Published by hockeybuzz.com, 3-21-2018
It's deja vu all over again only this time, unlike in 2015, these two teams won't be battling it out for last place to secure a top-two pick. If you don't know it by now, here's a brief recap of what it was like to be a Buffalo Sabres fan during the 2014-15 season.
The focus on tanking began back in 1983-83 when the Pittsburgh Penguins did so to select Mario Lemieux at the top of the '84 NHL Draft (see video below from TSN entitled "Playing to Lose.") The NHL instituted a lottery system for non-playoff teams in 1995 and it went through a couple different adjustments through the years. For the 2014-15 season, any non-playoff team could win the lottery but the last place team could fall no further than the second overall pick in the draft.
The 2015 NHL Draft was called the Connor McDavid Sweepstakes as McDavid represented a prospect not seen since the likes of Lemieux and Sidney Crosby. However, U.S. born prospect Jack Eichel was also in the mix and was widely seen as the "consolation prize" should the team with the worst record not win the lottery and often times when discussing the draft, the term "McEichel" was used as a way of bringing the two prominent names in the draft together.
Both the Sabres and the Arizona Coyotes seemed to be the front-runners for last place that season and in an epic battle of "tank warfare" both teams used the 2015 NHL traded deadline as a way to dump every ounce of remaining NHL/AHL talent from their team to try and secure a last place finish (read my piece on that trade deadline here.)
On March 26, 2015 the Coyotes came to Buffalo in the "Battle for the Basement." The game featured Buffalo fans decked out in their Sabres regalia cheering the visiting 'Yotes with the sparse crowd saving their loudest cheer for Arizona's Sam Gagner who won the game in overtime. Said Sabres defenseman Mike Weber about his team cheering on the opposition, ""I don't even know what to say. It's extremely frustrating for us. I've never been a part of something like that where the away team comes into a home building and [the fans] are cheering for them."
It took to the second to last game of the season for the Sabres to secure last place (with a local radio station buying the jersey of the Columbus Blue Jackets players who scored the tank-securing goal.)
Buffalo finished in last place. Arizona finished 29th and the Edmonton Oilers finished 28th. After the lottery was completed, Edmonton won the rights to select McDavid first-overall, Buffalo got the "consolation prize" in Eichel and the Coyotes picked...(bet many can't name who they picked without looking it up)...Dylan Strome.
To many the Sabres won when they lost while to others they were always losers for losing. Regardless of which side you were on, it tapped into our core being as Sabres/hockey fans and left a mental scar on all of us moving forward.
The Sabres lot in the hockey world was supposed to change after that draft, yet after a short ride to the upper portions of the bottom third, they fell backwards last season and are now exactly where they were three years ago--in last place. As for the Coyotes, they're in 29th place one point ahead of the Sabres after finishing 28th last season and in 24th, one spot behind the Sabres the prior season.
Buffalo and Arizona meet tonight and although the standings are pretty much the same, much is different when it comes to the 2018 NHL Draft.. In response to the events that happened in 2015, the NHL changed it's lottery rules so that now every non-playoff team will have a shot at the top-three picks in the draft with the last-place team possibly drafting as low as fourth-overall. And this year there is one franchise-altering player at the top of the draft (not two.)
Unlike the 2014-15 Sabres, this Buffalo team is nowhere near as bereft of talent and have actually been playing some real good hockey as of late, even in losses (see Nashville Predators game on Monday.) Instead of borderline NHL'ers and career AHL'ers occupying roster spots, this team is lead by Eichel and some upper-level players with talented youngins being put into the mix. Prior to the overtime loss to Arizona in 2015 the Sabres had one win in their prior 13 games (1-10-2) while this edition is 6-6-1 in their previous 13.
If there is a "Tank-nation" out there in Sabreland, they're subdued. Could there be some cheers from Sabres fans when (if) Arizona scores tonight? Possibly. But it will be no where near where it was nearly three years ago when Sabres fans were blatantly open about the tank job and feeling damn proud of it.
It's not most pleasant of memories, but it happened.
*****
Reports from the rink have these lines and d-pairingsat the morning skate:
Wilson-O’Reilly-Reinhart
Bailey-Eichel-Okposo
Nolan-Rodrigues-Baptiste
Pouliot-Larsson-Pominville
Scandella-Ristolainen
Beaulieu-Nelson
Guhle-Falk
Also, it looks as if Chad Johnson will get the nod in net for Buffalo.
*****
Eichel spoke to the media yesterday concerning the opinion of many fans who wanted him shut down for the rest of the season. The 21 yr. old suffered his second consecutive high-ankle sprain (on different ankles) and was back in the lineup on Saturday. His response, via Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times:
“It’s a pretty simple answer, to be honest with you, I’m playing because I’m a hockey player. It’s kind of ridiculous for somebody to think we’re out of the playoffs and we don’t have an opportunity to really do anything with our season that I would just pack my year in. It’s not who I am as a person, it’s not who I’ve ever been, it’s not who I am as a hockey player.
“At the end of the day, I love to play hockey. Whether we’re in first place or last place in the league, it doesn’t matter to me. I like to put my equipment on, go out there and play hockey. That’s why I’m playing. I love to play and I have a lot of fun doing it. It’s what I look most forward to in my day. There’s not really quite a feeling like it, so I enjoy it every day.
“I’m a competitor, I want to be out there competing. I want to play, so that’s why I’m playing. There should be a lot more questions asked if I decided I did want to pack it in, end my season.
“I looked at my rehab process as if I was coming back to compete to try to get to the playoffs. Obviously, that’s not the case, but I try to put myself in the best position to come back and impact this team in a positive way. That’s all part of us building a culture out there. We should all want to be out there every night. I think that that’s important.”
Showing posts with label 2015 Draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2015 Draft. Show all posts
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
2015 Buffalo Sabres Draft Recap--Mind officially blown
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The 2015 NHL Draft weekend was a mind-blowing experience for Buffalo Sabres fans, there's just no other way to put it, as some wheeling and dealing and a second-overall pick combined to make for a heightened sense of awareness and the promises of a very bright future beginning as early as next season.
Back in early February, the team was looking at three first round and two second round selections in the draft to go along with four other picks in rounds 4-7. On February 11th, Sabres GM Tim Murray traded one of the first rounders away in the blockbuster for top-line LW, Evander Kane. On Friday morning news came out that Murray traded another of his first rounders for 23 yr. old Ottawa goalie, Robin Lehner and just after they made Jack Eichel the second-overall pick in the 2015 draft, commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the Sabres had sent the 31st overall pick to Colorado as a part the Ryan O'Reilly blockbuster trade.
Other pieces were involved in all of the trades but when the Sabres settled in and around their draft table after the trade for O'Reilly, they were now looking at five selections and they'd be waiting until the middle part of the second round on Saturday to get their amateur scouts rolling.
The 2015 NHL Draft weekend was a mind-blowing experience for Buffalo Sabres fans, there's just no other way to put it, as some wheeling and dealing and a second-overall pick combined to make for a heightened sense of awareness and the promises of a very bright future beginning as early as next season.
Back in early February, the team was looking at three first round and two second round selections in the draft to go along with four other picks in rounds 4-7. On February 11th, Sabres GM Tim Murray traded one of the first rounders away in the blockbuster for top-line LW, Evander Kane. On Friday morning news came out that Murray traded another of his first rounders for 23 yr. old Ottawa goalie, Robin Lehner and just after they made Jack Eichel the second-overall pick in the 2015 draft, commissioner Gary Bettman announced that the Sabres had sent the 31st overall pick to Colorado as a part the Ryan O'Reilly blockbuster trade.
