(but, they should keep him)
Being fully aware of how Steve Bernier came into Buffalo and wowwed the fans during his first game, only to fall off the face of the earth and quickly leave Buffalo, I'm loving what Matt Moulson brought to the table in his first game.
And knowing full well that the Sabres could more than likely add to their bounty of first round picks if they decided to trade him, I wouldn't move Matt Moulson unless he can't be re-signed or unless the return is too good to pass up.
Here's why.
Unlike the former #26, Moulson plays a full 200' game from start to finish. Everyone in Buffalo noticed it, head coach Ron Rolston was raving about it.
And his linemates certainly responded to how he plays the game. Tyler Ennis got his first two assists of the season and Cody Hodgson had a little more pep than usual.
This is the type of player Sabres fans have been wanting for a while--a top-six forward, that's in constant motion, skating hard in all three zones for the entire game.
Matt Moulson has always played that way.
Also, how many times over the last two or three years, or even longer, have various Sabres said post-game that they had opportunities, but just couldn't finish? Including the former #26.
Moulson is a finisher.
Sure, he had John Tavares during those multiple 30-goal seasons. But Moulson finished the play. Tavares didn't pass him the puck, skate over to him and help him put the puck in the net.
Moulson buried those passes from Tavares. And as showed in his first game, he can finish no matter who's passing him the puck.
During the next few months Sabres fans will see just how much finish he has and whether or not he can do it consistently. They'll see what affect the 31 yr. old veteran has on the team.
But should he continue to play a 200' game at a 30-goal pace, is there any reason why the Sabres shouldn't attempt to re-sign him to a long-term contract?
There's absolutely no legitimate reason as to why they should not.
"Buffalo could add another first-round pick, maybe more if they traded Moulson," you might say. But the retort would be, how many more draft picks do the Sabres want to acquire before there are too many? They will need players. They need players with skill and will, players who are "un-core like." They will need veterans as well. Preferably vets who contribute consistently in a positive way, especially on the scoresheet. Moulson fits into that category.
Besides, Ryan Miller is on the block and he should land at least a first-rounder. If that's not enough, Christian Ehrhoff doesn't look like his "core-like" game fits into the future of "hard to play against." He's a trade possibility.
And there's also Tyler Myers as well. Methinks that Edmonton would seriously entertain Myers for a first-rounder. They've had plenty of those.
"The Sabres will need to overpay to keep Moulson," you say.
I say, "so what."
There's a salary cap and a salary floor. Buffalo can't ice a team of all rookies and fourth liners, they will need to pay someone.
The salary floor for next season will be somewhere around $45m. The Sabres are slated to have $35m tied up in 15 players.
They could conceivably drop $4m on Ott and $6m on Moulson (they won't, it's just an example,) and hit the cap floor with only six more players to sign. With the cap ceiling is slated to be somewhere around $67m, they will have plenty of room to do whatever they want to do. So overpayment really isn't an issue.
No matter what GM Darcy Regier decides to do with Moulson, the Sabres are in a win-win situation. If they decide to trade him, another first round pick (at least) is on the way.
If the Sabres decide to keep him and sign him long-term, which I hope they do, they'll have found themselves a finisher who plays a 200' game.
Pretty sure every Cup-winner had at least one player like that.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
On Vanek, The Buffalo News and McDavid
Former Buffalo Sabres winger Thomas Vanek hit the ice last night for his new team, the NY Islanders. He did not hit the scoresheet, but was credited with one shot, two hits and 19 minutes of ice-time as the Isles dropped a 3-2 decision to the cross-town rival Rangers.
No reason to fret, Isles fans. Soon enough he'll show that he actually has some wheels, can back-check, won't be found cheating in the defensive zone and will be putting up points in bunches.
That's the way he rolls.
When all things come together, Vanek will marvel fans with his slapshot, tip-ins and deft passing and he will look as if he should be one of the highest paid players in the league. Then...
Usually around this time he'll slip into a slump, probably because a nagging injury that will keep him in and out of the line up short-term.
That's Thomas Vanek and that's why I'm glad that he reportedly rejected a Sabres offer to make him the highest paid player in the league.
Thank you, Thomas. You go follow that money trail somewhere else.
The Buffalo News still hating on Regier.
The above link on the offer to Thomas Vanek from the Sabres came from the Buffalo News' Jon Vogl, a good solid hockey writer.
But.
What seemed to do was subtly take a swipe at the Sabres organization. Not to defend what GM Darcy Regier has done at times, but this was a good move. Clearly Vanek didn't want to stay in Buffalo during a long rebuild. Here's what he wrote:
Of course he would, Jon. What player worth his salt wouldn't? At the end of the season, Vanek will be able to make money and pick his team.
It could be that I took it all wrong with that Vogl line, but there's no mistaking what Bucky Gleason of the News' was getting at when he penned, Good Vanek deal won't cover Regier' mistakes.
The Ol' Buckster busted out the knitting needles once again. The wanna-be GM/Sports writer who has "all the answers" finally, begrudgingly gave Regier some credit. Only it was cloaked in a piece that continues to dredge up mostly some bad moments in Regier's 17-year history as GM of the Sabres.
He writes that he could "do this (rag on Regier) all day." Yes, Buckster, we know that, you've been doing it for years now. And there's a lot that's agreeable about your ragging, pre-2012.
But may I add, Bucky, the "good Vanek trade" was after the:
Sorry Buckster. Get over yourself. This is the direction the team is going and Regier's in charge of the return on his core players. It's all Pegula cares about right now.
Fret not thou, thy champion of the Bucky Gleason Knitting Society, Regier will be gone soon enough. After he's finished dismantling his core while hording two more years of draft picks.
TSN's McKenzie: The rest of the (Vanek/Moulson) story.
There was more to the Vanek/Matt Moulson trade that met the eye.
Accoding to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Buffalo Sabres will retain a portion of Vanek's salary as part of the deal with the NY Islanders. The amount is somewhere around $1.4m.
In addition, McKenzie reported that the 2014 1st round pick the Sabres are to receive is conditional.
Isles GM Garth Snow protected himself: if the Islanders finish in the bottom-10 in the league, they will have the option "to defer the first round pick to 2015."
There's not a Sabres' fan around that wouldn't mind defering. They want the opportunity to possibly gain another first round pick in the 2015 draft. The Connor McDavid Draft, so to speak.
Looking ahead to the 2015 Draft (yes, already.)
With the Sabres falling to the bottom of the heap this season, unless something weird happens, they will end up with at least a top-five and probably will end up in the top-three pick in the 2014 draft.
