That’s why I’m one of the few Botts supporters.

Some call it wasting seasons, I call it building a cup contender. Cozens and take your pick of any of the forwards this year are players that would be almost impossible to obtain via trade.
- Pegullaville

I've been a supporter, but I've gotten to the point where I'd prefer someone else making the call on our next round of contracts. I don't trust him to fix this core. Also easy to see why it's not happening, with everything that's going on.

I'm with you on the picks. Our system is no where close to strong enough to move our 1st.

Olofsson and Sam are RFA's in need of new deals.
I would be shocked if Sam takes a classic Bridge or Prove it deal.
He did once, and he proved it both years, he has nothing left to prove.

He, like others may however take a 1 year or 2 gear deal in view of letting the league revenue and therefore Cap get back on track before they sign a long-term deal.
I wouldn't classify that as Bridge deal though.
- IonSabres

Might not be the reasons i typically see a “bridge” deal
But it’s still taking a short term contract with the idea that in a year or 2 you’ll get a bigger long term one

Bc of the Cap not going up,
I could see a lot of players take this route

Thats what I like about Beane, he's always thinking of next year too. I mean he brought in a former pro bowl RT in Williams, opens up Ford moving to RG, might be able to get a decent pick for Feliciano.
- Buff36

That’s certainly a possible scenario

Might not be the reasons i typically see a “bridge” deal
But it’s still taking a short term contract with the idea that in a year or 2 you’ll get a bigger long term one

Bc of the Cap not going up,
I could see a lot of players take this route
- jdfitz77

Good fitz

I've been a supporter, but I've gotten to the point where I'd prefer someone else making the call on our next round of contracts. I don't trust him to fix this core. Also easy to see why it's not happening, with everything that's going on.

I'm with you on the picks. Our system is no where close to strong enough to move our 1st.
- Lunaion[/'quote]

If we don't make some big strides next year Jack is going to want out and the fan base will implode. We must get a #2C who can put up 60 points and play 18-20 minutes a night!

I've been a supporter, but I've gotten to the point where I'd prefer someone else making the call on our next round of contracts. I don't trust him to fix this core. Also easy to see why it's not happening, with everything that's going on.

I'm with you on the picks. Our system is no where close to strong enough to move our 1st.
- Lunaion

Hard to be a supporter, some of the decisions have been baffling, and the Hutton decision is ridiculous, probably cost us 10pts in the standings. I just can't see how someone didn't lose there job over that, unless Kim was involved in the decision.

Hard to be a supporter, some of the decisions have been baffling, and the Hutton decision is ridiculous, probably cost us 10pts in the standings. I just can't see how someone didn't lose there job over that, unless Kim was involved in the decision.
- Buff36

I don't stress over Hutton. I don't think it's nearly that clear cut.

I've been a supporter, but I've gotten to the point where I'd prefer someone else making the call on our next round of contracts. I don't trust him to fix this core. Also easy to see why it's not happening, with everything that's going on.

I'm with you on the picks. Our system is no where close to strong enough to move our 1st.
- Lunaion

As much as I agree to an extent, I also would like to see this GM at least get to see a fourth year to judge at least 2 of his drafts.

His 2017 draft looks promising with UPL, Davidsson, Bryson and Laaksonen all with NHL potential 3 years later

I don't stress over Hutton. I don't think it's nearly that clear cut.
- Lunaion

A goalie with vision problems was allowed to keep playing, costing us wins. That should be us in the playoffs. It's that clear cut.

I don't stress over Hutton. I don't think it's nearly that clear cut.
- Lunaion

How is it not clear cut, not to be a ass but playing a goalie that's having vision problems. I have supported Botts, but that's pretty bad.

As much as I agree to an extent, I also would like to see this GM at least get to see a fourth year to judge at least 2 of his drafts.

His 2017 draft looks promising with UPL, Davidsson, Bryson and Laaksonen all with NHL potential 3 years later
- sbroads24

I'm with you on that part, also want another season of Ralph.

At the same time, extending everyone and the idea of Risto getting close to the final year of his deal make me a little crazy.

How is it not clear cut, not to be a ass but playing a goalie that's having vision problems. I have supported Botts, but that's pretty bad.
- Buff36

Because we have no idea how bad it was or how it developed. We're jumping to a conclusion of whether he should have been on the ice or not with no real knowledge.

I'm with you on that part, also want another season of Ralph.