Other pieces were involved in all of the trades but when the Sabres settled in and around their draft table after the trade for O'Reilly, they were now looking at five selections and they'd be waiting until the middle part of the second round on Saturday to get their amateur scouts rolling.
Monday, June 29, 2015
On the Robin Lehner trade and why, at worst it may be only a footnote
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
What is the cost for a Wayne Gretzky rookie card? Or
Mickey Mantle rookie? Or even that of an Evander Kane rookie?
The book value is one thing, but the person buying it is the
one who will put the true value on it.
Much has been made concerning Tim Murray’s wheeling and
dealing as Buffalo Sabres GM. He’s been on the job for less than 18 months yet
has managed to pull off three blockbuster trades. One of them, the Ryan Miller
to St. Louis
Both trades done
exclusively by Murray
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Sabres draft-day makeover: Jack Eichel, Robin Lehner, Ryan O'Reilly
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
There was a time earlier this calendar year when Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray had three first round picks heading into the 2015 NHL draft and five total stretching from the second overall down to pick No. 51. Then came the blockbuster trade for Evander Kane on February 11th that saw one of those picks, the lower of the two not Buffalo's, head to Winnipeg.
Even so, he still landed in Fort Lauderdale armed with two first-rounders (Nos. 2 and 21) and two second-rounders (Nos. 31 and 51) in what's being considered as a very deep 2015 draft. Odds were slim that he wasn't going to use all those picks as the Sabres had accumulated many picks and prospects over the last few years. When he came on board 18 months ago, the Sabres had already been stocking their cupboard and he added to that with his moves around the 2014 trade deadline. He continued adding at the 2015 deadline saying, "our time is the future."
That future came pretty quick. After finishing in 30th place and finding out where they would be from the draft lottery the theme went from "our time is the future" to the future begins now.
Murray gave us a preview of what might happen on the draft floor during the first round. At a pre-draft press gathering held at First Niagara Center he said he was looking to do something with the 21st pick--either move up or use it for a young veteran. One of his ideal scenarios would have "a team call and they're having problems with one of their players, that are having problems with their cap situation," he would say that day, "and they offer us a 23- or 24-year-old top-six forward or top-three defenseman or No. 1 goalie, and they'd be willing to take [the 21st pick] for that."
There was a time earlier this calendar year when Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray had three first round picks heading into the 2015 NHL draft and five total stretching from the second overall down to pick No. 51. Then came the blockbuster trade for Evander Kane on February 11th that saw one of those picks, the lower of the two not Buffalo's, head to Winnipeg.
Even so, he still landed in Fort Lauderdale armed with two first-rounders (Nos. 2 and 21) and two second-rounders (Nos. 31 and 51) in what's being considered as a very deep 2015 draft. Odds were slim that he wasn't going to use all those picks as the Sabres had accumulated many picks and prospects over the last few years. When he came on board 18 months ago, the Sabres had already been stocking their cupboard and he added to that with his moves around the 2014 trade deadline. He continued adding at the 2015 deadline saying, "our time is the future."
That future came pretty quick. After finishing in 30th place and finding out where they would be from the draft lottery the theme went from "our time is the future" to the future begins now.
Murray gave us a preview of what might happen on the draft floor during the first round. At a pre-draft press gathering held at First Niagara Center he said he was looking to do something with the 21st pick--either move up or use it for a young veteran. One of his ideal scenarios would have "a team call and they're having problems with one of their players, that are having problems with their cap situation," he would say that day, "and they offer us a 23- or 24-year-old top-six forward or top-three defenseman or No. 1 goalie, and they'd be willing to take [the 21st pick] for that."
Saturday, June 27, 2015
2015 NHL Mock Draft
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
1. Edmonton Oilers--C, Connor McDavid. New Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, enlists indie-alt band King Missile to update Jesus is way cool to McJesus is even cooler. FBI agents contact RCMP in regards to thousands of pounds of palm fronds taken from Florida presumably headed forJerusalem Rexall Place.
2. Buffalo Sabres--C, Jack Eichel. Eichel was seen at Mickey Rats Beach Club chugging what looked like an iced tea. In response to all the McDavid talk, he slams his red solo cup and with a snarl, barks out "Edmonton, I'm comin' for ya!!! You too Babcock!"
3. Arizona--C, Dylan Strome. Tough choice between D, Noah Hanifin and Strome save for the fact that they already have a budding superstar d-man in Oliver Ekman Larsson. Bettman prevents owner Andrew Barroway from wearing a rhinestone studded leisure suit with the Yotes logo on it.
4. Toronto--D, Noah Hanifin. New head coach Mike Babcock will know just what to do with the smooth-skating, 6'2" lb. 200 defenseman. Was overheard asking Brendan Shanahan "who the hell is this Hyman guy again?"
5. Carolina--RW, Mitch Marner. Best player on the board which is way cool. Marner can man the right side with Jeff Skinner on the left and Eric Staal at center while Elias Lindholm can take his rightful place as No. 2 RW. That is, of course, unless Skinner is traded.
6. NJ Devils--C/LW Pavel Zacha. Devils need a lot and best place to start is with 6'3" 210 lb. powerforward Zacha who can acclimate himself to the Devils and the NHL under the guidance of fellow countryman, Patrick Elias.
7. Philadelphia Flyers--LW, Lawson Crouse. Ed Snider meddling-alert! Snider somehow mistook Lawson for LeClaire and is caught drooling over the thought of a powerforward prospect like Crouse on the top line with Claude Giroux and Jacob Voracek. Passing on BPA makes Columbus very happy.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets--D, Ivan Provorov. GM Jarmo Kekalainen does cartwheels to the stage throwing barbs at Mike Reilly all the way. After selecting Provorov, Kekalainen yells, "Zdravstvuj!, Nikita Filatov. Hope you're doing well! Wherever you are!"
9. San Jose Sharks--D, Zach Werenski. Sharks think long and hard about trading out, extending streak to nine years without a top-10 pick but then decide they should end that streak, which coincides with another streak that just ended--10 consecutive playoff appearances until missing them last year.
10. Colorado Avalanche--RW Mikko Rantanen. GM Joe Sakic fights of constant intrusions from coach Patrick Roy to trade this pick for Mikhail Grigorenko and selects the replacement for both Alex Tanguay and, for all intents and purposes, Ryan O'Reilly.
11. Florida Panthers--RW, Timo Meier. In the fifth year of Dale Tallon's rebuild, the Cat's prospect-pool is pretty full save for a hole on wing created by the defection of Zack Hyman. Meier fills the need and is BPA as well. People are still wondering who this Hyman guy is.
12. Dallas Stars--D, Gabriel Carlsson. Off the board pick alert! GM Jim Nill is still adjusting to picking this high in the draft. Has visions of Carlsson with the poise and maturity of a young Niklas Lidstrom. Head Coach Lindy Ruff is reminded of Henrik Tallinder and Bill Hajt. It's enough to make the Stars reach for Carlsson.
13. LA Kings--C, Matthew Barzal. Kings forward ranks are stacked with talent, but Barzal drops to them and there's nothing they can do about it. GM Deam Lombardi has a huge smile on his face as he knows LA won't see a pick this high for at least another five years.
14. Boston Bruins--C, Kyle Connor. In an effort to up-stage Boston native Jack Eichel, Connor chugs a pint of Guinness but instead of blurting out "Jack, I'm comin' for ya," he throws up. Seems as if Brad Marchand spiked it with Jameson.
