I love the ridiculous widespread speculation on this site, or more specifically by this blogger. Always makes me laugh a little bit. Now Q the Toronto fan telling me how much Buffalo sucks....

why do you think Murray drafting his friend means anything. You do know the Leafs drafted his BROTHER and his FATHER works for them. So logically that would give them the edge. He also is a Boston boy who dreamed of playing with the Bruins. So Garth really stop with these supposed edges Buffalo has. Toronto Has Matthews a host of potential just like the Sabres and Babcock , you remember the guy who was signing with Buffalo last year.
- johnnypie

I'm honestly surprised this isn't brought up more. With all the attention being on Eichle and their connection, why is no one really hyping up the family connection which is arguably a way bigger trump card. While I'd love to see Vesey sign with the Sabres I still see him waiting out until August 15th.

Buffalo’s roster is in a way better position to win now than that of the Torontos. If this guy wants to win soon and have some fun without being smothered by the Canadian media and not having to spend $1.50 for every US dollar then he will sign the deal and play along side of Jack the Ripper (Feel free to steal that Garth). And the Babcock thing means nothing here, I don’t hear anyone complaining about the job Bylsma is doing so that burn ain’t so hot. Now run down to any corner in downtown TO and get your car windows washed then toss the bums a dime, you surely can’t miss one.
- leonwaldo420

If Babcock "means nothing", then why did Pegula work so hard at signing him?

Face it - no one would actually choose to live in Buffalo over Toronto. Eichel's there because you drafted him. You reference Vesey opting for Buffalo "if he wants to have some fun". Are you kidding me? The boarded-up buildings and Money Marts of Buffalo are not what I'd call "fun"

Vesey is young. He'll play in a fun city like Toronto, Boston, or Chicago

Tanking and losing out on McDavid does though. Right?
- doon

Still better than Tanking every year and not getting any better . So you tank again . Not the way it was planned but always turns out that way.

leonwaldo420
first of all I am born and bred and have lived in N.Y my whole life. So the Toronto stuff means nothing. Second I am a bruin fan since the 60's. What I am trying to do is try to use logic to show that Garth's whole argument about all the advantages Buffalo has is just plain idiotic. You obviously are one who really believes that crap. Vesey will make his decision after august 15th because he is looking at all his options. You can say what you want about how much better Buffalo's lineup is but again you are downplaying the fact Toronto has lots to offer with plenty of potential. Matthews is projected to be at least the equal of Eichel . The crap about drafting his friend giving Buffalo an advantage is laughable when the fact is his brother is a leaf pick. Babcock obviously is a selling point for young players . And I guess the chance to play in Buffalo is a big advantage over Both Boston and Toronto. I know shoveling snow is a big part of being in Buffalo but it seems you guys are good at shoveling something else too.

Instead of wasting his time on a guy who likely wants to play elsewhere, GMTM should be out there courting the likes of Pirri and Vrbata, two players who have proven they can score at this level.
- Losman

they're as good as your avatar name.

I believe Vesey will not make a decision until after 8-15 as he has stated. I believe he will sign with Buffalo after he explores all of his options.

I also believe this will be the end result.

Millions of sabres fans???? Anyone else get a chuckle on that one
- Wissler

Meh, so so....I get more of a chuckle out of comments like this that are completely clueless.

For what it's worth, the Buffalo market typical has one of or the highest TV ratings markets of any NHL team/city. As bad as they were last year, Buffslo still overtook Pittsburg in Feb. for the top spot (which they had held for 6 yrs).

So, of all the statements Garth amply supplies you to poke fun at, you chose one that probably was accurate....well done.

leonwaldo420
first of all I am born and bred and have lived in N.Y my whole life. So the Toronto stuff means nothing. Second I am a bruin fan since the 60's. What I am trying to do is try to use logic to show that Garth's whole argument about all the advantages Buffalo has is just plain idiotic. You obviously are one who really believes that crap. Vesey will make his decision after august 15th because he is looking at all his options. You can say what you want about how much better Buffalo's lineup is but again you are downplaying the fact Toronto has lots to offer with plenty of potential. Matthews is projected to be at least the equal of Eichel . The crap about drafting his friend giving Buffalo an advantage is laughable when the fact is his brother is a leaf pick. Babcock obviously is a selling point for young players . And I guess the chance to play in Buffalo is a big advantage over Both Boston and Toronto. I know shoveling snow is a big part of being in Buffalo but it seems you guys are good at shoveling something else too.
- johnnypie

Is or was his brother projected to be as good or better than eichel? I actually never herd of him until this jimmy drama showed up.

