Michael Pachla: What's in store for Botterill's 6 qualified RFA's? Today, Nicolas Baptiste

I will never forget that Housley didn't give him a shot with Eichel when the season was over. What a waste, but hey, Girgensons and Pominville earned it by being veterans on a last-place team. He should probably be traded if he's not gonna be in the top-9. I see him having a Paul Byron career.

I will never forget that Housley didn't give him a shot with Eichel when the season was over. What a waste, but hey, Girgensons and Pominville earned it by being veterans on a last-place team. He should probably be traded if he's not gonna be in the top-9. I see him having a Paul Byron career.
- jcragcrumple

I agree... I rather have girgs than larrson though.

7 goals in 47 games, while playing fewer than 10 minutes. Has the speed we need and the finishing ability. Played most of his time with Nolan, Larsson and Josefson. If he's in the top-9 with Mittelstadt or Berglund as his center, he'd get 15-20. Give him some damn minutes and some PP2 time. For some reason, I have a feeling we're gonna be watching 22, 28 and 29 instead of him, which is a damn shame.

I'm hoping Nick gets a chance with Jack as well. As MP says, he has the raw talent to be successful or the right tools to do so. He's a long ways off from a top line winger, but given depth it may have to happen.

Baptiste - Eichel - Skunkeroo
Sheary - Mitts - Okposo
Girgs - Berglund - Pommer
Wilson - E-Rod - Thompson
Sobotka

Forward lines would be so???

I will never forget that Housley didn't give him a shot with Eichel when the season was over. What a waste, but hey, Girgensons and Pominville earned it by being veterans on a last-place team. He should probably be traded if he's not gonna be in the top-9. I see him having a Paul Byron career.
- jcragcrumple

yeah...coaches do really stupid things, like McDavid vs. Larsson to start the first McEichel matchup...

in Buffalo no less

7 goals in 47 games, while playing fewer than 10 minutes. Has the speed we need and the finishing ability. Played most of his time with Nolan, Larsson and Josefson. If he's in the top-9 with Mittelstadt or Berglund as his center, he'd get 15-20. Give him some damn minutes and some PP2 time. For some reason, I have a feeling we're gonna be watching 22, 28 and 29 instead of him, which is a damn shame.
- jcragcrumple

gonna be interesting as he's a right-winger...sam, Okposo and Thompson with his (supposed) promises of a top-six shot vying for spots on the top two lines

I think we could see some of them switch sides.

That would certainly help us out

gonna be interesting as he's a right-winger...sam, Okposo and Thompson with his (supposed) promises of a top-six shot vying for spots on the top two lines
- Michael Pachla

That's why I think he's done here, unless Reinhart moves to center, which is probably a bad idea. Reinhart at center would open things up, but he doesn't seem to be able to produce. If he could, I would go

Sheary-Eichel-Okposo
Erod-Mitts-Thompson
Berglund-Reinhart-Baptiste
Bailey-Sobotka-Pominville

A productive Reinhart at center helps the team. Idk if he can pull it off though.

That's why I think he's done here, unless Reinhart moves to center, which is probably a bad idea. Reinhart at center would open things up, but he doesn't seem to be able to produce. If he could, I would go

Sheary-Eichel-Okposo
Erod-Mitts-Thompson
Berglund-Reinhart-Baptiste
Bailey-Sobotka-Pominville

A productive Reinhart at center helps the team. Idk if he can pull it off though.
- jcragcrumple

He can't.

...

That's why I think he's done here, unless Reinhart moves to center, which is probably a bad idea. Reinhart at center would open things up, but he doesn't seem to be able to produce. If he could, I would go

Sheary-Eichel-Okposo
Erod-Mitts-Thompson
Berglund-Reinhart-Baptiste
Bailey-Sobotka-Pominville

A productive Reinhart at center helps the team. Idk if he can pull it off though.
- jcragcrumple

I don't get all this Thompson love

He can't.
- RhinoFan

as was proven last season

I don't get all this Thompson love
- Michael Pachla

Shiny new toy syndrome

as was proven last season
- Michael Pachla

Yeah, makes me sad.

He's a sure fire 30 goal 1RW next season though!

I don't get all this Thompson love
- Michael Pachla

I have grown on him after watching some videos and reading old scouting reports.

Hes about as fast a reinhart is now and he plays a hard nosed go to the net style.

Some size and a little power skating and he certainly has the skill to play in the top 6.

He was rushed in St. Louis and then stuck in the bottom 6 because they have too many vets.

I think some freedom in the top 6 might let him get some confidence and he may shine..

There will be some growing pains though

as was proven last season
- Michael Pachla

I think if he can stay clean (as the rumors were) the same way he was the second half of the season last year he might be able to pull off playing center.

Steve Smith new ASSt. Coach

Shiny new toy syndrome
- jcragcrumple

still

Steve Smith new ASSt. Coach
- SABRES 89

saw that...

wonder if that means hajt is done

saw that...

wonder if that means hajt is done
- Michael Pachla

Whoever was in charge of the powerplay should be shot in the face and then fired.

Sorry Patch, the computer i'm on at work is having issues and I don't have the Icon to reply to a poster, just have the reply button at the top of the page.

Yea looks like he's done, he looked over his head but they both may be gone.

I think if he can stay clean (as the rumors were) the same way he was the second half of the season last year he might be able to pull off playing center.
- Shadman306

I think the problem with Reinhart at center is that to some degree, the scouting report on him was wrong. People talked about elite vision and playmaking, but he's a goalscorer, except from behind the net, where he's excellent. I don't know that he can be as effective of a goalscorer at center.

I think the problem with Reinhart at center is that to some degree, the scouting report on him was wrong. People talked about elite vision and playmaking, but he's a goalscorer, except from behind the net, where he's excellent. I don't know that he can be as effective of a goalscorer at center.
- jcragcrumple

I think that Thompson can be Reinhart Lite with more size.

I am so behind on hockey from being on vacation...

I was wondering why ROR wasn't in the lineup then saw he was traded.

Buffalo thoughts on trade? Obviously not as close as a haul the Toronto...I mean Buffalo fans were asking for.