Even though it's said to be a thin draft, there is almost always high quality at the very top of the every draft.
But, 2015 has phenom Connor McDavid.
Yeah, yeah, you might say. There's always a lot of hype for a top pick in any sport.
When it comes to hockey, though, they're usually right. When the scouts say this guy will be next in line after Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux--a franchise altering center--they're usually on target or really not that far off if they miss.
The National Post covered McDavid as he skated with some of the NHL's best back in August. The overall feeling on McDavid was amazement with the question, "How old is this kid?"
He's 16 yrs. old and he has a good opportunity to make Canada's World Junior Team. If he does make it he will join the likes of joining Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Eric Lindros, Jason Spezza and Jay Bouwmeester.
Scouts have been marvelling at McDavid's skills and although his 5'11" 170 frame will need to fill out a bit, Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com thinks it will and projects McDavid at about 6', 190 lbs. "He'll be like MacKinnon," he said. MacKinnon is presently 6' 185 lbs.
Sounds good to me.
With the Sabres in rebuild mode, maybe it's time to start thinking about stockpiling up some 2015 1st-rounders to increase the odds of landing him.
No reason to fret, Isles fans. Soon enough he'll show that he actually has some wheels, can back-check, won't be found cheating in the defensive zone and will be putting up points in bunches.
That's the way he rolls.
When all things come together, Vanek will marvel fans with his slapshot, tip-ins and deft passing and he will look as if he should be one of the highest paid players in the league. Then...
Usually around this time he'll slip into a slump, probably because a nagging injury that will keep him in and out of the line up short-term.
That's Thomas Vanek and that's why I'm glad that he reportedly rejected a Sabres offer to make him the highest paid player in the league.
Thank you, Thomas. You go follow that money trail somewhere else.
The Buffalo News still hating on Regier.
The above link on the offer to Thomas Vanek from the Sabres came from the Buffalo News' Jon Vogl, a good solid hockey writer.
But.
What seemed to do was subtly take a swipe at the Sabres organization. Not to defend what GM Darcy Regier has done at times, but this was a good move. Clearly Vanek didn't want to stay in Buffalo during a long rebuild. Here's what he wrote:
"Thomas Vanek could have been paid handsomely to stay in Buffalo. A source, in fact, says the Sabres were willing to make him the highest-paid player in the NHL.
He'd rather win than take part in a rebuild, which has been his message since last season."
Of course he would, Jon. What player worth his salt wouldn't? At the end of the season, Vanek will be able to make money and pick his team.
It could be that I took it all wrong with that Vogl line, but there's no mistaking what Bucky Gleason of the News' was getting at when he penned, Good Vanek deal won't cover Regier' mistakes.
The Ol' Buckster busted out the knitting needles once again. The wanna-be GM/Sports writer who has "all the answers" finally, begrudgingly gave Regier some credit. Only it was cloaked in a piece that continues to dredge up mostly some bad moments in Regier's 17-year history as GM of the Sabres.
He writes that he could "do this (rag on Regier) all day." Yes, Buckster, we know that, you've been doing it for years now. And there's a lot that's agreeable about your ragging, pre-2012.
But may I add, Bucky, the "good Vanek trade" was after the:
- Great Pominville trade and
- Pretty Damn Good Leopold and Regehr trades and
- the Solid Roy trade and
- the Very, Very Good, Possible Steal, Hodgson trade and
- the Unfathomably Lopsided, Freakin' Awesome Gaustad trade
Sorry Buckster. Get over yourself. This is the direction the team is going and Regier's in charge of the return on his core players. It's all Pegula cares about right now.
Fret not thou, thy champion of the Bucky Gleason Knitting Society, Regier will be gone soon enough. After he's finished dismantling his core while hording two more years of draft picks.
TSN's McKenzie: The rest of the (Vanek/Moulson) story.
There was more to the Vanek/Matt Moulson trade that met the eye.
Accoding to TSN's Bob McKenzie, the Buffalo Sabres will retain a portion of Vanek's salary as part of the deal with the NY Islanders. The amount is somewhere around $1.4m.
In addition, McKenzie reported that the 2014 1st round pick the Sabres are to receive is conditional.
Isles GM Garth Snow protected himself: if the Islanders finish in the bottom-10 in the league, they will have the option "to defer the first round pick to 2015."
There's not a Sabres' fan around that wouldn't mind defering. They want the opportunity to possibly gain another first round pick in the 2015 draft. The Connor McDavid Draft, so to speak.
Looking ahead to the 2015 Draft (yes, already.)
With the Sabres falling to the bottom of the heap this season, unless something weird happens, they will end up with at least a top-five and probably will end up in the top-three pick in the 2014 draft.
Even though it's said to be a thin draft, there is almost always high quality at the very top of the every draft.
But, 2015 has phenom Connor McDavid.
Yeah, yeah, you might say. There's always a lot of hype for a top pick in any sport.
When it comes to hockey, though, they're usually right. When the scouts say this guy will be next in line after Sidney Crosby and Mario Lemieux--a franchise altering center--they're usually on target or really not that far off if they miss.
The National Post covered McDavid as he skated with some of the NHL's best back in August. The overall feeling on McDavid was amazement with the question, "How old is this kid?"
He's 16 yrs. old and he has a good opportunity to make Canada's World Junior Team. If he does make it he will join the likes of joining Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Eric Lindros, Jason Spezza and Jay Bouwmeester.
Scouts have been marvelling at McDavid's skills and although his 5'11" 170 frame will need to fill out a bit, Kris Baker of sabresprospects.com thinks it will and projects McDavid at about 6', 190 lbs. "He'll be like MacKinnon," he said. MacKinnon is presently 6' 185 lbs.
Sounds good to me.
With the Sabres in rebuild mode, maybe it's time to start thinking about stockpiling up some 2015 1st-rounders to increase the odds of landing him.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Thomas Vanek traded to the Islanders for two draft picks and some Moulson
Last night Buffalo Sabres GM, Darcy Regier, announced that the team had traded forward Thomas Vanek to the NY Islanders for winger Matt Moulson, a 1st-round pick in 2014 and a 2nd-rounder in 2015.
The Sabres are once again stocking up on top-60 draft picks. This will be the third year in a row that they've had two first rounders and as of right now they're slated to have three second rounders from 2013-2015. Also, as of right now, they will have drafted or are slated to draft 17 players in the first two rounds over a four year period from 2012-2015.
