I always liked Leier as a bottom 6 player, but he couldn't find his niche here. I hope he finds a role, because I do think he's an NHL player.

It almost seems like Cates had a better shot at the NHL than O'Brien. I think that O'Brien has a higher overall ceiling, but is a hit-or-miss guy, no in between. Cates seems like he could play anywhere in the bottom-6 and, while his ceiling doesn't seem to be as high as O'Brien's, his game and work ethic make him seem like a better long-term NHL bet.
- jmatchett383

Agree.

I could see Cates as a 3rd line winger who can kill penalties and bring secondary scoring.

I'm assuming you guys saw the meme which read

Goals in 2019

Nylander 1

Lucic 3

Yeah, I don't think fans should have high expectations for either. Bailey has a higher ceiling if he were ever able to put together all his prodigious tools. But at this stage, that doesn't seem that likely. Still, he'll help fill a void if (when) Simmonds is moved.

Both are pending RFA's, so decisions need to be made. I think both GM's just shuffled the cards a bit to see assess if they want to use a tender in the summer. For that reason (assessment) I expect both will get some NHL ice time this season.

Otherwise, best wishes, Justin, and thanks.

I'm assuming you guys saw the meme which read

Goals in 2019

Nylander 1

Lucic 3
- Pelle31Forever

And while we're on that topic, I'm only one goal behind Patrik Laine in NHL goals scored in 2019.

BTW, I'm a long-time Sabres fan and still butthurt about 1975. I'm not generally inclined to say nice things about the hockey team from Philadelphia. But two things:

1) This was a well written report. I like your style.
2) There are, IMO, some great assets in your org. Your salary cap is under control. A few judicious moves could pay off quicker than casual fans might expect.

The trade seems fine.

In lieu of any call ups, I hope to see Weise back on the 4th line at practice today. Ideally, Lehtera won't be there, and will be announced as the next guy to be waived at noon.

It almost seems like Cates had a better shot at the NHL than O'Brien. I think that O'Brien has a higher overall ceiling, but is a hit-or-miss guy, no in between. Cates seems like he could play anywhere in the bottom-6 and, while his ceiling doesn't seem to be as high as O'Brien's, his game and work ethic make him seem like a better long-term NHL bet.
- jmatchett383

Cates does seem like a good late round find. It will be a great pick if/when he makes it. I won't form an opinion on O'Brien until after his sophomore year. Kid went straight from high school playing against 16 & 17 year olds to playing against all guys older than him.

I worry that JOB will face many trials on his way to the NHL.

BTW, I'm a long-time Sabres fan and still butthurt about 1975. I'm not generally inclined to say nice things about the hockey team from Philadelphia. But two things:

1) This was a well written report. I like your style.
2) There are, IMO, some great assets in your org. Your salary cap is under control. A few judicious moves could pay off quicker than casual fans might expect.
- KilkennyDan

1) We're very lucky to have Bill.
2) I'm counting on it. They fired the guy(s) that got the cap under control and drafted most those assets so they can win now.

BTW, I'm a long-time Sabres fan and still butthurt about 1975. I'm not generally inclined to say nice things about the hockey team from Philadelphia. But two things:

1) This was a well written report. I like your style.
2) There are, IMO, some great assets in your org. Your salary cap is under control. A few judicious moves could pay off quicker than casual fans might expect.
- KilkennyDan

1999 couldn't have helped the healing process much.

Cates does seem like a good late round find. It will be a great pick if/when he makes it. I won't form an opinion on O'Brien until after his sophomore year. Kid went straight from high school playing against 16 & 17 year olds to playing against all guys older than him.
- FlyerFan16

Plus injuries slowed him out of the gate.

O'Brien will need some time. He just wont be a guy to leave college early. Where I think you could see Farabee after this season.

Cates seems to me like a more nationally offensive Lindblom in a way. If that makes sense.

Plus injuries slowed him out of the gate.

O'Brien will need some time. He just wont be a guy to leave college early. Where I think you could see Farabee after this season.