15. Calgary Flames--C, Travis Konecny. GM Brian Burke brings truculence to Alberta, grabs an aggressive Konecny and promises to beat Brendan Shanahan up for taking over his throne on Mount Maple Leaf.
16. Edmonton Oilers (from Pittsburgh)--D, Jakub Zboril. Oilers fans are giddy with excitement after Chiarelli's pick of defenseman Zboril and start a palm branch fight that draws the attention of the FBI and RCMP.
17. Winnipeg Jets--RW, Nick Merkley. Merkley is placed right atop the prospects at right wing. Former Sabre Joel Armia is ticked-off, scores 25 goals in 25 games for the Moose before being called up to Winnipeg.
18. Ottawa Senators--D, Thomas Chabot. Sabres GM Murray was told by his new assistant coach uncle Terry Murray that Murray's other uncle and Murray's brother Bryan was going after Chabot. Bill Murray chimed in with, "That's a fact, Jack!"
19. Detroit Red Wings--RW, Denis Guryanov. Former Wings head coach Mike Babcock once asked, "Who's gonna replace Pav [el Datsyuk]?" His fomrer GM Ken Holland replies with "Dylan Larkin, Gustav Nyquist and, now, Guryanov." Holland was also overheard saying, "No, Mike, we don't want Phaneuf....noooo...we don't want Tyler Bozak or Phil Kessel either."
20. Minnesota Wild--D, Jeremy Roy. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher beginning to line up replacements for Ryan Suter who just turned 30 this year. Hey, it's never too early. Thomas Vanek is super-psyched thinking it's former linemate Derek Roy and plunks 100-big on him scoring 40 goals.
21. Buffalo Sabres--D, Oliver Kylington. Murray says he's disappointed that he was at 21 and not 20 saying that zero in this case is better than one, which is better than two, and reiterates he'd rather be in the middle of nowhere scouting than attending events like this. Tells Kylington, "no worry, my boy, we got your back, take your time."
22. Washington Capitals--LW, Evgeny Svechinkov. GM Brian McClellan and the Caps are out to prove that the "one or none Russian on a team" philosophy is ridiculous. Denies rumor that they talked with Vladmir Putin after his eight-goal outburst last month.
23. Vancouver Canucks--RW, Michael Spacek. The 'Nucks land a right wing to bolster a deficiency. GM Jim Benning, who was in Buffalo when the team was after namesake Jaroslav, finally gets himself a "Spatcho."
24. Toronto (from Nashville)--G, Mackenzie Blackwood. Leafs throw everybody a curve by jumping on Blackwood. Team Pres. Shanahan feels a kinship with the Thunder Bay, ON native in that their names flow well together (say them together a couple of times.) Feels Blackwood's calm demeanor for the piranha infestation that is the Toronto media.
25. Winnipeg Jets (from Buffalo)--C/RW, Colin White. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is thrilled with White dropping to them. It's a consoling pick for fans who just went through the Kane saga as he's Kane's opposite in one definite and obvious way.
26. Montreal Canadiens--D, Brandon Carlo. Les Habitants have the look of Lilliputians in the NHL so they decide to add a 6'5" 196 lb. defenseman to the mix. Carlo immediately takes French lessons, says his dream is to coach the Canadiens one day. Nobody knows what to make of it.
27. Anaheim Ducks--LW, Paul Bittner. GM Bob Murray is glad he's away from the "Murray-madness" in and around Buffalo, yells out "go big or go home!" before choosing the 6'4" 204 lb. Bittner.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (from NY Rangers)--G, Ilya Samsonov. How much easier can it get? What they liked in Andrei Vasilevskiy they'll find in Samsonov who's three years younger.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay)--LW, Jake DeBrusk--Hextall is still mad at himself letting Flyers Chairman Snider talk him into passing on Provorov for Crouse. Yet doubles down the pick of Debrusk, a competitive left-winger with a husky last name.
30. Arizona Coyotes (from Chicago)--C/RW Jack Roslovic. AGM Darcy Regier thinks he's found his Zemgus Girgensons in Roslovic and didn't even need to trade up for him. Team still suffering from "No-Jack syndrome" after losing the lottery but gets another Jack.
Bonus:
31. Buffalo Sabres--RW, Jeremy Bracco. Owner Terry Pegula is trying to turn Buffalo into the Center of USA Hockey. US braggadocio is generally condemned by their chill, Canadian counterparts and one of the main reasons Bracco falls. Pegula doesn't care. Says he wants more of it and has been yelling, "McDavid who?" throughout the draft proceedings thus far. Is ready to slam a beer with Eichel before wife Kim steps in and slams one for both of them.
Other mocks and who they have the Sabres taking 21st-overall after Jack Eichel is selected by Buffalo with the second-overall pick:
Mike Morreale, nhl.com: D, Oliver Kylington
Adam Kimelman, nhl.com: RW, Nicolas Merkley
Kevin Allen, USA Today: D, Kylington
Kyle Woodlief, redlinereport/USA Today: D, Kylington
Brendan Ross, McKeen's: D, Jakub Zboril
Craig Button, TSN: D, Kylington
Damien Cox, sportsnet.ca: LW, DeBrusk
Gare Joyce, sportsnet.ca: G, Ilya Samsonov
Sam Cosentino, sportsnet.com: LW, Jake DeBrusk
Jeff Marek, sportsnet.com: C, Jansen Harkins
Michael Finewax, rotoworld: G, Samsonov
Mike Zeisberger, Toronto Sun: D, Kylington
Nicholas Goss, NESN: LW, Evgeny Svechnikov
Minnesota Examiner: D, Kylington
DraftSite.com: LW, DeBrusk
csnne.com: LW, Svechnikov
1. Edmonton Oilers--C, Connor McDavid. New Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli, enlists indie-alt band King Missile to update Jesus is way cool to McJesus is even cooler. FBI agents contact RCMP in regards to thousands of pounds of palm fronds taken from Florida presumably headed for
2. Buffalo Sabres--C, Jack Eichel. Eichel was seen at Mickey Rats Beach Club chugging what looked like an iced tea. In response to all the McDavid talk, he slams his red solo cup and with a snarl, barks out "Edmonton, I'm comin' for ya!!! You too Babcock!"
3. Arizona--C, Dylan Strome. Tough choice between D, Noah Hanifin and Strome save for the fact that they already have a budding superstar d-man in Oliver Ekman Larsson. Bettman prevents owner Andrew Barroway from wearing a rhinestone studded leisure suit with the Yotes logo on it.
4. Toronto--D, Noah Hanifin. New head coach Mike Babcock will know just what to do with the smooth-skating, 6'2" lb. 200 defenseman. Was overheard asking Brendan Shanahan "who the hell is this Hyman guy again?"
5. Carolina--RW, Mitch Marner. Best player on the board which is way cool. Marner can man the right side with Jeff Skinner on the left and Eric Staal at center while Elias Lindholm can take his rightful place as No. 2 RW. That is, of course, unless Skinner is traded.
6. NJ Devils--C/LW Pavel Zacha. Devils need a lot and best place to start is with 6'3" 210 lb. powerforward Zacha who can acclimate himself to the Devils and the NHL under the guidance of fellow countryman, Patrick Elias.
7. Philadelphia Flyers--LW, Lawson Crouse. Ed Snider meddling-alert! Snider somehow mistook Lawson for LeClaire and is caught drooling over the thought of a powerforward prospect like Crouse on the top line with Claude Giroux and Jacob Voracek. Passing on BPA makes Columbus very happy.
