I know management just let it all play out but we've clearly started trying to win. 1 pt from playoff contention. Adding a top 4D is all I really need to see this offseason, a Hellebyuck or Andersen would be a ++
- DirtyDan

I'd put money on it.

I think they leave 4lw open for one of these guys to come up. Whether that be Rousek or another.
- DirtyDan

Shedding Olofsson for a pick and not backfilling with a UFA or return player will tell you all you need to know.

I don't understand 19's narrative here. I get there's people that are irrationally upset about Okposo's continued presence here even though he was pretty low on the list of individual sink holes on this team. In his draft class I'd say he did quite well.

6 million dollars on the buffalo sabres? underachieved that. As a player, I think statistically he's not only had a good career (based on box score, draft class), came back from a disasterous injury and mental illness, and evolved his play to continue to be useful despite his contract status.
- TheSabresTaco

See, this is where exactly where the narrative comes from. On a personal level, this is all well and good. When it comes to the win column, it's a different story. On the career front, there are plenty of players who had solid statistical careers but never really amounted to much in the win column when it mattered most. And while there are circumstances in a given season that you can say "not his fault", when the body of work is this big, you have to recognize there's something more at play. I want my team to be shrewd enough to recognize that.

I am happy that he overcame what he did on a personal level, but we're in the winning business, at least we're supposed to be. The signs of underachievement were there well before injuries, Prioritizing charisma over substance is how organizations fail, and that's exactly what the Sabres are doing here. This isn't about Kyle Okposo the player. It's about what they believe he represents, of which there is zero evidence it will get them anywhere close to a championship.

See, this is where exactly where the narrative comes from. On a personal level, this is all well and good. When it comes to the win column, it's a different story. On the career front, there are plenty of players who had solid statistical careers but never really amounted to much in the win column when it mattered most. And while there are circumstances in a given season that you can say "not his fault", when the body of work is this big, you have to recognize there's something more at play. I want my team to be shrewd enough to recognize that.

I am happy that he overcame what he did on a personal level. The problem is that the signs of underachievment were there well before injuries, but we're in the winning business, at least we're supposed to be. Prioritizing charisma over substance is how organizations fail, and that's exactly what the Sabres are doing more. This isn't about Kyle Okposo the player. It's about what they believe he represents, of which there is zero evidence it will get them anywhere close to a championship.
- buffalofan19

It isn't, because his role is to provide positive defensive play, which he does.

We're being naive if we think this team is winning a cup next year. With or without Kyle Okposo.

This signing is parallel to Craig Anderson, who provided positive play and leadership. They feel it's significant and the players rave about it. For us to say the players are wrong is foolish. If he was a disaster on the ice I'd agree. But he wasn't.

See, this is where exactly where the narrative comes from. On a personal level, this is all well and good. When it comes to the win column, it's a different story. On the career front, there are plenty of players who had solid statistical careers but never really amounted to much in the win column when it mattered most. And while there are circumstances in a given season that you can say "not his fault", when the body of work is this big, you have to recognize there's something more at play. I want my team to be shrewd enough to recognize that.

I am happy that he overcame what he did on a personal level, but we're in the winning business, at least we're supposed to be. The signs of underachievement were there well before injuries, Prioritizing charisma over substance is how organizations fail, and that's exactly what the Sabres are doing here. This isn't about Kyle Okposo the player. It's about what they believe he represents, of which there is zero evidence it will get them anywhere close to a championship.
- buffalofan19

Well its a team sport.... and he plays a solid 4th line defensive role.

The guy you were bringing in to replace him isn't going to get us to the playoffs. What'll get us over the hump is guys like JJ, Quinn, Mitts, Power, Levi/UPL, Taking the next step.

It isn't, because his role is to provide positive defensive play, which he does.

We're being naive if we think this team is winning a cup next year. With or without Kyle Okposo.

This signing is parallel to Craig Anderson, who provided positive play and leadership. They feel it's significant and the players rave about it. For us to say the players are wrong is foolish. If he was a disaster on the ice I'd agree. But he wasn't.
- TheSabresTaco

They slapped the C on his chest, and it's going to be there again this year. That sends the message that he's the guy you want your young players, the ones who can actually make an impact, to emulate, regardless of whether he's a 4th liner, a top center, or your #1 defenseman. When you consider his entire body of work, it's a low standard, especially if you're trying to say "the goal is to win a championship" with a straight face, regardless of whether it's this year or years down the road.

