You're trading one of your best players and team captain. That deal was very unappealing.
- dadeadhead

Probably one of the many reasons they're in their current predicament. Taking on Weiss' contract shouldn't be as big of a deal if they really are set on going through a rebuild.

As someone living in Boston, I am actually a little sad the Bruins aren't in the playoffs. The energy at bars is great when there are some high stakes hockey games on, and that will be less likely now.

Granted I always root for the other team, but still...
- IceColdBeer

Funny that you say the energy isn't there...

Obviously Buffalo is out of the playoffs, but the games are still on, and people are still passionate about the game. NYR and Pitts will be a big set of games where I hang around.

I know it won't happen, but I would like TM to put an offer sheet in for Toffoli. LA doesn't have a lot of cap space left.

Probably one of the many reasons they're in their current predicament. Taking on Weiss' contract shouldn't be as big of a deal if they really are set on going through a rebuild.
- Sabresfan-365

It would be why their rebuild would take longer and/or fail IMO.

Look at what Miller, Vanek, and Pommer got this team, now look at the deal Detroit offered Toronto.

Yeah I'd have passed on it too.

It would be why their rebuild would take longer and/or fail IMO.

Look at what Miller, Vanek, and Pommer got this team, now look at the deal Detroit offered Toronto.

Yeah I'd have passed on it too.
- dadeadhead

Im not sure they will do much better. Perhaps it's because i'm not a big fan but imo id take it. Both smith and Pulkkinen could play a part in their future.

I know it won't happen, but I would like TM to put an offer sheet in for Toffoli. LA doesn't have a lot of cap space left.
- jzabawa

Richards cap hit is 5.75

His buyout is 1.583.

Man i miss cap geek as I think LA would get a credit this coming season as his salary is higher than cap hit. He would cost a ton in year 4 though.

Im not sure they will do much better. Perhaps it's because i'm not a big fan but imo id take it. Both smith and Pulkkinen could play a part in their future.
- Sabresfan-365

I'm not a fan of his either but he is a much better player than most give him credit for.

Pulkkinen was a good starting point but if Weiss has to be in the deal(and I think he does) as an organization a 1st and 2nd needs to be in there too.

Issue from Detroit's side is they are a yr or two from their own "blowing it up".

I'm not a fan of his either but he is a much better player than most give him credit for.

Pulkkinen was a good starting point but is Weiss has to be in the deal(and I think he does) as an organization a 1st and 2nd needs to be in there too.

Issue from Detroit's side is they are a yr or two from their own "blowing it up".
- dadeadhead

Detroit, Vancouver, San Jose, Boston, possibly even LA could all "blow it up"

Detroit, Vancouver, San Jose, Boston, possibly even LA could all "blow it up"
- ImThatGuy

Which is my point as to why you shouldn't be moving your future top picks for band aid fixes.

Dion to Detroit is a band aid fix.


The deal wasn't enough for Toronto to move him and Detroit shouldn't be thinking of moving 1st and 2nd rd picks at the moment.

Which is my point as to why you shouldn't be moving your future top picks for band aid fixes.

Dion to Detroit is a band aid fix.


The deal wasn't enough for Toronto to move him and Detroit shouldn't be thinking of moving 1st and 2nd rd picks at the moment.
- dadeadhead

If those teams decide to "blow it up" and I were Tim Murray, I would put a feeler that my later first round pick this year and possibly my 1st pick next year (not in same deal) would be available.

If those teams decide to "blow it up" and I were Tim Murray, I would put a feeler that my later first round pick this year and possibly my 1st pick next year (not in same deal) would be available.
- ImThatGuy

While I agree with the concept, I wouldn't mention the 2016 first until A) after the lottery and B)if we get Eichel, we get assurance he is not going back to college. (I don't think he is, but have to be prepared if I am GM)

I had to run the draft lottery simulator 425 times before the Sabres eclipsed the Coyotes for 1st overall. Did Bettman code that site?

With there being a chance Eichel goes back to college how many here would be extremely disappointed?

I'm not gonna lie I will also be depressed if we dont win the lottery. I know we only have a 20% chance but still McDavid is just on a different level.
- Smittyx36

Oh Please

While I agree with the concept, I wouldn't mention the 2016 first until A) after the lottery and B)if we get Eichel, we get assurance he is not going back to college. (I don't think he is, but have to be prepared if I am GM)
- markyjoe

Eichel to college has a 0.0% chance of happening, IMO. Also I'm still in the mindset we get McDavid. We are currently in 30th and have the best shot at him, so we get him.

