I just heard Barry Melrose speaking on NHL radio. He is covering the Frozen Four for ESPN. Anyway, he went on and on about Jack Eichel being the "real deal". Size, skating, pro shot etc.

We are on the two "tank" line. We need to put it in the "tank" zone. I want McDavid or Eichel. No sloppy thirds for me!

Go Columbus Go

P.S. - for you anti-tankers, Melrose also said lots of nice things about Hanifin. For what it's worth, Melrose would take Hanifin at #3

So, I am listening to WGR55, the Mike and Bulldog show.
I just can't believe some fans calling and questioning the TANK!!!
I guess they would be more happy with chasing 8th place forever, rather than build a championship team.
It's a no-brainer!!
- Sabresfan88

There's a difference between wanting a loss and 30th (pretty unanimous) and Schopp openly saying players should lay down Friday. This kind of talk has gone too far. Now we're on board with throwing games? I'd love a loss and to end this crap but for a radio host of the flagship station to imply the players goal Friday is zero points....sorry, that's going too far. The team was built to be 30th. We'll see how it plays out.

Seems even the 4th line should be productive too.
- cabin

Remember when Roy-Afinogenov-Vanek was our THIRD line? I think we could have a squad that deep in a couple years. With our 4 centers potentially being McEich-Reinhardt-Grig-Girg we should definitely be able to score no matter what line is out there.

Yesterday Mike Schopp said he thinks scouts and GM's were jealous of the Sabres for being in position to draft McDavid or Eichel, to go along with the prospects that we already have.

IMO that's an incredibly arrogant narrative. Yes, our future looks bright, yes Eichel will probably be great, but 90% of the teams in this league could care less about them. 75% of the league is focusing on the playoffs or trying to make the playoffs over the last few months.

Outside of the Leafs, Canes and AZ, who exactly would be "jealous" of the Sabres?

This also isn't a knock on Schopp, I have heard this from other people as well. There is a ton of work to be done to make other teams jealous of us.

Remember when Roy-Afinogenov-Vanek was our THIRD line? I think we could have a squad that deep in a couple years. With our 4 centers potentially being McEich-Reinhardt-Grig-Girg we should definitely be able to score no matter what line is out there.
- ZootAllures

Thats what i'm aiming for

Take a look at this list. brings back memories. sortable by whatever stat you want.

http://www.hockeydb.com/i...play_players.php?tmi=5054

Thats what i'm aiming for

Take a look at this list. brings back memories.

http://www.hockeydb.com/i...play_players.php?tmi=5054
- cabin

The only scary part is who would be the 3rd and 4th line?

I don't know if Grigorenko is a fit for either of those roles.

The only scary part is who would be the 3rd and 4th line?

I don't know if Grigorenko is a fit for either of those roles.
- thatsapickle

4 lines. all equal playing time.

Yesterday Mike Schopp said he thinks scouts and GM's were jealous of the Sabres for being in position to draft McDavid or Eichel, to go along with the prospects that we already have.

IMO that's an incredibly arrogant narrative. Yes, our future looks bright, yes Eichel will probably be great, but 90% of the teams in this league could care less about them. 75% of the league is focusing on the playoffs or trying to make the playoffs over the last few months.

Outside of the Leafs, Canes and AZ, who exactly would be "jealous" of the Sabres?

This also isn't a knock on Schopp, I have heard this from other people as well. There is a ton of work to be done to make other teams jealous of us.
- sbroads24

It's not a situation to make a GM jealous. However, I'm having a hard time thinking of a better scenario for an incoming GM that has been hired to rebuild a team.

The only scary part is who would be the 3rd and 4th line?

I don't know if Grigorenko is a fit for either of those roles.
- thatsapickle

Connolly, Pominville, and Kotalik had no problem in that role in 2005-2006. When your top six is that good, it doesn't matter if you're cut out for that role or not. Talent will take over.

Connolly, Pominville, and Kotalik had no problem in that role in 2005-2006. When your top six is that good, it doesn't matter if you're cut out for that role or not. Talent will take over.
- buffalofan19

That's a good point. It's been so long since it has been that way, I have forgotten.

Connolly, Pominville, and Kotalik had no problem in that role in 2005-2006. When your top six is that good, it doesn't matter if you're cut out for that role or not. Talent will take over.
- buffalofan19

I still can't believe how stacked our team was that year. That playoff run was by far the most fun I've ever had as a Sabres fan. The 7-6 OT win against Ottawa is one of the best sports moments of my life.

It's not a situation to make a GM jealous. However, I'm having a hard time thinking of a better scenario for an incoming GM that has been hired to rebuild a team.
- buffalofan19

I could agree to an extent that some GM's could be jealous of what Murray was handed. However I doubt it's close to a majority of them.

The Sabres are still a ways away IMO (2 years from 6-8th seed) and I doubt most GM's are even thinking that far down the road. Like I said, most teams 70-80% of them are focused on the present.

I could agree to an extent that some GM's could be jealous of what Murray was handed. However I doubt it's close to a majority of them.

The Sabres are still a ways away IMO (2 years from 6-8th seed) and I doubt most GM's are even thinking that far down the road. Like I said, most teams 70-80% of them are focused on the present.
- sbroads24

I would say anyone that isn't in a playoff position is probably envious of where TM is. Ownership would be another factor as well.

