There are actually a lot of similarities to the Strome situation from the mental/emotional side of the game.....when you consider that Nylander grew up playing AAA youth hockey in Chicago and his Dad played for the Hawks, it’s comparable to Strome who was excited to play with BFF and former Erie otter lineman DeBrincat. Nylander should be extremely motivated to earn a spot on Kane’s off wing....Time will tell.
- EnzoD

Agreed.

I'm an eternal optimist, but I don't think that the front office would take a gamble like this if they weren't sure that he'd be motivated in a change of scenery.

Training camp can't get here soon enough.

Right, so clearly the infrastructure for him to succeed in wasn't there.

I think Nylander will now be given a fair shake to showcase his talent. If it doesn't pan out, then so be it. I think Joki is a good bet to be a very, very effective player for the Sabres. The foundation is looking really good in upstate New York.
- TommyHawk

I will disagree with you in this respect: Botterill has made a concerted effort to improve Rochester through his first two full years. Both years they went to the playoffs, and Nylander underwhelmed in the regular and post season.

The first year, absolutely. He was the youngest player in the A. The Sabres screwed that up, although there seems to be some confusion over whether that was Murray's call, or his/his dad's call

Kurashev has played both center and wing over the last few years - center internationally and I believe more wing in the Q.
- L_B_R

That’s what I thought too about Kurashev playing center but mostly wing. In the Hawks system and generally at the pro level, I believe he’ll be a winger. Middle 6, offensively gifted while also defensively sound.

I will disagree with you in this respect: Botterill has made a concerted effort to improve Rochester through his first two full years. Both years they went to the playoffs, and Nylander underwhelmed in the regular and post season.

The first year, absolutely. He was the youngest player in the A. The Sabres screwed that up, although there seems to be some confusion over whether that was Murray's call, or his/his dad's call
- jcragcrumple

Fair. But look at it from his perspective too - the Sabres dangled the NHL like a carrot over his head the last couple seasons. He was called up at the end of the year for the last couple games in each of the last three seasons. That would absolutely affect you mentally, especially when the Sabres don't have enough talent as is at the NHL level to not give him regular minutes. It's on him to show max effort wherever he plays, no doubt, but if you want him to develop, leave him be in Rochester with a firm plan in place.

I'm watching the 2013 Cup run on NHL Channel and WOW - was that a good team. We had Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp all playing at the top level, Bickell playing like the power forward that earned him the $4M contract, Saad and Shaw playing well, Bolland playing like the old Bolland, Kruger and Frolik playing great defense and chipping in offensively. And then we had Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson and Oduya on the ice for most of the game and for the few minutes they were on the bench we had Roszival and Leddy.

Those were the days.

I'm watching the 2013 Cup run on NHL Channel and WOW - was that a good team. We had Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp all playing at the top level, Bickell playing like the power forward that earned him the $4M contract, Saad and Shaw playing well, Bolland playing like the old Bolland, Kruger and Frolik playing great defense and chipping in offensively. And then we had Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson and Oduya on the ice for most of the game and for the few minutes they were on the bench we had Roszival and Leddy.

Those were the days.
- EbonyRaptor

It's really amazing how good we had it for basically a 6 year run of 2009-2015. Those teams were pretty amazing (sans maybe 2011/2012) and even 2008 was a pretty good team. We can all complain and argue now about the current state of the team or what moves they are making, but its easy to forget how lucky as fans we were to experience a run like that. Most cities/franchises never have had it, or it's been decades.

I'm watching the 2013 Cup run on NHL Channel and WOW - was that a good team. We had Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp all playing at the top level, Bickell playing like the power forward that earned him the $4M contract, Saad and Shaw playing well, Bolland playing like the old Bolland, Kruger and Frolik playing great defense and chipping in offensively. And then we had Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson and Oduya on the ice for most of the game and for the few minutes they were on the bench we had Roszival and Leddy.

