That's completely absurd. He traded for Skinner. He always wanted to sign him. Blaming the fans for a contract you dont like instead of the blaming the GM who signed him to it is some kind of mental gymnastics
- jcragcrumple

Have you considered the source?

dumb.

one man. one mission.
- TheSabresTaco

Dumb?
Do tell.
I know you hate the concept of POHO, this isn't of just Hockey Ops.
It would put someone in charge who has actually rebuilt a major sports organization.

Ray, in all fairness and with all due respect, you're hardly ever on here after a win or a couple wins.

You only show up to kick them when they're down.
- Powerslave

I know it seems that way but I have been complaining about the culture in the organization for a couple of years. You will notice I seldom make statements about players....... In my dumb opinion it is and has been about the organization as a whole...

Hence the point that he never should of been signed to that contract. Now with him eating up tons of cap for a guy that “needs help” it will only make it harder to get other good players on the team under the cap
- Fattony1187

that is on Botts not Skinner. This team is in No position to trade away talent. the bigger issue is we have maybe 4-5 above averge palyers on this team, skunk, Dahlin, Skinner & Risto & maybe Goaloffson & one elite player, the rest of the team sucks a bag of Richards.

Expert is reserved for watching in person?

You should sit in your 300's more frequently, you can actually see the whole game with proper perspective, lol.
- IonSabres

Ion- your tv is clearly big enough to form some solid opinions.

Raperray is angry because some other poster wanted to shut down eichel for the season.

I suggested that poster wasnt a paying customer.
You know, someone that pays $ in person to see the Sabres play with eichel.

Raperray took it as I more knowledgeable because I go to the games. When I was suggesting that I've paid $ and want to see eichel. He can't read , or understand basic posts.

Thank you...... Of course I don't spend money on tickets so my opinion is worth nothing...
- rapperray

Good post

Before the trade deadline rush, when everyone makes trades? Botts may have had a bidding war going on?

Your opinion is flawed, had you still had season tickets, your opinion would be valid- Right raperray?

Tony- I see your side. Might have been circumstances though
- Boss34

Yes. Like Duchene last year. He would of waived. Could of got a 1st. Much rather have that player and 9 million in cap space right now. And we would most likely be in running for Byfield right now too. Way better future than it’s looking right now .

I know it seems that way but I have been complaining about the culture in the organization for a couple of years. You will notice I seldom make statements about players....... In my dumb opinion it is and has been about the organization as a whole...
- rapperray

That's a fair and most likely accurate statement.

They've got to figure it out. It's not an easy fix.

Although, some better players might help a losing culture.

Nice article but answer the question... What has he ever accomplished IN THE NHL to earn being a GM in charge of saving a team that is deep deep deep in the hole with no light at the end of the tunnel?
- rapperray

1) he’s not our GM
2) past success doesn’t equal future results
-how’d Cup winning with the Pens GM Ray Shero do in jersey?
-how’d Scottie Bowman do with Buffalo?
*so going out & getting a retread doesn’t automatically equal success here either
3) EVERYONE is “unsuccessful” at coaching, GM, (really any job in sports), until they are
-what had Beane or McDermott ever done in their current roles before the Bills? Etc, etc, etc

Ion- your tv is clearly big enough to form some solid opinions.

Raperray is angry because some other poster wanted to shut down eichel for the season.

I suggested that poster wasnt a paying customer.
You know, someone that pays $ in person to see the Sabres play with eichel.

Raperray took it as I more knowledgeable because I go to the games. When I was suggesting that I've paid $ and want to see eichel. He can't read , or understand basic posts.
- Boss34

Number one I NEVER suggested I was angry about Eichel or any other player.... Number 2 ... There was no indication in your post about you wanting to see Eichel play because you were paying for the tickets. I can't blame you if that is what you meant. It was very easy to misinterpret....

On the contrary... as the saying goes... opinions are like A$%^@les and everyone on here has one... No opinion is worth more than the other... no matter how ridiculous they may seem........ My thoughts are merely my thoughts but I am entitled to them just as you are yours....
- rapperray

Obviously you did not read the whole post.......Whatever... I forgot you know everything about hockey...

Your own words , but no opinion is worth more than the other

Which is it?

That's a fair and most likely accurate statement.

They've got to figure it out. It's not an easy fix.

Although, some better players might help a losing culture.
- Powerslave

That is all I am saying... Organizationally they are a mess from President right down to coaching. On Ice there are probably teams in worse shape.

Ion- your tv is clearly big enough to form some solid opinions.

Raperray is angry because some other poster wanted to shut down eichel for the season.

I suggested that poster wasnt a paying customer.
You know, someone that pays $ in person to see the Sabres play with eichel.

Raperray took it as I more knowledgeable because I go to the games. When I was suggesting that I've paid $ and want to see eichel. He can't read , or understand basic posts.
- Boss34

On the flip side, the NBA has been resting its stars in the name of "load management" for years, now, and isn't budging despite mild fan protest. If NHL teams started doing that, they would survive, especially when the team is in playoff contention. It's not an easy thing to see as a Sabres fan, but if the Sabres went that route with Eichel, other teams would do it with their stars as well.

