In real life I see a lot more than I say.
- Der Kaiser

(following)

per spector

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Tom Cowlishaw reports Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites’ calculated, expletive-laden attack on Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin on Friday “feels a lot like the end.” In his years of covering Dallas sports, he said he’s never heard anything like it, suggesting it could also be a shot at the local media for not giving the Stars as much attention and coverage as the other local sports teams.

Harsh comments by Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites aimed at captain Jamie Benn and linemate Tyler Seguin raised eyebrows around the NHL (Photo via NHL Images)

Cowlishaw is curious over how Benn and Seguin will react to Lites’ scathing public critique of their efforts. He also wondered if they were “even remotely tradable while having subpar seasons after being decimated by their own management?” Cowlishaw went on to note both will make nearly $10 million per season starting in 2019-20 when Seguin’s new contract kicks in.

NBC SPORTS: Rather than aiming his ire at the Stars’ two best players, Adam Gretz believes Lites should instead focus on the poor job management has done surrounding the pair with quality players. While Benn and Seguin are well-paid and their production has slipped a bit this season, they’re still producing more than most of the league and more than anybody else on the Stars.

Gretz points out the supporting cast is highlighted by a young John Klingberg on defense and aging center Jason Spezza. He noted Alexander Radulov’s strong numbers but he’s put most of those up skating on the Benn-Seguin line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: While everyone is awaiting the reactions of Benn and Seguin, it won’t be surprising if some pundits begin musing over the possibility of one or both asking to be traded or if the Stars are willing to field offers for either guy. Right now, I don’t believe either scenario is imminent.

Lites’ remarks (which apparently had the blessing of owner Tom Gaglardi) seem to be meant simply to light a fire under his two best players. And perhaps Benn and Seguin will take it as such.

However, if the Stars miss the playoffs or exit from the opening round, ownership could engage in a serious re-evaluation of management and the roster. That might also include the futures of Benn and Seguin, who could also decide to assess their place with the organization.

Corporate Kaiser


- washedup20

B+

Corporate Kaiser


- washedup20

Paul Hamilton's twin?

Paul Hamilton's twin?
- mhp

Ned Beatty

Ned Beatty


- homiedclown

Deadwood movie coming to HBO next year.

per spector

DALLAS MORNING NEWS: Tom Cowlishaw reports Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites’ calculated, expletive-laden attack on Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin on Friday “feels a lot like the end.” In his years of covering Dallas sports, he said he’s never heard anything like it, suggesting it could also be a shot at the local media for not giving the Stars as much attention and coverage as the other local sports teams.

Harsh comments by Dallas Stars CEO Jim Lites aimed at captain Jamie Benn and linemate Tyler Seguin raised eyebrows around the NHL (Photo via NHL Images)

Cowlishaw is curious over how Benn and Seguin will react to Lites’ scathing public critique of their efforts. He also wondered if they were “even remotely tradable while having subpar seasons after being decimated by their own management?” Cowlishaw went on to note both will make nearly $10 million per season starting in 2019-20 when Seguin’s new contract kicks in.

NBC SPORTS: Rather than aiming his ire at the Stars’ two best players, Adam Gretz believes Lites should instead focus on the poor job management has done surrounding the pair with quality players. While Benn and Seguin are well-paid and their production has slipped a bit this season, they’re still producing more than most of the league and more than anybody else on the Stars.

Gretz points out the supporting cast is highlighted by a young John Klingberg on defense and aging center Jason Spezza. He noted Alexander Radulov’s strong numbers but he’s put most of those up skating on the Benn-Seguin line.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: While everyone is awaiting the reactions of Benn and Seguin, it won’t be surprising if some pundits begin musing over the possibility of one or both asking to be traded or if the Stars are willing to field offers for either guy. Right now, I don’t believe either scenario is imminent.

Lites’ remarks (which apparently had the blessing of owner Tom Gaglardi) seem to be meant simply to light a fire under his two best players. And perhaps Benn and Seguin will take it as such.