Those were the days.
- EbonyRaptor

Now we're talking! One of the best teams I've watched. 23-0-4 or something to start the season. Looking forward to more interesting topics

It's really amazing how good we had it for basically a 6 year run of 2009-2015. Those teams were pretty amazing (sans maybe 2011/2012) and even 2008 was a pretty good team. We can all complain and argue now about the current state of the team or what moves they are making, but its easy to forget how lucky as fans we were to experience a run like that. Most cities/franchises never have had it, or it's been decades.
- Budi1782

Not saying you, just a comment on your comment. The funny thing to me is how many here were complaining about the state of the team at that point in time.

The team was too small and a bunch of lavender sniffing, Euro smurfs that would be drubbed out of the playoffs when real-man hockey started.

Seemingly every day there were cries for trade proposals to add more all-stars to the Hawks embarrassment of riches and an already very deep lineup.

It may have taken the current state of affairs for some to realize how good they had it, and sadly, some may not still.

Like others, am excited for the season to start.

I'm watching the 2013 Cup run on NHL Channel and WOW - was that a good team. We had Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp all playing at the top level, Bickell playing like the power forward that earned him the $4M contract, Saad and Shaw playing well, Bolland playing like the old Bolland, Kruger and Frolik playing great defense and chipping in offensively. And then we had Keith, Seabrook, Hjalmarsson and Oduya on the ice for most of the game and for the few minutes they were on the bench we had Roszival and Leddy.

Those were the days.
- EbonyRaptor

And had to go to OT of game 7 against Detroit (yeah, because of a terrible goal-erasing call) and 17 seconds against Boston to avoid a game 7.

I love hockey.

... to earn a spot on Kane’s off wing....Time will tell.

I agree about the motivation, but have no idea what Kane's off wing is... Kane is an off-wing himself, as it refers to lefties playing RW or righties playing LW -- not in a positional relationship to the other winger on a given line.

His master plan is to look like he's busy doing something when in reality he's doing nothing at all except trading water. Lol

Not saying you, just a comment on your comment. The funny thing to me is how many here were complaining about the state of the team at that point in time.

The team was too small and a bunch of lavender sniffing, Euro smurfs that would be drubbed out of the playoffs when real-man hockey started.

Seemingly every day there were cries for trade proposals to add more all-stars to the Hawks embarrassment of riches and an already very deep lineup.

It may have taken the current state of affairs for some to realize how good they had it, and sadly, some may not still.

Like others, am excited for the season to start.
- HawkintheD

Whiners whine! That's what they are good at and that's what they do. Fortunately for some of us, we enjoyed the 3 Stanley cups regardless of what the make up of the team was. The whiners were so busy being upset about stupid poop they didn't have time to enjoy the most success the Blackhawks have had in our lifetime.

Tyler Cameron: What I really think of the Jokiharju / Nylander trade
Where do I sit with my emotions now that I've had time to think?

Well, still mildly perplexed, mixed with a little resentment.

Let's first separate the player Henri Jokiharju, then evaluate the trade as a whole.
- Tyler Cameron

Tyler, I'd highly recommend talking Keith from @LetsGoAmerks for an in depth look at what Nylander is. He's a straight shooter and a good read.

Fair. But look at it from his perspective too - the Sabres dangled the NHL like a carrot over his head the last couple seasons. He was called up at the end of the year for the last couple games in each of the last three seasons. That would absolutely affect you mentally, especially when the Sabres don't have enough talent as is at the NHL level to not give him regular minutes. It's on him to show max effort wherever he plays, no doubt, but if you want him to develop, leave him be in Rochester with a firm plan in place.
- TommyHawk

This is how you handle your prospects. When they earn a chance, they get a call up. Two years ago, it was a 'let's see what you've got' call up. This past season, Botterill/Sexton and Taylor were all adamant that he deserved the call up. It's not like the team was (frank)ing with him. He stayed up for the rest of the season, and performed like he has at every level. Sometimes impressive, usually non existent. I can promise you, that's as objective a review as you will find.

https://www.letsgoamerks....hird-season-for-nylander/

This is how you handle your prospects. When they earn a chance, they get a call up. Two years ago, it was a 'let's see what you've got' call up. This past season, Botterill/Sexton and Taylor were all adamant that he deserved the call up. It's not like the team was (frank)ing with him. He stayed up for the rest of the season, and performed like he has at every level. Sometimes impressive, usually non existent. I can promise you, that's as objective a review as you will find.

https://www.letsgoamerks....hird-season-for-nylander/
- TheSabresTaco

I think another factor is Michael Nylander, Alex's father. He seems to be getting very involved with Willie Nylander's affairs in Toronto. My first question is why as a 19 year old did anyone who was looking out for Alex think a 19 playing in the AHL was a good idea? If he was that far away from being NHL ready he should have been playing in a junior league with kids his own age, physical development and mentality. Maybe Daddy felt getting a salary was more important than his development and possibly safety? The Sabres haven't shown they are a well run organization by any means but Michael Nylander doesn't seem to be doing his sons any favours except in the pursuit of riches.

