Theres no way any one of those 4 put up a statistically good season for a 2nd line center next year. 55-60 points. Not a chance
- jcragcrumple

You can't say that, especially with Cozens.

You can't say that, especially with Cozens.
- Buff36

it's hockeybuzz

hold it under a running faucet for 5 seconds, throw it against the wall and see if it sticks

You can't say that, especially with Cozens.
- Buff36

I can't see Cozens putting up 55-60 points at 2C as a rookie. 30 or so at 3C? Sure.

I posted this before last game but ....


I’m still curious to see the Sabres at 100% even if frolik plays. Even one line wise should be slotted correctly. Since Johansson is playing


Hey maybe everything clicks and comes together. Who knows.

Just beat the leafs and see what happens. One game at time.

Cozens had his 2nd goal in as many nights disallowed last night. He had no shortage of chances and finished with one primary assist in a 5-2 Lethbridge loss.

He is up to 12 goals and 14 assists for 26 points in 12 games since the WJC. What is even more impressive about this is the WHL has the least amount of scoring between the three Canadian leagues.
- Pegullaville

More impressive is his faceoff % it was dog poop in the beginning of the year but has slowly gotten better but he needs to work on it or he will just end up a winger

Just saying : 10 points in his last 11 games

He stinks? Hes on pace for 100 points a season , if they played 111 games a season.

🙂
- Boss34

Yet he be up here if he was sooooooooo good

the bigger question
coming up on year 4 for botts
if between
casey, cozens, davidsson and ruotsalainen
if those 4 can't provide your second and third line center
you have a gm issue
- homiedclown

21 y/o, 19 y/o, 21 y/o (yet to play in North America) 22 y/o (also hasn't played in NA yet and went undrafted)

Relying on these guys as a 2C and 3C would be very optimistic. I would question the GM if he did rely on these guys to fill both those spots.
What's the average age of 2Cs and 3Cs in the league? I am sure it's older than 21.

Yet he be up here if he was sooooooooo good
- gerbe75pts

17 points in the last 19 games.

You beat the other team by scoring
Effort and being good doesn't matter

17 points in the last 19 games.

You beat the other team by scoring
Effort and being good doesn't matter
- Boss34

Why isn't here then

17 points in the last 19 games.

You beat the other team by scoring more than the other team
Effort and being good doesn't matter
- Boss34

Corrected it for you. Scoring definitely improves your chances of winning, however lacking effort or the skill to stop the other team from scoring lowers your chances just as much.

the bigger question

coming up on year 4 for botts

if between
casey, cozens, davidsson and ruotsalainen


if those 4 can't provide your second and third line center


you have a gm issue
- homiedclown

Very fair point
But the only one who should be ready for one of those roles by now is Mitts
Maybe Cozens

What happens if Cozens isn’t a stud this year,
but becomes one a couple year down the line...
Did Botts still “fail” then?

Corrected it for you. Scoring definitely improves your chances of winning, however lacking effort or the skill to stop the other team from scoring lowers your chances just as much.
- adambuffalo

You know Adam- you are probably a top 3 poster around these parts.

I completely agree, I was just spinning Homies view.

Ok for sam to not try, he has 175 point in 210 games

Then homie called out mitts for not trying
17 points in 19 games

Points are great, effort would lead to more points for sure

someone has to replace sheary and vesey at the deadline


- homiedclown

😂😂😂 Well you might have me there sir!

17 points in the last 19 games.

You beat the other team by scoring
Effort and being good doesn't matter
- Boss34

He’s learning how to be a pro and handle too minutes. Winning and playoff experience is good for mitts too.

He’s learning how to be a pro and handle too minutes. Winning and playoff experience is good for mitts too.
- Sabretooth9

I haven't given up on Mitts.

Although I thought he was a 40-50 point player last year
(Fell quite short of my expectations)

I think it's a contract year? Hopefully he leads Rochester deep in the playoffs

An idea for 2C could be Victor Rask. He has not been great or even good the last two years, but his best seasons were in Carolina centering Skinner. Skinner also had his best season in Carolina playing with Rask.
Given his $4m for two more years and lack of production in Minnesota, I would think he could be a buy low candidate. 26 y/o, bigger center who is also a Swede could fit in pretty well here.
Could even put Skinner back with Jack and see if an all Swedish line of Olo, Rask and Mojo would work.

Could try to get Donato as well and reunite him with his Harvard teammate Vesey.

Rask, Donato and Pittsburgh's 1st for Mitts, Okposo and our 1st (top 8 protected)

Minnesota likes to get homegrown players and would be moving up potentially 20+ picks in the draft.
Who says no in this deal?
- adambuffalo

Seriously?
That’s horrific

Botts should be fired if doing that deal

We easily give up the 2 most valuable pieces,
both with high upside

I haven't given up on Mitts.

Although I thought he was a 40-50 point player last year
(Fell quite short of my expectations)

I think it's a contract year? Hopefully he leads Rochester deep in the playoffs
- Boss34

He needs to stop playing video games and eating and focusing on his job he could be a top 10 player if he starts putting in the work or he will just end up like Kyle wellwood

I can't see Cozens putting up 55-60 points at 2C as a rookie. 30 or so at 3C? Sure.
- jcragcrumple

It’s not possible that Cozens could have a “Barzal-lite” season Centering a line with Skinner & MoJo?

Idk that we should count on it...
But 50+ points for someone of his talent level,
playing offensive minutes with good wingers,
could certainly have a good season

I haven't given up on Mitts.

Although I thought he was a 40-50 point player last year
(Fell quite short of my expectations)

I think it's a contract year? Hopefully he leads Rochester deep in the playoffs
- Boss34

If mitts and a lotto protected 1st gets the discussion started for a established 2c. I’m pulling the trigger in a heartbeat!

If mitts and a lotto protected 1st gets the discussion started for a established 2c. I’m pulling the trigger in a heartbeat!
- Gr8daygo

It better be one hell of a 2C if we are giving that up

Won't hit 30 goals this season
He was dubbed as a smart player, he turns the puck over constantly
Who wouldn't want a player to work smart and hard?
Vo is better than sam. Coattails and 179 picks later
Points, many gifted by eichels play. Holding pucks for 15 seconds before he shoots.


I'm sure every gm would want a 70 point 30 goal guy.
Cant wait until sam gets there
- Boss34

As many say on here, opinions vary. 😉

If mitts and a lotto protected 1st gets the discussion started for a established 2c. I’m pulling the trigger in a heartbeat!
- Gr8daygo

Definitely

Although mitts is hitting nylander type criticism, I still feel like he can turn the corner.

Good trade - see yah

As many say on here, opinions vary. 😉
- Powerslave

Fair enough 🤝

What's the general feel around here of going to games Late in the season to see eichel chase 40/100

Sitting at 39/99 vs. Flyers , last game of the season?

Kinda making history here. 1st 100 point player in 26 years for the Sabres.

I'm pretty excited , just wondering the general feel?

Definitely

Although mitts is hitting nylander type criticism, I still feel like he can turn the corner.

Good trade - see yah
- Boss34

If Botts finds a Nylander type trade for Mitts,
then fine
But we shouldn’t be “selling low” on a kid with his talent
Not time to give up on him yet imo