that's not really literal, more like an interpretation heavily leaning towards that..."intent" is a key word, however which eschews a definitive

"at this time" is also a key phrase meaning that things could change
- Michael Pachla

Can't fault ya for dreaming

I really don't know how else you can possibly interpret that statement besides "Vesey is not signing with Buffalo, until at least August 15th".

Anyone who claims they are holding off on announcing anything because of tampering needs to take off their tin foil hat. Andersen signed an extension immediately upon being dealt to Toronto. No one is yelling tampering on that.
- rangerdanger94

Im sure Eichel will have all summer to change his mind. GMTM rolled the dice a bit but I bet he knows Vesey has some sort of interest playing with Eichel in the upcoming year.

I really don't know how else you can possibly interpret that statement besides "Vesey is not signing with Buffalo, until at least August 15th".

Anyone who claims they are holding off on announcing anything because of tampering needs to take off their tin foil hat. Andersen signed an extension immediately upon being dealt to Toronto. No one is yelling tampering on that.
- rangerdanger94

Ironically everyone screamed blue murder and wanted the Leafs charged with tampering over Vesey despite the fact his dad told him not to sign with Toronto

what to you think will be the key factors in his decision?
- Michael Pachla

There could be many.

Maybe he wants to play somewhere close to family. Maybe he wants to play somewhere near the beach with warm winters. Maybe he wants to sign with a contender even if he may have to start in the AHL. Maybe he wants to sign with a competitive team that can guarantee him a top 6 spot. Maybe he wants to play in a big city like Manhattan. Maybe he likes California. Maybe he likes money and will choose a state with no state income tax. Maybe it comes down to whichever team gives him the best presentation and pitch on August 15th.

Im sure Eichel will have all summer to change his mind. GMTM rolled the dice a bit but I bet he knows Vesey has some sort of interest playing with Eichel in the upcoming year.
- doppelthat

Yes, just like Gaurdreau was guaranteed to convince Kevin Hayes to sign in Calgary with him.

Can't fault ya for dreaming
- rangerdanger94

from a roster perspective, the sabres have a lot of young talent to grow with including two second-overall picks...from a cap perspective, they have plenty of room to spend money...and from an ownership perspective, he'll spend it to win...

that's not a bad situation

I'm just here for the trolls
- TheSabresTaco

Same

I really don't know how else you can possibly interpret that statement besides "Vesey is not signing with Buffalo, until at least August 15th".

Anyone who claims they are holding off on announcing anything because of tampering needs to take off their tin foil hat. Andersen signed an extension immediately upon being dealt to Toronto. No one is yelling tampering on that.
- rangerdanger94

Agreed. But I still think there is a chance he signs.

Don't rule out us sending the 3rd round pick to NSH in good faith already knowing he wants to play here.

I'm not saying that's the case but it's possible.

what to you think will be the key factors in his decision?
- Michael Pachla

Top 6 spot in the lineup, good young core, familiarity with a superstar on the team.

from a roster perspective, the sabres have a lot of young talent to grow with including two second-overall picks...from a cap perspective, they have plenty of room to spend money...and from an ownership perspective, he'll spend it to win...

that's not a bad situation
- Michael Pachla

It's a gamble worth taking considering your stockpile of draft picks especially 3rd rounders. But it's a gamble nonetheless.

I think the expectations of this kid are crazy high.

23, has yet to ever touch pro ice even in the AHL. All signs point to top 6 forward, but we just don't know.

No one has any idea if he is going to sign here. Everyone has their opinion.

I still don't fault Murray for trying to get a two month head start on being able to talk to the kid and his agent.
- ImThatGuy

We had, what, 4 3rd rounders this year? This isn't a high risk move by any means. Murray also said he knew that there's no way to get all of the guys they draft under contract due to restrictions on how many contracts they can have, so if this doesn't work out, it's really no different than having drafted a guy and not being able to get him signed later on down the road anyway.

Low risk move that could have huge rewards if it works out for them.