However, if the Stars miss the playoffs or exit from the opening round, ownership could engage in a serious re-evaluation of management and the roster. That might also include the futures of Benn and Seguin, who could also decide to assess their place with the organization.
- homiedclown

JBotts should be kicking the tires on this for sure.
Doubt a trade happens in-season, so exploring for off-season IMO.

As we all know, to make it work for Sabres, Okposo's contract needs to go.
Can't see the Stars wanting to take that one on either.
Enter the 3rd team trade scenario...Yotes?

To Yotes - Sabres 2020 1st, Okposo, a B prospect/player (ERod, Baptiste)
To Dallas - Sabres 2019 1st, Sheary, Guhle, Nylander/Asplund... something from Yotes (like their 2020 2nd?)

To Buffalo - Tyler Seguin, Dallas 2020 2nd

Although an awesome idea, I just don't see how we could acquire Seguin. His cap hit of $9.85M that kicks in next year is hefty for this team, knowing Dahlin, Reinhart and Mitts coming. We would need to trade salary back to Dallas to make it work and I doubt they would have interest in Okposo, Sobotka, Hunwick or Sheary. Besides he has a NMC and I doubt he waives to come here.

I would , rather, have them pursue Mark Stone, Panarin or Nyquist. Anders Lee would be a nice get as well. The cap is going to $83M and that would give us roughly $31M in cap space, even with Okposo's contract. Re-signing Skinner will give us $22, sign a free agent and re-sign the RFA's and yes, it is possible.

Gameday. Hoping for another dominant Jack Eichel performance against his hometown B's.

Although an awesome idea, I just don't see how we could acquire Seguin. His cap hit of $9.85M that kicks in next year is hefty for this team, knowing Dahlin, Reinhart and Mitts coming. We would need to trade salary back to Dallas to make it work and I doubt they would have interest in Okposo, Sobotka, Hunwick or Sheary. Besides he has a NMC and I doubt he waives to come here.

I would , rather, have them pursue Mark Stone, Panarin or Nyquist. Anders Lee would be a nice get as well. The cap is going to $83M and that would give us roughly $31M in cap space, even with Okposo's contract. Re-signing Skinner will give us $22, sign a free agent and re-sign the RFA's and yes, it is possible.
- mhp

See my post above, as I agree with you the Sabres need to dump Okposo's contract.
To do so, they need to "pay" some value to somebody to take it on...the Yotes have shown a propensity to do so over the past 2 - 3 years. That also opens up a RW spot for one of the kids in Roch...so double benefit (cash/cap out, open slot) that needs to be given adequate consideration when evaluating the propsal in totality.

When going after pne of the UFA's you mention above, the same issue exist...they need to find a say to dump Okposo's contract to be able to take on one of those contracts that will cost them $8.5m+/- as well.

JBotts should be kicking the tires on this for sure.
Doubt a trade happens in-season, so exploring for off-season IMO.

As we all know, to make it work for Sabres, Okposo's contract needs to go.
Can't see the Stars wanting to take that one on either.
Enter the 3rd team trade scenario...Yotes?

To Yotes - Sabres 2020 1st, Okposo, a B prospect/player (ERod, Baptiste)
To Dallas - Sabres 2019 1st, Sheary, Guhle, Nylander/Asplund... something from Yotes (like their 2020 2nd?)

To Buffalo - Tyler Seguin, Dallas 2020 2nd
- IonSabres

Baptiste is not with the Sabres anymore.

So we're trading our 2020 1st, Osmosis and a B prospect and what is Arizona sending back?


With 4 1st rd picks over the next 2 years I just don't see Botts trading them as the rebuild is still actively going on. Also, Arizona has about $14M in cap space next year and has a number of RFA's to re-sign and also took on Hossa's cap hit. I don't see Okposo having much value at this point.


Just my $.02.