Obviously you did not read the whole post.......Whatever... I forgot you know everything about hockey...

Your own words , but no opinion is worth more than the other

Which is it?
- Boss34

Quite frankly I am far from an expert in todays NHL...... I deplore the style of play when compared to the 70's NHL......

Hence the point that he never should of been signed to that contract. Now with him eating up tons of cap for a guy that “needs help” it will only make it harder to get other good players on the team under the cap
- Fattony1187

Partially correct.
They just can't over pay for everyone at every position.
Signing Girgs and Larson $2.5 - $3.0m for 4th production as I heard the last couple of days is just stupid. Not overpaying on Acquisition Cost ( not celery) for a 2C he had within grasp is freakin stupid...that salary ($4.7) and production were perfect.

At $2.0m for those two, sure go for it. If they want significantly more, let them walk, and use Larson and Asplund. BOOM, there, you have $2.0 - $2.5m cap savings. Lazar is not only better than both, but provides more value for the money.

Yannick Ngakoue
✔
@YannickNgakoue

The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville. Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. I’m thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere. -91


https://www.espn.com/nfl/...se-tag-de-yannick-ngakoue
- homiedclown

We could really use a stud pass rusher ❤️❤️❤️

On the flip side, the NBA has been resting its stars in the name of "load management" for years, now, and isn't budging despite mild fan protest. If NHL teams started doing that, they would survive, especially when the team is in playoff contention. It's not an easy thing to see as a Sabres fan, but if the Sabres went that route with Eichel, other teams would do it with their stars as well.
- buffalofan19

IMO, i would have 0 problem if the Sabres sat elite players if solidly in a playoff spot or if that player was playing hurt and it could effect the next year production.

i would have a huge issue with it if they sat a healthy Jack right now. the only reasons why I am still going to the games is the resale for tix is like $6.00 and I like to see Jack score. If Jack is playing hurt right now (he is) sit him it does not matter except for personal gains right now. I would rather him healthy for next year.

The sabres have the third most cap space this off season.

As much as it hurts to turn the page on this season Botts will have the off season to make this team a playoff team.

He can use the cap space to sign UFAs but also to trade for good players from teams strapped with salary.


This off season is a make or break moment.
(Botts will not be fired this off season)
- toddkac

Probably not, you're likely correct.
Yet, he should be.
This team will likely earn less points than the team Botts inherited.
There isn't a lot there to say he has earned another chance in re-building the roster this off-season...very risky actually.

On the flip side, the NBA has been resting its stars in the name of "load management" for years, now, and isn't budging despite mild fan protest. If NHL teams started doing that, they would survive, especially when the team is in playoff contention. It's not an easy thing to see as a Sabres fan, but if the Sabres went that route with Eichel, other teams would do it with their stars as well.
- buffalofan19

Yes, I completely agree.

If I had tickets to a Raptors Lakers game in Toronto and lebron wasn't dressed but healthy.....

I would be upset. I would feel like as a fan, you are paying to see superstars play.

Injuries happen. Shutting guys down or giving nights off seems unfair to the consumer.

Probably not, you're likely correct.
Yet, he should be.
This team will likely earn less points than the team Botts inherited.
There isn't a lot there to say he has earned another chance in re-building the roster this off-season...very risky actually.
- IonSabres

I am no Botts fan.. I agree they should turn the page and bring in someone new...

Number one I NEVER suggested I was angry about Eichel or any other player.... Number 2 ... There was no indication in your post about you wanting to see Eichel play because you were paying for the tickets. I can't blame you if that is what you meant. It was very easy to misinterpret....
- rapperray

Fair enough.

🤝

Probably not, you're likely correct.
Yet, he should be.
This team will likely earn less points than the team Botts inherited.
There isn't a lot there to say he has earned another chance in re-building the roster this off-season...very risky actually.
- IonSabres

Totally agree, i just dont trust Jbotts to have a good off season.

Yes, I completely agree.

If I had tickets to a Raptors Lakers game in Toronto and lebron wasn't dressed but healthy.....

I would be upset. I would feel like as a fan, you are paying to see superstars play.

Injuries happen. Shutting guys down or giving nights off seems unfair to the consumer.
- Boss34

Maybe only shut them down on road games?

We could really use a stud pass rusher ❤️❤️❤️
- jdfitz77

What about shaq lawson?

Are you paying him?
Franchising him?

Is he not a "stud" pass rusher?

I'm kinda torn on shaq.
Injured early in his career, looked good last year.

Not sure if hes a top 15 pass rusher though

Quite frankly I am far from an expert in todays NHL...... I deplore the style of play when compared to the 70's NHL......
- rapperray

You should go to more games

Expertise = live hockey action

🙂

I'm kidding .....

Brandetonscout101 is different, having over a 55 inch TVs also ='s expert 🤭