Points taken. He's putting in extra work. We'll see where it takes him
- Michael Pachla

I still really like dahiln, despite the criticism.
It's the little sneaky plays that make him exciting.
Bank passes to himself, that quick outlet pass...

The extra work and being upset with his own play, is refreshing for a top 2 pick in these parts.

Gotta think drafting the 18 year old defenseman instead of a forward like svech or brady tkachuk set the Sabres improvement curve back a bit. 🤔

Good post and after a hot 4-1-1 start

4-9-1 correct?

There's gonna be some disappointment around here
- Boss34

The only disappointment to me would be if they did anything to detail the plan to draft in the top 6. I have been a Sabres fan since the original season. What's 1 more season? The Sabres have lots of great prospects coming through the system. Even if we put Vasivileskiy in net with Cale Maker on RD, this team isn't making the playoffs if Hayden, Eakin, Bjork etc are still playing. Which they would be.

Ride it out this year. Let Granato develop the young guys like Tallness, Mitts, Cozens etc. Feed Rochester and help them go a deep run. Trade as many of the scrubs as you can in March for more picks. Get a top 6 pick and use the rest of our high picks (Vegas #1/FLA#1) to go out and get a good young goalie and RD from a cash strapped team.

However, i do agree with everyone that Dell shouldn't see an NHL crease ever again. Hopefully Adams can get a competent stop-gap measure that allows them to remain somewhat competitive this year. But to me, the worst thing is to trade a bunch of assets this year to climb another 4 or 5 spots in the standings.

I still really like dahiln, despite the criticism.
It's the little sneaky plays that make him exciting.
Bank passes to himself,
- Boss34

He can create space for himself at the top of the offensive zone like no player ive ever seen. He toe drags, bank passes, seems to go slow motion then speed up, does all sorts of weird stuff, but it works.

Ive decided to table thinking about his final state for a few years. It's not like he doesnt contribute offensively most nights.

The only disappointment to me would be if they did anything to detail the plan to draft in the top 6. I have been a Sabres fan since the original season. What's 1 more season? The Sabres have lots of great prospects coming through the system. Even if we put Vasivileskiy in net with Cale Maker on RD, this team isn't making the playoffs if Hayden, Eakin, Bjork etc are still playing. Which they would be.

Ride it out this year. Let Granato develop the young guys like Tallness, Mitts, Cozens etc. Feed Rochester and help them go a deep run. Trade as many of the scrubs as you can in March for more picks. Get a top 6 pick and use the rest of our high picks (Vegas #1/FLA#1) to go out and get a good young goalie and RD from a cash strapped team.

However, i do agree with everyone that Dell shouldn't see an NHL crease ever again. Hopefully Adams can get a competent stop-gap measure that allows them to remain somewhat competitive this year. But to me, the worst thing is to trade a bunch of assets this year to climb another 4 or 5 spots in the standings.
- SabreWest

I'd be shocked if they traded for a goalie. The only way I could see it is if they were somehow 2 points out of a spot at the TDL. That's incredibly unlikely without stellar goaltending. And there's the catch 22.

Maybe they'll pick one off waivers but I'm even doubtful of that

If this is the Tage we're going to see moving forward, that contract might be one of the best in the league. 2 more years at 1.4/per. Wow!

If this is the Tage we're going to see moving forward, that contract might be one of the best in the league. 2 more years at 1.4/per. Wow!
- The_Inkwell

40 goal season
Holdout
Traded

Boom.

not sure what you were expecting from him, a combination of scott stevens and ray bourque from a teenager/20 yr. old?

dahlin was drafted for his offense, and he found himself in a losing environment which exacerbated his deficiencies on defense and crushed any confidence he had in his offensive acumen...and it's not just winning last season...they were notoriously bad and went on a 18-game winless streak (0-15-3) being outscored 60-27 which included being shut out five times...eichel demanded out, skunk was a year away from saying bye-bye and dahlin didn't sign a long-term deal with buffalo even though it was rumored they offered him one...why didn't' he do it?...losing culture...

it's hard to shake and they haven't been able to shake that culture during the post-tank years
- Michael Pachla

This roster is built to lose a bunch of games.
Meatball was signed to develop the younger guys, and institute an exciting style of play.
The Don will bring the young guys along, having them focus on developing their game, and working about that...not points in a meaningless season built to tank.

