel is the only sure fire "core" guy correct? Like it or not, that's going to affect his performance. But NO ONE scores, that's part of the problem.

The final point, you add good complimentary players by drafting and developing. It's not just about acquiring the top picks, you have to hit sometimes on some unexpected picks. That's the main difference between this roster and the 06-07 roster.

Agreed, big change is needed. I just want to make sure we're not taking .50 for 1.00. I'm all for trading ROR if the value is right, but if someone is only coughing up a third, I hang on to ROR. Now you're not advocating that, I'm just trying to paint a picture.

I disagree, I agree he's not top pair quality right now, but I don't think it's fair to close the book on that possibility with that team. We both agree that Eichel is the only sure fire "core" guy correct? Like it or not, that's going to affect his performance. But NO ONE scores, that's part of the problem.

The final point, you add good complimentary players by drafting and developing. It's not just about acquiring the top picks, you have to hit sometimes on some unexpected picks. That's the main difference between this roster and the 06-07 roster.
- gcomella34

Oh i agree that it would affect his performance in basic stats but things like zone exits, entries, shot assists , shot share...he's well below average in all of them

For context, even in nights where guhle is getting dummied in corsi, hes still excelling in those other areas. That's why im sour on risto, there's nothing there to suggest that any point in his career he can be a core guy that you can lean on.

The drafting for sure. less playing it safe , more finding potential. Id rather 1 Benn and nine busts then 5 foligno's.

noice!

A) Sometimes I feel they are. But not always. Like an earlier comment from Broads denigrating "Culture" by citing Ottawa's record. I define culture differently than most, more in the Organizational Structure sense, not the old time hockey culture. But simply a continual and passionate pursuit of perfection with a toleration of nothing less. Successful organizations have support structures in place to reinforce this mission. Not culture in the sense that his contributions don't show up on the stat sheet. That's not culture to me. I think Botterill refers to culture as the former not the latter.

B) Agreed.

C) I don't think they have enough core players. But I think if they wanted to be competitive (as in chasing a 7-8 spot) they could do so if they get better production out of the bottom 6. But part of this is getting top line players that push our current top line players to their rightful bottom 6, if that makes sense. I think ROR would make a decent third line center. If he's on the third line, I think you have a pretty good team.

D) I think to illustrate your points, both of you try to present extremes. It comes off as all solutions to make the team better is a zero sum game. We need better players and everything will be fine. That's a BIG part of it, but the other part of it is developing a culture of excellence in the scouting staff that identifies and develops that talent. Buffalo's drafting and development has been HORRIBLE for a decade. Part of that is it is accepted, that is a culture. So the answer is more complex than either of you (seem) to allow.
- gcomella34

It’s a bit earl6 to award
But
Post of the Year!
Congrats, please keep your acceptance post to under 250;words, or when the music starts playing

- homiedclown

Relax, they havec6 minutes to collapse

Oh i agree that it would affect his performance in basic stats but things like zone exits, entries, shot assists , shot share...he's well below average in all of them

For context, even in nights where guhle is getting dummied in corsi, hes still excelling in those other areas. That's why im sour on risto, there's nothing there to suggest that any point in his career he can be a core guy that you can lean on.

The drafting for sure. less playing it safe , more finding potential. Id rather 1 Benn and nine busts then 5 foligno's.
- Sabresfan-365

Those stats partially are affected by the play of others, competition level they play against, I haven't studied those stats as extensively as either you or broads that's why you have my ear. I still hold to the fact that if we dangle Risto, we get some pretty decent offers and that does say something to his value. So I'm willing to wait here and see what he does with some more talent. Could you imagine having Risto and Dahlin if they get the pick? I salivate over that possibility no matter how low it is. But you know what I really like about this roster right now? It looks like Guhle, a second round pick, is actually going to be that guy that really surprises you relative to where he was drafted, possibly Borgen too. For obvious reasons, I'm more convinced that Guhle is as he's here and producing as you say. But, if the Sabres pick 4 instead of 1. Life isn't over if they can take three out of the 7 players and make them starters or contributors with Eichel and Casey being high end players. Provided the 4 is one of those players that develops well.

rant buzz

Relax, they havec6 minutes to collapse
- IonSabres

triple shift nolan, wilson and beaulieu

rant buzz
- BeadyEyedDouche

the great ror won 4 out of 12 face offs

Serious question,
Who would DO Jan from a Toyota?

Agreed, big change is needed. I just want to make sure we're not taking .50 for 1.00. I'm all for trading ROR if the value is right, but if someone is only coughing up a third, I hang on to ROR. Now you're not advocating that, I'm just trying to paint a picture.

I disagree, I agree he's not top pair quality right now, but I don't think it's fair to close the book on that possibility with that team. We both agree that Eichel is the only sure fire "core" guy correct? Like it or not, that's going to affect his performance. But NO ONE scores, that's part of the problem.

The final point, you add good complimentary players by drafting and developing. It's not just about acquiring the top picks, you have to hit sometimes on some unexpected picks. That's the main difference between this roster and the 06-07 roster.
- gcomella34

If they do trade Ror for .50 on the 1.00 and in return get prospects and a draft pick. Then they can fill the hole with youth on an ELC who puts up 30 points, and the locker room is better. This thing called winning starts happening again, then its not a loss.

Something stinks in that room, Murray gambled on emerging players heading into their "prime" to help with a new, youthful locker room and it has failed miserably. Every single player he grabbed has been an organizational failure, oh and other than Eichel they are all the most expensive players they have.

Lehner, hes gone into a full time mental institution

Ror, is still trying to be better, Im not a fan

Okposo, keeps getting dressed in the laundry room (those concussions really did a number)

Moulson, guy is potting genos and chillen on the beach in Cali, collecting bank from TPegs.