8. Columbus Blue Jackets--D, Ivan Provorov. GM Jarmo Kekalainen does cartwheels to the stage throwing barbs at Mike Reilly all the way. After selecting Provorov, Kekalainen yells, "Zdravstvuj!, Nikita Filatov. Hope you're doing well! Wherever you are!"
9. San Jose Sharks--D, Zach Werenski. Sharks think long and hard about trading out, extending streak to nine years without a top-10 pick but then decide they should end that streak, which coincides with another streak that just ended--10 consecutive playoff appearances until missing them last year.
10. Colorado Avalanche--RW Mikko Rantanen. GM Joe Sakic fights of constant intrusions from coach Patrick Roy to trade this pick for Mikhail Grigorenko and selects the replacement for both Alex Tanguay and, for all intents and purposes, Ryan O'Reilly.
11. Florida Panthers--RW, Timo Meier. In the fifth year of Dale Tallon's rebuild, the Cat's prospect-pool is pretty full save for a hole on wing created by the defection of Zack Hyman. Meier fills the need and is BPA as well. People are still wondering who this Hyman guy is.
12. Dallas Stars--D, Gabriel Carlsson. Off the board pick alert! GM Jim Nill is still adjusting to picking this high in the draft. Has visions of Carlsson with the poise and maturity of a young Niklas Lidstrom. Head Coach Lindy Ruff is reminded of Henrik Tallinder and Bill Hajt. It's enough to make the Stars reach for Carlsson.
13. LA Kings--C, Matthew Barzal. Kings forward ranks are stacked with talent, but Barzal drops to them and there's nothing they can do about it. GM Deam Lombardi has a huge smile on his face as he knows LA won't see a pick this high for at least another five years.
14. Boston Bruins--C, Kyle Connor. In an effort to up-stage Boston native Jack Eichel, Connor chugs a pint of Guinness but instead of blurting out "Jack, I'm comin' for ya," he throws up. Seems as if Brad Marchand spiked it with Jameson.
15. Calgary Flames--C, Travis Konecny. GM Brian Burke brings truculence to Alberta, grabs an aggressive Konecny and promises to beat Brendan Shanahan up for taking over his throne on Mount Maple Leaf.
16. Edmonton Oilers (from Pittsburgh)--D, Jakub Zboril. Oilers fans are giddy with excitement after Chiarelli's pick of defenseman Zboril and start a palm branch fight that draws the attention of the FBI and RCMP.
17. Winnipeg Jets--RW, Nick Merkley. Merkley is placed right atop the prospects at right wing. Former Sabre Joel Armia is ticked-off, scores 25 goals in 25 games for the Moose before being called up to Winnipeg.
18. Ottawa Senators--D, Thomas Chabot. Sabres GM Murray was told by his new assistant coach uncle Terry Murray that Murray's other uncle and Murray's brother Bryan was going after Chabot. Bill Murray chimed in with, "That's a fact, Jack!"
19. Detroit Red Wings--RW, Denis Guryanov. Former Wings head coach Mike Babcock once asked, "Who's gonna replace Pav [el Datsyuk]?" His fomrer GM Ken Holland replies with "Dylan Larkin, Gustav Nyquist and, now, Guryanov." Holland was also overheard saying, "No, Mike, we don't want Phaneuf....noooo...we don't want Tyler Bozak or Phil Kessel either."
20. Minnesota Wild--D, Jeremy Roy. Wild GM Chuck Fletcher beginning to line up replacements for Ryan Suter who just turned 30 this year. Hey, it's never too early. Thomas Vanek is super-psyched thinking it's former linemate Derek Roy and plunks 100-big on him scoring 40 goals.
21. Buffalo Sabres--D, Oliver Kylington. Murray says he's disappointed that he was at 21 and not 20 saying that zero in this case is better than one, which is better than two, and reiterates he'd rather be in the middle of nowhere scouting than attending events like this. Tells Kylington, "no worry, my boy, we got your back, take your time."
22. Washington Capitals--LW, Evgeny Svechinkov. GM Brian McClellan and the Caps are out to prove that the "one or none Russian on a team" philosophy is ridiculous. Denies rumor that they talked with Vladmir Putin after his eight-goal outburst last month.
23. Vancouver Canucks--RW, Michael Spacek. The 'Nucks land a right wing to bolster a deficiency. GM Jim Benning, who was in Buffalo when the team was after namesake Jaroslav, finally gets himself a "Spatcho."
24. Toronto (from Nashville)--G, Mackenzie Blackwood. Leafs throw everybody a curve by jumping on Blackwood. Team Pres. Shanahan feels a kinship with the Thunder Bay, ON native in that their names flow well together (say them together a couple of times.) Feels Blackwood's calm demeanor for the piranha infestation that is the Toronto media.
25. Winnipeg Jets (from Buffalo)--C/RW, Colin White. GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is thrilled with White dropping to them. It's a consoling pick for fans who just went through the Kane saga as he's Kane's opposite in one definite and obvious way.
26. Montreal Canadiens--D, Brandon Carlo. Les Habitants have the look of Lilliputians in the NHL so they decide to add a 6'5" 196 lb. defenseman to the mix. Carlo immediately takes French lessons, says his dream is to coach the Canadiens one day. Nobody knows what to make of it.
27. Anaheim Ducks--LW, Paul Bittner. GM Bob Murray is glad he's away from the "Murray-madness" in and around Buffalo, yells out "go big or go home!" before choosing the 6'4" 204 lb. Bittner.
28. Tampa Bay Lightning (from NY Rangers)--G, Ilya Samsonov. How much easier can it get? What they liked in Andrei Vasilevskiy they'll find in Samsonov who's three years younger.
29. Philadelphia Flyers (from Tampa Bay)--LW, Jake DeBrusk--Hextall is still mad at himself letting Flyers Chairman Snider talk him into passing on Provorov for Crouse. Yet doubles down the pick of Debrusk, a competitive left-winger with a husky last name.
30. Arizona Coyotes (from Chicago)--C/RW Jack Roslovic. AGM Darcy Regier thinks he's found his Zemgus Girgensons in Roslovic and didn't even need to trade up for him. Team still suffering from "No-Jack syndrome" after losing the lottery but gets another Jack.
Bonus:
31. Buffalo Sabres--RW, Jeremy Bracco. Owner Terry Pegula is trying to turn Buffalo into the Center of USA Hockey. US braggadocio is generally condemned by their chill, Canadian counterparts and one of the main reasons Bracco falls. Pegula doesn't care. Says he wants more of it and has been yelling, "McDavid who?" throughout the draft proceedings thus far. Is ready to slam a beer with Eichel before wife Kim steps in and slams one for both of them.
Other mocks and who they have the Sabres taking 21st-overall after Jack Eichel is selected by Buffalo with the second-overall pick:
Mike Morreale, nhl.com: D, Oliver Kylington
Adam Kimelman, nhl.com: RW, Nicolas Merkley
Kevin Allen, USA Today: D, Kylington
Kyle Woodlief, redlinereport/USA Today: D, Kylington
Brendan Ross, McKeen's: D, Jakub Zboril
Craig Button, TSN: D, Kylington
Damien Cox, sportsnet.ca: LW, DeBrusk
Gare Joyce, sportsnet.ca: G, Ilya Samsonov
Sam Cosentino, sportsnet.com: LW, Jake DeBrusk
Jeff Marek, sportsnet.com: C, Jansen Harkins
Michael Finewax, rotoworld: G, Samsonov
Mike Zeisberger, Toronto Sun: D, Kylington
Nicholas Goss, NESN: LW, Evgeny Svechnikov
Minnesota Examiner: D, Kylington
DraftSite.com: LW, DeBrusk
csnne.com: LW, Svechnikov
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Buffalo Sabres 2015 Draft Preview--Sabres Mock Draft
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Barring a trade for the likes of Ryan O'Reilly, Cam Talbot, Eddie Lack, Logan Couture, or whomever else tweety-bird world has the Buffalo Sabres trading for these days, GM Tim Murray, and his band will hit the BB&T floor in Sunrise, FL with four of the top 51 picks in the NHL entry draft.