I would say anyone that isn't in a playoff position is probably envious of where TM is. Ownership would be another factor as well.
- Sabresfan-365

Maybe. I find that a little hard to believe.

I don't think someone like Jim Nill would be, or someone like Joe Sakic.


Ownership does play a part, but we are kind of in our own little bubble when it comes to the tank. There are 20 teams on the complete opposite side of the fence

Maybe. I find that a little hard to believe.

I don't think someone like Jim Nill would be, or someone like Joe Sakic.


Ownership does play a part, but we are kind of in our own little bubble when it comes to the tank. There are 20 teams on the complete opposite side of the fence
- sbroads24

And only a handful of that 20 are legitimately championship caliber, or are in a position to be soon. And that might be generous. You're right. They're probably not envious, but there are only 3 or 4 teams I'd trade places with right now.

And only a handful of that 20 are legitimately championship caliber, or are in a position to be soon. And that might be generous. You're right. They're probably not envious, but there are only 3 or 4 teams I'd trade places with right now.
- buffalofan19

Sure and I would agree, but that's because we have been at this for 2 years and we want to see the end result.

"Grigerenko is the next Malkin" lol after he was drafted -HFboards

The guy will never be a huge factor in the NHL. He doesn't have the heart. Many hockey fans couldn't tell you the difference in heart of Doug Gilmour compared to a Pierre Turgeon or Drury vs Yashin, to me it's very evident the difference in heart and determination.

Thoughts on possibly trading for Brown...
2 mediocre years in a row (27pts each), but still plays hard (30yrs old) & could be a good leader for the kids
Plus, with LA's cap issues, I think he could be had pretty cheap
And it prob can't hurt to bring in another guy that's won some Cups
He's been one of my fav players for a while though, so I'm a little biased here

Another guy I'd like us to target is Marchand.
Boston has cap issues as well, and he's been rumored to be available off & on for a while. I freaking hate this guy, but I think I'd love him if he were on my team.
And he could def be a 25+ goal guy playing with a young talented center, which we have a number of
Gritty & pretty good skater, seems like a good fit

Thoughts on possibly trading for Brown...
2 mediocre years in a row (27pts each), but still plays hard (30yrs old) & could be a good leader for the kids
Plus, with LA's cap issues, I think he could be had pretty cheap
And it prob can't hurt to bring in another guy that's won some Cups
He's been one of my fav players for a while though, so I'm a little biased here

Another guy I'd like us to target is Marchand.
Boston has cap issues as well, and he's been rumored to be available off & on for a while. I freaking hate this guy, but I think I'd love him if he were on my team.
And he could def be a 25+ goal guy playing with a young talented center, which we have a number of
Gritty & pretty good skater, seems like a good fit
- jdfitz77

I'd prefer neither. The cost to get them would probably be higher than I would be willing to give up.

I know it's still chilly in WNY but out here in Colorado spring is in full gear. The bears that were playing/fighting in my neighborhood today can confirm.

Thoughts on possibly trading for Brown...
2 mediocre years in a row (27pts each), but still plays hard (30yrs old) & could be a good leader for the kids
Plus, with LA's cap issues, I think he could be had pretty cheap
And it prob can't hurt to bring in another guy that's won some Cups
He's been one of my fav players for a while though, so I'm a little biased here

Another guy I'd like us to target is Marchand.
Boston has cap issues as well, and he's been rumored to be available off & on for a while. I freaking hate this guy, but I think I'd love him if he were on my team.
And he could def be a 25+ goal guy playing with a young talented center, which we have a number of
Gritty & pretty good skater, seems like a good fit
- jdfitz77

I'd rather do something Yost suggested. Offer sheet Toffoli at $5.5 and Martin Jones at $3.5. The pick compensation doesn't overlap so they could do it. LA doesn't have the money to match both offers. So the Sabres either get a top-6 winger or a potential franchise goalie.

Anyone else going to the Pitt game? Can we please start a "Connor's Better" chant every time Crosby is on the ice?

I'd rather do something Yost suggested. Offer sheet Toffoli at $5.5 and Martin Jones at $3.5. The pick compensation doesn't overlap so they could do it. LA doesn't have the money to match both offers. So the Sabres either get a top-6 winger or a potential franchise goalie.
- Pierceme69

LA would move out other parts and make Toffoli fit. Jones I could see and isn't a bad idea.

Thoughts on possibly trading for Brown...
2 mediocre years in a row (27pts each), but still plays hard (30yrs old) & could be a good leader for the kids
Plus, with LA's cap issues, I think he could be had pretty cheap
And it prob can't hurt to bring in another guy that's won some Cups
He's been one of my fav players for a while though, so I'm a little biased here

Another guy I'd like us to target is Marchand.
Boston has cap issues as well, and he's been rumored to be available off & on for a while. I freaking hate this guy, but I think I'd love him if he were on my team.
And he could def be a 25+ goal guy playing with a young talented center, which we have a number of
Gritty & pretty good skater, seems like a good fit
- jdfitz77

Brown's body is wearing down. He's a 3rd liner at best and will continue his downward trend.

Marchand will be a completely different player without Chara and Lucic scaring people into leaving him alone.

Brown's body is wearing down. He's a 3rd liner at best and will continue his downward trend.

Marchand will be a completely different player without Chara and Lucic scaring people into leaving him alone.
- muffin_man

I wouldn't even do Brown for Hodgson right now. That contract is too long