leonwaldo420
first of all I am born and bred and have lived in N.Y my whole life. So the Toronto stuff means nothing. Second I am a bruin fan since the 60's. What I am trying to do is try to use logic to show that Garth's whole argument about all the advantages Buffalo has is just plain idiotic. You obviously are one who really believes that crap. Vesey will make his decision after august 15th because he is looking at all his options. You can say what you want about how much better Buffalo's lineup is but again you are downplaying the fact Toronto has lots to offer with plenty of potential. Matthews is projected to be at least the equal of Eichel . The crap about drafting his friend giving Buffalo an advantage is laughable when the fact is his brother is a leaf pick. Babcock obviously is a selling point for young players . And I guess the chance to play in Buffalo is a big advantage over Both Boston and Toronto. I know shoveling snow is a big part of being in Buffalo but it seems you guys are good at shoveling something else too.
- johnnypie

He's listing the advantages the Sabres have, he's not claiming that other teams don't have their own "edges" on Vesey too. Why don't you settle down and find a real issue to gripe about Francis.

leonwaldo420
first of all I am born and bred and have lived in N.Y my whole life. So the Toronto stuff means nothing. Second I am a bruin fan since the 60's. What I am trying to do is try to use logic to show that Garth's whole argument about all the advantages Buffalo has is just plain idiotic. You obviously are one who really believes that crap. Vesey will make his decision after august 15th because he is looking at all his options. You can say what you want about how much better Buffalo's lineup is but again you are downplaying the fact Toronto has lots to offer with plenty of potential. Matthews is projected to be at least the equal of Eichel . The crap about drafting his friend giving Buffalo an advantage is laughable when the fact is his brother is a leaf pick. Babcock obviously is a selling point for young players . And I guess the chance to play in Buffalo is a big advantage over Both Boston and Toronto. I know shoveling snow is a big part of being in Buffalo but it seems you guys are good at shoveling something else too.
- johnnypie

Born and bred in NY and you're a Boston fan - nice!!

Maybe he doesn't want the media scrutiny of playing in Toronto or Boston? Jimmy Hayes told him to avoid Boston, and let's be realistic, his brother is never sniffing Maple Leaf Gardens except with a ticket.

Tanking and losing out on McDavid does though. Right?
- doon

Don't let the Hall trade bet you all upset now. I'll take Eichel and gladly win the cup before EDM does,

I think it's crazy that Vesey is attracting all this hype. He has played zero games at the professional level. Take a look at the historical draft analysis at hockey-reference, there are very few 3rd round picks that turn into NHL stars. He will get a max ELC offer from many teams because it is risk-free, but I think he has a lot to prove at the NHL level before anyone can claim he will be a 50/60/70 point guy.

Is or was his brother projected to be as good or better than eichel? I actually never herd of him until this jimmy drama showed up.
- Doug50

What are you talking about ? I said Matthews was projected to be as good or better than Eichel. The reason his brother was mentioned was because Garth made the point of Murray drafting his friend which will somehow give Buffalo an advantage in signing him. I just pointed out the Leafs drafted his brother. Which do you think is more of an advantage ?

this kid is all about himself imo. nothing wrong with that. he wants a top 6 role to set himself up for the next contract which he hopes will be big $$$.

he doesn't seem to want to earn it at all.

leonwaldo420
first of all I am born and bred and have lived in N.Y my whole life. So the Toronto stuff means nothing. Second I am a bruin fan since the 60's. What I am trying to do is try to use logic to show that Garth's whole argument about all the advantages Buffalo has is just plain idiotic. You obviously are one who really believes that crap. Vesey will make his decision after august 15th because he is looking at all his options. You can say what you want about how much better Buffalo's lineup is but again you are downplaying the fact Toronto has lots to offer with plenty of potential. Matthews is projected to be at least the equal of Eichel . The crap about drafting his friend giving Buffalo an advantage is laughable when the fact is his brother is a leaf pick. Babcock obviously is a selling point for young players . And I guess the chance to play in Buffalo is a big advantage over Both Boston and Toronto. I know shoveling snow is a big part of being in Buffalo but it seems you guys are good at shoveling something else too.
- johnnypie

Yepp lmao everyone wants to go to the big great cities to flounder on losing teams...if you said Chicago I can agree because they are winning...Toronto has so much to offer that hometown boy Stamkos ran home to them didn't he. Boston has the hometown flavor and that's it, they're on a downward spiral, their core is aging, they spit the bit down the stretch and missed the playoffs plus their drafts haven't received rave reviews. Vesey is American and doubt he wants to go to Canada to play, actually not to many want to go play in Canada and it shows all 7 teams missed the playoffs btw it's been reported his brother is going to take the same route as him once he graduates so because Toronto drafted him doesn't mean he is signing there plus his dad will be on the road scouting so it's not like he will be there on the day to day basis. As for living in any city as a player you are there just for the season and half of that is away from home. It's all about playing time and winning. Dywane Wade left the sunny weather of Florida to go to Chicago yeppp weather was the determining factor there lol

Again I ask the question what is so great about Babcock..he won one Cup out of maybe 13 years as a coach so did Bylsma, Julien and Sullivan btw who was the opposing coach when Bylsma won his cup? Not saying Babcock isn't a good coach but he isn't god and he used Buffalo to jack up the price on Toronto god bless him he's set for life.

