Betting next years success on at least one youngster. Possibly 2 with upl is very risky, agreed.

They love the kid, sounds like they had a tough time convincing levi to come here, without some promises.
- Boss34

If they go this route I want 2 D.

I dont want no No Clauges, No Brysons, Stillman should be the 7th if hes on the roster. Trade Joki.

So what part of it was unrealistic? The kid walked out of school and was facing top NHL teams. 50 - 55 games is twice a week. Also, unless something dramatic happens, he is going to be our best option in net. How could you not play him that much?
- Slump Buster

That absolutely can try to do that.

If it fails they better be ready to take a beating because a lot of people (not just this board) say the risk is too great to roll with him.

It’s a bad plan for a team desperate to make the post season.

Because rookie goalies with no AHL experience and who have never played more than 40 games in an entire season don’t jump to 50+ their first year in the pros?

There’s a 0% chance they promised him that

Boss is attempting to troll here
- sbroads24

Sure, and how many goalies walk out of college into the pressure cooker that he did? This is a unique guy.

So a 20% jump in games played for a 21 year old is excessive? I don't know what they promised him or didn't promised him. Unless they go out and get a stud, I'd be surprised if he didn't play at least 50 games.

Working smarter provides more options and improves chances of success, none of which has been implemented into the Sabres since Pegula arrived. The Sabres were entertaining prior to his ownership and the fans deserves better. Going on year 13 and development is still the brand getting sold and I have every right to call it out for the stupidity that it is.

The truth is, a competent person can see how poorly run the organization was and still is, no need for I told you so because it's happened and will continue.

Sports were deemed essential during covid...sounds important, try again.
- washedup20

This brand didnt start till KA's second year... You are not bright

Did they also agree to cut the crust off his lunch sandwiches too?

Anything to beg him to sign.
- kingcong39

They basically tanked the season in net last year.
Completely obvious they didnt want levi to skip town.

My understanding is they "love" levi and he's worth the investment.

Levi's signing reminds me of jim Kelly's signing to the Bill's. Team in place, needing that key position.

Showtime for the phenom

Sure, and how many goalies walk out of college into the pressure cooker that he did? This is a unique guy.

So a 20% jump in games played for a 21 year old is excessive? I don't know what they promised him or didn't promised him. Unless they go out and get a stud, I'd be surprised if he didn't play at least 50 games.
- Slump Buster

Sure, and how many goalies have a great small sample and then torpedo after that?

Betting it all on a rookie in a must make it season is absolutely absurd

That absolutely can try to do that.

If it fails they better be ready to take a beating because a lot of people (not just this board) say the risk is too great to roll with him.

It’s a bad plan for a team desperate to make the post season.
- ImThatGuy

Again, they put their playoff chances in his hands last year as he walked out of school. It isn't like the conversation is about letting him learn here or learn in Roch. I don't think they are in the market for a "sure thing" guy, so all things being equal, let the kid play 50 - 55.

Sure, and how many goalies walk out of college into the pressure cooker that he did? This is a unique guy.

So a 20% jump in games played for a 21 year old is excessive? I don't know what they promised him or didn't promised him. Unless they go out and get a stud, I'd be surprised if he didn't play at least 50 games.
- Slump Buster

There is a massive difference in playing 30 games against college teams who’s most of the roster will be doing 9-5 jobs when college is over.

Vs

50 games against the elite of the elite with elite scouting staffs picking apart your every move to try to gain an advantage.

Oh, sure, I don't expect huge moves. It just has to be tempting. As noted earlier, Mitts' stock must be through the roof right now given some of these trade returns. Could he be used to move up?

I have no problem with Levi getting that number of games. If he was good enough to start while the playoffs were on the line last year, he is certainly good enough to start 55 games next year. He has never been sheltered anywhere - why start now?
- Slump Buster

Good post

None of the offseason moves are that exciting to me. Foligno to chicago for 4 million seems like a good move. Probably a tdl guy for a 2nd.....

I don't like the idea of matt dumba , although he's a little good at everything.... supposedly

Schedule released. Sabres home opener against NYR. Can some of you get your tickets now so it doesn't fill up with Rangers frat boys.

3 goals in 82 games last year and 5 career nhl goals for borgen.

Wonder if donnie would use him exclusively on pk and defensive situations like you suggested.