His master plan is to look like he's busy doing something when in reality he's doing nothing at all except trading water. Lol
- rtang415

And maybe he was looking at shoring up what looks like a weak forward prospect pool - not many potential-top-6 there at wing or center - but having to give up from a stronger defensive prospect group.

I think another factor is Michael Nylander, Alex's father. He seems to be getting very involved with Willie Nylander's affairs in Toronto. My first question is why as a 19 year old did anyone who was looking out for Alex think a 19 playing in the AHL was a good idea? If he was that far away from being NHL ready he should have been playing in a junior league with kids his own age, physical development and mentality. Maybe Daddy felt getting a salary was more important than his development and possibly safety? The Sabres haven't shown they are a well run organization by any means but Michael Nylander doesn't seem to be doing his sons any favours except in the pursuit of riches.
- paulr

Listen. Tim Murray is a (frank)face. In 2016, Sabres fans were excited to see him sign a contract to play in the AHL, but were also concerned. A lot of us were honestly pulling to draft Sergachev. All the scouting reports had red flags all over Nylander, despite being supremely skilled, which he absolutely is.

Whether his dad was directly or indirectly involved is another matter. But if he had influence, Murray should have been fired much sooner than he was. The past two years, Rochester has been a top notch organization. Botterill is still fixing the mess here, but that team has been very good since Botterill/Sexton was hired. I believe the question was asked once to Botterill why Nylander was put in the AHL so early, and he brushed it off like "well, I wasn't in this position at the time, and things would have been different", something along those lines. Even still, the consistency problems linger. Chris Taylor is a great coach, and he started fixing his motivational issues and perimeter issues. The consistency is still a huge red flag.

This is how you handle your prospects. When they earn a chance, they get a call up. Two years ago, it was a 'let's see what you've got' call up. This past season, Botterill/Sexton and Taylor were all adamant that he deserved the call up. It's not like the team was (frank)ing with him. He stayed up for the rest of the season, and performed like he has at every level. Sometimes impressive, usually non existent. I can promise you, that's as objective a review as you will find.

https://www.letsgoamerks....hird-season-for-nylander/
- TheSabresTaco

Thanks for the link and insight. I cherry picked a good part of the article...

In early December when he had played in 21 games I wrote about how Alex Nylander was playing a confident game. He was averaging almost a point a game with 17 points (6G+11A). They were quality points as well. He was creating chances along the walls winning puck battles, going to the net, and overall playing more of a physical game. Defensively his back checking was also noticeable.

So it looks like he can play well at times and do the dirty work, so perhaps, like Breandan Perlini, consistency is his issue.

So if they don't sign BP, Stan may have found his replacement. Hopefully like some have mentioned, he comes in motivated and playing with 88, 19, 2 and 7 help show him how to be a pro.

Listen. Tim Murray is a (frank)face. In 2016, Sabres fans were excited to see him sign a contract to play in the AHL, but were also concerned. A lot of us were honestly pulling to draft Sergachev. All the scouting reports had red flags all over Nylander, despite being supremely skilled, which he absolutely is.

Whether his dad was directly or indirectly involved is another matter. But if he had influence, Murray should have been fired much sooner than he was. The past two years, Rochester has been a top notch organization. Botterill is still fixing the mess here, but that team has been very good since Botterill/Sexton was hired. I believe the question was asked once to Botterill why Nylander was put in the AHL so early, and he brushed it off like "well, I wasn't in this position at the time, and things would have been different", something along those lines. Even still, the consistency problems linger. Chris Taylor is a great coach, and he started fixing his motivational issues and perimeter issues. The consistency is still a huge red flag.
- TheSabresTaco

This may be true, however, I think Nylander can flourish with the Hawks. This trade wasn't "bad" for the Hawks.