@AmerksHockey
·
30m
Matthew Savoie is IN TONIGHT

Maybe his signing has something to do with getting Dahlins and Powers contracts done….possibly not wanting to mess up the “VIBES”.

@AmerksHockey
·
30m
Matthew Savoie is IN TONIGHT
- Lunaion

It isn't, because his role is to provide positive defensive play, which he does.

We're being naive if we think this team is winning a cup next year. With or without Kyle Okposo.

This signing is parallel to Craig Anderson, who provided positive play and leadership. They feel it's significant and the players rave about it. For us to say the players are wrong is foolish. If he was a disaster on the ice I'd agree. But he wasn't.
- TheSabresTaco

Okposo's got 500k riding on it.

They slapped the C on his chest, and it's going to be there again this year. That sends the message that he's the guy you want your young players, the ones who can actually make an impact, to emulate, regardless of whether he's a 4th liner, a top center, or your #1 defenseman. When you consider his entire body of work, it's a low standard, especially if you're trying to say "the goal is to win a championship" with a straight face, regardless of whether it's this year or years down the road.
- buffalofan19

Are you really trying to say that just because Kyle Okposo wasn't an elite scorer that the players will all underachieve as well under his leadership

Savoie is playing tonight

Okposo's got 500k riding on it.
- Lunaion

I think we're all dismissing this FACT

Maybe his signing has something to do with getting Dahlins and Powers contracts done….possibly not wanting to mess up the “VIBES”.
- THENINELINE

naahh.. those boys are thinking way down the line. Okposo's got a year left.

https://youtu.be/Qn4KtveykGM

Take a listen

Malone, Murray and Rousek have a combined NHL games of.. 24

If they were better players than Kyle and played his role and position, they'd be here instead of him. At the very least, they'd be here.
- TheSabresTaco

Okposo has 24 concussions, if the organization valued winning those prospects would be here.

For everyone female dogging the Okposo deal.

And I have been on record here saying he sucks.


But this is a 1 year deal …. 1 year. He’s not tying up 6 or 8 million for 1 year. It’s 2.5 mill. Which is fine

What he brings to the locker room means more than his roster spot he is taking up and the 1 year 2.5 mill. Which we have tons and tons of cap space for that

Okposo has 24 concussions, if the organization valued winning those prospects would be here.
- washedup20

Well if he gets a 25th you might get your wish

serious question and only giving a name is needed, not some long wind fluff


would this team be better in the fall bringing back okposo for 1 year or spending a little more money and grabbing jesper fast for a few years


and for those that want to throw 4th line okposo crap at the wall, both fast and okposo played a tick over 14 1/2 minutes per game last year

They slapped the C on his chest, and it's going to be there again this year. That sends the message that he's the guy you want your young players, the ones who can actually make an impact, to emulate, regardless of whether he's a 4th liner, a top center, or your #1 defenseman. When you consider his entire body of work, it's a low standard, especially if you're trying to say "the goal is to win a championship" with a straight face, regardless of whether it's this year or years down the road.
- buffalofan19

See Dustin Brown.

I think we're all dismissing this FACT
- TheSabresTaco

That not only is he a bad hockey player, he also is a bad negotiator?

serious question and only giving a name is needed, not some long wind fluff


would this team be better in the fall bringing back okposo for 1 year or spending a little more money and grabbing jesper fast for a few years


and for those that want to throw 4th line okposo crap at the wall, both fast and okposo played a tick over 14 1/2 minutes per game last year
- homiedclown

Im good with Okposo for a year and then see what we can do with the lineup when Kulich and Savoie and Rosen are for sure ready next year.

https://youtu.be/Qn4KtveykGM

Take a listen
- TheSabresTaco

what an incredibly fascinating take on the Florida and Boston series.

serious question and only giving a name is needed, not some long wind fluff


would this team be better in the fall bringing back okposo for 1 year or spending a little more money and grabbing jesper fast for a few years


and for those that want to throw 4th line okposo crap at the wall, both fast and okposo played a tick over 14 1/2 minutes per game last year
- homiedclown

i made an armchair gm with Fast at 3RW

That not only is he a bad hockey player, he also is a bad negotiator?
- washedup20

Well 2.5 to be a bad hockey player defeats the second point. Both can’t be true. Gotta pick a lane on this one.