Portillo knows he's not an NHL goalie.
- lacaprup

Hes been rather pedestrian. Hes a slab of 6'10 rock

How did he develop at all this year? He dominated college kids... again. What more do we know about him this year we didn't already know at this time last year? I think I've learned he doesn't have the heart of an all time great. That's ok 98% of guys don't.

Honestly, don't give me the education bit. It's a farcical argument.
- lacaprup

We have no idea what Levi is.

That said. I can’t blame him for wanting to enjoy college one last year before the grind of a pro career.

The only thing we know about Levi is he dominates college kids. We knew that last year, did we not? I guess we also know he doesn't have the heart of Pat Roy, but then again who does? I'm sure Northeaster University is a life changing experience and all, but I'll never pretend I respect someone who ducks competition in the name of development.
- lacaprup

The guy hasn't taken a short cut once in his life. He takes the long way around everywhere he plays.

Why change now when its worked out for him every step of the way?

He'll probably take his time in the A as well.

We have no idea what Levi is.

That said. I can’t blame him for wanting to enjoy college one last year before the grind of a pro career.
- ImThatGuy

could you imagine a the female dogging if he went back next year?

People wanted UPL up and starting like 3 years ago..... poop takes time

also ive seen portillo a bunch lately and he doesnt impress me. Him not signing isnt a big deal imo
- hubie

nope, use him for trade bait for Sarros. I throw in Johnson too assuming he is not signinh in buffalo, that player equates to a 2nd round pick as that is what we would get for Johnson if he walks and dont sign with us.

For Sarros, I would trade something like this, Portillo, Johnson and a 2nd, throw in Olo if you have to.

could you imagine a the female dogging if he went back next year?
- hubie

If he does, then I would have to say odds are he does not want to sign in Buff. what lese does he have to prove in school?

could you imagine a the female dogging if he went back next year?
- hubie

Imagine thinking you know what's best for a 21 year old that has been a superstar everywhere hes played... go call wgr (not towards you)

We have no idea what Levi is.

That said. I can’t blame him for wanting to enjoy college one last year before the grind of a pro career.
- ImThatGuy

I'm betting on him considering his NCAA sv% is aligned with Ryan Miller and Connor Hellebuyck.

If he does, then I would have to say odds are he does not want to sign in Buff. what lese does he have to prove in school?
- hehateme

Maybe he feels he can win a National Championship? That's not nothing.

How did he develop at all this year? He dominated college kids... again. What more do we know about him this year we didn't already know at this time last year? I think I've learned he doesn't have the heart of an all time great. That's ok 98% of guys don't.

Honestly, don't give me the education bit. It's a farcical argument.
- lacaprup

You know nothing of internal discussions between players and management, yet you talk like you do. And no, I won’t bend the knee that hockey is life to all these guys. Maybe he wasn’t mentally ready for the rigors of the NHL. Maybe they (management) wanted him to add some weight this year. Maybe they (management) wanted to make sure he was playing games, even if it was against college kids. Because if you remember, UPL started in Roch. So the plan (management) was for him to get the most games possible and it was strictly a hockey decision and UPL forced his way out of Roch earlier than anticipated. Perhaps they didn’t want him sitting or getting minimal games in the A and instead getting a full slate of college. The way you talk about this in absolutes is kinda ridiculous if you ask me. Kid don’t have it. Yeah, ok.

I personally don't like holding the door for Levi, if you're good enough you open the door yourself. That said, since he's a college boy we have to bend for him a bit. It is what it is, unfortunate quirk of the NCAA/NHL setup.

All that said, I think once he signs and loses some of that leverage we go for a guy in the off-season. Levi likely goes to the AHL at least part of the year next year and UPL/Comrie are both free agents after next season. You could ride both of them next year but I think Adams makes that move to bring someone else in instead
- Zschalberg

Very good post.

I think the same may go for Johnson.
Sabres leave him a realistic spot to play a few games this season, burn a year on his ecl.
Upgrade the defense in the offseason.

Both very unique situations where the franchise really loses out on a lot time and effort if they walk.
Yes, they get a pick if Johnson jumps ship.

