I don't know why you're getting so defensive Lol but if you ask anybody they have a Bromance ... Just ask John Buccigross Talks about it all the time
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Who is this anybody?

Sure Buccigross says Vesey will sign here.

But the whole thing they are best friends is so overplayed. They are more than acquaintances they are friends but this whole best friend this is getting old.

Chicago makes no sense
- GERBE!!!75PTS

Kane, Toews, cups as in plural.

but let me guess, he has no "buddies" there.

I'd take both kulikov and Risto over fowler.
- Mentalorgasm5

Fowler > Kulikov.

Definitley is a big stretch.

Risto is going to be good probably very good but he is not this world class player yet
- Stripes77

Both of them are blah defensively. They are comparable in certain aspects, both drafted high, 40+ point seasons early on in their career. But Fowler has fallen since then, and we're all hoping Risto goes the other way. End of the day I think Risto is the better all around player, not even factoring in his potential.

Ya not arguing with what you said, just outlining what the process should turn into. There are a few prospects right on the bubble so training camp will be used to decide who is ready. It is just such a toss up for very few spots between guys like Bailey Fasching and Nylander. I dont think Asplund will be ready for a while. Fingers crossed he turns into Drury 2.0
- ASU_Sabres14

Asplund was going to be a 1st round pick. He thinks he's going to try and make the team this year... Obviously he won't but he's all ready said he's coming to training camp to compete for a spot on the team. My guess is he plays 1 year in Sweedish elite league he puts on some muscle and as long as he does well he'll be here for the 2017-2018 season and most likely start the season in Rochester.

Who is this anybody?

Sure Buccigross says Vesey will sign here.

But the whole thing they are best friends is so overplayed. They are more than acquaintances they are friends but this whole best friend this is getting old.
- Stripes77

Fowler > Kulikov.
- ImThatGuy

Fowler really isn't as good as many on this board think.

Both of them are blah defensively. They are comparable in certain aspects, both drafted high, 40+ point seasons early on in their career. But Fowler has fallen since then, and we're all hoping Risto goes the other way. End of the day I think Risto is the better all around player, not even factoring in his potential.
- chilliard77

Fowler's game took a hit when he was paired with Bieksa...

Please explain
- Matthews_Auston

He can only sign a two year deal if he wants a huge contract next playing with Eichel is his best bet

well why is their a guarantee he will play with Eichel?

Philly could easily tell him he would paly with Giroux just like the sabres can tell him he will play with eichel no?
- rinaldo

Because there is a massive hole in the top six LW and Kane plays best with O'Riley so he'd definitely play with Eichel

He can only sign a two year deal if he wants a huge contract next playing with Eichel is his best bet
- bluengold12

Idk, toews and hossa could probably help him get a big payday. Or Crosby and hornqvuist

No I would rather let the players develop and miss the playoffs then send all of our assets out to build a team that just makes the playoffs...

I want a contending team.
- Stripes77

Ok, I got ya
But we can still send assets of in trades that could help us get to the playoffs now, and still be on the other to contending
Most of the ideas I've seen on here are trading for younger guys that'll be here for a bit (except Nash)
Fowler, Landeskog, etc could all be nice moves for us

Idk, toews and hossa could probably help him get a big payday. Or Crosby and hornqvuist
- Mentalorgasm5

Neither one of those teams would be able to afford to keep him though.

So his next pay day would be with a different team he wouldn't be able to hand pick like he is now.

McDavid will be best player in the NHL by next year. Eichel is a great player but I don't think you can compare the 2. It's not a slight on Eichel. I love his game but he's no McDavid. Again not a negative just reality.

As for injuries, if Eichel misses 30 games this year are you going to brand him as being injury prone?
- Matthews_Auston

Alright, this is where the discussion has been headed for hours now. I just would like to outline my points very simply so there is no confusion.

A.) Opinions dont matter. I think Eichel is better but that is my opinion. It is your opinion that Mcdavid is better and im not gunna argue with that.

B.) Mcdavid had multiple injuries in his rookie season. This is a fact. Am i saying it is uncommon for rookies to be injured? of course not. Am i saying Mcdavid is injury prone? No.