Just because they tanked previously and continued to suck for many, many reasons...coaching, bad trades, weak leadership from player side, poopty GM's ...etc
that does not mean it is certain to happen again. Nope, not at all.
In fact according to the players, they are having a blast, are upbeat, practice hard, and enjoy being around each other.

The culture is changing, all those oh we have to protect the players is general hogwash (IMO of course) with these guys. Are 1 or 2 going to be at risk of losing their way, probably. I have confidence in Granato to take care of these guys and get them thinking properly.

Resist the urge to splurge and F it up.
Stay the course and trust the process
Keep the eyes on the prize.

In the long run, just like with the Bill's, you'll be amazed and thankful for having patience.

40 goal season
Holdout
Traded

Boom.
- kritter65

Mama and daddy warbucks have a lot of faults as hockey owners, but being cheap with players is not one of them.

The only disappointment to me would be if they did anything to detail the plan to draft in the top 6. I have been a Sabres fan since the original season. What's 1 more season? The Sabres have lots of great prospects coming through the system. Even if we put Vasivileskiy in net with Cale Maker on RD, this team isn't making the playoffs if Hayden, Eakin, Bjork etc are still playing. Which they would be.

Ride it out this year. Let Granato develop the young guys like Tallness, Mitts, Cozens etc. Feed Rochester and help them go a deep run. Trade as many of the scrubs as you can in March for more picks. Get a top 6 pick and use the rest of our high picks (Vegas #1/FLA#1) to go out and get a good young goalie and RD from a cash strapped team.

However, i do agree with everyone that Dell shouldn't see an NHL crease ever again. Hopefully Adams can get a competent stop-gap measure that allows them to remain somewhat competitive this year. But to me, the worst thing is to trade a bunch of assets this year to climb another 4 or 5 spots in the standings.
- SabreWest

Excellent post, couldn't agree more...👍

This roster is built to lose a bunch of games.
Meatball was signed to develop the younger guys, and institute an exciting style of play.
The Don will bring the young guys along, having them focus on developing their game, and working about that...not points in a meaningless season built to tank.

Just because they tanked previously and continued to suck for many, many reasons...coaching, bad trades, weak leadership from player side, poopty GM's ...etc
that does not mean it is certain to happen again.Nope, not at all.
In fact according to the players, they are having a blast, are upbeat, practice hard, and enjoy being around each other.

The culture is changing and all thos oh we have to protect the players is general hogwash with these guys. Are 1 or 2 going to be at risk of losing their way, probably. I have confidence in Granato to take care of these guys and get them thinking g properly.

Resist the urge to splurge and F it up.
Stay 5he course and trust the process
Keep the eyes on the prize.

In the long run, just like with the Bill's, you'll be amazed and thankful for having patience.
- IonSabres

*cough* Bjork *cough*

*cough* Bjork *cough*
- Hank Balling

Still waiting for the great28 tracker blog....

The goal post is still ringing....

There's 2 full lines of non nhl players. It would be great for a guy like okposo to stick around and lead these guys not only into the playoffs, but thru the playoffs 👊

Still waiting for the great28 tracker blog....

The goal post is still ringing....

There's 2 full lines of non nhl players. It would be great for a guy like okposo to stick around and lead these guys not only into the playoffs, but thru the playoffs 👊
- Boss34

Hey now. Taylor Hall only has one more point than Hinostroza this year

The only disappointment to me would be if they did anything to detail the plan to draft in the top 6. I have been a Sabres fan since the original season. What's 1 more season? The Sabres have lots of great prospects coming through the system. Even if we put Vasivileskiy in net with Cale Maker on RD, this team isn't making the playoffs if Hayden, Eakin, Bjork etc are still playing. Which they would be.

Ride it out this year. Let Granato develop the young guys like Tallness, Mitts, Cozens etc. Feed Rochester and help them go a deep run. Trade as many of the scrubs as you can in March for more picks. Get a top 6 pick and use the rest of our high picks (Vegas #1/FLA#1) to go out and get a good young goalie and RD from a cash strapped team.

