Michael Pachla: The Sabres could use a placeholder or two on defense

Good read. I think moving forward, we just let a couple kids into the big league. Besides Del Zotto and maybe Ellerby, I wouldn't want another defenseman. Might as well give some kids some experience IMO

Good read. I think moving forward, we just let a couple kids into the big league. Besides Del Zotto and maybe Ellerby, I wouldn't want another defenseman. Might as well give some kids some experience IMO
- SabresNHL

idk...Regier tried that last season...it didn't work...

I think you will see Ruhwedel make the team this year instead of signing a veteran dman. We have to find out if he's capable of being a NHL defenseman. Also, I'd like to see Luke Adam play in a top six role for the year until the trade deadline. Hopefully we can inflate his stats enough where another team will take a chance on him. Ditto for Stewart and Stafford.

We will give you Rob Scuderi for a bag of pucks. We will also include a 5th round pick.

idk...Regier tried that last season...it didn't work...
- Michael Pachla

It "didn't work" because you had veterans on that team refusing to play for their coach. That locker room in October and November was extremely toxic, and would have continued to be no matter what the experience level of those defensemen were.

idk...Regier tried that last season...it didn't work...
- Michael Pachla

Well I mean the more qualified guys like as you said, Pysyk, Ruhwedel and whoever shows promise at development camp and training camp. If the guy doesn't perform then we just send him back. Getting Del Zotto is ideal since he's still young and if he pans out, he could become part of our core for all we know.

It "didn't work" because you had veterans on that team refusing to play for their coach. That locker room in October and November was extremely toxic, and would have continued to be no matter what the experience level of those defensemen were.
- buffalofan19

that too...and you can add in an extreme lack of talent, a coach that was in way over his head and no leadership...

point is, why rush their development this season when you can sign a journeyman as a placeholder?

I think you will see Ruhwedel make the team this year instead of signing a veteran dman. We have to find out if he's capable of being a NHL defenseman. Also, I'd like to see Luke Adam play in a top six role for the year until the trade deadline. Hopefully we can inflate his stats enough where another team will take a chance on him. Ditto for Stewart and Stafford.
- Gervs22

rudy looked good for the amerks in the playoffs, but, imo, would be of more use to the organization if he stayed in rochester

that too...and you can add in an extreme lack of talent, a coach that was in way over his head and no leadership...

point is, why rush their development this season when you can sign a journeyman as a placeholder?
- Michael Pachla

I'm not necessarily against that. I just think what happened last year isn't a good indicator that younger guys can't play in the NHL right away. The organization is much more stable than it was a year ago (we hope). Playing younger guys won't be disastrous for the team or for their individual development. It doesn't mean it's necessary either though.

Well I mean the more qualified guys like as you said, Pysyk, Ruhwedel and whoever shows promise at development camp and training camp. If the guy doesn't perform then we just send him back. Getting Del Zotto is ideal since he's still young and if he pans out, he could become part of our core for all we know.
- SabresNHL

Pysyk, was real strong for the amerks in the playoffs...was real solid in game five when playing against a couple of his peers in jaskin and cracknel...

not sure what his offense will look like down the road (it's up to him,) but his defense is excellent

I'm not necessarily against that. I just think what happened last year isn't a good indicator that younger guys can't play in the NHL right away. The organization is much more stable than it was a year ago (we hope). Playing younger guys won't be disastrous for the team or for their individual development. It doesn't mean it's necessary either though.
- buffalofan19

yeah...Pysyk will be on the roster, and methinks risto will be on it as well, although i'd rather he stay in Rochester as an anchor for the likes of McCabe...the sabres will still need another d-man and I don't think any other youngin is ready for full-time nhl duty

from last blog...


Underrated: Andreychuk, Satan, Puppa, Sekera, and Sheppard.

Overrated: Ruff, Reiger, Holzinger, Corkum, The Sucksisters, and Scott.

I think Zadorov goes back to London for one more year and the Sabres rotate defensemen like Ristolinen, Ruhwhedel and McCabe in short 5-10 game stints in Buffalo for the #6, #7 spot. Pysyk probably gets that #5 spot.

That doesn't leave much room for the inevitable Injury Bug...so I agree, picking up another veteran depth guy (ideally a two way contract) would not force us to overplay the youngin's. I could see Ristolinen getting about 30-50 games in Buffalo getting mentored by Josh Georges.

Pysyk, was real strong for the amerks in the playoffs...was real solid in game five when playing against a couple of his peers in jaskin and cracknel...

not sure what his offense will look like down the road (it's up to him,) but his defense is excellent
- Michael Pachla

Peak 5g 25a.

Reality 3g 15-17 a. Solid 3/4 guy who makes little to no mistakes.

From prior blog.

Steve Heinze was one of the better ones.
- dadeadhead

I'm with you DDH . Excellent choice.

from last blog...


Underrated: Andreychuk, Satan, Puppa, Sekera, and Sheppard.

Overrated: Ruff, Reiger, Holzinger, Corkum, The Sucksisters, and Scott.
- dadeadhead

That guy stunk. I'm not sure anyone would disagree.

That guy stunk. I'm not sure anyone would disagree.
- buffalofan19

Had to have him at the trade deadline though...............

Peak 5g 25a.

Reality 3g 15-17 a. Solid 3/4 guy who makes little to no mistakes.
- dadeadhead

I agree. He's the type of guy that you don't notice on the ice most of the time. And for a defenseman, that's not a bad thing.

I agree. He's the type of guy that you don't notice on the ice most of the time. And for a defenseman, that's not a bad thing.
- HonkFortheGoose

Lydman minus the bonehead play with under 2 to go.

Top search on the Hockey db

http://www.hockeydb.com/i...y.php?filter=Y&pid=160366

Lydman minus the bonehead play with under 2 to go.
- dadeadhead

In 44 games, Pysyk had 16 PIMS. As a rookie on what may be the worst team to set foot on the ice. Not bad, if you ask me.

In 44 games, Pysyk had 16 PIMS. As a rookie on what may be the worst team to set foot on the ice. Not bad, if you ask me.
- HonkFortheGoose

He has the best outlet pass on the team. I've been a huge Pysyk fan, glad to see a few others feel the same way.

He has the best outlet pass on the team. I've been a huge Pysyk fan, glad to see a few others feel the same way.
- CaptainRivet

He's most always is cool, calm, and collected.

He has the best outlet pass on the team. I've been a huge Pysyk fan, glad to see a few others feel the same way.
- CaptainRivet

Some around here will argue that at best he's a 5-6 guy.

I think 3-4 is where he ends up, but if he develops a bit further, I dare say he could actually be as high as a 2.

On a perennial contender, 3-4 is probably right though.