Which is a good thing as the 2015 draft is real strong on two fronts. Not only is it most definitely top-heavy--lead by franchise centers Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel--but it's plenty deep. Kyle Woodlief of USA Today and the RedLine Report was on WGR550 yesterday morning drawing some parallels from drafts past. "That draft in 2004 with [Alexander] Ovechkin and [Evgeni] Malkin," he told host Howard Simon, "that was a pretty special group. You look at what those two guys have gone on to achieve in the NHL, they're both two of the top-five forwards on the planet these days. It's tough to get better than a draft like that from the top-two."
"[2015] is a special draft not only because of the top-end, marquis talent," continued Woodlief, "but also the depth of this year's crop. You go back, 2013 was a deep crop, 2003 was a very deep crop and this crop is as deep as we've seen in the past decade. There are players we have ranked in the mid-40's in this year's draft who'd be in the mid-20's on our rankings last year."
Barring a trade for the likes of Ryan O'Reilly, Cam Talbot, Eddie Lack, Logan Couture, or whomever else tweety-bird world has the Buffalo Sabres trading for these days, GM Tim Murray, and his band will hit the BB&T floor in Sunrise, FL with four of the top 51 picks in the NHL entry draft.
Which is a good thing as the 2015 draft is real strong on two fronts. Not only is it most definitely top-heavy--lead by franchise centers Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel--but it's plenty deep. Kyle Woodlief of USA Today and the RedLine Report was on WGR550 yesterday morning drawing some parallels from drafts past. "That draft in 2004 with [Alexander] Ovechkin and [Evgeni] Malkin," he told host Howard Simon, "that was a pretty special group. You look at what those two guys have gone on to achieve in the NHL, they're both two of the top-five forwards on the planet these days. It's tough to get better than a draft like that from the top-two."
"[2015] is a special draft not only because of the top-end, marquis talent," continued Woodlief, "but also the depth of this year's crop. You go back, 2013 was a deep crop, 2003 was a very deep crop and this crop is as deep as we've seen in the past decade. There are players we have ranked in the mid-40's in this year's draft who'd be in the mid-20's on our rankings last year."
Monday, June 22, 2015
Buffalo Sabres 2015 Draft Preview--A move into the top-10?
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Dependent upon a team's needs, there's quite the array of players to choose from in the next tier of prospects after Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel are taken with the first two picks in the 2015 NHL Draft. "When we sat down, we started our list at No. 3," said Dan Marr director of NHL Central Scouting on WGR's Howard Simon Show earlier this month. "And from 3-10," he continued, "you're getting some pretty special players."
The general consensus is that atop Marr's group of "pretty special players" are (in no particular order) Noah Hanifin, Dylan Strome and Mitch Marner who are almost certain to be taken with the 3rd through 5th-overall picks. Although Marr places them with the rest of his group those three constitute a valuable sub-tier of highly-skilled, very talented players who could conceivably hit the NHL as teenagers. They're building blocks that neither Arizona, Toronto or Carolina will part with easily.
After the projected top-5 in the draft, the next five invariably include powerful winger Lawson Crouse, big, two-way winger Mikko Rantanen, centers Pavel Zacha and Matthew Barzal and defenseman Ivan Provorov. And if you wanted to stretch Marr's group to 11, there's Michigan Wolverine defenseman Zach Werenski who's been weaving in and out of the top-10.
Some, like Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com and Phil Myre, of International Scouting Services, have even stretched this group down to the 13th/14th slot. But if you're a team looking to trade up to fill a need, and this may be the year to do so, it's probably in your best interest to get into the top-10.
Dependent upon a team's needs, there's quite the array of players to choose from in the next tier of prospects after Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel are taken with the first two picks in the 2015 NHL Draft. "When we sat down, we started our list at No. 3," said Dan Marr director of NHL Central Scouting on WGR's Howard Simon Show earlier this month. "And from 3-10," he continued, "you're getting some pretty special players."
The general consensus is that atop Marr's group of "pretty special players" are (in no particular order) Noah Hanifin, Dylan Strome and Mitch Marner who are almost certain to be taken with the 3rd through 5th-overall picks. Although Marr places them with the rest of his group those three constitute a valuable sub-tier of highly-skilled, very talented players who could conceivably hit the NHL as teenagers. They're building blocks that neither Arizona, Toronto or Carolina will part with easily.
After the projected top-5 in the draft, the next five invariably include powerful winger Lawson Crouse, big, two-way winger Mikko Rantanen, centers Pavel Zacha and Matthew Barzal and defenseman Ivan Provorov. And if you wanted to stretch Marr's group to 11, there's Michigan Wolverine defenseman Zach Werenski who's been weaving in and out of the top-10.
Some, like Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com/sabres.com and Phil Myre, of International Scouting Services, have even stretched this group down to the 13th/14th slot. But if you're a team looking to trade up to fill a need, and this may be the year to do so, it's probably in your best interest to get into the top-10.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 5--Centers of attention
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
There's an old adage in baseball that ties strength up the middle to success. With the Chicago Blackhawks and the Golden State Warriors putting an end to the hockey and basketball seasons, respectively, perhaps it's fitting we use that analogy as the boys of summer are really all we have right now from a competition standpoint (no disrespect to the FIFA women.)
Strength behind the plate, at shortstop and second base and in center field is at the heart of the defense while in hockey goaltending, top-pairing defense and No. 1 center is an NHL comparable. It's a combination the Hawks were built upon and their success has the hockey world linking "dynasty" to this group. Winning three Stanley Cups in six years is about as dynastic as you can get in a salary-cap world.
Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville got the goaltending from Corey Crawford during their Cup run this year while he played his top defenseman, Conn Smythe winner Duncan Keith, a ridiculous 31 minutes per game during the playoffs. However, hockey being the team sport that it is, there were contributions up and down the lineup throughout their run from the likes of d-partner Brent Seabrook, and forwards Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Teuvo Teravainen and Andrew Shaw, to name a few.
There's an old adage in baseball that ties strength up the middle to success. With the Chicago Blackhawks and the Golden State Warriors putting an end to the hockey and basketball seasons, respectively, perhaps it's fitting we use that analogy as the boys of summer are really all we have right now from a competition standpoint (no disrespect to the FIFA women.)
Strength behind the plate, at shortstop and second base and in center field is at the heart of the defense while in hockey goaltending, top-pairing defense and No. 1 center is an NHL comparable. It's a combination the Hawks were built upon and their success has the hockey world linking "dynasty" to this group. Winning three Stanley Cups in six years is about as dynastic as you can get in a salary-cap world.
Chicago head coach Joel Quenneville got the goaltending from Corey Crawford during their Cup run this year while he played his top defenseman, Conn Smythe winner Duncan Keith, a ridiculous 31 minutes per game during the playoffs. However, hockey being the team sport that it is, there were contributions up and down the lineup throughout their run from the likes of d-partner Brent Seabrook, and forwards Marian Hossa, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Teuvo Teravainen and Andrew Shaw, to name a few.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 4--Size, grit and knuckles at LW
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Unlike the right wingers in the system where there's plenty of talent and depth in the pipeline, the Buffalo Sabres are very thin at left wing in the talent department, at least near-future. There's size and grit, edginess and some speed, but overall the left side pale's in comparison to their counterparts on the right.