As for Vanek, despite being named co-captain, he looked pretty much disinterested throughout this season, although he did manage four goals and nine points through 13 games.
His disenchantment easily dates back to the trade of his friend and neighbor, Jason Pominville, to Minnesota at the 2013 trade deadline and it's possible it goes back even further to when Pominville was named team captain in 2011.
Vanek was, and always has been very tight-lipped about his future. Very business-like. When he was up for his contract back in 2007, he and his agent said very little and he ended up signing that $50m offer-sheet from Edmonton.
The same situation was rearing it's ugly head now and the Sabres wisely decided to move the talented winger.
There were no guarantees he'd re-sign with the team and rather than let him walk at the end of the season, they moved him to Long Island. Which turns out to be a surprising trade. Albeit only somewhat of a surprise from the NY Islanders perspective.
With the Islanders defense and goaltending highly questionable, it was widely assumed that the Isles, if they were interested in anything from Buffalo, would be looking at goalie Ryan Miller.
Those were two areas of concern that they need to address if they want to take the next step in the playoffs. The other, less well known area according to Jeff Capellini of CBS, NY, was "finding a true sniper to play with John Tavares."
Although Moulson is a proven 30-goal scorer playing mostly with Tavares, "Vanek is a world class player."
Capellini goes on to write that, yes, Moulson wass a fan favorite, but the trade "was the type of game-changing decision that this fan base had demanded for a very long time."
" I believe," he continued, "when the fans get over the fact that a player they had nothing but love and respect for is gone and a player who has flat-out stellar first-line sniper ability is accepted, they’ll be happier and see the bigger picture."
Although Moulson is not a top-line winger, he does have attributes that fit in with what the Sabres organization is trying to build. Said Regier at the presser, "Matt is a goal scorer and plays in the hard areas." And despite the fact that his scoring can mostly be attributed to playing with Tavares, the fact that he's had three 30-goal seasons shows he can finish, which is something that's been lacking in Buffalo for a while now.
Make no mistake, Moulson may not be the answer moving forward. In fact, most think the the impending UFA will make for a great trade deadline chip for another high pick and/or prospect, leaving the team with plenty of wiggle room.
According to Newsday, Long Island, Moulson was looking for a long-term contract and was miffed that nothing had transpired, especially in light of the long-term Josh Bailey and Travis Hamonic contracts.
And, Capellini writes, "Moulson was likely going to look for a hefty payday in the off season, one that would have challenged Tavares’ yearly income. The Islanders were never going to give a largely one-dimensional offensive player that kind of coin."
Snow thinks his team is better than they've been performing and that they "needed to take the next step. [Vanek] is an elite player in this league and he'll help us now and in the future."
That "in the future" part suggests that they're looking at Vanek as more than just a four month rental.
The Austrian-born sniper finally has a #1 center to work with and sparks should fly. If he can put some serious numbers, he just might like it on the island, and re-sign long term with the Islanders instead of heading west to Minnesota, his rumored destination this off season.
That's the gamble they took. But it's a good trade for them, even with giving up the picks. They've been rebuilding for a long time and they're tired of picks.
All-in-all it's a great trade for the Sabres for what they're doing and for the Islanders, it could turn out to be a great one as well.
And Darcy Regier continues to dismantle his core for a handsome sum.
The Sabres are once again stocking up on top-60 draft picks. This will be the third year in a row that they've had two first rounders and as of right now they're slated to have three second rounders from 2013-2015. Also, as of right now, they will have drafted or are slated to draft 17 players in the first two rounds over a four year period from 2012-2015.
As for Vanek, despite being named co-captain, he looked pretty much disinterested throughout this season, although he did manage four goals and nine points through 13 games.
His disenchantment easily dates back to the trade of his friend and neighbor, Jason Pominville, to Minnesota at the 2013 trade deadline and it's possible it goes back even further to when Pominville was named team captain in 2011.
Vanek was, and always has been very tight-lipped about his future. Very business-like. When he was up for his contract back in 2007, he and his agent said very little and he ended up signing that $50m offer-sheet from Edmonton.
The same situation was rearing it's ugly head now and the Sabres wisely decided to move the talented winger.
There were no guarantees he'd re-sign with the team and rather than let him walk at the end of the season, they moved him to Long Island. Which turns out to be a surprising trade. Albeit only somewhat of a surprise from the NY Islanders perspective.
With the Islanders defense and goaltending highly questionable, it was widely assumed that the Isles, if they were interested in anything from Buffalo, would be looking at goalie Ryan Miller.
Those were two areas of concern that they need to address if they want to take the next step in the playoffs. The other, less well known area according to Jeff Capellini of CBS, NY, was "finding a true sniper to play with John Tavares."
Although Moulson is a proven 30-goal scorer playing mostly with Tavares, "Vanek is a world class player."
Capellini goes on to write that, yes, Moulson wass a fan favorite, but the trade "was the type of game-changing decision that this fan base had demanded for a very long time."
" I believe," he continued, "when the fans get over the fact that a player they had nothing but love and respect for is gone and a player who has flat-out stellar first-line sniper ability is accepted, they’ll be happier and see the bigger picture."
Although Moulson is not a top-line winger, he does have attributes that fit in with what the Sabres organization is trying to build. Said Regier at the presser, "Matt is a goal scorer and plays in the hard areas." And despite the fact that his scoring can mostly be attributed to playing with Tavares, the fact that he's had three 30-goal seasons shows he can finish, which is something that's been lacking in Buffalo for a while now.
Make no mistake, Moulson may not be the answer moving forward. In fact, most think the the impending UFA will make for a great trade deadline chip for another high pick and/or prospect, leaving the team with plenty of wiggle room.
According to Newsday, Long Island, Moulson was looking for a long-term contract and was miffed that nothing had transpired, especially in light of the long-term Josh Bailey and Travis Hamonic contracts.
And, Capellini writes, "Moulson was likely going to look for a hefty payday in the off season, one that would have challenged Tavares’ yearly income. The Islanders were never going to give a largely one-dimensional offensive player that kind of coin."
Snow thinks his team is better than they've been performing and that they "needed to take the next step. [Vanek] is an elite player in this league and he'll help us now and in the future."
That "in the future" part suggests that they're looking at Vanek as more than just a four month rental.
The Austrian-born sniper finally has a #1 center to work with and sparks should fly. If he can put some serious numbers, he just might like it on the island, and re-sign long term with the Islanders instead of heading west to Minnesota, his rumored destination this off season.