I just dont see borgen as the " #4" we've been looking for IMO
- Boss34

Don't really care about the goals, it helps. Still ended up with 20pts and was a +11. Might not be a 4th, but I would still take him over Lyubushkin or Joker.

Good post, washedup is a big child that likes to cry and complain.

Also likes 5 or more double jack and cokes at a time.

Seems like a well rounded guy.
- Boss34

Thing is, his posts can be insightful or even provocative (in a good way). He's a good contributor when he's not shiitting all over other peoples ideas, even if they are dumb.

The team does seem to be headed in the right direction, too bad the past decade+ of failure has left too many of us feeling burnt too many times to believe that this thing can turn around. Just remember, nobody though the '05-'06 team would be as good as they were coming out of that lockout. Everyone was on board that year until we were forced to ice an AHL defense for game 7 of the conference final.

Imagine a 74-75 squad with Tim Horton had he not perished. He'd have folded Bobby Clarke in half before any goonery began. Lots of what if's with being a fan.

This brand didnt start till KA's second year... You are not bright
- DirtyDan

The Sabres have attempted to rebuild 3 I could argue 4 times since Pegula ownership, keep trying Dirt - I know you love responding to me.

Again, they put their playoff chances in his hands last year as he walked out of school. It isn't like the conversation is about letting him learn here or learn in Roch. I don't think they are in the market for a "sure thing" guy, so all things being equal, let the kid play 50 - 55.
- Slump Buster

Say they roll with him and he struggles.

They have no other option in this scenario other than to keep playing him, unless you plan on him learning and the team relying on UPL.

The risk is way too great.

Sure, and how many goalies have a great small sample and then torpedo after that?

Betting it all on a rookie in a must make it season is absolutely absurd
- sbroads24

Goaltending is already a complete gamble. The kid has done it at every level already. Is betting the start of the season (as that is all we are really talking about here) on him really that scary? Would any of us really feel that much better if we named any of the other 20 warm bodies not named Helleybuck?

Also, multiple rookie goalies that had less of a resume than he does have won cups in the last few years. It isn't unprecedented at all.

Because rookie goalies with no AHL experience and who have never played more than 40 games in an entire season don’t jump to 50+ their first year in the pros?

There’s a 0% chance they promised him that

Boss is attempting to troll here
- sbroads24

I'm not trolling, just passing along what I heard.

They LOVE levi.

He's gonna get 50+ starts from what I've been told.

Sorry if it's not what you want to hear.....

Schedule released. Sabres home opener against NYR. Can some of you get your tickets now so it doesn't fill up with Rangers frat boys.
- The_Inkwell

Well we are all rangers fans after all…..

Good post

None of the offseason moves are that exciting to me. Foligno to chicago for 4 million seems like a good move. Probably a tdl guy for a 2nd.....

I don't like the idea of matt dumba , although he's a little good at everything.... supposedly
- Boss34

As long as it's not a huge contract, Dumba I guess fits.

Wow, nice love note!

Goaltending is already a complete gamble. The kid has done it at every level already. Is betting the start of the season (as that is all we are really talking about here) on him really that scary? Would any of us really feel that much better if we named any of the other 20 warm bodies not named Helleybuck?

Also, multiple rookie goalies that had less of a resume than he does have won cups in the last few years. It isn't unprecedented at all.
- Slump Buster

Yes. We're still a Levi injury away from UPL being the starter

If they go this route I want 2 D.

I dont want no No Clauges, No Brysons, Stillman should be the 7th if hes on the roster. Trade Joki.
- DirtyDan

Dahlin samuelsson
Power ufa
Borgen boosh
Stillman.


I could see management be complacent with joker and just slide him up and down the lineup when needed.

You mentioned this before, better 3rd pair then 2nd for joker.

I'm 75% sure he doesnt get moved IMO

Yes. We're still a Levi injury away from UPL being the starter
- Hank Balling

Oh, well sure - I am not saying that we shouldn't get a guy like Korpisalo or Freddy Anderson as the other guy.

No but from what I was told last week, Adams is quietly putting out feelers.
- SABRES 89

Lol feelers? Every GM is doing this.

Sure, and how many goalies walk out of college into the pressure cooker that he did? This is a unique guy.

So a 20% jump in games played for a 21 year old is excessive? I don't know what they promised him or didn't promised him. Unless they go out and get a stud, I'd be surprised if he didn't play at least 50 games.
- Slump Buster

Absolutely agree. 👍

Wheeler being bought out as a result of the PLd sign and trade it appears.