I get the feeling that the D is going to stay the way that it has been this year. I'm ok with it. I don't know why everyone's always looking to dump Leopold. I think he's been solid. I see Brennan being brought up as the 7th guy. McNabb stays down in Rochester unless there's a a few injuries. At least, that's what I would do.
- HonkFortheGoose

McNabb is the first call up if it's playoff time. Otherwise I'm with you leaving him in the AHL in favor of Brennan.

dont even know why the sabres need to fight for the playoffs this year, does the answer rhyme with wherehoff and weino?
- ernmerica

That's funny considering... Ehrhoff has been one of the best all around defensman in the league since the all-star break...

I don't think it HAS to be center where we get bigger
It'd be nice of course
But if I could choose say between getzlaf & pavelski...
I'll take pavelski all day & look to get Dustin brown or Steve Ott even

My offseason wishlist...
1 Galchenyuk
2 d.brown
3 Shea Weber
4 Pavelski
5 Parise
..... I realize we can't do ALL of this... But these are they types of moves I think we need to make
- jdfitz77

I still get this feeling that if Washington continues in disaster mode, and doesn't make the playoffs, big changes would be coming. I don't think they'll trade Ovechkin due to publicity issues, but I'm guessing Backstrom could be had for the right price. I realize Washington already has 2 draft picks, but with Buffalo has some assets to play with, so I'm wondering if a deal could be done. Now, don't get me wrong, if I'm Washington, I wouldn't trade Backstrom, but what should happen and what actually does happen are two completely different things.

McNabb is the first call up if it's playoff time. Otherwise I'm with you leaving him in the AHL in favor of Brennan.
- Pierceme69

Correct me if I'm wrong but Rochester isn't making the playoffs right?

How many guy scan be brought up for the "push for the playoffs" and into the playoffs?

I would think that Adam, Whitmore, Brennan, and McNabb would be the first guys to come up (if Tropp is still with us already)

I still get this feeling that if Washington continues in disaster mode, and doesn't make the playoffs, big changes would be coming. I don't think they'll trade Ovechkin due to publicity issues, but I'm guessing Backstrom could be had for the right price. I realize Washington already has 2 draft picks, but with Buffalo has some assets to play with, so I'm wondering if a deal could be done. Now, don't get me wrong, if I'm Washington, I wouldn't trade Backstrom, but what should happen and what actually does happen are two completely different things.
- buffalofan19

I think if anything Backstrom's injury has proven how valuable he is to that team. I, like you do not see him going anywhere, nor should he. Ovechkin's contract might be worse than Dipietro's in a few years if he doesn't get it together.

I still get this feeling that if Washington continues in disaster mode, and doesn't make the playoffs, big changes would be coming. I don't think they'll trade Ovechkin due to publicity issues, but I'm guessing Backstrom could be had for the right price. I realize Washington already has 2 draft picks, but with Buffalo has some assets to play with, so I'm wondering if a deal could be done. Now, don't get me wrong, if I'm Washington, I wouldn't trade Backstrom, but what should happen and what actually does happen are two completely different things.
- buffalofan19

Roy, Adam, NSH 1st for Backstrom????? pretty please!

Correct me if I'm wrong but Rochester isn't making the playoffs right?

How many guy scan be brought up for the "push for the playoffs" and into the playoffs?

I would think that Adam, Whitmore, Brennan, and McNabb would be the first guys to come up (if Tropp is still with us already)
- JVince117

I believe the Amerks are currently sitting in a playoff spot.

That's funny considering... Ehrhoff has been one of the best all around defensman in the league since the all-star break...
- BuffaloKyle

yes he has. I think I looked and he has 10 points in 17 games since returning from injury and is +8. I say that if there was just a 2nd half of the year trophy for Norris that Ehrhoff would be top 3 as well as Miller being top 3 for Vezina (2nd half only)

I believe the Amerks are currently sitting in a playoff spot.
- Gunner Staal

theahl.com has Rochester at 7th. So yes you are right.

I think if anything Backstrom's injury has proven how valuable he is to that team. I, like you do not see him going anywhere, nor should he. Ovechkin's contract might be worse than Dipietro's in a few years if he doesn't get it together.
- Gunner Staal

I agree in principle, but I also think that Ted Leonosis (spelling?) can be an impulsive owner, sort of a Mark Cuban type. Backstrom's value, as you said, is being proven, which is why I want him, obviously, but if Leonosis goes on one of those "big changes" sprees that owners like he can often be subject too, I just wonder if Backstrom wouldn't be a casualty of it. It would be impulsive, imprudent, and ultimately set them back, but when a team like Washigton, with all that talent they have comes this short, especially after years of playoff futility, anger can get the better of judgment. If that is the case, which is only pure speculation on my part, the Sabres should be front and center with the bargaining chips they have.