That's the gamble they took. But it's a good trade for them, even with giving up the picks. They've been rebuilding for a long time and they're tired of picks.
All-in-all it's a great trade for the Sabres for what they're doing and for the Islanders, it could turn out to be a great one as well.
And Darcy Regier continues to dismantle his core for a handsome sum.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
No player on the 2-10-1 Buffalo Sabres should be deemed untouchable. But...
there are a group of youngins that will constitute the future of the Sabres and are about as close as you can get.
21 yr. old defenseman Mark Pysyk is one. He has the look of a top-four, possible top-pairing d-man, is smart and steady in his zone and looks like a future leader on the team.
Another 21 yr.old rookie, Johan Larsson, has smarts, grit, and plays a solid, edgy two-way game. He may not have the top-end skills to be a top-six contributor, but he should be able to contribute in a number of ways in the top-nine.
Those are two good building blocks.
And there are a few teenagers that look to be a part of the "new core" going forward as well.
Zemgus Girgensons played in the AHL last season. His hard work and hockey sense allowed him to ramp up as the season went on and was deemed by his coach as the best player on the ice in the Amerks playoff loss to the Toronto Marlies last season. He had three goals in three games in that series (Larsson assisted on all three.)
Girgensons, "The Latvian Locomotive," is playing a strong game in his first taste of the NHL. He's doing what he did last year--keeping his legs moving and soaking up every aspect of the pro game. He has an aire about him, plays the game the way it was meant to be played and oozes leadership qualities. He's 19.
Two 18 yr. olds, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov, were drafted this year and are getting a good taste of playing defense in the NHL.
Ristolainen had played the last two seasons overseas against men in the Finnish Elite League and was deemed the most NHL-ready defenseman not named Seth Jones at the 2013 Draft. His is a smooth, polished game with a bit of an edge and he needed all of that steadiness being paired early with Mike Weber earlier this sesaon. He's been given a good dose of responsibility and has responded well save for some typical rookie mistakes.
Zadorov is quickly becoming a fan favorite because he is one physical S.O.B. And he has some offensive acumen as well. Although he finds himself out of position going for the big hit right now, it's expected he'll refine that as he learns the pro game. In addition, and maybe more important than his on-ice play, he has an infectious, child-like demeanor that's a breath of fresh air for the Sabres.
Another teenager, Mikhail Grigorenko, got off to a slow start last season being caught in the morass that was the 2012-13 Sabres. And he got off to a slow start this season as he bounced from line to line. "Grigo" recently bottomed out on the fourth line and seems to be climbing up the ladder. In the last two games he's been shifted to wing in a top-nine role and it looks as if it he has some life in him.
All but Larsson were drafted by Buffalo in the first round. Larsson was a second round pick of the Minnesota Wild.
Joel Armia is with the Sabres as his broken hand heals. The 20 yr. old RW just came to North America this year from Finland and was a first-round pick in 2011. The book on him is that of a big, talented winger with sniper skills and a wicked wrister. It looks as if he'll get some time with the Sabres, but will probably end up in Rochester getting a good taste of the North American pro game.
Marcus Foligno is not a first-round pick, but he is the elder statesman of this "new core" group and looks to be an integral piece of the future.
Unlike the others, he was drafted in the fourth round, pretty much as a favor to an all-time Sabres-favorite, his father Mike Foligno.
A big, strong, gritty winger, Foligno is logging top-six minutes. He lost his way after an impressive 2012 spring for the Sabres when he scored 13 points in 14 games giving him a false sense of being the reincarnation of John LeClair. He's back down to earth playing a rugged game, scoring at a .60 pts./game clip and contributing on a nightly basis.
As his draft position would indicate, he is not a player that will succeed on talent alone. It's how he plays the game, his hard work and willingness to do whatever's necessary on the ice that makes him so important to the team. He sets a good example of how to play the game squeezing every ounce of talent he can from his game.
Over the next two drafts the Sabres are intent upon adding more to this group. They have two first-round and five second-round picks as of right now. And more will be on the way as they move the likes of Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller.
The Sabres are intent upon rebuilding with as many first and second round picks as they can horde and this year should they finish near the bottom of the league, they'll be adding a top-three pick to the process. Hopefully adding top-notch quality to the mix of 10 present first-rounders.
Other than the group above, and maybe Cody Hodgson who was just signed long-term, anyone on the Sabres should be available for the right price.
Or if you're Hank Tallinder, any price.
21 yr. old defenseman Mark Pysyk is one. He has the look of a top-four, possible top-pairing d-man, is smart and steady in his zone and looks like a future leader on the team.
Another 21 yr.old rookie, Johan Larsson, has smarts, grit, and plays a solid, edgy two-way game. He may not have the top-end skills to be a top-six contributor, but he should be able to contribute in a number of ways in the top-nine.
Those are two good building blocks.
And there are a few teenagers that look to be a part of the "new core" going forward as well.
Zemgus Girgensons played in the AHL last season. His hard work and hockey sense allowed him to ramp up as the season went on and was deemed by his coach as the best player on the ice in the Amerks playoff loss to the Toronto Marlies last season. He had three goals in three games in that series (Larsson assisted on all three.)
Girgensons, "The Latvian Locomotive," is playing a strong game in his first taste of the NHL. He's doing what he did last year--keeping his legs moving and soaking up every aspect of the pro game. He has an aire about him, plays the game the way it was meant to be played and oozes leadership qualities. He's 19.
Two 18 yr. olds, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov, were drafted this year and are getting a good taste of playing defense in the NHL.
Ristolainen had played the last two seasons overseas against men in the Finnish Elite League and was deemed the most NHL-ready defenseman not named Seth Jones at the 2013 Draft. His is a smooth, polished game with a bit of an edge and he needed all of that steadiness being paired early with Mike Weber earlier this sesaon. He's been given a good dose of responsibility and has responded well save for some typical rookie mistakes.
Zadorov is quickly becoming a fan favorite because he is one physical S.O.B. And he has some offensive acumen as well. Although he finds himself out of position going for the big hit right now, it's expected he'll refine that as he learns the pro game. In addition, and maybe more important than his on-ice play, he has an infectious, child-like demeanor that's a breath of fresh air for the Sabres.
Another teenager, Mikhail Grigorenko, got off to a slow start last season being caught in the morass that was the 2012-13 Sabres. And he got off to a slow start this season as he bounced from line to line. "Grigo" recently bottomed out on the fourth line and seems to be climbing up the ladder. In the last two games he's been shifted to wing in a top-nine role and it looks as if it he has some life in him.