In closing I won't say Vesey is signing here but Buffalo presents a better option then Toronto or Boston.

keep in mind that the family is very close to Bob Clarke. Some extended family member are allegedly employed by Comcast. Therefore the flyers have an edge as well.

Born and bred in NY and you're a Boston fan - nice!!

Maybe he doesn't want the media scrutiny of playing in Toronto or Boston? Jimmy Hayes told him to avoid Boston, and let's be realistic, his brother is never sniffing Maple Leaf Gardens except with a ticket.
- turbo044

Great reason I became a bruin fan. #4 Mr. Orr. That is a valid point about the scrutiny especially in TO . Their newspaper reporters are jerks. I never said Buffalo has no chance to sign him I just am pointing out that Garth has a very one sided outlook and it is annoying. If you read his articles its like Buffalo is an easy choice with all their advantages. He did the same thing last year if you remember with Babcock. Buffalo is surely not the leading candidate to sign him. They have a good young squad with much upside but the real advantages are with Toronto and Boston.

Great reason I became a bruin fan. #4 Mr. Orr. That is a valid point about the scrutiny especially in TO . Their newspaper reporters are jerks. I never said Buffalo has no chance to sign him I just am pointing out that Garth has a very one sided outlook and it is annoying. If you read his articles its like Buffalo is an easy choice with all their advantages. He did the same thing last year if you remember with Babcock. Buffalo is surely not the leading candidate to sign him. They have a good young squad with much upside but the real advantages are with Toronto and Boston.
- johnnypie

its easy really....sign with the hawks, pens, caps, ducks.

Great reason I became a bruin fan. #4 Mr. Orr. That is a valid point about the scrutiny especially in TO . Their newspaper reporters are jerks. I never said Buffalo has no chance to sign him I just am pointing out that Garth has a very one sided outlook and it is annoying. If you read his articles its like Buffalo is an easy choice with all their advantages. He did the same thing last year if you remember with Babcock. Buffalo is surely not the leading candidate to sign him. They have a good young squad with much upside but the real advantages are with Toronto and Boston.
- johnnypie

TO has too many forwards now to worry about.I dont think TO is in it at all.He will go to a team were he fits in better and can win now.

its easy really....sign with the hawks, pens, caps, ducks.
- rinaldo

I can agree with that other then the Ducks...he did say he prefers to stay in the northeast but Chicago is due to win the cup this year or next.

I would have preferred to make it a conditional pick (guaranteed 4th/5th with the pick becoming a 3rd if he signs) instead of the guaranteed 3rd rounder. Not sure if Nashville would have done it, but would have been they way I'd go.
- jmatchett383

How funny would it be, after all this, if he were to sign with Nashville on Aug. 15th!!!

They get their guy, and a 3rd.....even as a Sabres fan i'd have to laugh at that.

Great reason I became a bruin fan. #4 Mr. Orr. That is a valid point about the scrutiny especially in TO . Their newspaper reporters are jerks. I never said Buffalo has no chance to sign him I just am pointing out that Garth has a very one sided outlook and it is annoying. If you read his articles its like Buffalo is an easy choice with all their advantages. He did the same thing last year if you remember with Babcock. Buffalo is surely not the leading candidate to sign him. They have a good young squad with much upside but the real advantages are with Toronto and Boston.
- johnnypie

johnny, don't know why you let what garf writes annoy you...nobody takes what he says seriously and that includes most of the Sabre fans....take what he writes with a grain of salt well maybe a pound of salt lol

Don't let the Hall trade bet you all upset now. I'll take Eichel and gladly win the cup before EDM does,
- turbo044

First, from all the years of the Oilers losing, the trade doesn't bug me. 2nd, you have been drinking Garths kool aid.

If Babcock "means nothing", then why did Pegula work so hard at signing him?

Face it - no one would actually choose to live in Buffalo over Toronto. Eichel's there because you drafted him. You reference Vesey opting for Buffalo "if he wants to have some fun". Are you kidding me? The boarded-up buildings and Money Marts of Buffalo are not what I'd call "fun"

Vesey is young. He'll play in a fun city like Toronto, Boston, or Chicago
- AxlRose91

My question would be more along the lines of why you're trying to compare Toronto and Buffalo?

Yes, Toronto is what I would consider a world renowned city, it does have the allure of a major metropolitan area with over 3 million people, it is one of the epicenters of hockey in North America.....why would any sane person think Buffalo compares to TO in any of these ways.........and yet, Toronto does seem to have just as hard a time in attracting big name hockey players to their team/city. I mean, really, who was the last singing that drew any attention at all, and in fact most of the attention actually comes from players that have left and were long rumored to want out, i.e. Kessel, Phaneuf etc. Maybe this should be more of a concern for you guys that worrying about what your little bro across the lake is doing?