This past summer at the Ivan Hlinka from the Canada games I watched he was very noticeable. I was able to watch a lot of Saskatoon in the playoffs as it was broadcasted on Sportsnet here in Ontario and he was one of the best players on the ice. I guess during the season he went through a few dry spells and it dropped his draft stock, but a strong playoffs has put him back on the map. Not the fleetest of foot but skates well enough for a guy his size. Dach was ranked #4 on Bob McKenzies draft lottery rankings. If he was there at 7 then he could very well be the pick but he’s another guy I can see going off the board before we go up to pick.
- Pegullaville

He's another guy I'm just a little unsure of, so I hope he goes really high.

He's another guy I'm just a little unsure of, so I hope he goes really high.
- PrinceChill

I really don’t know who i prefer with our first pick
They all look great when u watch their YouTube highlight reels

But with our later 1st...
i STRONGLY am in the corner to take
Spencer Knight

Yeah, i know we have UPL coming
But...
1) u just can’t tell with goalies

2) doubling down with another top goalie prospect gives us a better chance that at least 1 of them turns out to be legit for us

3) every team that’s winning the Cup lately has been doing so with a goalie that doesn’t play a ton during the regular season
These goalies that have been “rested” so to speak, are the ones that are getting hot & leading their teams on a deep playoff run to the Cup
So I’d be ecstatic if we had BOTH Knight and UPL turn out to be good
Whoever is better & grabs the starter role can play 50ish games, and the other can play 30ish
And that would keep both guys fresh for a long playoff run

I really don’t know who i prefer with our first pick
They all look great when u watch their YouTube highlight reels

But with our later 1st...
i STRONGLY am in the corner to take
Spencer Knight

Yeah, i know we have UPL coming
But...
1) u just can’t tell with goalies

2) doubling down with another top goalie prospect gives us a better chance that at least 1 of them turns out to be legit for us

3) every team that’s winning the Cup lately has been doing so with a goalie that doesn’t play a ton during the regular season
These goalies that have been “rested” so to speak, are the ones that are getting hot & leading their teams on a deep playoff run to the Cup
So I’d be ecstatic if we had BOTH Knight and UPL turn out to be good
Whoever is better & grabs the starter role can play 50ish games, and the other can play 30ish
And that would keep both guys fresh for a long playoff run
- jdfitz77

I think I've warmed to this idea as well. The Sabre goalie pipeline is a little on the dry side. Ideally, I'd like more forward depth, but a rock-solid, highly touted goalie prospect is intriguing.

I think I've warmed to this idea as well. The Sabre goalie pipeline is a little on the dry side. Ideally, I'd like more forward depth, but a rock-solid, highly touted goalie prospect is intriguing.
- PrinceChill

In the late 1st,
I just think I’d rather take the #1 goalie prospect (who I’ve read some think should go Top10)
over a “B” forward prospect (think Tage)

Yeah,
that late 1st forward could turn out to be great- or he could be “meh”

Usually the top goalie prospect turns out to be pretty solid

And it’s a need for us imo as well
UPL looks great so far
But it’s still VERY uncertain how he’s gonna work out for us

In the late 1st,
I just think I’d rather take the #1 goalie prospect (who I’ve read some think should go Top10)
over a “B” forward prospect (think Tage)

Yeah,
that late 1st forward could turn out to be great- or he could be “meh”

Usually the top goalie prospect turns out to be pretty solid

And it’s a need for us imo as well
UPL looks great so far
But it’s still VERY uncertain how he’s gonna work out for us
- jdfitz77

Wait, so you wouldn't be shaking with excitement over ANOTHER Tage?! Humph. UPL will be coming off a hip surgery, although I'm not certain how serious it was. You make a good point about the #1 goalie in the draft, but he could be gone before as-yet-to-be determined second 1st rounder comes along.