All but Larsson were drafted by Buffalo in the first round. Larsson was a second round pick of the Minnesota Wild.
Joel Armia is with the Sabres as his broken hand heals. The 20 yr. old RW just came to North America this year from Finland and was a first-round pick in 2011. The book on him is that of a big, talented winger with sniper skills and a wicked wrister. It looks as if he'll get some time with the Sabres, but will probably end up in Rochester getting a good taste of the North American pro game.
Marcus Foligno is not a first-round pick, but he is the elder statesman of this "new core" group and looks to be an integral piece of the future.
Unlike the others, he was drafted in the fourth round, pretty much as a favor to an all-time Sabres-favorite, his father Mike Foligno.
A big, strong, gritty winger, Foligno is logging top-six minutes. He lost his way after an impressive 2012 spring for the Sabres when he scored 13 points in 14 games giving him a false sense of being the reincarnation of John LeClair. He's back down to earth playing a rugged game, scoring at a .60 pts./game clip and contributing on a nightly basis.
As his draft position would indicate, he is not a player that will succeed on talent alone. It's how he plays the game, his hard work and willingness to do whatever's necessary on the ice that makes him so important to the team. He sets a good example of how to play the game squeezing every ounce of talent he can from his game.
Over the next two drafts the Sabres are intent upon adding more to this group. They have two first-round and five second-round picks as of right now. And more will be on the way as they move the likes of Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller.
The Sabres are intent upon rebuilding with as many first and second round picks as they can horde and this year should they finish near the bottom of the league, they'll be adding a top-three pick to the process. Hopefully adding top-notch quality to the mix of 10 present first-rounders.
Other than the group above, and maybe Cody Hodgson who was just signed long-term, anyone on the Sabres should be available for the right price.
Or if you're Hank Tallinder, any price.
Friday, October 25, 2013
How long should John Scott be suspended?
Georges Laraque was one of the great heavyweights in hockey.
At the 2007 trade deadline, Penguins GM Ray Shero traded for Laraque to protect the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, among others.
One year later, Laraque laid this elbow on Sabres defenseman Nathan Paetsch:
Laraque received a five-minute major, and game misconduct for knocking Paetsch unconscious. He then received a three game suspension for the hit to the head.
This might be something to look at when trying to figure out the length of suspension for the Sabres John Scott's hit to the head on the Bruins' Loui Eriksson.
The Laraque incident was early in the process of the NHL cracking down on hits like that. Three games seems minimal considering it looked as if he was trying to take Paetsch's head off.
Fast forward to 2013, Alexander Edler went cross-ice and landed a shoulder-to-head hit on Sharks' rookie Tomas Hertl knocking off his helmet:
Edler was considered a repeat offender, which Scott is not, and received a three game suspension.
Regardless of what the league and fans think of Scott's "skill-level" and regardless of how the 1-9-1 Buffalo Sabres are perceived, the hit is the hit.
If Scott receives more than three game for the hit it would be wrong.
Scott should receive three games for the hit, one game for being frustrated that none of the Bruins tough-guys would fight him and one game for trying to take on the role of Patrick Kaleta.
At the 2007 trade deadline, Penguins GM Ray Shero traded for Laraque to protect the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal, among others.
One year later, Laraque laid this elbow on Sabres defenseman Nathan Paetsch:
Laraque received a five-minute major, and game misconduct for knocking Paetsch unconscious. He then received a three game suspension for the hit to the head.
This might be something to look at when trying to figure out the length of suspension for the Sabres John Scott's hit to the head on the Bruins' Loui Eriksson.
The Laraque incident was early in the process of the NHL cracking down on hits like that. Three games seems minimal considering it looked as if he was trying to take Paetsch's head off.
Fast forward to 2013, Alexander Edler went cross-ice and landed a shoulder-to-head hit on Sharks' rookie Tomas Hertl knocking off his helmet:
Edler was considered a repeat offender, which Scott is not, and received a three game suspension.
Regardless of what the league and fans think of Scott's "skill-level" and regardless of how the 1-9-1 Buffalo Sabres are perceived, the hit is the hit.
If Scott receives more than three game for the hit it would be wrong.
Scott should receive three games for the hit, one game for being frustrated that none of the Bruins tough-guys would fight him and one game for trying to take on the role of Patrick Kaleta.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
The John Scott hit--why he's on the Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres have the youngest team in the league.
Last night they dressed four teenagers: Mikhail Grigorenko, Zemgus Girgensons, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov.
In addition, Mark Pysyk and Johan Larsson are 21-yr. old rookies.
John Scott is hated throughout the league. He is also hated by a good portion of the Buffalo fan-base. The haters say he has can't skate and has no skill, which is true.
Bruins coach Claude Julien said this about Scott after the game last night in which Scott threw a hit to Loui Eriksson (and his head,) "He's here to do two things, fight and hurt. He did both of those things."
There's a huge contingency who think John Scott should not be in the NHL and they want him out of the league.
In light of the Milan Lucic/Ryan Miller incident, or going back further to the head-shot Chris Neil laid on Chris Drury, and with the full backdrop of the Rivalry piece NBCSN did on the Sabres and Bruins, the question is this:
Do those six youngins, as well as skill players like Thomas Vanek and Cody Hodgson, not to mention Miller, think Scott is totally useless and should not be on the team?
The feeling here is that Scott has a role to fill. And it's not about scoring, it's about allowing the skill players to play the game with minimal fear.
You can click here as I defend Scott.
Or here for how he changed the post-Lucic/Miller, Boston/Buffalo relationship in his very first game against the B's.
For everything John Scott, click here.
Scott is not a goon, persay, he's an enforcer. And although last night wasn't very smart, this is why Sabres GM Darcy Regier re-signed him, "[Scott] created a safe work environment."
And he should continue that role with the Buffalo Sabres.
From my bud, Cisco:
"It was a bad hit, I think anyone should be able to recognize that. Generally, Scott doesn't pull that stuff, however. Overall, I don't have a problem with Scott taking up a roster spot on this team, he has a job that is still more or less needed in the NHL. What I dislike is having him play every game, and get a semi-regular shift. He's the NHL equivalent of a punter, he gets a shift when his very limited skill set is needed. The fact that he was out there just in case Grigorenko decided to wake up is bad management.
Scott will be suspended, though it shouldn't be 10 games - he simply doesn't have a suspension history to justify him getting more than Lapierre or as much as Kaleta. He definitely should be used with far more discretion than Rolston has shown, however."