See my post above, as I agree with you the Sabres need to dump Okposo's contract.
To do so, they need to "pay" some value to somebody to take it on...the Yotes have shown a propensity to do so over the past 2 - 3 years. That also opens up a RW spot for one of the kids in Roch...so double benefit (cash/cap out, open slot) that needs to be given adequate consideration when evaluating the propsal in totality.

When going after pne of the UFA's you mention above, the same issue exist...they need to find a say to dump Okposo's contract to be able to take on one of those contracts that will cost them $8.5m+/- as well.
- IonSabres

I agree Okposo's contract is a problem, just not sure he's tradeable unless we eat salary. Don't know if Botts would do that.

Baptiste is not with the Sabres anymore.

So we're trading our 2020 1st, Osmosis and a B prospect and what is Arizona sending back?


With 4 1st rd picks over the next 2 years I just don't see Botts trading them as the rebuild is still actively going on. Also, Arizona has about $14M in cap space next year and has a number of RFA's to re-sign and also took on Hossa's cap hit. I don't see Okposo having much value at this point.


Just my $.02.
- mhp

Right you are sir, Bailey...they are the same to me, lol.

Sabres also get back Dallas' 2nd (softens blow in losing one of the Sabres' 1sts, which should be a middle 20's pick when adding a talent like Sequin to their roster...while one would think Dallas's 2nd coming back would be around 40-45sh).
Yotes 2nd goes to Dallas to add more value.

Highly likely it doesn't happen and your scenario plays out anyway.
Fun to play GM for an hour or so though.

From an article on The Athletic...
Who knew that Tony Esposito sat on his hands as a GM like Darcy (sarcasm)
Look at this trade activity...I counted 62 players traded in 2-1/2 years time, lol.
How could one even evaluate 62 different players?

http://www.nhltradetracke..._by_GM/Phil_Esposito/30/2

JBotts should be kicking the tires on this for sure.
Doubt a trade happens in-season, so exploring for off-season IMO.

As we all know, to make it work for Sabres, Okposo's contract needs to go.
Can't see the Stars wanting to take that one on either.
Enter the 3rd team trade scenario...Yotes?

To Yotes - Sabres 2020 1st, Okposo, a B prospect/player (ERod, Baptiste)
To Dallas - Sabres 2019 1st, Sheary, Guhle, Nylander/Asplund... something from Yotes (like their 2020 2nd?)

To Buffalo - Tyler Seguin, Dallas 2020 2nd
- IonSabres

Never in a hundred billion years happen with botts as gm.... so your giving up 8 players for 1 maybe two if the 2nd works out... hard pass, hard, hard, pass

Baptiste was traded... (edit nevermind)

Hutton tonight

Ullmark has the flu....

Right you are sir, Bailey...they are the same to me, lol.

Sabres also get back Dallas' 2nd (softens blow in losing one of the Sabres' 1sts, which should be a middle 20's pick when adding a talent like Sequin to their roster...while one would think Dallas's 2nd coming back would be around 40-45sh).
Yotes 2nd goes to Dallas to add more value.

Highly likely it doesn't happen and your scenario plays out anyway.
Fun to play GM for an hour or so though.
- IonSabres

Just for sh!ts and giggles, looking at 2019, I would surmise the following for the Sabres roster next year:

Hutton- $2.75
Ullmark- $1.5

Risto- $5.4
Scandella- $4
Bogo- $5.1
McCabe- $3
Pilut- $925K
Dahlin- $925K
Nelson- $812K

Eichel- $10
Skinner- $9
Osmosis- $6
Reinhart- $3.65
Stone- $9.5
Sobotka- $3.5
Sheary- $3
Girgs- $1.8
Larsson-$1.6
Tage- $925K
Mitts- $925K
Erod- $750K
Olofsson- $767K

Total- $75,829,00.00
Cap- $83M (reported)
Space- $7.1

Hutton tonight

Ullmark has the flu....
- Boss34

I was out with friends last night. One of them juat grafuated from Lakehead University last year in Thunder Bay. Her boyfriend is childhood friends with Matt Murray, he was showing me pictures of them drinking out of the cup together. He said he met Hutton (also from Thunder Bay) out and about with Murray and a bunch of his buddies. He said that Carter referred to them as “Murray’s entourage” the whole night and made up some nicknames for a few of the guys and was constently making jokes and throwing chirps around all in good fun. Hutton sounds like a really funny guy.