At the same time, extending everyone and the idea of Risto getting close to the final year of his deal make me a little crazy.
- Lunaion

I don’t think there’s a chance in hell Risto would even consider extending here let alone them trying to

I don’t dislike Botts, my opinion of him has taken a giant hit though.

He doesn’t get credit for being bad this year
- sbroads24

He did not make any moves to threaten the duration of the long term window to win sooner.

Apart from Skinner, Montour, and Joker he has not acquired any other players that he has planned on being here long term so he’s 2/3. He’s shooting 50% from the floor if you include Hutton but even he is up after next season.

Mojo has a higher AAV then I’m sure most would like but the 2 year term was a solid move and an attempt to better the team without having to give crazy term to Zuccarello or Nyquist (looked good then, even better now).

I don’t think there’s a chance in hell Risto would even consider extending here let alone them trying to
- sbroads24

Makes too much sense that he is the odd one out. Borgen can replace the physicality he brings and have the same on ice impact at 1/5 the cost.

I don’t think there’s a chance in hell Risto would even consider extending here let alone them trying to
- sbroads24

Hate to think about the final year with that looming.

Hate to think about the final year with that looming.
- Lunaion

You mean not getting a good return on a trade? I agree. Should have been done two years ago.

If Botts really turned down Ehlers for Risto he’s a moron

Because we have no idea how bad it was or how it developed. We're jumping to a conclusion of whether he should have been on the ice or not with no real knowledge.
- Lunaion

I guess, but when the goalie himself comes out and says he was having problems tracking the puck, and it was going on for months. I don't know, it should have never come out then.

I guess, but when the goalie himself comes out and says he was having problems tracking the puck, and it was going on for months. I don't know, it should have never come out then.
- Buff36

He downplayed it and wouldn't use it as an excuse, so I'm not going to get worked up over it. I get the temptation, it doesn't sound good.

I don't stress over Hutton. I don't think it's nearly that clear cut.
- Lunaion

Wouldn't the Sabres be in trouble with the league if they were playing a guy who was injured?

Seems kinda fishy.

With those two here you’re taking players off this roster and we’re still lacking depth with bad goaltending

Wouldn’t be enough
- sbroads24

Sure it would have.. Who exactly woulf have to given up? Everyone good is under contract. They might maybe had to trade Risto or Skinner after a career year?

Wouldn't the Sabres be in trouble with the league if they were playing a guy who was injured?

Seems kinda fishy.
- Boss34

If the player had any kind of issue with it, I'm sure the NHLPA would have a grievance.

I just don't think there were any ill-intentions here, and I'm cynical on pretty much everything.

It has been so far. But like most trades like that the team getting the immediate impact will have the edge.

I still think the big issue was not replacing him when it was obvious CM wasn’t ready.

He wasn’t winning a Conn Smythe or Selke here
- sbroads24

So far..? What from that return has any chance of being better? ORiley was the top faceoff guy in the league, who could score, shut down an opposing top line, play with toughness and play in any situation.

He should have been the captain or at least a rotating C like w Drury and Briere. Jack was prob butt hurt that ORiley was the top dawg at the time. Ryan had earned more clout at the time and Jack was still a bit entitled.

There is no other way around it, depth is built through the draft.

Hit on this years pick, insulate Cozens well this year, Thompson no longer has waivers eligibility so hope he can contribute cause he’ll be on the team.

Hopefully Mitts figures his poop out cause if he does the outlook of this team flips on a dime.

I think missing the playoffs this year was a blessing in disguise. We will get a solid player in the top 9.
- Pegullaville

It’s still tough for me to see where Tage fits in this year
He’s not a 4th line player
I’d think Botts would wanna bring in a 2C & RW2

Olofsson-Jack-Sam
Skinner- 2C - RW2
Johansson-Cozens-Kahun
Girgs-Larsson-Okposo/Simmonds

I suppose we could do MoJo at 3C to open a spot for Tage, but then that sends Cozens back to Juniors or puts him on line2
Idk that either of those options are ideal

Where would u see him fitting in?

So far..? What from that return has any chance of being better? ORiley was the top faceoff guy in the league, who could score, shut down an opposing top line, play with toughness and play in any situation.

He should have been the captain or at least a rotating C like w Drury and Briere. Jack was prob butt hurt that ORiley was the top dawg at the time. Ryan had earned more clout at the time and Jack was still a bit entitled.
- SuperCat

Well to be honest, he really didn't shut many people down while he was here, he was a minus every year he was here. Funny how his last year here he was a minus 23, and his 1st year in St.Louis he was a plus 22. Better team, better players around him, better results.