Last night they dressed four teenagers: Mikhail Grigorenko, Zemgus Girgensons, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov.
In addition, Mark Pysyk and Johan Larsson are 21-yr. old rookies.
John Scott is hated throughout the league. He is also hated by a good portion of the Buffalo fan-base. The haters say he has can't skate and has no skill, which is true.
Bruins coach Claude Julien said this about Scott after the game last night in which Scott threw a hit to Loui Eriksson (and his head,) "He's here to do two things, fight and hurt. He did both of those things."
There's a huge contingency who think John Scott should not be in the NHL and they want him out of the league.
In light of the Milan Lucic/Ryan Miller incident, or going back further to the head-shot Chris Neil laid on Chris Drury, and with the full backdrop of the Rivalry piece NBCSN did on the Sabres and Bruins, the question is this:
Do those six youngins, as well as skill players like Thomas Vanek and Cody Hodgson, not to mention Miller, think Scott is totally useless and should not be on the team?
The feeling here is that Scott has a role to fill. And it's not about scoring, it's about allowing the skill players to play the game with minimal fear.
You can click here as I defend Scott.
Or here for how he changed the post-Lucic/Miller, Boston/Buffalo relationship in his very first game against the B's.
For everything John Scott, click here.
Scott is not a goon, persay, he's an enforcer. And although last night wasn't very smart, this is why Sabres GM Darcy Regier re-signed him, "[Scott] created a safe work environment."
And he should continue that role with the Buffalo Sabres.
From my bud, Cisco:
"It was a bad hit, I think anyone should be able to recognize that. Generally, Scott doesn't pull that stuff, however. Overall, I don't have a problem with Scott taking up a roster spot on this team, he has a job that is still more or less needed in the NHL. What I dislike is having him play every game, and get a semi-regular shift. He's the NHL equivalent of a punter, he gets a shift when his very limited skill set is needed. The fact that he was out there just in case Grigorenko decided to wake up is bad management.
Scott will be suspended, though it shouldn't be 10 games - he simply doesn't have a suspension history to justify him getting more than Lapierre or as much as Kaleta. He definitely should be used with far more discretion than Rolston has shown, however."
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
The Boston/Buffalo rivalry
Rather than talk about the 1-8-1 beginning to the Sabres season, my Ol' friend Don and I were caught up in the upcoming game with Boston and the rivalry that stretches back to the early 70's. He wasn't as cantankerous as usual, but he did become somewhat animated.
bsn: Did you watch the NBCSN Rivalries segment last night featuring Boston and Buffalo?
Don: Yup. Brought back some great memories. You know what I'd forgotten, maybe didn't even realize the significance of at the time? Brad May smoked none other than Raymond Bourque. Made him look like a rookie out there.
bsn: Yeah, that was a great piece. Do you think there's a "rivalry?"
Don: Well...in order to have a true rivalry, it's best to have two teams that are good with a lot on the line. With Buffalo stinking up the league right now...well...yeah, there's still a rivalry. Doesn't matter. There's a long history. These teams hate each other and have for decades.
bsn: I don't know. Colorado/Detroit is a rivalry. Toronto/Montreal.
Don: Colorado/Detroit is still a rivalry, but it was much better when the stakes were higher. Maybe Toronto/Montreal is the truest of rivalries, kinda like the Yanks and BoSox. Every game is for the heart and soul of Canada. There's an intensity on and off the ice. On both sides.
bsn: Yeah. It would seem as if there's a feeling of having a rivalry coming from the Buffalo fan base, but out of Boston, it's, like, whatever.
Don: Yup. Boston has had a great beginning to the century too. In all sports. Even got "The Curse of the Bambino" off of their backs.
bsn: The Bruins players said in that piece that they still get up for the game.
Don: Yup. At least there's an intensity on the ice. It'll be fun tonight. I think they have at least a little bit of respect for the Sabres. At least not to take them lightly. The Sabres have done pretty well against them over the past couple of years. And with John Scott annihilating Thorton, there might be a bit more respect there as well.
bsn: Think the Scott/Thorton thing will add to Sabres/Bruins lore?
Don: Hell yeah. He crushed Thorton and then went to the bench and started pointing fingers as to who's next. Signing Scott was one of the biggest moves for the Sabres, at least within those terms. For the life of me I'll never understand why people think that John Scott is completely useless.
bsn: Well. He can't skate very well. Has, like one goal in 8000 games. Ummm...
Don: So what? Tell me, how much of a difference does a fourth line player like, sayyyy, Kevin Porter make? He has a handful of points at the NHL-level, tries hard, works hard, spends some time on the PK. But...does do anything that really makes a difference for this team?
bsn: At least he can skate.
Don: That's not the point. As is stands right now, he's one of the many vanilla players on this team. John Scott made a difference. The Bruins may be a better team, with better players and better depth. They may have a ton of grit, but they're not gonna hit the ice and intimidate the Sabres.
bsn: They're still tougher and grittier for the 56 minutes Scott is not on the ice.
Don: Maybe. But having Scott do that has a ripple effect. I was listening to Roby on WGR today and he was talking about Jim Schoenfeld and Wayne Cashman going through the Zamboni doors. For me the greatest, coolest fight ever. Roby was on the ice and what Schony did, he said, was give his teammates a spine. From then on, said Roby, sitting in the lockeroom after the game with a bloody face was honorable. The punches didn't hurt. He said you didn't even feel them and he actually said they felt good.
bsn: Yeah. They said in the Rivalries piece, someone did anyway, that if you weren't tough, you acted tough and played tough.
Don: Absolutely. And it was because of Shony. Among others. Roby also talked about having three or four guys that could stand up to the "Big, Bad Bruins" and because of that, they took their intimidation elsewhere. Ya gotta remember, those were tough days in the NHL. They didn't pull a movie like Slapshot out of thin air. And the Sabres were a fledgling franchise at the time.
bsn: Is Mike Weber on the ice because he's one of those three or four guys?
Don: Ummm...he's not intimidated. Which is a good thing. Steve Ott is one of those guys. So is Patty Kaleta. He's another one. Sometimes the Buffalo fans drive me friggen' bonkers. Fans from another team will say Patty's useless. No he's not, he's a legit fourth-line, energy-guy. And they'll say he turtles. No he doesn't. He took on Milan Lucic. Stood toe-to-toe. And actually skated off the ice afterwards imploring the fans to get into it. The Sabres won that game handily.
bsn: What did you think of the suspension?