Just for sh!ts and giggles, looking at 2019, I would surmise the following for the Sabres roster next year:

Hutton- $2.75
Ullmark- $1.5

Risto- $5.4
Scandella- $4
Bogo- $5.1
McCabe- $3
Pilut- $925K
Dahlin- $925K
Nelson- $812K

Eichel- $10
Skinner- $9
Osmosis- $6
Reinhart- $3.65
Stone- $9.5
Sobotka- $3.5
Sheary- $3
Girgs- $1.8
Larsson-$1.6
Tage- $925K
Mitts- $925K
Erod- $750K
Olofsson- $767K

Total- $75,829,00.00
Cap- $83M (reported)
Space- $7.1
- mhp

Sheary and Sobotka coming off the books would pay for Mittelstadt’s deal. Bogo and Scandella coming off the books pays for Dahlin. t’s really the Okposo contract that would keep us from resigning Reinhart, with having a player like Stone making that kind of money

Sheary and Sobotka coming off the books would pay for Mittelstadt’s deal. Bogo and Scandella coming off the books pays for Dahlin. t’s really the Okposo contract that would keep us from resigning Reinhart, with having a player like Stone making that kind of money
- Pegullaville

Fair points. What we don't know is what the cap will be in a few years when Reinhart gets re-signed and could we lose Okposo to Seattle in the expansion draft. Maybe add a sweetener like a 2nd rd pick so they take Okposo.

edit- I would also add that Smith and Nylander will get Sheary and Sobotka's roster spots and Guhle and Borgen get Bogo's and Scandella's spots.

Just for sh!ts and giggles, looking at 2019, I would surmise the following for the Sabres roster next year:

Hutton- $2.75
Ullmark- $1.5

Risto- $5.4
Scandella- $4
Bogo- $5.1
McCabe- $3
Pilut- $925K
Dahlin- $925K
Nelson- $812K

Eichel- $10
Skinner- $9
Osmosis- $6
Reinhart- $3.65
Stone- $9.5
Sobotka- $3.5
Sheary- $3
Girgs- $1.8
Larsson-$1.6
Tage- $925K
Mitts- $925K
Erod- $750K
Olofsson- $767K

Total- $75,829,00.00
Cap- $83M (reported)
Space- $7.1
- mhp

move sobotka, sheary, scandella and use that money to sign karlsson
let gus and lockport larry walk

skinner, eichel, stone
tage, casey-skunk
smith, brandon tanev, stinklander
3 random guys


dahlin-karlsson
pilut-risto
mccabe-bogo

Sheary and Sobotka coming off the books would pay for Mittelstadt’s deal. Bogo and Scandella coming off the books pays for Dahlin. t’s really the Okposo contract that would keep us from resigning Reinhart, with having a player like Stone making that kind of money
- Pegullaville

right now casey has done nothing to deserve anything more then 1.2 per on his next deal

Fair points. What we don't know is what the cap will be in a few years when Reinhart gets re-signed and could we lose Okposo to Seattle in the expansion draft. Maybe add a sweetener like a 2nd rd pick so they take Okposo.
- mhp

if they let guys like beaulieu, girgens and lockport larry go

replace them with kids, your saving 3 mil right there or more

Hutton tonight

Ullmark has the flu....
- Boss34

to bad I'd rather have Ullmark

to bad I'd rather have Ullmark
- gordong

I'd rather have wedgewood, he got called up