Wait, so you wouldn't be shaking with excitement over ANOTHER Tage?! Humph. UPL will be coming off a hip surgery, although I'm not certain how serious it was. You make a good point about the #1 goalie in the draft, but he could be gone before as-yet-to-be determined second 1st rounder comes along.
- PrinceChill

No, lol...
I’m the OG “Tage hater” on these boards
To be fair though, there are guys like Pasternak picked in that range too from time to time

I just really see the value in getting another very good goalie prospect,
If he’s there when we pick of course
Good point that he may be scooped up before we pick

Hopefully StLouis loses & we get their pick in the late-teens
Knight should still be there then

I think I'd be happy with Cozens, but this is an important pick. Would a more dynamic winger like Caufield or Boldy be more productive in the long run? I'm still digging Turcotte and still undecided about Zegras.
- PrinceChill

I’m convinced Boldy is the pick.

But I haven’t seen a single highlight of a single prospect. It’s based only on the descriptions I’ve seen here in these threads.

So take it for what it’s worth. (Zero).

@Gerbe I started to watch the 52 minute video from Tippett.

I’ve never seen anything like that before.

I STILL haven’t much of anything like that before. I put me to sleep in about 7 minutes.

El Paso on Tippett. He’s more boring than Bylsma.

Is there a better place in the world than East Village? I walked over 2 people who didn't quite make it home last night, construction is booming, cafés and bars one after the other...and the women, sweet little baby Jesus, I'm in heaven.


I haven't been in a car or subway in months and I work 5 minutes from the jobsite. What ride to get here boys, Fitz pour us some long islands, life is good.

U happy with the Broncos draft?
- jdfitz77

I think it turned out very well ! I thought the Bills and Broncos both did very well.

He's another guy I'm just a little unsure of, so I hope he goes really high.
- PrinceChill

Like Fitz mentioned there will be four or five guys available at 7 that I wouldn’t be surprised if we selected. It’s going to be very interesting to say the least.

Like Fitz mentioned there will be four or five guys available at 7 that I wouldn’t be surprised if we selected. It’s going to be very interesting to say the least.
- Pegullaville

More like 7 or 8.

Byram, Bowen
Podkolzin, Vasily
Cozens, Dylan
Turcotte, Alex
Boldy, Matthew
Krebs, Peyton
Caufield, Cole
Dach, Kirby
Zegras, Trevor

Any of these bros can be available, and be respectable options at 7. The top 10 in this draft is crazy. We can always rely on one or two teams to reach out of this tier. Looking at you, Chayka.

Is there a better place in the world than East Village? I walked over 2 people who didn't quite make it home last night, construction is booming, cafés and bars one after the other...and the women, sweet little baby Jesus, I'm in heaven.


I haven't been in a car or subway in months and I work 5 minutes from the jobsite. What ride to get here boys, Fitz pour us some long islands, life is good.
- washedup20

Try Sammy's Roumanian some time - it's kind of an acquired taste but it's a trip.

http://www.sammysromanian.com/index.html

More like 7 or 8.

Byram, Bowen
Podkolzin, Vasily
Cozens, Dylan
Turcotte, Alex
Boldy, Matthew
Krebs, Peyton
Caufield, Cole
Dach, Kirby
Zegras, Trevor

Any of these bros can be available, and be respectable options at 7. The top 10 in this draft is crazy. We can always rely on one or two teams to reach out of this tier. Looking at you, Chayka.
- TheSabresTaco

I’m assuming Turcotte and Byram are off the board along with two other players on that list unless someone goes off the board and selects Broberg, Soderstrom, Newhook (whom can be in play with our pick as well), or Kaliyev.’

I’m assuming Turcotte and Byram are off the board along with two other players on that list unless someone goes off the board and selects Broberg, Soderstrom, Newhook (whom can be in play with our pick as well), or Kaliyev.’
- Pegullaville

Someone inevitably bails on the board. Arizona in 18. Colorado in 17. Columbus and Arizona in 16 and so on. One of these teams is going to reach up outside of this group. Just wait.