Funny that you say the energy isn't there...

Obviously Buffalo is out of the playoffs, but the games are still on, and people are still passionate about the game. NYR and Pitts will be a big set of games where I hang around.

- 51_Killer

They're too preoccupied with the Sox starting up again I guess.

Richards cap hit is 5.75

His buyout is 1.583.

Man i miss cap geek as I think LA would get a credit this coming season as his salary is higher than cap hit. He would cost a ton in year 4 though.
- dadeadhead

Did you see the owner died a bit ago? Pretty sad stuff

Eichel to college has a 0.0% chance of happening, IMO. Also I'm still in the mindset we get McDavid. We are currently in 30th and have the best shot at him, so we get him.
- ImThatGuy

Keep up the delusions, my man.

Keep up the delusions, my man.
- stashu

Shut it debbie downer

Did you see the owner died a bit ago? Pretty sad stuff
- stashu

No I didn't.

Very sad news.

Hi Michael,

I don't post too often but I enjoy your blogs. They always contain more information and objective opinion than I find in traditional media. As someone who can't see the games live and only watches the highlights when it's not too depressing, I feel I still have a pretty good feel about the team because of your blogs.
Of course, it's good to glean various opinions on the team from some of those who post frequently.

I always look forward to the next one.

Now bring on the draft lottery.
- 100goalseason

Yes I agree, he's doing a big boy job providing some concrete facts!

Eichel to college has a 0.0% chance of happening, IMO. Also I'm still in the mindset we get McDavid. We are currently in 30th and have the best shot at him, so we get him.
- ImThatGuy

I am of the thought that the only way he would go back to college is if the team that drafts him wants him in the AHL.

His quote of "I don't want to play where I don't think I belong" or something like that, kind of tells me that if he's not going to be with the big club then he will stay.

I am of the thought that the only way he would go back to college is if the team that drafts him wants him in the AHL.

His quote of "I don't want to play where I don't think I belong" or something like that, kind of tells me that if he's not going to be with the big club then he will stay.
- thatsapickle

can he come to camp without having a contract? because once he signs his contract he can't go back to college (at least that is what i thought).

Eichel to college has a 0.0% chance of happening, IMO. Also I'm still in the mindset we get McDavid. We are currently in 30th and have the best shot at him, so we get him.
- ImThatGuy

I get what you are saying, but as a gm you have to have a plan just in case. All I am saying, is you wait to float the 2016 first rounder when you have confirmation of both things.

Also, I am with you as a fan, I actually think this year, draft order will stay the same after the lottery

Ut oh..double hip operation for Ullmark. 4-6 months

I am of the thought that the only way he would go back to college is if the team that drafts him wants him in the AHL.

His quote of "I don't want to play where I don't think I belong" or something like that, kind of tells me that if he's not going to be with the big club then he will stay.
- thatsapickle

Big Club: This fanbase is like none other. The sabres are in a rebuild with huge upside and of course he would be a legend befroe he even touches the ice (you don't get the name McEchiel for nothing )
I doubt he plays in the AHL, unless after hes drafted and plays with the other rookies they think he needs to, but passing on millions and stardom would blow my mind. He will be showered with praise beyond anything hes ever seen before, as I recall when the rental player of steve bernier arrived in the airport, there was a crowd of fans waiting to welcome him, (which he scored 2 goals that first night). that was just for a rent a player.

Also where did this notion originate from? I know it's a possibility, but so is retirement of any player at anytime. I didn't see any info that he may go back to college the whole year (may have missed it), then someone's blog (or maybe even just a response) mentions the possibility of hes re-entering and now its a real topic of discussion.

I mean, if I had a blog page somewhere and I said there's a chance that Stamkos might retire after the season, it wouldn't surprise me to see a bunch of replies about the news of possible retirement creep up, and people contemplating the worst, as today's media seems to have the power elevate any rumor or inkling of information to the level of real possibility or truth.

Oh well just a midday thought, as we just finished a nail biting season and the last thing we need is to worry about another nail biting situation with our potential picks decision. I truly believe if we don't get McDavid, we'll see Echiel in blue and gold next year