Gorges, fml

Bogo: Jesus, is this organization paying more for players and ex players to not play than play????????

Let me know if i forgot someone.

triple shift nolan, wilson and beaulieu
- homiedclown

triple shift nolan, wilson and beaulieu
- homiedclown

Just have to win this one and the next Leafs game

Just have to win this one and the next Leafs game
- cabin

yeah then with the 5th pick in the draft, the sabres select

Those stats partially are affected by the play of others, competition level they play against, I haven't studied those stats as extensively as either you or broads that's why you have my ear. I still hold to the fact that if we dangle Risto, we get some pretty decent offers and that does say something to his value. So I'm willing to wait here and see what he does with some more talent. Could you imagine having Risto and Dahlin if they get the pick? I salivate over that possibility no matter how low it is. But you know what I really like about this roster right now? It looks like Guhle, a second round pick, is actually going to be that guy that really surprises you relative to where he was drafted, possibly Borgen too. For obvious reasons, I'm more convinced that Guhle is as he's here and producing as you say. But, if the Sabres pick 4 instead of 1. Life isn't over if they can take three out of the 7 players and make them starters or contributors with Eichel and Casey being high end players. Provided the 4 is one of those players that develops well.
- gcomella34

things like exit/entries and shot assists are almost entirely driven by the player himself. despite a mediocre corsi, eichel does really well in the areas he has control over.

I think we get decent offers cause this league still operates on the assumption that guys like Russell and Gorges have a place in the NHL at a role higher than 7D. people always pay up based on reputation. "big tough young d-man who puts up points" will peak a lot of teams interest, thats why context is important.

I personally dread the thought of Dahlin playing with Risto. I don't want him playing with someone as defensively incompetent in his own end (aside from the crease) as risto.

Agreed on the draft position though. anyone of them for me would be a welcome addition.

If they do trade Ror for .50 on the 1.00 and in return get prospects and a draft pick. Then they can fill the hole with youth on an ELC who puts up 30 points, and the locker room is better. This thing called winning starts happening again, then its not a loss.

Something stinks in that room, Murray gambled on emerging players heading into their "prime" to help with a new, youthful locker room and it has failed miserably. Every single player he grabbed has been an organizational failure, oh and other than Eichel they are all the most expensive players they have.

Lehner, hes gone into a full time mental institution

Ror, is still trying to be better, Im not a fan

Okposo, keeps getting dressed in the laundry room (those concussions really did a number)

Moulson, guy is potting genos and chillen on the beach in Cali, collecting bank from TPegs.

Gorges, fml

Bogo: Jesus, is this organization paying more for players and ex players to not play than play????????

Let me know if i forgot someone.
- washedup20

scary part is how many are paid like core guys. Gotta shed before you can add imo

I personally dread the thought of Dahlin playing with Risto. I don't want him playing with someone as defensively incompetent in his own end (aside from the crease) as risto.

.
- Sabresfan-365

dahlin-blank
guhle-risto
scandella-antipin


bye bye mccabe

If they do trade Ror for .50 on the 1.00 and in return get prospects and a draft pick. Then they can fill the hole with youth on an ELC who puts up 30 points, and the locker room is better. This thing called winning starts happening again, then its not a loss.

Something stinks in that room, Murray gambled on emerging players heading into their "prime" to help with a new, youthful locker room and it has failed miserably. Every single player he grabbed has been an organizational failure, oh and other than Eichel they are all the most expensive players they have.

Lehner, hes gone into a full time mental institution

Ror, is still trying to be better, Im not a fan

Okposo, keeps getting dressed in the laundry room (those concussions really did a number)

Moulson, guy is potting genos and chillen on the beach in Cali, collecting bank from TPegs.

Gorges, fml

Bogo: Jesus, is this organization paying more for players and ex players to not play than play????????

Let me know if i forgot someone.
- washedup20

If you get equivalent value for less payroll, that's not .50 on the 1.00.

Half the issue was Murry got character guys that couldn't perform. No one listens when it's apparent your character guys don't belong on the ice.

scary part is how many are paid like core guys. Gotta shed before you can add imo
- Sabresfan-365

ror won 4 of his 13 face offs tonight

yeah then with the 5th pick in the draft, the sabres select
- homiedclown

Sabres Trade down and revive picks
23, 27 and 31, plus 2 2nds (57 and 60) and a 3rd (92)

Hockey Buzz goes absolutely wild in joy exclaiming how many holes they can fill now with all these selections.

ror won 4 of his 13 face offs tonight
- homiedclown

now 4 of 14

Sabres Trade down and revive picks
23, 27 and 31, plus 2 2nds (57 and 60) and a 3rd (92)

Hockey Buzz goes absolutely wild in joy exclaiming how many holes they can fill now with all these selections.
- IonSabres

that's filling more holes than an adult german video

I would have, sounds like they aren't.
- Lunaion

We’ll see what happens next year,
but I’ve been saying all along that Mittelstadt at 3C makes sense

Judging by them trying Sam at 3C earlier this season, and the success Botts experienced in Pitt while having 3 scoring lines...
I’m not surprised at all to see them start him at Center
Probably the best way to get that 3rd line productive

And if the plan is for him to eventually be 2C and trade O’Reilly...
then why even bother wasting time with him on the wing

Also eases him in against lesser competition
(for the most part)

Leafs started Matthews at 3C,
and that seemed to work pretty well

Maybe it changes if he struggles in his own end though


PS.
F the Leafs
Hahahahaha!

rant buzz
- BeadyEyedDouche

Great to see you.

Binghamton finally got something good, Tim Tebow on the baseball team!!!



On an unrelated note, weight watchers ladies small groups at local churches attendance just spiked.