That being said, going into next season the Sabres have themselves a bonafide top-line LW in Evander Kane which is something they don't have on the right side. The former Atlanta Thrasher/Winnipeg Jet under contract for three more seasons. Buffalo also has a top six left-winger in three-time, 30-goal scorer Matt Moulson who signed to a five-year, free agent contract with the club in July, 2014. Those two sit atop the depth chart on the left side followed and are followed by 23 yr. old Marcus Foligno (2009, 104th-overall) and Nicolas Deslauriers, a converted defenseman who came to Buffalo in the Brayden McNabb to LA Kings swap.
When you add in centers who can play the left side, like Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson and others, they're solid at left wing on the big club, but the depth and talent-level in the pipeline is another story. It's an area that should get some attention come draft time.
Unlike the right wingers in the system where there's plenty of talent and depth in the pipeline, the Buffalo Sabres are very thin at left wing in the talent department, at least near-future. There's size and grit, edginess and some speed, but overall the left side pale's in comparison to their counterparts on the right.
That being said, going into next season the Sabres have themselves a bonafide top-line LW in Evander Kane which is something they don't have on the right side. The former Atlanta Thrasher/Winnipeg Jet under contract for three more seasons. Buffalo also has a top six left-winger in three-time, 30-goal scorer Matt Moulson who signed to a five-year, free agent contract with the club in July, 2014. Those two sit atop the depth chart on the left side followed and are followed by 23 yr. old Marcus Foligno (2009, 104th-overall) and Nicolas Deslauriers, a converted defenseman who came to Buffalo in the Brayden McNabb to LA Kings swap.
When you add in centers who can play the left side, like Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson and others, they're solid at left wing on the big club, but the depth and talent-level in the pipeline is another story. It's an area that should get some attention come draft time.
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 3-- RW size and depth
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
When Sabres GM Tim Murray traded RW prospect Joel Armia to the Winnipeg Jets as a part of the Tyler Myers/Evander Kane trade he traded away the most highly skilled winger in the system. Projections for the big Finn had him in the top-line/top-six category with "high-end scoring potential."
In looking at the prospects down the right side, there's size as well as plenty of all-around skill and depth, but the wow-factor of pure offensive upside--at least in the near-term--doesn't seem to be there at this juncture.
When Sabres GM Tim Murray traded RW prospect Joel Armia to the Winnipeg Jets as a part of the Tyler Myers/Evander Kane trade he traded away the most highly skilled winger in the system. Projections for the big Finn had him in the top-line/top-six category with "high-end scoring potential."
In looking at the prospects down the right side, there's size as well as plenty of all-around skill and depth, but the wow-factor of pure offensive upside--at least in the near-term--doesn't seem to be there at this juncture.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 2--The d-pipeline
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
With the emergence of Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman and his dominant performance thus far in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the defenseman seems to be taking center stage in the NHL. And it's not just a matter of Hedman being matched up against a really good team with some top-notch players. The 6'6" 232 lb. native of Sweden has been at the fore of shutting down elite talent in the Chicago's Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and his play has overshadowed the Blackhawk's two-time Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith who, up until this series with the Lightning, was in serious consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy as this year's playoff MVP.
Perhaps were seeing a new era in the NHL where the defenseman is King of the Hill. Both Hedman and Keith are the complete package--two-way skill, speed and smarts--although the scary part about Hedman is that he does it five inches taller and 40 lbs. heavier than Keith. Not to be dismissed in the series either is Hawks d-man Brent Seabrook, a big, strong all-around d-man with offensive acumen and a bit of a bite to his game.
With the emergence of Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman and his dominant performance thus far in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the defenseman seems to be taking center stage in the NHL. And it's not just a matter of Hedman being matched up against a really good team with some top-notch players. The 6'6" 232 lb. native of Sweden has been at the fore of shutting down elite talent in the Chicago's Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane and his play has overshadowed the Blackhawk's two-time Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith who, up until this series with the Lightning, was in serious consideration for the Conn Smythe Trophy as this year's playoff MVP.
Perhaps were seeing a new era in the NHL where the defenseman is King of the Hill. Both Hedman and Keith are the complete package--two-way skill, speed and smarts--although the scary part about Hedman is that he does it five inches taller and 40 lbs. heavier than Keith. Not to be dismissed in the series either is Hawks d-man Brent Seabrook, a big, strong all-around d-man with offensive acumen and a bit of a bite to his game.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Ramp-up to the 2015 NHL Draft Pt. 1--Goaltending Prospects in the system
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Over the course of three drafts a franchise is given a total of 21 draft picks in seven rounds by the NHL and dependent upon where said franchise is on the food chain they will either have more or less picks. Those atop the chain gunning for the Stanley Cup will have fewer picks as they bolster their roster with specific players via trade-deadline rental players. The rental players will come from those teams at the bottom of the food chain in need of building blocks.
The Buffalo Sabres have been in rebuild-mode since 2012 and have made 36 selections over the course of the last three drafts. In 2012 they picked eight players, in 2013 they picked 11 and last season they left the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA with nine. In essence Buffalo was able to pack five years worth of picks into three drafts.
More impressive than that, and the main reason that many media outlets have Buffalo with the No. 1 pool of prospects, is that they had five first-round picks from 2012-14. To augment that, the team was able to add seven second-rounders to the pool. All totaled, from the first-overall pick in those drafts until the Sabres last pick in the second rounds, Buffalo brought in 12 of the top 145 prospects or about 8% of the prospect pool.
Over the course of three drafts a franchise is given a total of 21 draft picks in seven rounds by the NHL and dependent upon where said franchise is on the food chain they will either have more or less picks. Those atop the chain gunning for the Stanley Cup will have fewer picks as they bolster their roster with specific players via trade-deadline rental players. The rental players will come from those teams at the bottom of the food chain in need of building blocks.
The Buffalo Sabres have been in rebuild-mode since 2012 and have made 36 selections over the course of the last three drafts. In 2012 they picked eight players, in 2013 they picked 11 and last season they left the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA with nine. In essence Buffalo was able to pack five years worth of picks into three drafts.
More impressive than that, and the main reason that many media outlets have Buffalo with the No. 1 pool of prospects, is that they had five first-round picks from 2012-14. To augment that, the team was able to add seven second-rounders to the pool. All totaled, from the first-overall pick in those drafts until the Sabres last pick in the second rounds, Buffalo brought in 12 of the top 145 prospects or about 8% of the prospect pool.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
NHL Combine represents plenty of opportunity for teams to talk trade. Mantha-watch is on
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The talk surrounding the eventual departure of Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock invariably centered around which of the young players in the Wings system will be receive the torch from veterans Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen.
Young players like Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar are just beginning their NHL journeys having spent years with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins developing. Both look pretty impressive so far. The 25 yr. old Nyquist scored 55 goals in 139 games for Detroit over the last two seasons while Tatar (24 yrs. old) had 29 goals, including seven game-winners and nine on the powerplay, in 82 games for the Wings last season.
Detroit has a bevy forwards in their system who look like impact players in the future. Names like Teemu Pulkkinen, Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Bertuzzi may soon be joining Nyquist, Tatar, Riley Shehan, Tomas Jurco and Danny DeKeyser as the future of the Red Wings.