Thanks for the link and insight. I cherry picked a good part of the article...

In early December when he had played in 21 games I wrote about how Alex Nylander was playing a confident game. He was averaging almost a point a game with 17 points (6G+11A). They were quality points as well. He was creating chances along the walls winning puck battles, going to the net, and overall playing more of a physical game. Defensively his back checking was also noticeable.

So it looks like he can play well at times and do the dirty work, so perhaps, like Breandan Perlini, consistency is his issue.

So if they don't sign BP, Stan may have found his replacement. Hopefully like some have mentioned, he comes in motivated and playing with 88, 19, 2 and 7 help show him how to be a pro.
- HawkintheD

You essentially get a more skilled Brandon Perlini. Give him a full 82, if he doesn't get you 30, you've got a serious problem.

If you peruse the site more, there's plenty on Nylander, considering he was the Sabres most talented and most polarizing prospect.

I think another factor is Michael Nylander, Alex's father. He seems to be getting very involved with Willie Nylander's affairs in Toronto. My first question is why as a 19 year old did anyone who was looking out for Alex think a 19 playing in the AHL was a good idea? If he was that far away from being NHL ready he should have been playing in a junior league with kids his own age, physical development and mentality. Maybe Daddy felt getting a salary was more important than his development and possibly safety? The Sabres haven't shown they are a well run organization by any means but Michael Nylander doesn't seem to be doing his sons any favours except in the pursuit of riches.
- paulr

There is one other participant in this - agent Lewis Gross. Remember him from the negotiations with Brandon Saad (and his father)?

And maybe he was looking at shoring up what looks like a weak forward prospect pool - not many potential-top-6 there at wing or center - but having to give up from a stronger defensive prospect group.
- StLBravesFan

I was not necessarily speaking of just this trade. Lol. His general approach to me of being a GM is doing what's only necessary to keep the seats filled and ticket season ticket sales steady riding the coat tails of 3 Cups. I also believe he is being directed to do this by the Master Marketer McD.

Though I'm still not a big fan of the last two deals, it would also be difficult to look toward next year and say the team is not in a much better position than they were a year ago.

They've added four players to the roster (Shaw, Carpenter, deHaan & Maatta) without giving up anyone that was critical to the team (in Kahun's case, with several candidates in line to step into that slot). They have more depth at center (assuming Anisimov remains at center) and have a better chance of having a fourth line that can take a regular line rotation. They're deeper in goal and can weather an injury better than last year.

And all of this assumes Dach and Boqvist are not ready. If ether of them shows himself ready, it is a whole different scenario.

They have Gustafsson playing for big bucks next year, CC playing to show he can stay in the league (and continue his big bucks), and they have what appears to be more forward depth than any time recently.

But in their division, they could be a lot better and still miss the playoffs - albeit, with a very good chance of being a fun team to watch.

I think another factor is Michael Nylander, Alex's father. He seems to be getting very involved with Willie Nylander's affairs in Toronto. My first question is why as a 19 year old did anyone who was looking out for Alex think a 19 playing in the AHL was a good idea? If he was that far away from being NHL ready he should have been playing in a junior league with kids his own age, physical development and mentality. Maybe Daddy felt getting a salary was more important than his development and possibly safety? The Sabres haven't shown they are a well run organization by any means but Michael Nylander doesn't seem to be doing his sons any favours except in the pursuit of riches.
- paulr

Was thinking about that the other day and that what I've read about Alex and seen of Willie, kind of reminds me of how Michael used to play and also disappear for stretches at a time.

Maybe instead of paying tribute to the 92 his father wore while a Hawk he could channel the magic of Nichols' game (also wore 92 I believe). Bernie was kind of horsepoop along the walls but I seem to remember him showing up more often than not...or is that revisionist?

Tyler, I'd highly recommend talking Keith from @LetsGoAmerks for an in depth look at what Nylander is. He's a straight shooter and a good read.
- TheSabresTaco

Done! Just messaged him. Thanks!