Lots of size and strength in that group, for a team that could use both attributes. What's the story with Armia? When is he expected to come to N. America?

Essentially what Vlasic is-- a good shutdown defender who can move the puck.



I think Pysyk has more upside. I compare McNabb to Weber for style of play, not upside.



Reminds me of the way Brouwer plays, and figure Folgino ends up being a complimentary Top Niner who can play with skilled guys and move around the lineup to inject some "grit."



Brennan early on was a guy who threw around his body hard and had a point shot. It obviously hasn't translated as much, but there were some light comparisons. I had a hard time coming up with someone else... maybe a P.K. Subban-lite?
- Brian Huddle

Thanks for the reply Huddle.

I see your points and I respect them.. I guess i thought Brennan was an offensive minded D-man.. I apparently have not seen him play enough.

I think I like McNabb more because he is more polished for the NHL game currently.. Pysyk hasn't even played a single game in the AHL yet.

Long term who knows..

Lots of size and strength in that group, for a team that could use both attributes. What's the story with Armia? When is he expected to come to N. America?
- UIF

he is required to serve a year in the military this year.. and then he technically has one year left on his contract with Jokerit but I'm sure that could be bought out.

Jokerit's GM said that Armia is gonna play that year.

Seeing Pysyk during development camp has me intrigued. He moves very well on the ice. Very smooth skater. He makes it look effortless. I think that's what he has over McNabb as far as potential goes. I have a feeling they may end up paired together. I'm not complaining though, because that could be a pairing that could cause other teams fits for years.
- HonkFortheGoose

that would be a great pairing if they both reach potential

She lied. Size does matter
- keptupl8

hard to get across the atlantic in a row boat

Lots of size and strength in that group, for a team that could use both attributes. What's the story with Armia? When is he expected to come to N. America?
- UIF

2013-2014.. he has his military obligation and finish his contract with the finish elite league then come over

No Danny Can?
- IanEsplen

We'll just say I'm not a fan... at all.

im worried no goalie
- hubie

I like Nathan Leiuwen (spelling?) a lot.

You need to watch more of the Rochester games. Brennan hits. Often. Same with McNabb. We didn't see that as much when they played in Buffalo because they were playing a very vanilla game when called up.
- HonkFortheGoose

This. It takes some guys a bit to really get comfortable with hitting at the NHL level. A big fear of mistakes.

I am surprised that Kea is higher than Catenaci.. I admit i know little of either of them but from what i have read it seemed that Cat had the higher future.. any thoughts on him?

it scares me a little that Buffalo has very little in the Goalie department.
- SabresFaninIndiana

As I alluded to earlier, I'm not a Cat fan. Higher upside? Absolutely. But I think Kea is likely NHL'er whereas I don't see it with Cat. He's got tunnel vision, poor attitude, and his development has plateaued a lot. I had hoped the trade to Owen Sound would spark something, but saw the same old Cat. And this time he didn't have the excuse that his wingers sucked.

And I like Lieuwen a lot.

Lots of size and strength in that group, for a team that could use both attributes. What's the story with Armia? When is he expected to come to N. America?
- UIF

year left of military service

I wouldnt put him ahead of the new centers

im worried no goalie
- hubie

rangers don't have that either, makes me a little nervous.

We'll just say I'm not a fan... at all.



I like Nathan Leiuwen (spelling?) a lot.




This. It takes some guys a bit to really get comfortable with hitting at the NHL level. A big fear of mistakes.



As I alluded to earlier, I'm not a Cat fan. Higher upside? Absolutely. But I think Kea is likely NHL'er whereas I don't see it with Cat. He's got tunnel vision, poor attitude, and his development has plateaued a lot. I had hoped the trade to Owen Sound would spark something, but saw the same old Cat. And this time he didn't have the excuse that his wingers sucked.

And I like Lieuwen a lot.
- Brian Huddle

So you like Lieuwen more than Knapp? I thougth the "early" word on the streets was that Knapp is gonna get the nod as Leggio's back up in Rochester and Lieuwen might go to the ECHL?

I don't have the highest hopes for Catenacci either.. he has the size of Derek Roy 2.0 and comparable attitude and on ice game as well.

Nice job Huddleman, Great to see an outside perspective on our team. Things don't look so bad in Sabreland .
- cabin

Lots of size and strength in that group, for a team that could use both attributes. What's the story with Armia? When is he expected to come to N. America?
- UIF

One more year of military service, then make the jump, I heard.

This. It takes some guys a bit to really get comfortable with hitting at the NHL level. A big fear of mistakes.



