I'm only worried if they make an over-commitment that is unlike JB. I think there are a lot of people who would like to lock him up for 5yr+ @ 5m+. If that's followed by Sam at 7yr @ 8m+, then everyone should be scared.

I think VO's floor is a 3rd line PP specialist. He's a complimentary player, who takes the right line mates to thrive. He doesn't create on his own and doesn't create space, but when someone else does, he can be dangerous.

I like him, but I guess I'm a little less enamored than most. This time last year, a lot of people wanted to lock ERod up to a long term deal. I just believe in bridging almost everyone. VO isn't a guy I'd break that rule for.
- Lunaion

The bold is the most important thing, and what I think Botterill believes in.

Only hand out the big deals to the most obvious players, or when you absolutely have to.

I'm only worried if they make an over-commitment that is unlike JB. I think there are a lot of people who would like to lock him up for 5yr+ @ 5m+. If that's followed by Sam at 7yr @ 8m+, then everyone should be scared.

I think VO's floor is a 3rd line PP specialist. He's a complimentary player, who takes the right line mates to thrive. He doesn't create on his own and doesn't create space, but when someone else does, he can be dangerous.

I like him, but I guess I'm a little less enamored than most. This time last year, a lot of people wanted to lock ERod up to a long term deal. I just believe in bridging almost everyone. VO isn't a guy I'd break that rule for.
- Lunaion

I have no problem with bridging him and Kahun, I just worry about how that affects Dahlin and Joker for next year. Wish we new if there was gonna be a compliance buyout, would be nice to get rid of Okposo contract.

Signing free agents that can actually help is not the Sabres style....... They love to pay millions for AHL level FA’s....

Signing free agents that can actually help is not the Sabres style....... They love to pay millions for AHL level FA’s....
- rapperray

- homiedclown

Signing free agents that can actually help is not the Sabres style....... They love to pay millions for AHL level FA’s....
- rapperray

Well think this is the year to make some trades. There are a few teams hurting Cap Wise Arizona, St. Louis, Toronto, Tampa Bay, all have about 6 mill or less, and Chicago could be hurting depending on LTIR.

Another terrific article on The Athletic about Data Analytics in hockey, written by Staples but it is about Steve Valiquette's company and how they are helping certain teams with understanding trends in the game...very interesting read.

Got this gold nugget talking about clear sight shots...when Goalies have 1/2 second or more to see the shot come off the shooters stick...
But does he (Matthews) beat goalies clean when they have that all-important half second of clear sight? No. There were only three or four guys who stood out this year in that shot type. Jack Eichel had 29 shots from there and scored seven goals — that’s 24 percent and he led the league. He’s one of those elite snipers who can look at a goalie and beat him clean.

Would Krueger and Botts benefit by having this sort of analytical thinking in the organization. I know they have a Analytics Dept, not sure it is this refined and have the horsepower to review, categorize and then analyze the data themselves.
Would be interesting to really understand where the Sabres stack up against the other 30 teams.

Another terrific article on The Athletic about Data Analytics in hockey, written by Staples but it is about Steve Valiquette's company and how they are helping certain teams with understanding trends in the game...very interesting read.

Got this gold nugget talking about clear sight shots...when Goalies have 1/2 second or more to see the shot come off the shooters stick...
But does he (Matthews) beat goalies clean when they have that all-important half second of clear sight? No. There were only three or four guys who stood out this year in that shot type. Jack Eichel had 29 shots from there and scored seven goals — that’s 24 percent and he led the league. He’s one of those elite snipers who can look at a goalie and beat him clean.

Would Krueger and Botts benefit by having this sort of analytical thinking in the organization. I know they have a Analytics Dept, not sure it is this refined and have the horsepower to review, categorize and then analyze the data themselves.
Would be interesting to really understand where the Sabres stack up against the other 30 teams.
- IonSabres

Nice find Ion

Another terrific article on The Athletic about Data Analytics in hockey, written by Staples but it is about Steve Valiquette's company and how they are helping certain teams with understanding trends in the game...very interesting read.

Got this gold nugget talking about clear sight shots...when Goalies have 1/2 second or more to see the shot come off the shooters stick...
But does he (Matthews) beat goalies clean when they have that all-important half second of clear sight? No. There were only three or four guys who stood out this year in that shot type. Jack Eichel had 29 shots from there and scored seven goals — that’s 24 percent and he led the league. He’s one of those elite snipers who can look at a goalie and beat him clean.

Would Krueger and Botts benefit by having this sort of analytical thinking in the organization. I know they have a Analytics Dept, not sure it is this refined and have the horsepower to review, categorize and then analyze the data themselves.
Would be interesting to really understand where the Sabres stack up against the other 30 teams.
- IonSabres

I think he needs to go through "How to be a GM 101" before he dives into the higher-level stuff.

