Kings in 5

Wayne Gretzky just called Kopitar the 3rd best player in the game behind Crosby and Toews. I know he's up there, but that's some high praise.
- buffalofan19

No way he's 3rd. However I have always thought of him as a legit franchise center

2016 world cup of hockey in Toronto

I will be happy with any of Ekblad/Reinhart/Bennett as I believe all 3 possess enough hockey talent to help this team move forward. I have slight favoritism for Bennett only because I like rooting for the feisty, "Gilmour-like" players in the league.

My question to you guys is, in your opinions, how high up do you think the Sabres could move into the first round by packaging the 3 second round picks (or player and picks)?

I would love to see the Sabres move up to grab Alex Tuch. Syracuse native, big power forward, and USA NTDP player makes him seem like a great fit in what they are trying to do in Buffalo.

Reinhart/Tuch or Bennett/Tuch would be a nice haul.
- jkuczkowski

Considering the Sabres own the very 1st pick in rd 2 (practically a late 1st)...

I'd say they should be able to get pretty close to the middle of the 1st rd by packaging picks #31, 48, & 54.



Package those 3 second rd'ers for say... 17th overall?

See if maybe Brendan Perlini is still hanging around?

If Phanuef's contract wasn't insane I would do it.

I doubt the Leafs are offering that to move up 7 spots. There is no guarantee Ekblad ends up better than Phadouche
- sbroads24

Thats why I stress if I am florida, they dont come close to spending to the cap, so they are safe with his contract. And Phaneuf is 29 so he should finish out that contract (he wont be great at the end of it, i know some will argue how good he is now)

If I am Buffalo I wouldnt want anything to do with it. We need way too much still.

No way he's 3rd. However I have always thought of him as a legit franchise center
- sbroads24

Sorry Gretzky, I like kopitar, but he isnt even the 3rd best center in the game let alone player.

Oh look Quick didn't stop the breakaway I guess he is Overrated

No way he's 3rd. However I have always thought of him as a legit franchise center
- sbroads24

Great 2-way capabilities and the full offensive package.

Oh look Quick didn't stop the breakaway I guess he is Overrated
- Herzeleid

(yes)

Oh look Quick didn't stop the breakaway I guess he is Overrated
- Herzeleid

Orthat shorty

(yes)
- robz228

"lets in a SH goal"

No way he's 3rd. However I have always thought of him as a legit franchise center
- sbroads24

if he was canadian he'd be 3rd undoubtedly. american MAYBE. but hes euro, so hes not.

Oh look Quick didn't stop the breakaway I guess he is Overrated
- Herzeleid

I thought the rangers sucked, why are they winning by two? I feel like the media has been misinforming me.

"lets in a SH goal"
- Herzeleid

he had a legendary playoff run. besides that hes been average. just like every other goalie in the league besides lundqvist

This is a Benny Hill-esque first period.

he had a legendary playoff run. besides that hes been average. just like every other goalie in the league besides lundqvist
- robz228

IMO he plays small in the net, but his defense is big and mobile and takes away time and space.

Kings in 5
- The_Inkwell

Jackets in 6

IMO he plays small in the net, but his defense is big and mobile and takes away time and space.
- nfph

hes pretty unique, thats for sure. probably why most people love him. plays small and slides around a lot.

i just think pads are so big and goalies are so athletic (and generally taller/bigger) nowadays that you have to be insanely good to even be noticeably better than anyone else.

Oh look Quick didn't stop the breakaway I guess he is Overrated
- Herzeleid

Love it

And sadley, all that being said... Ekblad would be the slam dunk pick IMO.


After watching the playoffs, I'd love to see Ekblad/Myers turn into a dominant shutdown pair.


Ekblad/Myers
Erhoff/Pysyk
Zadorov/Ristolienen



...like a young STL model. Like a Boss.
- SuperCat

The only player taken outside of top like 15 is ehrhoff.

Considering the Sabres own the very 1st pick in rd 2 (practically a late 1st)...

I'd say they should be able to get pretty close to the middle of the 1st rd by packaging picks #31, 48, & 54.



Package those 3 second rd'ers for say... 17th overall?

See if maybe Brendan Perlini is still hanging around?
- SuperCat

Based on an old article I found, #15-17 sounds about right for #31, 39, & 49.
http://www.broadstreethoc...aft-pick-value-trading-up
Is it worth it? Quality over quantity? Based on what we have in the cupboards already I would think so.

The only player taken outside of top like 15 is ehrhoff.
- SabresFaninIndiana

Zadorov 16

Pysyk 23




I think one or two of Risto/Zads/Pysyk gets dealt for a big time player by 15-16

Just a hunch.

IMO he plays small in the net, but his defense is big and mobile and takes away time and space.
- nfph

One of the biggest parts of great goaltending is having a good defense. Crawford on any other team would be in the AHL.

Look at mike smith he looks like a back up in Tampa and is a decent starter in phx.

Did buffalos GAA change much after buffalo went from all word miller to average ECHL goalie #2?

Zadorov 16

Pysyk 23




I think one or two of Risto/Zads/Pysyk gets dealt for a big time player by 15-16

Just a hunch.
- Sabresfan-365

You and your facts.

One of the biggest parts of great goaltending is having a good defense. Crawford on any other team would be in the AHL.

Look at mike smith he looks like a back up in Tampa and is a decent starter in phx.

Did buffalos GAA change much after buffalo went from all word miller to average ECHL goalie #2?
- SabresFaninIndiana

I think we might have gone from bad to terrible, bit agree to the point overall. Lundqvist is a difference maker, however.