As I alluded to earlier, I'm not a Cat fan. Higher upside? Absolutely. But I think Kea is likely NHL'er whereas I don't see it with Cat. He's got tunnel vision, poor attitude, and his development has plateaued a lot. I had hoped the trade to Owen Sound would spark something, but saw the same old Cat. And this time he didn't have the excuse that his wingers sucked.

And I like Lieuwen a lot.
- Brian Huddle

McNabb didn't have the being scared of hitting problem

Good to hear on Kea, we will need a player of that type.. Would be great to have a better skating version of Goose.

We'll just say I'm not a fan... at all.



I like Nathan Leiuwen (spelling?) a lot.




This. It takes some guys a bit to really get comfortable with hitting at the NHL level. A big fear of mistakes.



As I alluded to earlier, I'm not a Cat fan. Higher upside? Absolutely. But I think Kea is likely NHL'er whereas I don't see it with Cat. He's got tunnel vision, poor attitude, and his development has plateaued a lot. I had hoped the trade to Owen Sound would spark something, but saw the same old Cat. And this time he didn't have the excuse that his wingers sucked.

And I like Lieuwen a lot.
- Brian Huddle

I'm interested to see how the goalie situation works out in Rochester this year. Knapp looked good during development camp. Plus the resigned Leggio as well. I like what Leggio has done for us, but I don't want him taking time away from Knapp and Lieuwen either.

rangers don't have that either, makes me a little nervous.
- tomburton99

If Biron wouldn't have come back who would have been the King's back up?? a UFA or a pipeline guy?

McNabb didn't have the being scared of hitting problem

Good to hear on Kea, we will need a player of that type.. Would be great to have a better skating version of Goose.
- SabresFaninIndiana

He had some good hits in Buffalo, but he used his size a lot more in Rochester.

I'm interested to see how the goalie situation works out in Rochester this year. Knapp looked good during development camp. Plus the resigned Leggio as well. I like what Leggio has done for us, but I don't want him taking time away from Knapp and Lieuwen either.
- HonkFortheGoose

Leggio was Rochester's player of the year last year... which I found interesting. I think the team holds leggio in higher regards than we think..

2013-2014.. he has his military obligation and finish his contract with the finish elite league then come over
- SabresFaninIndiana

RE: Armia

...and he won't be spending much (any?) time in Rochester.

He had some good hits in Buffalo, but he used his size a lot more in Rochester.
- HonkFortheGoose

Where will Kea play this year? Is he going to school for a few years? or what's his deal?

So you like Lieuwen more than Knapp? I thougth the "early" word on the streets was that Knapp is gonna get the nod as Leggio's back up in Rochester and Lieuwen might go to the ECHL?

I don't have the highest hopes for Catenacci either.. he has the size of Derek Roy 2.0 and comparable attitude and on ice game as well.
- JVince11

I like Lieuwen long term a lot. Obviously he's a bit more long term --- but he's just got a winning attitude, and has pulled his teams through a lot.

Knapp's been a very up-and-down guy over the past two years so it's hard to get a read. I'll fully admit that goalies are extremely hard for me to scout... they're an entirely different breed and hard to get much of a projection on.

RE: Armia

...and he won't be spending much (any?) time in Rochester.
- Jacob582

Vanek's contract is up in 2 years.. .and Armia is seen to stand in immediately for Vanek's spot.

seems to be the mindset of most.

I'm interested to see how the goalie situation works out in Rochester this year. Knapp looked good during development camp. Plus the resigned Leggio as well. I like what Leggio has done for us, but I don't want him taking time away from Knapp and Lieuwen either.
- HonkFortheGoose

Luckily the ECHL isn't development hell for goalies. Only forwards and defensemen...

Where will Kea play this year? Is he going to school for a few years? or what's his deal?
- JVince11

Kea plays for Saginaw. Has to finish two more years in the OHL before he can go to the AHL.

I like Lieuwen long term a lot. Obviously he's a bit more long term --- but he's just got a winning attitude, and has pulled his teams through a lot.

Knapp's been a very up-and-down guy over the past two years so it's hard to get a read. I'll fully admit that goalies are extremely hard for me to scout... they're an entirely different breed and hard to get much of a projection on.
- Brian Huddle

all true statements... I think a goalie's play is also very closing shadowed by how much talent is around him as well. When a goalie can trust a Dman to cover his back side door he plays with a lot more confidence. If a goalie can trust a Dman to cut off the cross ice passes.. he can concentrate more.

Luckily the ECHL isn't development hell for goalies. Only forwards and defensemen...


- Brian Huddle

Chet Pickard would disagree...

RE: Armia

...and he won't be spending much (any?) time in Rochester.
- Jacob582

Has Buffalo signed Armia?

Just wondering because doesn't he go back in the draft next year if he isn't signed by June 15th?