Cates seems to me like a more nationally offensive Lindblom in a way. If that makes sense.
- J35Bacher

I don't think Farabee will leave college after this year. He's been very good, but he hasn't demolished it the way Eichel did as a freshman. I'd say at least 1 more year.

1999 couldn't have helped the healing process much.
- 77rams

You just threw salt in the wounds.

and we've lost 6 finals since our last cup......

I don't think Farabee will leave college after this year. He's been very good, but he hasn't demolished it the way Eichel did as a freshman. I'd say at least 1 more year.
- jmatchett383

Two recent comparables who played two college seasons are Colin White and Brock Boeser.

https://www.eliteprospect...raft/nhl-entry-draft/2015

I don't think Farabee will leave college after this year. He's been very good, but he hasn't demolished it the way Eichel did as a freshman. I'd say at least 1 more year.
- jmatchett383

I'm thinking the same with Farabee, although wouldn't be surprised if he left this year.

I wonder if Allison doesn't sign this year if he'll just wait to be UFA after his senior season. Same with Lacynski. I feel like if you don't sign those guys by end of their junior year you might lose them.

I don't think Farabee will leave college after this year. He's been very good, but he hasn't demolished it the way Eichel did as a freshman. I'd say at least 1 more year.
- jmatchett383

Obviously different player but the college game is very good nowadays. Look at Brady Tkachuk, he didn't demolish the college game by any means but he left and is an impact player for the Sens.

Any other Leaf haters in here just loving the fact that Nylander has 1 goal and 2 assists in 18 games so far?

Sorry off topic.


As for Carter Hart, I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a game or 2 with the Phantoms during the break. Unless there is some sort of roster/waiver rule that prevents it from happening.
- MBFlyerfan

I don’t hate the Leafs but I’m also not a believer in giving a spoiled child whatever he wants. If I’m Leafs management, I would have traded his ass for defensive help.

I'm thinking the same with Farabee, although wouldn't be surprised if he left this year.

I wonder if Allison doesn't sign this year if he'll just wait to be UFA after his senior season. Same with Lacynski. I feel like if you don't sign those guys by end of their junior year you might lose them.
- FlyerFan16

With his injury issues, Allison would be wise to take the money up front and sign in March when his NCAA season ends.

With his injury issues, Allison would be wise to take the money up front and sign in March when his NCAA season ends.
- Feanor

He sure would be. Read some stuff on twitter, which I couldn't tell you if it is true or not, that he loves college and wants to stay.

Carter Hart. I'm a bit worried about this break coming up and effecting the kid's momentum. Would it be terrible if the Flyers sent him down to the AHL so he can play 1 or 2 games down there to just stay in the mind set? Or am I over thinking it?
- youarewrong

There should be no surprise that he sees time with the Phantoms this week. I’m already looking ahead and wondering if he’s our starter entering next season. In my opinion he’s only had two bad games and has carried himself like a 10 year vet. Whether it’s this season or next, it’s time to add Morin, Myers and Aube-Kubel. Let the bottom six contracts walk or be moved. Buyout Mac. Restructure the team for next season.

Nylander's bank account says otherwise
- johndewar

Exactly!

I don’t hate the Leafs but I’m also not a believer in giving a spoiled child whatever he wants. If I’m Leafs management, I would have traded his ass for defensive help.
- SuperSchennBros

I don't blame Nylander, had he taken a bridge and then see Matthews and Marner get $9M plus would have been a tough pill to swallow. I don't think Nylander is as good as either player but I understand where he was coming from. Toronto would have been justified in trading him too, i still think they might this off season.

I worry that JOB will face many trials on his way to the NHL.
- Feanor

He will be remembered as the pick that got Hexy fired

I'm thinking the same with Farabee, although wouldn't be surprised if he left this year.

I wonder if Allison doesn't sign this year if he'll just wait to be UFA after his senior season. Same with Lacynski. I feel like if you don't sign those guys by end of their junior year you might lose them.
- FlyerFan16

Welp. That would suck. Lacynski needs to sign this year. I don’t think another year in college is going to do his game much good. He’ll be 22 this spring