recent nfl mock drafts have the bills taking
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State
Ed Oliver, DT, Houston
Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan
D.K. Metcalf WR Ole Miss
Devin White ILB LSU
Ed Oliver DT Houston
Jonah Williams OT Alabama
Devin White ILB LSU
Ed Oliver DT Houston

I went to the Fort Wayne komets game last night (echl). Zach fucale was their goalie. I was shocked. Man he has fallen since his draft year.

I went to the Fort Wayne komets game last night (echl). Zach fucale was their goalie. I was shocked. Man he has fallen since his draft year.
- SabresFaninIndiana

Jonas Johansson was taken 1 round later, and in the ECHL

but the sabres plan on making him the starter in rochester next season

It just irks me when people female dog about him, but Pominville gets no poop when, outside of like 7 games, he's been completely invisible and makes like 9 times as much.
- Wetbandit1

Expectations bandit.

Pommer has done pretty much zero on the ice the last few months. (As expected)

Erod had higher expectations . A 4 goal pace is below standard for a 2-3-4 line guy. 25 years old and in his prime , regardless of cost.

Jonas Johansson was taken 1 round later, and in the ECHL

but the sabres plan on making him the starter in rochester next season
- homiedclown

Zach at his draft was much more highly touted several thought he was the best goalie in that draft if I remember correctly. He was pretty good in the game though. I never believed all the hype on him. I was just shocked he was in the echl.

Well I tied myself to that ship pretty hard, so Boss is entitled to pile on

I like Erod. He's a feisty guy. No one will ever confuse him for a 1C
- jcragcrumple

Jcrag-
I respect your opinion.
Good banter. You always been a solid argument.

👊👍🤝

COULD DOUGIE HAMILTON BE ON THE MOVE AGAIN?

SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman reports he’s curious about Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dougie Hamiton. “They have four right-shot defencemen, they’ve been asked about Hamilton. If you’re willing to come back to them with a score I think that they would consider doing it,” he said. Friedman also said he’s heard the Hurricanes aren’t close to a new contract with pending UFA winger Micheal Ferland. He noted the Hurricanes don’t intend to let their UFAs depart for nothing and he believes that’s the reason why trade talks have heated up of late around Ferland.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Hamilton and Ferland were both acquired in a multi-player deal with the Calgary Flames that sent Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin to the Stampede City. Trading both of those guys less than a season after acquiring them doesn’t say much about the competence of the Hurricanes’ front office, especially if they don’t get reasonable returns that provide immediate help now and in the future.

In this Transition Year, Botts has additional work to do, no doubt.
While getting playoff experience would be grand, I personally would not make that the primary focus from a front office perspective...players and coaches, absolutely yes...GM, nope.
Righting the ship for the long haul, the bigger picture is what JBotts needs to be singularly focused on.

So, my list of what needs to get done
- Skinner, sign the man. Pay a bit more for shorter term. 6 years at $8.35M compared to 8 years at $7.85M to $8.0M. Brings him to Age 32 where he could sign for additional 3 years if he is still playing well. Over 6 years, he makes $50.1M, compared to 1st 6 on an 8 year deal of $48.

- Hockey Trade for 2C with 2 -3 years left. Target player capable of producing 55+ pts, who can skate, finish and dustribute the puck...and who has a good 2 way game. I didn't say it was going to be easy. I'd be open to using 1 of the 1st rounders for this key piece to increase value with a Prospect (let it be Nylander) and a player to dump Cap (Sheary, Scandella),.

- Sell at the TDL. Time to maximize value of assets, friendships go in the backseat, can be addressed other ways to show well earned respect...
▪Pommer - proven goal scorer, can produce in short spurts, savy veteran isn't going to hurt you in key games, veteran playoff experience to help calm youngsters, pure rental
▪Sheary - can pot some goals, fast, has proven to mesh with superstar talent. Can fill in up and down lineup. 1 year left will reduce his value, unless team is looking for a player with term.
▪Scandella - perfect 3rd pairing/ extra defenseman who has playoff experience, solid penalty killer can free others from that responsibility to keep them fresher for 5v5 play
▪Hunwick - if he ever comes back. See if yiu can get 4th back ( ya, I know it hoes to a 3rd if he is dealt - but freeing up his Cap space a year earlier is worth it to me. Hell, throw him in the deal for the 2C
▪Blow-U - ya his play has improved, but at $2.4 not worth it. I know it expires this year, but maximze asset value this year...can they get a 3rd back
▪Zemgus, Lockport Larry, Sobotka - idea here is to get something/anything (in draft pick form only) back for these 4th liners as they have too many. Erod not included in rocognition of low cost and utility knife.
There is 6 possibilities there...get 3 or 4 of them done.

Offseason
▪Okposo / Scandella / Sobotka - whomever isn't traded at TDL, find away to dump 2 of the 3
during the offseason
▪ they likely need another winger in FA
° Assuming at LW it is Skinner (1), CJ Smith (3), Wilson (4)
° Assuming at RW it is Skunk (1), TNT (2) and 1 from Roch ... Nylander, Oloffson (3)
° Assuming at C it is Eichel (1), Hockey Trade (2), Mitts (3), and 1 of Larsson, Girgs, Sobotka (4)
they will need a 2LW and maybe a 4RW ( ERod is13F)

In 4 minutes on the ice with Mittelstadt, Reinhart had a chances for of 60% and Skinner had a chances for of 66%. But yea let’s let him skate with Elie and Pominville and whine about how terrible the guy is....