And that group will probably be topped off by Dylan Larkin who, at just 18 yrs. old, is performing extremely well in the AHL playoffs for Grand Rapids. In five games he has three goals and two assists after joining the team following an impressive 2015 IIHF World Championship tournament for Team USA.
Babcock had asked the question, "Who's gonna replace Pav[el Datsyuk]? when contemplating his future with the organization. Larkin, it would seem, is at the head of the group and with the way the Wings draft and develop talent, any number of the players mentioned above might provide the answer.
The talk surrounding the eventual departure of Detroit Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock invariably centered around which of the young players in the Wings system will be receive the torch from veterans Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen.
Young players like Gustav Nyquist and Tomas Tatar are just beginning their NHL journeys having spent years with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins developing. Both look pretty impressive so far. The 25 yr. old Nyquist scored 55 goals in 139 games for Detroit over the last two seasons while Tatar (24 yrs. old) had 29 goals, including seven game-winners and nine on the powerplay, in 82 games for the Wings last season.
Detroit has a bevy forwards in their system who look like impact players in the future. Names like Teemu Pulkkinen, Andreas Athanasiou and Tyler Bertuzzi may soon be joining Nyquist, Tatar, Riley Shehan, Tomas Jurco and Danny DeKeyser as the future of the Red Wings.
And that group will probably be topped off by Dylan Larkin who, at just 18 yrs. old, is performing extremely well in the AHL playoffs for Grand Rapids. In five games he has three goals and two assists after joining the team following an impressive 2015 IIHF World Championship tournament for Team USA.
Babcock had asked the question, "Who's gonna replace Pav[el Datsyuk]? when contemplating his future with the organization. Larkin, it would seem, is at the head of the group and with the way the Wings draft and develop talent, any number of the players mentioned above might provide the answer.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
NHL Draft Combine begins tomorrow in Buffalo, NY
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
For the first 21 years of its existence the NHL Scouting Combine was held in hotel ballrooms and convention centers in a large Canadian metropolitan city that likes to call itself "The Centre of the Hockey Universe," which happens to be home to NHL and NHL Central Scouting Services.
The idea for the Combine was basically a two-fold approach where teams could get an up close and personal look at prospects eligible for the upcoming draft. During the week long Combine teams will conduct player interviews with an expected 120 or so players this year (for a full list, click here) before attention is directed a the players' physical attributes. One-on-one interviews are set to take place June 1-5, with individual medical examines on June 4 followed by endurance and fitness testing on be June 6th.
"The goal is to present an event that allows NHL personnel to interact with the future stars of our game and assist the NHL clubs in their pursuit of gaining as much knowledge about the draft prospects as possible," said Dan Marr, the Director of NHL Central Scouting.
For the first 21 years of its existence the NHL Scouting Combine was held in hotel ballrooms and convention centers in a large Canadian metropolitan city that likes to call itself "The Centre of the Hockey Universe," which happens to be home to NHL and NHL Central Scouting Services.
The idea for the Combine was basically a two-fold approach where teams could get an up close and personal look at prospects eligible for the upcoming draft. During the week long Combine teams will conduct player interviews with an expected 120 or so players this year (for a full list, click here) before attention is directed a the players' physical attributes. One-on-one interviews are set to take place June 1-5, with individual medical examines on June 4 followed by endurance and fitness testing on be June 6th.
"The goal is to present an event that allows NHL personnel to interact with the future stars of our game and assist the NHL clubs in their pursuit of gaining as much knowledge about the draft prospects as possible," said Dan Marr, the Director of NHL Central Scouting.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
"If you build it..." Plus some other news and notes.
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had a very busy Mother's Day yesterday. After, presumably, taking care of his wife Maureen, the mother of their three children, Babcock was busy getting a feel for potential coaching destinations.
First up was Toronto.
According to Elliot Friedman of sportsnet, "No one’s giving a straight answer about it, but there was an interesting private plane in Detroit yesterday." It's assumed that the "interesting private plane" had Maple Leafs GM Brendan Shanahan on board and that they did a little more than their one season together back in 2005-06. Tornoto's set to begin a massive rebuild and because they are the self-proclaimed "Center of the Hockey Universe" they jumped right into the fray and got to the head of the line.
Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock had a very busy Mother's Day yesterday. After, presumably, taking care of his wife Maureen, the mother of their three children, Babcock was busy getting a feel for potential coaching destinations.
First up was Toronto.
According to Elliot Friedman of sportsnet, "No one’s giving a straight answer about it, but there was an interesting private plane in Detroit yesterday." It's assumed that the "interesting private plane" had Maple Leafs GM Brendan Shanahan on board and that they did a little more than their one season together back in 2005-06. Tornoto's set to begin a massive rebuild and because they are the self-proclaimed "Center of the Hockey Universe" they jumped right into the fray and got to the head of the line.
Monday, April 20, 2015
"Buffalo, I'm comin' for ya!"
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Plain and simple, I was a little disappointed last night when Edmonton won the "Connor McDavid Sweepstakes." This nothing against Jack Eichel who will be there at No.2 when the Sabres take the podium in Sunrise, FL, but finishing second, especially having endured a season like no other, is at the very least, mildly disappointing. Like Sabres GM Tim Murray said post-lottery, “If you can pick 1 or 2, you’re going to choose 1. Anytime you can get 1 vs. 2 in any walk of life, you’re going to want No. 1."
Which is really no disrespect to Eichel, it's just human nature.
Murray as well as Sabres fans went into this whole process knowing that there was an 80% chance that McDavid would be headed somewhere other than Buffalo. "We came up here with an expectation we’d probably be picking No. 2 and we’re going to deal with it. There’s no issue there.” They'll also be getting a player in Eichel who many feel would be the first overall selection or rival the first overall selection in every draft dating back to John Tavares and Steven Stamkos.
Which was the whole idea behind a few teams wanting to finish in 30th this season.
Plain and simple, I was a little disappointed last night when Edmonton won the "Connor McDavid Sweepstakes." This nothing against Jack Eichel who will be there at No.2 when the Sabres take the podium in Sunrise, FL, but finishing second, especially having endured a season like no other, is at the very least, mildly disappointing. Like Sabres GM Tim Murray said post-lottery, “If you can pick 1 or 2, you’re going to choose 1. Anytime you can get 1 vs. 2 in any walk of life, you’re going to want No. 1."
Which is really no disrespect to Eichel, it's just human nature.
Murray as well as Sabres fans went into this whole process knowing that there was an 80% chance that McDavid would be headed somewhere other than Buffalo. "We came up here with an expectation we’d probably be picking No. 2 and we’re going to deal with it. There’s no issue there.” They'll also be getting a player in Eichel who many feel would be the first overall selection or rival the first overall selection in every draft dating back to John Tavares and Steven Stamkos.
Which was the whole idea behind a few teams wanting to finish in 30th this season.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
The NHL Draft Lottery Tonight, plus a welcome to the "dark side"
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
At 8:00pm tonight the results of the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery will be aired live before the Pittsburgh/NY Rangers game.
Sabres President Ted Black will be in the booth representing Buffalo during the actual number drawing process which will take place beforehand while GM Tim Murray will be in the Sportsnet studios for the unveiling of the team getting the first overall pick. There will no communication from those watching the lottery process and those in studio. A video of the lottery will be available later in the evening.
It's a defining day for whichever team is lucky enough to come out on top as phenom Connor McDavid awaits, but Murray won't allow himself to get caught up in that as he's taken a decidedly "Buffaluck" approach to the drawing. “I don’t think about the Draft Lottery, " he said yesterday. "I just assume we’re going to lose, so it’s just another day. We’ve got an 80 percent chance of losing the lottery."