Ironically everyone screamed blue murder and wanted the Leafs charged with tampering over Vesey despite the fact his dad told him not to sign with Toronto
- walshyleafsfan

Everybody tampers with everybody, in other news it appears that the tooth fairy isn't real

I think "Steal of the Century" might be a bit of an overstatement. Certainly a nice acquisition if he does end up signing there but up until now he has just been a fantastic college player. I do think he could be a great player but they didnt just get Datsyuk in the 7th round.

I really like what the Sabres are doing but Id be a bit cautious about handing the keys to a team led by OReilly (DUI), Kane (idiot) and two young kids who are "buddies" with one year combined experience in the NHL. There is a lot of promise there but it scares me seeing a players coach like Bylsma in there on a team built like this.

Ironically everyone screamed blue murder and wanted the Leafs charged with tampering over Vesey despite the fact his dad told him not to sign with Toronto
- walshyleafsfan

it's natural

Excellent blog! Night and day difference compared to you-know-who lol!
One thing though. Wouldn't the steal of the century be if you signed him for free... no draft pics?

I think "Steal of the Century" might be a bit of an overstatement. Certainly a nice acquisition if he does end up signing there but up until now he has just been a fantastic college player. I do think he could be a great player but they didnt just get Datsyuk in the 7th round.

I really like what the Sabres are doing but Id be a bit cautious about handing the keys to a team led by OReilly (DUI), Kane (idiot) and two young kids who are "buddies" with one year combined experience in the NHL. There is a lot of promise there but it scares me seeing a players coach like Bylsma in there on a team built like this.
- MacPatty

That DUI sure is haunting ROR. What a nightmare it has been.

It's a gamble worth taking considering your stockpile of draft picks especially 3rd rounders. But it's a gamble nonetheless.
- rangerdanger94

yup...and we like to dream too

Boos - what role does Peter Donatelli have for Vesey? You mention Fish is his agent, then also mention Donatelli represents him too? Just looking for clarification, especially additional info on who it was that spoke about not signing before 8/15 to the media yesterday.

Vesey has always been plan A knowing the Eichel relationship and Murray's comment on a winger that can play with him..

Stamkos is 2nd priority and then they look towards D...they arent a fan of the FA d available so trade route makes the most sense...

If they can get Vesey signed which I believe they will, that first round pick could now def be a dman no matter where they pick..looking forward to attending that and seeing it all play out live away from the social media hype machines

I think the expectations of this kid are crazy high.

23, has yet to ever touch pro ice even in the AHL. All signs point to top 6 forward, but we just don't know.

No one has any idea if he is going to sign here. Everyone has their opinion.

I still don't fault Murray for trying to get a two month head start on being able to talk to the kid and his agent.
- ImThatGuy

He can only sign for the maximum ELC though. So there isn't much risk in finding out from a cap standpoint. He could play shotgun to Crosby or Malkin in the Burgh. I think he should sign with the Pens.

Excellent blog! Night and day difference compared to you-know-who lol!
One thing though. Wouldn't the steal of the century be if you signed him for free... no draft pics?
- ShayneCorsi

"steal of the century" is a quote from the boston herald...

kinda catchy, isn't it?

Everybody tampers with everybody, in other news it appears that the tooth fairy isn't real
- mattmoulson

Agreed. Stamkos deal has already been signed with someone

A 3rd round pick to see Vesey play in Buffalo 4 times a year.

He can only sign for the maximum ELC though. So there isn't much risk in finding out from a cap standpoint. He could play shotgun to Crosby or Malkin in the Burgh. I think he should sign with the Pens.
- MattStrat

He can sign for more bonuses however...either way I am sure there is enough Pegula bucks to go around

I think "Steal of the Century" might be a bit of an overstatement. Certainly a nice acquisition if he does end up signing there but up until now he has just been a fantastic college player. I do think he could be a great player but they didnt just get Datsyuk in the 7th round.

I really like what the Sabres are doing but Id be a bit cautious about handing the keys to a team led by OReilly (DUI), Kane (idiot) and two young kids who are "buddies" with one year combined experience in the NHL. There is a lot of promise there but it scares me seeing a players coach like Bylsma in there on a team built like this.
- MacPatty

The only one leading this team is Gionta