In 4 minutes on the ice with Mittelstadt, Reinhart had a chances for of 60% and Skinner had a chances for of 66%. But yea let’s let him skate with Elie and Pominville and whine about how terrible the guy is....
- Pegullaville

Phil plays the "veteran card" way too much. I think a lot of former players that become head coaches do as well.

He needs to start playing the best players in the best positions.

Jonas Johansson was taken 1 round later, and in the ECHL

but the sabres plan on making him the starter in rochester next season
- homiedclown

I think the right move for UPL is to get him to the professional level and have him get as many starts with Cincy as he can next year.

I think the right move for UPL is to get him to the professional level and have him get as many starts with Cincy as he can next year.
- Pegullaville

How does effect upl',s expansion availability

In 4 minutes on the ice with Mittelstadt, Reinhart had a chances for of 60% and Skinner had a chances for of 66%. But yea let’s let him skate with Elie and Pominville and whine about how terrible the guy is....
- Pegullaville

Phil is playing this ALL wrong IMO.

Use the Eichel injury to test options, (frank)ing eRod at 1C aint one of them

Option 1
See what Mitts can do at 1C with awesome talent. If he can hold the fort there and develop chemistry with one of them...then that would be good reason to break up the 1st line in an effort to develop a 2nd line. Duhl
If it works, upon Eichel's return, see if he can maintain production with the other one, and find a workable linemate on the other side.

Option 2
Move Skunk to C
Move Tage up to 1RW, or bring up Nylander
Similar to Option 1, lets see if someting d3velops with Skunk at 2c with suitable talent.

IF either works well, you just found your 2C and don't need to make a hockey trade for one.
Then they could use their Cap more wisely to find another top 6 forward ... hello Stone!

How does effect upl',s expansion availability
- Boss34

He would be in the final year of his ELC so he’d be exempt. That’s even if starting in Cincy burns a year off of the ELC which I have no idea.

Phil is playing this ALL wrong IMO.

Use the Eichel injury to test options, (frank)ing eRod at 1C aint one of them

Option 1
See what Mitts can do at 1C with awesome talent. If he can hold the fort there and develop chemistry with one of them...then that would be good reason to break up the 1st line in an effort to develop a 2nd line. Duhl
If it works, upon Eichel's return, see if he can maintain production with the other one, and find a workable linemate on the other side.

Option 2
Move Skunk to C
Move Tage up to 1RW, or bring up Nylander
Similar to Option 1, lets see if someting d3velops with Skunk at 2c with suitable talent.

IF either works well, you just found your 2C and don't need to make a hockey trade for one.
Then they could use their Cap more wisely to find another top 6 forward ... hello Stone!
- IonSabres

Yea I totally agree. I think once we have the talent and depth on the wings that allows Reinhart to move back into the middle, it’s defintely in the team’s best interest to do so. Or maybe we draft another 2/3 C this year that can eventually play that role and have Reinahrt stick it out as the top 6 RW.

Phil is playing this ALL wrong IMO.

Use the Eichel injury to test options, (frank)ing eRod at 1C aint one of them

Option 1
See what Mitts can do at 1C with awesome talent. If he can hold the fort there and develop chemistry with one of them...then that would be good reason to break up the 1st line in an effort to develop a 2nd line. Duhl
If it works, upon Eichel's return, see if he can maintain production with the other one, and find a workable linemate on the other side.

Option 2
Move Skunk to C
Move Tage up to 1RW, or bring up Nylander
Similar to Option 1, lets see if someting d3velops with Skunk at 2c with suitable talent.

IF either works well, you just found your 2C and don't need to make a hockey trade for one.
Then they could use their Cap more wisely to find another top 6 forward ... hello Stone!
- IonSabres

Good post

I think phil is trying to make sure all the veterans like him

I agree with your line matchups.
Give mitts a boost , find out if another line could be productive with out eichel.

Jonas Johansson was taken 1 round later, and in the ECHL

but the sabres plan on making him the starter in rochester next season
- homiedclown

He did play a few games in Rochester recently. His development does point to a full year in Rochester next year. I wonder if 6K will be his backup. He did sign his ELC so I wonder if he'll go back to Sudbury or not.

Johansson in Rochester- 3 games, 2.97 .891


Oh and FYI, 6K in the world Jrs, 1.80 and a .932.

Zach at his draft was much more highly touted several thought he was the best goalie in that draft if I remember correctly. He was pretty good in the game though. I never believed all the hype on him. I was just shocked he was in the echl.
- SabresFaninIndiana

He was the first goalie selected in the 2nd rd by Montreal. He never has been a good pro and now is in the Vegas organization. That draft year wasn't overall that great for goalies but Tristan Jarry and Jusse Saros were the best so far.