C.) All I am saying is that Jack eichel played 81 games. One of the most important things to me in evaluating a hockey player is how much they do to impact a game. Guys like Ovi can score 60 goals and then stand at the other teams blueline while Crosby comes in and scores. I see guys like Toews or Zetterburg who dont always get attention for their insane stats as some of the best players in hockey. I think that because they are silently doing the right things all the time.

D.) Ok this is getting long so final point. All of the evaluation we can do on Connor and Jack is on their rookie season which is not always the most accurate predictor of success. However, from what I saw last season I learned that Jack Eichel is a man, he can withstand the 82 game grind without major glaring flaws. I have not seen Mcdavid play enough games yet. Ive seen flashes of absolute brilliance but right now, today I would take Eichel because he proved a lot in his rookie year. Mcdavid and Eichel will be superstars for years to come, but I watched Jack Eichel outscore Stamkos' rookie campaign on a bad team with even worse linemates.

Definitely, I was the first to say I'd take that bet
- Mentalorgasm5

Going to have two terrible avi's for two long months. Lucky for you it will be during the off season. No chance Girgensons sniffs 3 mill per

Who is this anybody?

Sure Buccigross says Vesey will sign here.

But the whole thing they are best friends is so overplayed. They are more than acquaintances they are friends but this whole best friend this is getting old.
- Stripes77

That's not true at all i'm just gonna drop it and I wait for the Sabres to do there special video of them being friends and then you'll understand

Ok, I got ya
But we can still send assets of in trades that could help us get to the playoffs now, and still be on the other to contending
Most of the ideas I've seen on here are trading for younger guys that'll be here for a bit (except Nash)
Fowler, Landeskog, etc could all be nice moves for us
- jdfitz77

Yeah I am all for making moves to make the team better long term. What I don't want is to make moves just to get into the playoffs kind thing. You know what Darcy did!

If Vesey does turnout to be a little b1tch about this and go somewhere else...


I'll take about 5M in cap space... give it to Shane Doan for a 1 year deal.

Let him slot in on our 2nd line LW for 1 year until Nylander is ready next year perhaps. Doan at age 39 still put up 28 goals last year.

Something about Doan and Iginla. I just love their agelessness and production even at high age.

Kane, Toews, cups as in plural.

but let me guess, he has no "buddies" there.
- ImThatGuy

So you're telling me I get to go to a place where they're going to trade me and I don't get the pick the destination ? Sounds like a great plan to me

Idk, toews and hossa could probably help him get a big payday. Or Crosby and hornqvuist
- Mentalorgasm5

Eichel is better than Hornquist. Hossa is on the decline. Eichel is better. Eichel also is a better point producer than Towes. Is he a better player? No not currently but Towes isn't exactly Mr. fantasy. Crosby yeah he could end up there or play on the other side of Kane in Chicago

Asplund was going to be a 1st round pick. He thinks he's going to try and make the team this year... Obviously he won't but he's all ready said he's coming to training camp to compete for a spot on the team. My guess is he plays 1 year in Sweedish elite league he puts on some muscle and as long as he does well he'll be here for the 2017-2018 season and most likely start the season in Rochester.
- bluengold12

not 100% sure, but I think he's under contract for two seasons overseas

not 100% sure, but I think he's under contract for two seasons overseas
- Michael Pachla

They have a transfer rule though.

Risto came over when he was still under contract.

If Vesey does turnout to be a little b1tch about this and go somewhere else...


I'll take about 5M in cap space... give it to Shane Doan for a 1 year deal.

Let him slot in on our 2nd line LW for 1 year until Nylander is ready next year perhaps. Doan at age 39 still put up 28 goals last year.

Something about Doan and Iginla. I just love their agelessness and production even at high age.
- JVince11

Doan all ready said he's 10000% staying in Arizona

Fowler really isn't as good as many on this board think.
- Mentalorgasm5

If judging by the same stats, neither is Kulikov. Both are very meh to below average possession players and Fowler at least scores

If Vesey does turnout to be a little b1tch about this and go somewhere else...


I'll take about 5M in cap space... give it to Shane Doan for a 1 year deal.

Let him slot in on our 2nd line LW for 1 year until Nylander is ready next year perhaps. Doan at age 39 still put up 28 goals last year.

Something about Doan and Iginla. I just love their agelessness and production even at high age.
- JVince11

He already resigned ...