i'm not sure botts was really enamored with him...and i'm pretty sure that $7.5m aav, didn't sit too well either...I think he got out when he could and took the near-term hit just to do so
- Michael Pachla

If that was best he could have received, he would have been better off holding onto him while trying to get into the playoffs this year.

I would argue a 70 point center coming off of playoff run (even if it would have been round 1) would have netted more.

Now we have to wait and continue to hope one develops, or pay more (either via trade or cap) for one.

If the Sabres draft one of
-Turcotte (not happening, goes 3rd to Hawks)
-Cozens
-Dach
-Krebs
All projected to be a 1 or 2 C.

Does that change Botts' strategy with respect to trading for or signing a UFA for the 2C now?

Personally, I would think it would at least be a significant consideration.

I would think by the 06/21-22 draft, he would have a solid idea on trade opportunities and a decent idea of UFA signings (vists start 6/24sh). Perhaps he'll have his 2C locked and loaded as use the 7OA on Caufield or Boldy if still there
- IonSabres

I really think jbotts has Casey as 2c this year.

He picked him, this is his guy.

Doubt he looks at ufas. Especially Matt d.

Maybe add another guy as 3c that can help at 2c for the 1st part of the season.


Skinner waiting for tampering period to end.

If that was best he could have received, he would have been better off holding onto him while trying to get into the playoffs this year.

I would argue a 70 point center coming off of playoff run (even if it would have been round 1) would have netted more.

Now we have to wait and continue to hope one develops, or pay more (either via trade or cap) for one.
- Mentalorgasm5

Rewind to a year ago. Both items of note in what's bolded above were VERY large assumptions that many would have laughed at. What crystal ball was predicting O'Reilly was going to be nearly a point per game player when he had never been close to that as a Sabre?

Sam is far more likely to become a 30g 80pt guy than regress at all. They should line him up for an extension right after they sign Skinner.
- joevthree

So you are saying it's more likely Sam scores 80 points then 64 points?

Not happening. No way he hits 80 points this year.

The coaches and management are going to try and have Sam drive his own line. Not ride shotgun with John Jack as much in my opinion. Maybe try him 2c.

Contract year, they are not going to put Sam in a situation that piles up points and a huge long term deal.

In less we are really in the hunt and we need his output.

53-9- goaloffson

Just an opinion

Rewind to a year ago. Both items of note in what's bolded above were VERY large assumptions that many would have laughed at. What crystal ball was predicting O'Reilly was going to be nearly a point per game player when he had never been close to that as a Sabre?
- kingcong39

Think history showed us exactly what RoR does as a 2C in Buffalo. 55-60 points.

Already did, it really isnt difficult. Hence why this team sucks. Keeping looking a decade out.
- Mentalorgasm5

Really that’s what Murray did?

Laine has never scored 50 goals, had a less than stellar finish to the season and put up a minus 24 on a top team. I’m not selling the farm and then paying this guy 10 mill a season, that’s not good business.
- Sabres1523

He had 44 2 years ago and had what 20 goals at then end of November ? Then had that weird slump ..

He’s one of the best goal scores in the NHL and only 21 he’s going to have a lot of 50 goal years after OV is done he’s Going to take over for the top goal score every year

I'd put my money on pastrnak getting one before Laine
- homiedclown

Laine will have a rocket way before pasta

For those who want Marnier. How? I feel like you would have to go 11.5 to 12 to get him.

Normally I dont care about giving a player a contract and what others in the locker room think. However, I feel like Marnier at 12 while Eichel at 10 would cause some issues.
- Mentalorgasm5

Jack cares more about winning

I really think jbotts has Casey as 2c this year.

He picked him, this is his guy.

Doubt he looks at ufas. Especially Matt d.

Maybe add another guy as 3c that can help at 2c for the 1st part of the season.


Skinner waiting for tampering period to end.
- Boss34

Maybe.

Could also be that they are close, had a busy several days at the combine which slowed them down, and have several details still need to be worked out like amount and timing of Bonuses and payment structures, ..so the next steps occur when the combine is over and they have a chance to exchange proposals and counter-offers/edits

Edit - I am hoping that they front-end load this contract as much as they can so that they can off-load the contract to Cap-floor teams when he turns like 32/33

Rewind to a year ago. Both items of note in what's bolded above were VERY large assumptions that many would have laughed at. What crystal ball was predicting O'Reilly was going to be nearly a point per game player when he had never been close to that as a Sabre?
- kingcong39

I think what people are missing about O'Reilly is his overall speed .......

The eastern conference is more run and gun, and a lot of speed.