However, i do agree with everyone that Dell shouldn't see an NHL crease ever again. Hopefully Adams can get a competent stop-gap measure that allows them to remain somewhat competitive this year. But to me, the worst thing is to trade a bunch of assets this year to climb another 4 or 5 spots in the standings.
- SabreWest

^ this!
Best post of the day...well, after mine of course, lol.

*cough* Bjork *cough*
- Hank Balling

*cough* Bjork *cough*
- Hank Balling

Bjork was lost when he got here. People loved how fast he was, as that roster last year was barf material slow.
Never liked him, thought he was all flash, no dance a'tall. Meh, no biggie.

Bjork was lost when he got here. People loved how fast he was, as that roster last year was barf material slow.
Never liked him, thought he was all flash, no dance a'tall. Meh, no biggie.
- IonSabres

Vinnie, Caggiula, Hayden, Eakin, Bjork and Ruotsalainen will probably all be gone next year. I'd sell any one of those guys at the TDL for whatever is being offered. Take the 5th rounder and then we can see the Roch kids

I'm guessing they'd get takers on 3-4 of those guys

Vinnie, Caggiula, Hayden, Eakin, Bjork and Ruotsalainen will probably all be gone next year. I'd sell any one of those guys at the TDL for whatever is being offered. Take the 5th rounder and then we can see the Roch kids
- Hank Balling

Agreed. I have to believe that is the plan as well.
Throw in Miller, Haag and maybe Pysyk as well.

patty kane says, "well, yeah, i was first overall but wouldn't have landed in chi-town if it wasn't for a lottery that had the fifth-worst team in the league jump to first overall. my buddy captiain serious was selected 3rd-overall and pal duncan keith 54th"


and the la kings say, "hey, what about us?, no first overall"

in come the red wings pushing by their four stanley cups..."step aside, boys! stevie y 4th-overall and that's about it for high picks."
- Michael Pachla

There’s plenty of ways to build a championship team
Obviously it starts with getting talent
And the best talent is generally at the top of the draft
Sure, there’s talent littered throughout
But there’s a lot more guys like Nylander, Girgs, Grigorenko, Pysyk, etc etc etc

Also, the Sabres don’t seem to do well at drafting those gems that some of the better organizations have found


What was the point u were trying to make anyways?
Doesn’t seem like we’re gonna mess with the kids’ development at all- they’re staying in Rochester for now

Agreed. I have to believe that is the plan as well.
Throw in Miller, Haag and maybe Pysyk as well.
- IonSabres

Probably no takers here



I had hope for his resurrection but he's looking more and more like a one-hit wonder

Vinnie, Caggiula, Hayden, Eakin, Bjork and Ruotsalainen will probably all be gone next year. I'd sell any one of those guys at the TDL for whatever is being offered. Take the 5th rounder and then we can see the Roch kids

I'm guessing they'd get takers on 3-4 of those guys
- Hank Balling

I wish they would give Routs some more TOI on a consistent basis. I am still curious to see if he can play. 12:00 isn't enough IMO.

Nadeau is the "sleeper" IMO. If he is on line 4, lookout for this team!
- IonSabres

I went to the Prospects tournament a couple of months ago. The kid has skill but desperately needs to improve his skating to have a chance. Looked like he had cinder blocks attached to his skates.

I wish they would give Routs some more TOI on a consistent basis. I am still curious to see if he can play. 12:00 isn't enough IMO.
- IonSabres

The underlying numbers are more positive than they are for Bjork. Ruotsalainen seems like a solid plugger who can play at both ends of the ice. I'm not sure there's much more there but he'll get more TOI with caggiula out

The underlying numbers are more positive than they are for Bjork. Ruotsalainen seems like a solid plugger who can play at both ends of the ice. I'm not sure there's much more there but he'll get more TOI with caggiula out
- Hank Balling

And BTW JCrags...you are kicking ass and taking names with your blogs...I love reading them!
Keep it up!

There seems to be an impression that Hinostroza is dragging Cozens down. That doesn't appear to be the case:

And BTW JCrags...you are kicking ass and taking names with your blogs...I love reading them!
Keep it up!
- IonSabres

Thanks for reeeeding