Truth be told, I detest the left...farther to the left the worse they are.
I don't respect those who are inconsistent in their thoughts because of another's last name...it's fine not to like the person, but if someone else is doing the same relative thing, then don't respect them either. Pretty cut and dry.
I don't believe in imposing my will on others, but I do want the freedom to do my own thing unless it hurts someone else.
I believe alot of the issues we face today is the result of failed liberal policies, virtual social tests that outlived their usefulness.
I believe in doing yourself what you ask of others, rather than being hypocritical.

I like Trump's policies, especially fiscally and foreign.
I do not like him, and further wish he would shut up 99% of the time.
I like his combativness, especially with the 'media", who has an agenda...left, right whatever.
Neither party represents me, but the Demo's do drive me crazy with their hypocracy ... 15 years ago the same leadership was pleading for a wall and border control..now, you are a xenophobic racist asshat if you utter the words.

Personally, I like the Libertarian platform the most...not perfect but pretty good for me.
Too bad they have no one to take a lead position who has an once of credibility.

Clear?

Edit: I should add, most liberals start off a discussion ok, then when they feel they can't convince you on their positions they attack, call you names meant to get you emotionally charged, talk down to you, and disregard facts as inconveniences.
My experience.
- IonSabres

We have a winner !

Bravo ! 👍❤️

Well think this is the year to make some trades. There are a few teams hurting Cap Wise Arizona, St. Louis, Toronto, Tampa Bay, all have about 6 mill or less, and Chicago could be hurting depending on LTIR.
- Buff36

A few points guide my thinking with next steps for the roster:
1) Proper distribution of the Cap according to the position played must be achieved
2) No one should be slotted into a position over their capabilities, i.e. Mojo as 2C. Exemptions exist for rookies here as part of their development path, I.e. Cozens as 3RW to start, then to 3C, then to 2C as he is ready for each promotion
3) Players should play their optimal position

The roster holes I see that need to be upgraded are:
2C
2RW
3C short-term, 1 year
1RhD
2LhD
G

Conversely, the positions where overlap/redundancy exists, and therefore represent trade opportunities:
3LW - Mojo and Kahun
4C - Larsson and Lazar, potentially Asplund
4LW - Girgenson and Vesey
2RhD - Montour and Risto
3RhD - Joker, Miller, potentially Borgen

Lastly, I have seen nothing from Tage nor Mitts so far that tells me either is ready to play in the NHL, and I don't believe playing ok in the AHL for 1/2 season is proof they are ready. They need more development time. To date, the ceiling I have on each is as 3rd liners, I would include both in the trade asset category myself

I think he needs to go through "How to be a GM 101" before he dives into the higher-level stuff.
- feetontheair22

Chapter 1
You must establish authority on all matters related to hockey with your ownership group, especially in scenarios where ownership is inexperienced, believes they are the smartest person in the room, and are prone to rash, often irrational decisions.
Once you have lost authority, you are nothing more than an AGM with a GM title.

A few points guide my thinking with next steps for the roster:
1) Proper distribution of the Cap according to the position played must be achieved
2) No one should be slotted into a position over their capabilities, i.e. Mojo as 2C. Exemptions exist for rookies here as part of their development path, I.e. Cozens as 3RW to start, then to 3C, then to 2C as he is ready for each promotion
3) Players should play their optimal position

The roster holes I see that need to be upgraded are:
2C
2RW
3C short-term, 1 year
1RhD
2LhD
G

Conversely, the positions where there is overlap/redundancy exist and represent trade opportunities:
3LW - Mojo and Kahun
4C - Larsson and Lazar, potentially Asplund
4LW - Girgenson and Vesey
2RhD - Montour and Risto
3RhD - Joker, Miller, potentially Borgen

Lastly, I have seen nothing from Tage nor Mitts so far that tells me either is ready to play in the NHL, and I don't believe playing ok in the AHL for 1/2 season is proof they are ready. They need more development time. To date, the ceiling I have on each is as 3rd liners, I would include both in the trade asset category myself
- IonSabres

Not bad Ion, the only thing I would not consider is Joker, but you have to change the culture, so everything should be considered. Botts needs to take the blinders off, he has the resources to reshape this roster.

Not bad Ion, the only thing I would not consider is Joker, but you have to change the culture, so everything should be considered. Botts needs to take the blinders off, he has the resources to reshape this roster.
- Buff36

Yet, based on Homies post yesterday
Larsson, Girgs, Vesey and Simmonds all offered deals.

Doesn't sound like he is up to the task of overhauling the roster that finished 26th, and was heading further down over the last 14 games.

Another terrific article on The Athletic about Data Analytics in hockey, written by Staples but it is about Steve Valiquette's company and how they are helping certain teams with understanding trends in the game...very interesting read.

Got this gold nugget talking about clear sight shots...when Goalies have 1/2 second or more to see the shot come off the shooters stick...
But does he (Matthews) beat goalies clean when they have that all-important half second of clear sight? No. There were only three or four guys who stood out this year in that shot type. Jack Eichel had 29 shots from there and scored seven goals — that’s 24 percent and he led the league. He’s one of those elite snipers who can look at a goalie and beat him clean.