I’m assuming Turcotte and Byram are off the board along with two other players on that list unless someone goes off the board and selects Broberg, Soderstrom, Newhook (whom can be in play with our pick as well), or Kaliyev.’
- Pegullaville

I know the scoring plite of this team, but if Byram were to be available at 7, I would surely consider picking him. Reason being, young cost controlled Dmen are worth their weight in gold...the Murrency would be very high IF they ever decided to move him for help elsewhere.

I still like Cozens, but your point earlier about disappointing finish to the year brings a raised eyebrow.
I worry a bit about Caufield's size, and adding another "soft" player versus someone with some grit to him...but no denying he is a finisher.
I still like Boldy, he was the first guy who stood out to me.
My only concern is the fact the USNDT is stacked with what 6 or 7 studs...does that impact their value up more than say someone like Dach who is a one man band. I am not suggesting they are "overrated" from the perspective that they will be duds...rather maybe their projections are inflated a bit and benefit from not being the single point of focus from the opposing team.

Off subject, but heard the boys on WGR mention McDermott's comment about targeting 21 Points For per game...

First, allow me to say that I'm sure The Bill's have, and Sean has access to an incredible amount of more data than I, and I assume they have done much more sophisticated data crunching to support statements.

That said, a quick analysis of just the 2018 teams in the AFC that qualified for the playoffs reveals that to reach a 10-6 record (minimum necessary to qualify as a WC) then the team needs to score 25 points per game, not the suggested 21 stated.
That was determined by simply reviewing the box scores for each of those 6 teams.
That said, there are several factors including (naturally) the defensive results of the team. As an example, to reach 10 wins KC would have needed to score 30 since their D was horrendous, while the Ravens needed to score only 23 to reach 10-6.

Is Sean thinking the Bill's D will be historically GREAT and therefore only needs 21 points to get 10 wins?

Try Sammy's Roumanian some time - it's kind of an acquired taste but it's a trip.

http://www.sammysromanian.com/index.html
- Der Kaiser

Thanks I'll definitely try it out.

Off subject, but heard the boys on WGR mention McDermott's comment about targeting 21 Points For per game...

First, allow me to say that I'm sure The Bill's have, and Sean has access to an incredible amount of more data than I, and I assume they have done much more sophisticated data crunching to support statements.

That said, a quick analysis of just the 2018 teams in the AFC that qualified for the playoffs reveals that to reach a 10-6 record (minimum necessary to qualify as a WC) then the team needs to score 25 points per game, not the suggested 21 stated.
That was determined by simply reviewing the box scores for each of those 6 teams.
That said, there are several factors including (naturally) the defensive results of the team. As an example, to reach 10 wins KC would have needed to score 30 since their D was horrendous, while the Ravens needed to score only 23 to reach 10-6.

Is Sean thinking the Bill's D will be historically GREAT and therefore only needs 21 points to get 10 wins?
- IonSabres

People are reading waaaay too deep into this comment. Holy overblown, Batman.

This quote came sometime last year, at least originally, and part of the interview was discussing how they can't rely on their defense to consistently win low scoring games. Their aim, to at least be competitive should be at least 21. Obviously they're going to always look to outscore that number, but it's just a comment that says 'yeah, we need more offense, we get it.' Hence the Bills are continuing to surround Allen with protection and weapons.

This team is not a finished product, but having 4 WR that can reliably catch the ball, at least two RBs that can do the same and a high ceiling, developmental TE, they are acquiring the right pieces to move the ball and aim for 21+ every game.

Next year's WR decisions need to be based on this coming season's performances from Zay and Foster, and we'll need to see if Knox is the guy or just a guy. I don't expect a ton out of Knox this year, but I'm excited about his tape from Ol Miss.

People are reading waaaay too deep into this comment. Holy overblown, Batman.

This quote came sometime last year, at least originally, and part of the interview was discussing how they can't rely on their defense to consistently win low scoring games. Their aim, to at least be competitive should be at least 21. Obviously they're going to always look to outscore that number, but it's just a comment that says 'yeah, we need more offense, we get it.' Hence the Bills are continuing to surround Allen with protection and weapons.