I agree in principle, but I also think that Ted Leonosis (spelling?) can be an impulsive owner, sort of a Mark Cuban type. Backstrom's value, as you said, is being proven, which is why I want him, obviously, but if Leonosis goes on one of those "big changes" sprees that owners like he can often be subject too, I just wonder if Backstrom wouldn't be a casualty of it. It would be impulsive, imprudent, and ultimately set them back, but when a team like Washigton, with all that talent they have comes this short, especially after years of playoff futility, anger can get the better of judgment. If that is the case, which is only pure speculation on my part, the Sabres should be front and center with the bargaining chips they have.
- buffalofan19

I think Mike Green and Alex Semin would fall on that sword way before Backstrom, even if Leonsis decides to be impulsive.

I think Mike Green and Alex Semin would fall on that sword way before Backstrom, even if Leonsis decides to be impulsive.
- Gunner Staal

Semin is a UFA after this season any way.

Semin is a UFA after this season any way.
- JVince117

I know, but it is still beneficial IMO for them to part ways. Addition by subtraction.

I think Mike Green and Alex Semin would fall on that sword way before Backstrom, even if Leonsis decides to be impulsive.
- Gunner Staal

Semin's a UFA at year's end. I think they just flat out let him go. Green is an RFA so you could be right.

Semin is a UFA after this season any way.
- JVince117

It will be interesting to see if Washington could sucker some team into trading for his rights. I doubt he comes back to Washington.

I know, but it is still beneficial IMO for them to part ways. Addition by subtraction.
- Gunner Staal

I said it a few days ago. I think that if Buffalo misses out on getting a bigger name Center in a trade I could see them trying to sign Olli for a year or 2 deal for like 3.5 per. Let hodge center top line and Olli the 2nd.

Roy, Adam, NSH 1st for Backstrom????? pretty please!
- JVince117

The one thing that puts a real damper into my theory, other than Gunner's logic, is the fact that Washington already has two first round picks, I believe. It might take more. If Darcy Regier could acquire Backstrom, and talk the Capitals into taking Roy at the same time, I'd be inclined to give him a lifetime contract...
















not really, but you get my point.

It will be interesting to see if Washington could sucker some team into trading for his rights. I doubt he comes back to Washington.
- buffalofan19

Can't say I am shedding a tear about their dysfunctional team. From GM to coach to captain, they leave much to be desired in those specific roles.

It will be interesting to see if Washington could sucker some team into trading for his rights. I doubt he comes back to Washington.
- buffalofan19

Wsh big scorers are Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, and Knuble. Backstrom is IR'd and the other 3 are all have Stafford like seasons.

The one thing that puts a real damper into my theory, other than Gunner's logic, is the fact that Washington already has two first round picks, I believe. It might take more. If Darcy Regier could acquire Backstrom, and talk the Capitals into taking Roy at the same time, I'd be inclined to give him a lifetime contract...

not really, but you get my point.
- buffalofan19

Good call. I forgot that they had Avs 1st round pick on top of their own. Those will both probably be 12-18 overall picks.

Wsh big scorers are Ovie, Backstrom, Semin, and Knuble. Backstrom is IR'd and the other 3 are all have Stafford like seasons.
- JVince117

To be fair, Ovechkin's worst season is like Stafford's best. However, he does make more than double Stafford's contract and then some.

Can't say I am shedding a tear about their dysfunctional team. From GM to coach to captain, they leave much to be desired in those specific roles.
- Gunner Staal

I like Vokoun as a goaltender and I thought he was going to be Lights Out for them and win the Presidents and everything. Besides Vokoun falling on his face I could care less about WSH.

Bust a cap... Might be one of garth's best titles....

goat-mez and hyperspace, y'all

I said it a few days ago. I think that if Buffalo misses out on getting a bigger name Center in a trade I could see them trying to sign Olli for a year or 2 deal for like 3.5 per. Let hodge center top line and Olli the 2nd.
- JVince117

if hodgson is a top line center, why do they need olli, specifically, as the #2 center?...

there would be plenty of other options including ennis