Don: A bunch of crap. Not the fact that he was suspended. Just the length in light of other suspensions. Yeah, he has a record. But I really think if he wanted to he could've taken off the guy's head and put him on a stretcher. Kinda like that one guy did.
bsn: You mean Max Lapierre?
Don: Yeah, that douche. No question Patty has douche-like qualities, but that hit Lapierre laid on...who was it?
bsn: Dan Boyle.
Don: Right. Drove his face right into the boards. And he got what? Five games. Shanahan doesn't like Patty. Probably reminds him too much of Claude Lemieux. Probably could care less about the Sabres as well.
bsn: You think the league has a vendetta against Kaleta?
Don: Yeah. Well, kinda. They choose to throw the book at him whenever possible, while others they'll give the benefit of the doubt to. By the way, the guy he hit scored a goal in the next game.
bsn: Well, if he wants to play in the NHL, perhaps he should take Matt Cooke's advice.
Don: Really? Matt Cooke is a changed man? You watch. When the stakes get higher, his natural instincts will come through. Like a drink in front of a recovering alcoholic.
Listen. Having this shit happen to Patty K. makes me like him all the more. Having John Scott on the team makes me like them more. I'm really tired of Darcy Regier's soccer-mom team that he iced the last 10 years. You want a standard? Place any of those Buffalo Sabres players back in the 70's. If that guy could play back then, not necessarily be a Shony or King Kong Korab, but a player with a spine who could play his game; that should be the standard by which all present and future Buffalo Sabres should be judged.
bsn: So who amongst this team do you think could make it back then?
Don: The obvious gritty ones like Ott, Patty, Scott, Weber. McCormick could've made it back then if there were 30 teams like there are now. Vanek could score in any style NHL. Foligno. Maybe Stafford.
bsn: How about the youngsters?
Don: It'll be interesting to see how Nikita Zadorov plays tonight. I think he's one of those guys. Love his demeanor. And I think it's genuine. He gets a gleam in his eye when it comes to hitting. Tonight is a great test for him. Larry Robinson. Did you see the top-10 defenseman spot afterwards? Great piece on Robinson. He didn't necessarily look for trouble, but if you came in looking for trouble, he'd beat ya down to size. It's too early, but I'm wondering if Zadorov has a little Robinson in him.
bsn: That would be cool...
Don: Speaking of Robinson. If Pegula wants to really turn his hockey operations around, he should go after Robinson after the season is over. I think the Sharks have a golden opportunity to win the Cup this year. After that I'd offer him a VP of hockey ops position and let him work with the incoming group of youngsters.
bsn: You think he'd come to Buffalo?
Don: Money talks. And Pegula's got it. And Robinson deserves it. And he has the hockey knowledge and winning attitude. Bring him in. Let him decide who the GM is and then get themselves a coaching staff.
bsn: You think Regier's gone?
Don: Not now. At the end of the year. The knucklehead fan-base is calling for his head. Sheesh. Regier is doing a fine job tearing down his core and getting usefull assets in return. There's no reason to think that he can't add another two or three top-60 picks over the next two drafts as well as maybe a prospect or two for dealing Vanek and Miller. Maybe even Stafford as well. What's the difference if this crappy team has him as GM for the year. It won't affect the product on the ice this season.
bsn: Yeah, but the fans hate him.
Don: So what? They're overreacting. Look. The way they should view him is as a journeyman quarterback with a weak offensive line. And no running game. That QB should take all the lumps while the team rebuilds the line. The QB of the future can stay on the sidelines without getting hurt, without getting thrown into a toxic situation. Next year, it's all his.
bsn: Hmmm. Interesting. But do you trust him?
Don: Darcy has two things to do collecting his paycheck--continue getting assets for his "core" and take the heat from the fans. That's it. Assistant GM Kevin Devine seems to be in charge of personnel. At least with the drafting part. Not sure how much input he had into the likes of Johan Larsson and Matt Hackett.
bsn: Who wins tonight?
Don: *shrugs* Sabres? I guess? How about 3-2? Might even be a shoot-out. I see two, maybe three fights, with Foligno dropping them, maybe Scott. Maybe Weber and probably someone unexpected. Maybe Zadorov?
bsn: You really think so? That they'll beat the Bruins?
Don: I don't know. Look. If Rolston really wants to motivate his team, they should skate, dress and spend the next half hour watching the Rivalries piece, then follow it up with the Roby audio. That's the Buffalo Sabres and how they can rise again.
An all-time classic: Shony and Cashman
Patty K. takes one on the chin for the team
bsn: Did you watch the NBCSN Rivalries segment last night featuring Boston and Buffalo?
Don: Yup. Brought back some great memories. You know what I'd forgotten, maybe didn't even realize the significance of at the time? Brad May smoked none other than Raymond Bourque. Made him look like a rookie out there.
bsn: Yeah, that was a great piece. Do you think there's a "rivalry?"
Don: Well...in order to have a true rivalry, it's best to have two teams that are good with a lot on the line. With Buffalo stinking up the league right now...well...yeah, there's still a rivalry. Doesn't matter. There's a long history. These teams hate each other and have for decades.
bsn: I don't know. Colorado/Detroit is a rivalry. Toronto/Montreal.
Don: Colorado/Detroit is still a rivalry, but it was much better when the stakes were higher. Maybe Toronto/Montreal is the truest of rivalries, kinda like the Yanks and BoSox. Every game is for the heart and soul of Canada. There's an intensity on and off the ice. On both sides.
bsn: Yeah. It would seem as if there's a feeling of having a rivalry coming from the Buffalo fan base, but out of Boston, it's, like, whatever.
Don: Yup. Boston has had a great beginning to the century too. In all sports. Even got "The Curse of the Bambino" off of their backs.
bsn: The Bruins players said in that piece that they still get up for the game.
Don: Yup. At least there's an intensity on the ice. It'll be fun tonight. I think they have at least a little bit of respect for the Sabres. At least not to take them lightly. The Sabres have done pretty well against them over the past couple of years. And with John Scott annihilating Thorton, there might be a bit more respect there as well.
bsn: Think the Scott/Thorton thing will add to Sabres/Bruins lore?
Don: Hell yeah. He crushed Thorton and then went to the bench and started pointing fingers as to who's next. Signing Scott was one of the biggest moves for the Sabres, at least within those terms. For the life of me I'll never understand why people think that John Scott is completely useless.
bsn: Well. He can't skate very well. Has, like one goal in 8000 games. Ummm...