At 8:00pm tonight the results of the 2015 NHL Draft Lottery will be aired live before the Pittsburgh/NY Rangers game.
Sabres President Ted Black will be in the booth representing Buffalo during the actual number drawing process which will take place beforehand while GM Tim Murray will be in the Sportsnet studios for the unveiling of the team getting the first overall pick. There will no communication from those watching the lottery process and those in studio. A video of the lottery will be available later in the evening.
It's a defining day for whichever team is lucky enough to come out on top as phenom Connor McDavid awaits, but Murray won't allow himself to get caught up in that as he's taken a decidedly "Buffaluck" approach to the drawing. “I don’t think about the Draft Lottery, " he said yesterday. "I just assume we’re going to lose, so it’s just another day. We’ve got an 80 percent chance of losing the lottery."
Thursday, April 16, 2015
A response to "Harry Tee" from Puck Daddy's, the Tank That Was
Yahoo's Puck Daddy has been scouring the internet for "different perspectives" on the Buffalo Sabres 2014-15 season described by them as "one of the most disappointing yet hopeful, logical yet controversial seasons in NHL history."
Today's piece features "Harry Tee" whom they found on Twitter. In it, Harry says he's a newbie Sabres fan having followed them since 2008. He's not thrilled that the Sabres finished last this season and calls the entire season a "sham of an arrangement [that] has zapped much of my desire for the sport."
If you wish to read it, click here.
If you wish to read my response to a "thumbs down" from TSN's Dave Hodge who urged the Sabres to "get Connor with honor" and "lose with dignity," click here.
Woof!
Edit: from puckdaddy http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/how-buffalo-s-connor-mcdavid-tank-killed-my-passion-for-sabres-hockey-145050744.html
Editor's note: A fan's guest column posted earlier Thursday has been removed from the Puck Daddy blog and Yahoo Sports. The column was a fan's view of the Buffalo Sabres' 2014-15 season. The author of the column engaged with other fans on social media upon publication. The author's social media activity is unacceptable and does not represent the views of Puck Daddy or Yahoo Sports.
Today's piece features "Harry Tee" whom they found on Twitter. In it, Harry says he's a newbie Sabres fan having followed them since 2008. He's not thrilled that the Sabres finished last this season and calls the entire season a "sham of an arrangement [that] has zapped much of my desire for the sport."
If you wish to read it, click here.
If you wish to read my response to a "thumbs down" from TSN's Dave Hodge who urged the Sabres to "get Connor with honor" and "lose with dignity," click here.
Woof!
Edit: from puckdaddy http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nhl-puck-daddy/how-buffalo-s-connor-mcdavid-tank-killed-my-passion-for-sabres-hockey-145050744.html
Editor's note: A fan's guest column posted earlier Thursday has been removed from the Puck Daddy blog and Yahoo Sports. The column was a fan's view of the Buffalo Sabres' 2014-15 season. The author of the column engaged with other fans on social media upon publication. The author's social media activity is unacceptable and does not represent the views of Puck Daddy or Yahoo Sports.
Sunday, April 12, 2015
An epilogue for a dark time in Sabres history
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
The Columbus Blue Jackets have one of the coolest goal celebrations in the NHL. When the home team lights the lamp, the horn sounds and AC/DC's cued up.
For those about to rock!!!
FIRE!!!
And off goes the cannon. POW!!!
For those who've never been there, it'll scare you. Even if you've been there on numerous occasions, like Sabres analyst Rob Ray, and you know it's coming, the firing of the cannon might still send shockwaves through you. "I'm gonna go up there an destroy that cannon," said Ray after Matt Calvert potted his 13th goal of the season to put the Jackets up 2-1. "It scares me every time it goes off, and you know it's happening."
If you're a Sabres fan this season, the firing of that cannon was a beautiful sound and when Boone Jenner scored into an empty Sabres net with 9.7 second remaining in the third period, it might just as well have been a 21-gun salute to lay the 2014-15 season to rest. Although Buffalo still has one more game tonight against a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins club embroiled in a playoff battle, the season is done, 30th place is secure and all that's left is for the fans at First Niagara Center to give this team a rousing ovation for making it through the most difficult and divisive season in Sabres history.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have one of the coolest goal celebrations in the NHL. When the home team lights the lamp, the horn sounds and AC/DC's cued up.
For those about to rock!!!
FIRE!!!
And off goes the cannon. POW!!!
For those who've never been there, it'll scare you. Even if you've been there on numerous occasions, like Sabres analyst Rob Ray, and you know it's coming, the firing of the cannon might still send shockwaves through you. "I'm gonna go up there an destroy that cannon," said Ray after Matt Calvert potted his 13th goal of the season to put the Jackets up 2-1. "It scares me every time it goes off, and you know it's happening."
If you're a Sabres fan this season, the firing of that cannon was a beautiful sound and when Boone Jenner scored into an empty Sabres net with 9.7 second remaining in the third period, it might just as well have been a 21-gun salute to lay the 2014-15 season to rest. Although Buffalo still has one more game tonight against a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins club embroiled in a playoff battle, the season is done, 30th place is secure and all that's left is for the fans at First Niagara Center to give this team a rousing ovation for making it through the most difficult and divisive season in Sabres history.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Of GM Tim Murray's supposed "obsession/infatuation" with Connor McDavid
Reprinted with permission from hockeybuzz.com
Look. We get it.
Some Buffalo Sabres have lost their minds in all of this. Some fans couldn't care less. Most feel that this is where the team is at and there's no sense in not finishing the job.
As for the organization, their duty is to do what's in the best interest of the franchise. Sabres GM Tim Murray is in charge of on-ice product for the team. He came to Buffalo smack-dab in the middle of the season last January with the team in full rebuild-mode. He was hired to finish the job of blowing the whole thing up then starting all over again. He said it would take two drafts and the 2015 draft will be the second of those two.
Murray has said it before and he'll say it again, "Our time's the future." He's not fixated on a long building process to get to the future. If the opportunity presents itself for the team to hasten the rebuild without ripping out pieces he deems necessary, he'll jump at it (see Evander Kane/Tyler Myers trade.) But make no mistake, this is a crucial draft. It was so important that when the league was changing the lottery odds as well as terms, Murray was lobbying to keep the terms in place for one more season. In doing so, should his (probable) last place team not win the lottery, the having the second pick is a solid, possible franchise-altering, consolation prize.
Look. We get it.
Some Buffalo Sabres have lost their minds in all of this. Some fans couldn't care less. Most feel that this is where the team is at and there's no sense in not finishing the job.
As for the organization, their duty is to do what's in the best interest of the franchise. Sabres GM Tim Murray is in charge of on-ice product for the team. He came to Buffalo smack-dab in the middle of the season last January with the team in full rebuild-mode. He was hired to finish the job of blowing the whole thing up then starting all over again. He said it would take two drafts and the 2015 draft will be the second of those two.
Murray has said it before and he'll say it again, "Our time's the future." He's not fixated on a long building process to get to the future. If the opportunity presents itself for the team to hasten the rebuild without ripping out pieces he deems necessary, he'll jump at it (see Evander Kane/Tyler Myers trade.) But make no mistake, this is a crucial draft. It was so important that when the league was changing the lottery odds as well as terms, Murray was lobbying to keep the terms in place for one more season. In doing so, should his (probable) last place team not win the lottery, the having the second pick is a solid, possible franchise-altering, consolation prize.
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