Anaheim will not have a year like they did last year. Bobby Ryan's goal scoring will be missed. I don't see Nashville having the offense to make it to the playoffs either. Would not be shocked at all if the avs squeaked out a spot. And as far as our defense goes, Joe Sacco was a HORRIBLE coach. Couldn't teach defense for his life. Roy couldn't possibly have a worse coaching scheme so there will be improvement there. Also Adam Foote will be coaching the defense this year so I believe that will help. And lastly, the avs have a full time goalie coach which should improve Varlys play. All in all the avs have more upside than the sabres and I see the sabres being towards the bottom of the standings come the trade deadline. Sabres will move Vanek and Miller and the rebuild will be officially in full swing. I love Grigs though! Gonna be a beast.
- goavsgo10

Yea, drafting top 5 all too often will do that for you. What's it like 3 top 5 picks in the last 5 years? The sabres are now where the Avs were a couple of years ago. And the rebuild started like 8 months ago when we traded our captain. Saying the Avs are better than the Sabres is like saying 60% is better than 55%, both grades suck.

Enroth will be run out of town mid-year. book it
- Cheeseballin

Then Hackett will be the next victim

Tropp it like it's Hot?

http://youtu.be/enOHraf3LEk



- dadeadhead

I really like Tropp's hustle and grit and liked the idea of him in the bottom six. The problem that I have with the Sabres is that they've got too many role-player type guys that can't really play those roles because the top 6 simply aren't talented enough. I am hoping that some of the young guys step up and establish a new core here. Maybe Tropp will be one of those guys; he's certainly got the energy and hustle that we all fall in love with in this town.

Hurry up and leap blog Garf again since he just leap blogged you. Just change a word or two and say you're waiting to hear from your inside sources. Click submit. Done.

I really like Tropp's hustle and grit and liked the idea of him in the bottom six. The problem that I have with the Sabres is that they've got too many role-player type guys that can't really play those roles because the top 6 simply aren't talented enough. I am hoping that some of the young guys step up and establish a new core here. Maybe Tropp will be one of those guys; he's certainly got the energy and hustle that we all fall in love with in this town.
- The_Inkwell

Tropp, Girgensons, Grigorenko, Foligno, Ennis, Hodgson, Myers. The new core or the start of it at least.

Hurry up and leap blog Garf again since he just leap blogged you. Just change a word or two and say you're waiting to hear from your inside sources. Click submit. Done.
- anthj99

Sad, isn't it?

No way you can say that you can be 100% sure the Hawks would win with Varlamov. I'm guessing they don't get past the 2nd round. He is a routine choker.
- JCSabs06

Are you serious? Crawford would be horrible an any team. There's a reason why for years Chicago tried moving him. If you think Crawford is good then you must think emery is god since he went like 17-1 with the hawks last year but couldn't stay on a team as a backup before that and you really think its the goalie? It's common sense that you could stick any average goalie and they will be fine on a team that made ray emery look like a star

Yea, drafting top 5 all too often will do that for you. What's it like 3 top 5 picks in the last 5 years? The sabres are now where the Avs were a couple of years ago. And the rebuild started like 8 months ago when we traded our captain. Saying the Avs are better than the Sabres is like saying 60% is better than 55%, both grades suck.
- Sabresfan-365

But saying the Avs are in a better spot is correct. Who cares where a team was in the past. All I care is where they are now and in the next 10 years and the Avs are looking great and I'm not saying the sabres won't look great but as of now they are a mess

Are you serious? Crawford would be horrible an any team. There's a reason why for years Chicago tried moving him. If you think Crawford is good then you must think emery is god since he went like 17-1 with the hawks last year but couldn't stay on a team as a backup before that and you really think its the goalie? It's common sense that you could stick any average goalie and they will be fine on a team that made ray emery look like a star
- MattDuchene9

Well he isn't terrible. He has a Stanley cup... Being on a good team helps, but give me a break to win a Stanley Cup you have to be better than average.

Well he isn't terrible. He has a Stanley cup... Being on a good team helps, but give me a break to win a Stanley Cup you have to be better than average.
- Cheeseballin

I'd say he's right about average

How about they don't waste a free year of Girgensons contract.

Keep him in the AHL playing top line mins instead of 6-8 mins a night on the 4th line.
- dadeadhead

Spot on.

He needs to play more games at center in the AHL.

If Tropp is on the sabres roster I think it's safe to say that the sabres have the worst forwards in the NHL
- MattDuchene9

Let's not get crazy here. Tropp is a hell of a hard worker, and he'd have a spot on ANYONE's 4th line.

Nice job Kevin. Way to Garth Garth! I do like Tropp, but I don't see him starting the season in Buffalo. I think he'll be the first F called up for injury, but I just think that there is too much competition at the F position in Buffalo.
Vanek - Hodgson - Ott
Leino - Ennis - Stafford
Foligno - Grigorenko - Flynn
Ellis - Porter - Kaleta
Scott.

Those are your top 13. Tropp might beat out Flynn, but I think Ellis is a lock for this team. Not because of talent, but because management loves his attitude, and this season is about building a culture for the future.
- truthbluth

Ellis will be in Rochester. Can't keep on burying these kids for mediocrity. Tropp, Girgs or Larsson will make the Sabres.

Tropp has to clear waivers this year. He makes the roster.

Flynn does not have go through waivers to be sent to the AHL.

I say they will waive Luke Adam knowing nobody will claim him. They won't do the same with Tropp.

I'm not sure why Tropp is not signed yet. I assume he would sign his qualifying offer.

Which sabres are playing in the Olympics?

Which sabres are playing in the Olympics?
- goavsgo10

Vanek!? If hes still a Sabre... Or did Austria not make the cut? I cant remember

Ellis will be in Rochester. Can't keep on burying these kids for mediocrity. Tropp, Girgs or Larsson will make the Sabres.
- Powerslave

I agree --> Ellis will be in Rochester.

Tropp will be in Buffalo.

Larsson, Flynn or Armia will make the Sabres.

Girgensons will be in Rochester.

Which sabres are playing in the Olympics?
- goavsgo10

Girgensons

Girgensons
- Jacob582

I really think Enroth has a shot at a roster spot, especially based on his WC performance.

Which sabres are playing in the Olympics?
- goavsgo10

The only sabres in the Olympics will be on the teams with the depth like finland Latvia Slovakia austria

The only sabres in the Olympics will be on the teams with the depth like finland Latvia Slovakia austria
- MattDuchene9

Stastny too he will be in buffalo by then

The only sabres in the Olympics will be on the teams with the depth like finland Latvia Slovakia austria
- MattDuchene9

Is there a particular reason you're here?

The only sabres in the Olympics will be on the teams with the depth like finland Latvia Slovakia austria
- MattDuchene9

Miller I'd give about 80-90 percent chance as well. Makes it unless he struggles badly my guess. Unless by then he is no longer a sabre, looking like he will be though.