This team is not a finished product, but having 4 WR that can reliably catch the ball, at least two RBs that can do the same and a high ceiling, developmental TE, they are acquiring the right pieces to move the ball and aim for 21+ every game.

Next year's WR decisions need to be based on this coming season's performances from Zay and Foster, and we'll need to see if Knox is the guy or just a guy. I don't expect a ton out of Knox this year, but I'm excited about his tape from Ol Miss.
- TheSabresTaco

.

Good post...
That I didn't read.

No, lol...
I’m the OG “Tage hater” on these boards
To be fair though, there are guys like Pasternak picked in that range too from time to time

I just really see the value in getting another very good goalie prospect,
If he’s there when we pick of course
Good point that he may be scooped up before we pick

Hopefully StLouis loses & we get their pick in the late-teens
Knight should still be there then
- jdfitz77

I hope we trade that pick for a forward so we suck less next year. And holy cannoli, if they take a D man (as some mock drafts have us doing) and a goalie in the first round, I (frank)ing quit

People are reading waaaay too deep into this comment. Holy overblown, Batman.

This quote came sometime last year, at least originally, and part of the interview was discussing how they can't rely on their defense to consistently win low scoring games. Their aim, to at least be competitive should be at least 21. Obviously they're going to always look to outscore that number, but it's just a comment that says 'yeah, we need more offense, we get it.' Hence the Bills are continuing to surround Allen with protection and weapons.

This team is not a finished product, but having 4 WR that can reliably catch the ball, at least two RBs that can do the same and a high ceiling, developmental TE, they are acquiring the right pieces to move the ball and aim for 21+ every game.

Next year's WR decisions need to be based on this coming season's performances from Zay and Foster, and we'll need to see if Knox is the guy or just a guy. I don't expect a ton out of Knox this year, but I'm excited about his tape from Ol Miss.
- TheSabresTaco

Just odd that he would be so definitive in his statement, and then repeating it.

If he meant they need to score more, why go to a rather precise number?
If he meant the target is a minimum of 21 and will need to score say 25 a couple times, why not point in that direction. Very curious.

And to be clear, I'm not lambasting him, more it intrigued me so I did a little homework on it...and the early results are in.

I like the work Beane has done in the off-seasson to date.
There is more work to be done, but I never believed they would get it all done in 1 off-season.
He laid a solid foundation from which to build off of...and with a projected $80m in Cap space next season, they are well positioned to build on that foundation.

Remember when most on here were lambasting them ...in like October. Fun times.

Botts needs a stellar off-season as well...Beaner is maki g him look bad.

And for all the bashing I have and will do so on the Pegula's...one has to take their hat off on Beaner and McDermott. Those were two solid hires...maybe, in time, Beaner ascends to the trusted President of Football Ops.

Hopefully it pans out on the Sabres side.

I hope we trade that pick for a forward so we suck less next year. And holy cannoli, if they take a D man (as some mock drafts have us doing) and a goalie in the first round, I (frank)ing quit
- jcragcrumple

What if they did that AND made some moves to significantly bolster the O at the same time.
Say like trading Risto and another's and the result after FA is they brought in a solid 2C, 2RW, 3RW, and signed a steady eddy type, older #2 RhD for Dahlin?

What if they did that AND made some moves to significantly bolster the O at the same time.
Say like trading Risto and another's and the result after FA is they brought in a solid 2C, 2RW, 3RW, and signed a steady eddy type, older #2 RhD for Dahlin?
- IonSabres

I would argue that regardless of the other moves made, using that first round asset to acquire a goalie that we won't see for 3-4 years is a luxury the Sabres can't afford. I understand the thought process behind Botterill keeping #7oa, but all other assets need to be in service of not sucking in 2019

Is there a better place in the world than East Village? I walked over 2 people who didn't quite make it home last night, construction is booming, cafés and bars one after the other...and the women, sweet little baby Jesus, I'm in heaven.


I haven't been in a car or subway in months and I work 5 minutes from the jobsite. What ride to get here boys, Fitz pour us some long islands, life is good.
- washedup20

What kind of work do you do?