The only thing we know about Levi is he dominates college kids. We knew that last year, did we not? I guess we also know he doesn't have the heart of Pat Roy, but then again who does? I'm sure Northeaster University is a life changing experience and all, but I'll never pretend I respect someone who ducks competition in the name of development.
- lacaprup

this take is your Ristolainen Is Good Because He Had Scored Points and Hits.

could you imagine a the female dogging if he went back next year?
- hubie

he won't, but it would be deafening.

ITs also looking like Levi could be here first, a couple games go the wrong way NE aint making the tournament.

nope, use him for trade bait for Sarros. I throw in Johnson too assuming he is not signinh in buffalo, that player equates to a 2nd round pick as that is what we would get for Johnson if he walks and dont sign with us.

For Sarros, I would trade something like this, Portillo, Johnson and a 2nd, throw in Olo if you have to.
- hehateme

I don't know what Nashville wants to do for the future.

If Saros could be had for a top 12 1st, 2nd, UPL and Rousek/Olofsson, (frank)in do it.

I always say until he makes it necessary and out plays every goalie then he can wait his turn.
- hubie

What if he levi finds a better situation to force his way thru the door?

Once levi is signed, by all means ,let the best goalie earn and play big minutes. Wait his turn.

It's just an unique situation, being able to just jet...

What if he levi finds a better situation to force his way thru the door?

Once levi is signed, by all means ,let the best goalie earn and play big minutes. Wait his turn.

It's just an unique situation, being able to just jet...
- Boss34

where is there a better situtation?

I don't know what Nashville wants to do for the future.

If Saros could be had for a top 12 1st, 2nd, UPL and Rousek/Olofsson, (frank)in do it.
- TheSabresTaco

They have askarov

You know nothing of internal discussions between players and management, yet you talk like you do. And no, I won’t bend the knee that hockey is life to all these guys. Maybe he wasn’t mentally ready for the rigors of the NHL. Maybe they (management) wanted him to add some weight this year. Maybe they (management) wanted to make sure he was playing games, even if it was against college kids. Because if you remember, UPL started in Roch. So the plan (management) was for him to get the most games possible and it was strictly a hockey decision and UPL forced his way out of Roch earlier than anticipated. Perhaps they didn’t want him sitting or getting minimal games in the A and instead getting a full slate of college. The way you talk about this in absolutes is kinda ridiculous if you ask me. Kid don’t have it. Yeah, ok.
- SDSabre

All discussion pointed at Levi wanting to return rather than the org asking him to do so.

But knocking a kid for wanting to compete in school for one more year instead of the AHL is beyond the pale.

What if he levi finds a better situation to force his way thru the door?

Once levi is signed, by all means ,let the best goalie earn and play big minutes. Wait his turn.

It's just an unique situation, being able to just jet...
- Boss34

I don’t see it. He’d have to go back to school for another year, then wait until like 8.15.24 to sign with someone. That would be dodging.

They have askarov
- hubie

irrelevant.

Just like we have Levi. Yes I know Ask is ahead.

UPL gets them to when Askarov emerges. They can go with UPL/Askarov next season and split starts.

I'm betting on him considering his NCAA sv% is aligned with Ryan Miller and Connor Hellebuyck.
- TheSabresTaco

I'm not sure if every poster understands your post.

Levi is sandwiched between hellebuyck and ryan miller for all time NCAA save %.

IMO , he's a guy the Sabres should be bending over backwards to sign.

All discussion pointed at Levi wanting to return rather than the org asking him to do so.

But knocking a kid for wanting to compete in school for one more year instead of the AHL is beyond the pale.
- TheSabresTaco

All I will say further is that is speculative at best. I would imagine there was at least an hour of conversation with his reps and a few management people. What was said in those conversations maybe make it to this board like 4-5 people down the line. The game telephone is played in 3rd grade comes to mind.

irrelevant.

Just like we have Levi. Yes I know Ask is ahead.

UPL gets them to when Askarov emerges. They can go with UPL/Askarov next season and split starts.
- TheSabresTaco

i get what your saying but they could just sign "guy" i the offseason

I'm not sure if every poster understands your post.

Levi is sandwiched between hellebuyck and ryan miller for all time NCAA save %.

IMO , he's a guy the Sabres should be bending over backwards to sign.
- Boss34

Thanks for the clarification.

There's no reason to believe he won't when his season ends.