Don: So what? Tell me, how much of a difference does a fourth line player like, sayyyy, Kevin Porter make? He has a handful of points at the NHL-level, tries hard, works hard, spends some time on the PK. But...does do anything that really makes a difference for this team?
bsn: At least he can skate.
Don: That's not the point. As is stands right now, he's one of the many vanilla players on this team. John Scott made a difference. The Bruins may be a better team, with better players and better depth. They may have a ton of grit, but they're not gonna hit the ice and intimidate the Sabres.
bsn: They're still tougher and grittier for the 56 minutes Scott is not on the ice.
Don: Maybe. But having Scott do that has a ripple effect. I was listening to Roby on WGR today and he was talking about Jim Schoenfeld and Wayne Cashman going through the Zamboni doors. For me the greatest, coolest fight ever. Roby was on the ice and what Schony did, he said, was give his teammates a spine. From then on, said Roby, sitting in the lockeroom after the game with a bloody face was honorable. The punches didn't hurt. He said you didn't even feel them and he actually said they felt good.
bsn: Yeah. They said in the Rivalries piece, someone did anyway, that if you weren't tough, you acted tough and played tough.
Don: Absolutely. And it was because of Shony. Among others. Roby also talked about having three or four guys that could stand up to the "Big, Bad Bruins" and because of that, they took their intimidation elsewhere. Ya gotta remember, those were tough days in the NHL. They didn't pull a movie like Slapshot out of thin air. And the Sabres were a fledgling franchise at the time.
bsn: Is Mike Weber on the ice because he's one of those three or four guys?
Don: Ummm...he's not intimidated. Which is a good thing. Steve Ott is one of those guys. So is Patty Kaleta. He's another one. Sometimes the Buffalo fans drive me friggen' bonkers. Fans from another team will say Patty's useless. No he's not, he's a legit fourth-line, energy-guy. And they'll say he turtles. No he doesn't. He took on Milan Lucic. Stood toe-to-toe. And actually skated off the ice afterwards imploring the fans to get into it. The Sabres won that game handily.
bsn: What did you think of the suspension?
Don: A bunch of crap. Not the fact that he was suspended. Just the length in light of other suspensions. Yeah, he has a record. But I really think if he wanted to he could've taken off the guy's head and put him on a stretcher. Kinda like that one guy did.
bsn: You mean Max Lapierre?
Don: Yeah, that douche. No question Patty has douche-like qualities, but that hit Lapierre laid on...who was it?
bsn: Dan Boyle.
Don: Right. Drove his face right into the boards. And he got what? Five games. Shanahan doesn't like Patty. Probably reminds him too much of Claude Lemieux. Probably could care less about the Sabres as well.
bsn: You think the league has a vendetta against Kaleta?
Don: Yeah. Well, kinda. They choose to throw the book at him whenever possible, while others they'll give the benefit of the doubt to. By the way, the guy he hit scored a goal in the next game.
bsn: Well, if he wants to play in the NHL, perhaps he should take Matt Cooke's advice.
Don: Really? Matt Cooke is a changed man? You watch. When the stakes get higher, his natural instincts will come through. Like a drink in front of a recovering alcoholic.
Listen. Having this shit happen to Patty K. makes me like him all the more. Having John Scott on the team makes me like them more. I'm really tired of Darcy Regier's soccer-mom team that he iced the last 10 years. You want a standard? Place any of those Buffalo Sabres players back in the 70's. If that guy could play back then, not necessarily be a Shony or King Kong Korab, but a player with a spine who could play his game; that should be the standard by which all present and future Buffalo Sabres should be judged.
bsn: So who amongst this team do you think could make it back then?
Don: The obvious gritty ones like Ott, Patty, Scott, Weber. McCormick could've made it back then if there were 30 teams like there are now. Vanek could score in any style NHL. Foligno. Maybe Stafford.
bsn: How about the youngsters?
Don: It'll be interesting to see how Nikita Zadorov plays tonight. I think he's one of those guys. Love his demeanor. And I think it's genuine. He gets a gleam in his eye when it comes to hitting. Tonight is a great test for him. Larry Robinson. Did you see the top-10 defenseman spot afterwards? Great piece on Robinson. He didn't necessarily look for trouble, but if you came in looking for trouble, he'd beat ya down to size. It's too early, but I'm wondering if Zadorov has a little Robinson in him.
bsn: That would be cool...
Don: Speaking of Robinson. If Pegula wants to really turn his hockey operations around, he should go after Robinson after the season is over. I think the Sharks have a golden opportunity to win the Cup this year. After that I'd offer him a VP of hockey ops position and let him work with the incoming group of youngsters.
bsn: You think he'd come to Buffalo?
Don: Money talks. And Pegula's got it. And Robinson deserves it. And he has the hockey knowledge and winning attitude. Bring him in. Let him decide who the GM is and then get themselves a coaching staff.
bsn: You think Regier's gone?
Don: Not now. At the end of the year. The knucklehead fan-base is calling for his head. Sheesh. Regier is doing a fine job tearing down his core and getting usefull assets in return. There's no reason to think that he can't add another two or three top-60 picks over the next two drafts as well as maybe a prospect or two for dealing Vanek and Miller. Maybe even Stafford as well. What's the difference if this crappy team has him as GM for the year. It won't affect the product on the ice this season.
bsn: Yeah, but the fans hate him.
Don: So what? They're overreacting. Look. The way they should view him is as a journeyman quarterback with a weak offensive line. And no running game. That QB should take all the lumps while the team rebuilds the line. The QB of the future can stay on the sidelines without getting hurt, without getting thrown into a toxic situation. Next year, it's all his.
bsn: Hmmm. Interesting. But do you trust him?
Don: Darcy has two things to do collecting his paycheck--continue getting assets for his "core" and take the heat from the fans. That's it. Assistant GM Kevin Devine seems to be in charge of personnel. At least with the drafting part. Not sure how much input he had into the likes of Johan Larsson and Matt Hackett.
bsn: Who wins tonight?
Don: *shrugs* Sabres? I guess? How about 3-2? Might even be a shoot-out. I see two, maybe three fights, with Foligno dropping them, maybe Scott. Maybe Weber and probably someone unexpected. Maybe Zadorov?
bsn: You really think so? That they'll beat the Bruins?
Don: I don't know. Look. If Rolston really wants to motivate his team, they should skate, dress and spend the next half hour watching the Rivalries piece, then follow it up with the Roby audio. That's the Buffalo Sabres and how they can rise again.
An all-time classic: Shony and Cashman
Patty K. takes one on the chin for the team
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