Would Krueger and Botts benefit by having this sort of analytical thinking in the organization. I know they have a Analytics Dept, not sure it is this refined and have the horsepower to review, categorize and then analyze the data themselves.
Would be interesting to really understand where the Sabres stack up against the other 30 teams.
- IonSabres

👍

I like him, I'm just more conservative with my projection. I think 2 years @ 2.75-3m is very appropriate.
- Lunaion

Got this from TO blog on Kappy

Acquired as part of the Phil Kessel deal, the 23-year-old reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time last season and scored a career-high 44 points, earning a three-year, $9.6 Million bridge deal.

Maybe I'm too high, and you're too low.
2 - 3 years at $3.25m - 3.5m ?
Although, Olo was on pace for alot more than 44 that Kappy had in his contract year.

Yet, based on Homies post yesterday
Larsson, Girgs, Vesey and Simmonds all offered deals.

Doesn't sound like he is up to the task of overhauling the roster that finished 26th, and was heading further down over the last 14 games.
- IonSabres

Don't mind Larsson, the other 3 don't move the needle, maybe Girgs for the right price. And are you trying to push Eichel out the door.

Another terrific article on The Athletic about Data Analytics in hockey, written by Staples but it is about Steve Valiquette's company and how they are helping certain teams with understanding trends in the game...very interesting read.

Got this gold nugget talking about clear sight shots...when Goalies have 1/2 second or more to see the shot come off the shooters stick...
But does he (Matthews) beat goalies clean when they have that all-important half second of clear sight? No. There were only three or four guys who stood out this year in that shot type. Jack Eichel had 29 shots from there and scored seven goals — that’s 24 percent and he led the league. He’s one of those elite snipers who can look at a goalie and beat him clean.

Would Krueger and Botts benefit by having this sort of analytical thinking in the organization. I know they have a Analytics Dept, not sure it is this refined and have the horsepower to review, categorize and then analyze the data themselves.
Would be interesting to really understand where the Sabres stack up against the other 30 teams.
- IonSabres

The last thing I read/heard about the Sabres was their analytics department was one person. Hopefully, that has changed.

Anyone hear anything on offers to Rhino, Ollie, and Kahun.

The last thing I read/heard about the Sabres was their analytics department was one person. Hopefully, that has changed.
- kingcong39

Put you application in!

Anybody on the Coyotes roster intrigue anyone. Would Connor Garland or any of there D move the needle.

Got this from TO blog on Kappy

Acquired as part of the Phil Kessel deal, the 23-year-old reached the 20-goal plateau for the first time last season and scored a career-high 44 points, earning a three-year, $9.6 Million bridge deal.

Maybe I'm too high, and you're too low.
2 - 3 years at $3.25m - 3.5m ?
Although, Olo was on pace for alot more than 44 that Kappy had in his contract year.
- IonSabres

Kahun was on pace for 45 points over 82 game season

Anybody on the Coyotes roster intrigue anyone. Would Connor Garland or any of there D move the needle.
- Buff36

Chychrun
Dvorak
Crouse
Stepan

The last thing I read/heard about the Sabres was their analytics department was one person. Hopefully, that has changed.
- kingcong39

Jason nightingale is listed as director of analytics...I believe botts is a fan of analytics and Krueger most definitely is...

the article ion posted was great and the initial premise of being able to play in the clutch--especially in net--really rang true for this sabres season...weak goaltending did them in and i'm sure steve valiquette's numbers would back that up...

between nov. 7 and march 7 while the sabres were busy compiling the second worst points percentage in the league (.434 behind only Detroit,) and when they went from top-5 points percentage to their eventual 25th place finish, carter hutton went 6-12-1 with a 3.66 gaa and .895 sv% and was letting in weak goals left and right...Ullmark held his own (while still letting in softies here and there) with Johansson compiling rookie-type numbers (2.94 gaa; .894 sv%) in his six appearances

Anyone hear anything on offers to Rhino, Ollie, and Kahun.
- Buff36

I'm trading
A) Rhino, 2020-1st and Mitts to Detroit for Dylan Larkin, I'll even throw in Tage
B) Montour and Asplund to VGK for Tuch
C) Miller for Josh Anderson
D) Risto for futures

I'll then pursue in UFA
Gudas
Dillon

Skinner - Eichel - Tuch
Olofsson - Larkin - Anderson
Mojo - Cozens - Kahun
Asplund - Lazar - Okposo
Dahlin - Gudas
Dillon - Joker
McCabe - Borgen
Ullmark
Hutton

Hopefully one of Mitts or Tage can wrestle a 3rd line wing position, and Bryson can take the 3LhD; to let Mojo and McCabe go at TDL as prep for Dahlin and Joker contracts the next season.