The western conference is more heavy, slower, more physical hockey.


O'reilly thrives in the west because its a slower conference. He isnt a step behind. Watch him vs the bruins, hes struggling big time.

If it falls out with Skinner deal maybe Karlsson?

I think what people are missing about O'Reilly is his overall speed .......

The eastern conference is more run and gun, and a lot of speed.

The western conference is more heavy, slower, more physical hockey.
BIG TIME! I was at the game. He looked lost at times. His foot speed issues were on display for sure

O'reilly thrives in the west because its a slower conference. He isnt a step behind. Watch him vs the bruins, hes struggling big time.
- Sabretooth9

If it falls out with Skinner deal maybe Karlsson?
- lulags

Karlsson is damaged goods ...... easy pass on him.

Maybe.

Could also be that they are close, had a busy several days at the combine which slowed them down, and have several details still need to be worked out like amount and timing of Bonuses and payment structures, ..so the next steps occur when the combine is over and they have a chance to exchange proposals and counter-offers/edits

Edit - I am hoping that they front-end load this contract as much as they can so that they can off-load the contract to Cap-floor teams when he turns like 32/33
- IonSabres

Good post

I agree with bonus $ , and front loaded contract.

According to fitz, that's a given. No need to bring that up.

I brought it up, when I said skinner will be under 9 and he wasnt signing the last 2 days.

I think what people are missing about O'Reilly is his overall speed .......

The eastern conference is more run and gun, and a lot of speed.

The western conference is more heavy, slower, more physical hockey.


O'reilly thrives in the west because its a slower conference. He isnt a step behind. Watch him vs the bruins, hes struggling big time.
- Sabretooth9

I like this post, good point.
Also, let's be honest...he is surrounded by much better talent than he was in Buffalo...allows him to "win" without having to be the top dog or in a 1 and 1a only environment

I think what people are missing about O'Reilly is his overall speed .......

The eastern conference is more run and gun, and a lot of speed.

The western conference is more heavy, slower, more physical hockey.


O'reilly thrives in the west because its a slower conference. He isnt a step behind. Watch him vs the bruins, hes struggling big time.
- Sabretooth9

Good post, makes sense.

Ror Was on the ice for at least 4 of the goals yesterday

He was one of my favorite players here the past few years.

To expect more then 60 -65 points this season is a joke.

Crystal balls

you've never had that?
- Michael Pachla

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86URGgqONvA

Pasternak, Draisatil, Larkin > Sam.

Sam is in the discussion with Nylander and Ehlers
- Pegullaville

pasternak is the outlier, no team was picking him in the top 10


interesting that sam is now in the discussion with ehlers and nylander, as he was not 12 months ago

I was worried I didn't make myself clear enough. I am a Samson fan, he was the guy I wanted them to pick. I was bringing up the typical criticisms folks leveled at him and how hard they try to not like the good things he brings to the team. He was one of the only players on the team that outplayed his contract last year.
- PrinceChill

I thought you deserved the post of the day

So you are saying it's more likely Sam scores 80 points then 64 points?

Not happening. No way he hits 80 points this year.

The coaches and management are going to try and have Sam drive his own line. Not ride shotgun with John Jack as much in my opinion. Maybe try him 2c.

Contract year, they are not going to put Sam in a situation that piles up points and a huge long term deal.

In less we are really in the hunt and we need his output.

53-9- goaloffson

Just an opinion
- Boss34

olofsson is a pure left winger, not gonna happen

right now if it's not sam on rw

it's nylander, thompson, okposo or someone not on the roster

Jack cares more about winning
- gerbe75pts

talk to some bartenders, they may disagree


heard he makes roy and connolly look like amateurs

pasternak is the outlier, no team was picking him in the top 10


interesting that sam is now in the discussion with ehlers and nylander, as he was not 12 months ago


- homiedclown

Sam is getting there.
I still think he has more to give, and I hope in his contract year he takes another step up.
I really like the Olofsson - Eichel - Sam combination at the end of the year.

I'm interested to see who the 2C is and consider if Skinner can find chemistry there...if not, push VO down to see if that can take off.
Lastly, I wouldn't be surprised to see OV with Mitts for an e tended period to see if CM can spri g him lose a couple times per game.

talk to some bartenders, they may disagree


heard he makes roy and connolly look like amateurs
- homiedclown

Just like every other 23 year old on the planet.

talk to some bartenders, they may disagree


heard he makes roy and connolly look like amateurs
- homiedclown

That's for Ralphie-boy, the psychologist and athlete-whisper to straighten out.
I have high hopes for him to do so.