Nobody because regardless, this team has improved from last year and the year before.
- SABRES 89

I agree. we are 12pts away from last seasons total.

In 4 minutes on the ice with Mittelstadt, Reinhart had a chances for of 60% and Skinner had a chances for of 66%. But yea let’s let him skate with Elie and Pominville and whine about how terrible the guy is....
- Pegullaville

Housley should have put Mitts on that line when Eichel went out. I thought that line was effective in the 3rd and they seemed to get back in the game. Phil might feel Mitts hasn't earned that opportunity but ya can't have many chances playing with Elie and Pommer.

In this Transition Year, Botts has additional work to do, no doubt.
While getting playoff experience would be grand, I personally would not make that the primary focus from a front office perspective...players and coaches, absolutely yes...GM, nope.
Righting the ship for the long haul, the bigger picture is what JBotts needs to be singularly focused on.

So, my list of what needs to get done
- Skinner, sign the man. Pay a bit more for shorter term. 6 years at $8.35M compared to 8 years at $7.85M to $8.0M. Brings him to Age 32 where he could sign for additional 3 years if he is still playing well. Over 6 years, he makes $50.1M, compared to 1st 6 on an 8 year deal of $48.

- Hockey Trade for 2C with 2 -3 years left. Target player capable of producing 55+ pts, who can skate, finish and dustribute the puck...and who has a good 2 way game. I didn't say it was going to be easy. I'd be open to using 1 of the 1st rounders for this key piece to increase value with a Prospect (let it be Nylander) and a player to dump Cap (Sheary, Scandella),.

- Sell at the TDL. Time to maximize value of assets, friendships go in the backseat, can be addressed other ways to show well earned respect...
▪Pommer - proven goal scorer, can produce in short spurts, savy veteran isn't going to hurt you in key games, veteran playoff experience to help calm youngsters, pure rental
▪Sheary - can pot some goals, fast, has proven to mesh with superstar talent. Can fill in up and down lineup. 1 year left will reduce his value, unless team is looking for a player with term.
▪Scandella - perfect 3rd pairing/ extra defenseman who has playoff experience, solid penalty killer can free others from that responsibility to keep them fresher for 5v5 play
▪Hunwick - if he ever comes back. See if yiu can get 4th back ( ya, I know it hoes to a 3rd if he is dealt - but freeing up his Cap space a year earlier is worth it to me. Hell, throw him in the deal for the 2C
▪Blow-U - ya his play has improved, but at $2.4 not worth it. I know it expires this year, but maximze asset value this year...can they get a 3rd back
▪Zemgus, Lockport Larry, Sobotka - idea here is to get something/anything (in draft pick form only) back for these 4th liners as they have too many. Erod not included in rocognition of low cost and utility knife.
There is 6 possibilities there...get 3 or 4 of them done.

Offseason
▪Okposo / Scandella / Sobotka - whomever isn't traded at TDL, find away to dump 2 of the 3
during the offseason
▪ they likely need another winger in FA
° Assuming at LW it is Skinner (1), CJ Smith (3), Wilson (4)
° Assuming at RW it is Skunk (1), TNT (2) and 1 from Roch ... Nylander, Oloffson (3)
° Assuming at C it is Eichel (1), Hockey Trade (2), Mitts (3), and 1 of Larsson, Girgs, Sobotka (4)
they will need a 2LW and maybe a 4RW ( ERod is13F)
- IonSabres

Good post Ion. It's anybody's guess what they do or want to do with respect to the playoffs. Do they make trades to ensure a playoff spot or ride it out and come Feb 25th see where they are at. I could see a scenario where they both buy and sell at the TDL.

If they're out of a playoff spot, they could trade guys like Sobotka, Scandella and Sheary. We'll see,

Housley should have put Mitts on that line when Eichel went out. I thought that line was effective in the 3rd and they seemed to get back in the game. Phil might feel Mitts hasn't earned that opportunity but ya can't have many chances playing with Elie and Pommer.
- mhp

Playing on the top line is a good learning experience . He could end up being the 2nd line center from it .

Playing on the top line is a good learning experience . He could end up being the 2nd line center from it .
- cabin

And he's still very young and has incredible talent. This year has been a learning experience for him and it will be good for him as he grows. He's only 20 and would be a sophomore in college. He'll be fine.

And he's still very young and has incredible talent. This year has been a learning experience for him and it will be good for him as he grows. He's only 20 and would be a sophomore in college. He'll be fine.
- mhp

This is his second year of actually playing against men. The kid is on a crash course in terms of development. He went from toying high school competition to playing against the best in the world. He does have outstanding hands and a good shot. I have faith he will be the perfect compliment to Eichel down the middle even if it takes a couple seasons. This time last season he was named WJC MVP.

This is his second year of actually playing against men. The kid is on a crash course in terms of development. He went from toying high school competition to playing against the best in the world. He does have outstanding hands and a good shot. I have faith he will be the perfect compliment to Eichel down the middle even if it takes a couple seasons. This time last season he was named WJC MVP.
- Pegullaville

As fans we just have to be patient with the kid. I'm sure the brass is.