Michael Ghofrani: Sabres Offseason Blueprint Prologue: An Identity Crisis

Hi Mike,
Keep up the distractions for us.
Nice job.

Hi Mike,
Keep up the distractions for us.
Nice job.
- sgk56

Thanks!

Meh

" When I was growing up, there was a bully in my hometown. He used to terrorize everybody. But he wasn't the problem. He had a brother who was worse than him. He wasn't the problem, either. One or the other was always in jaiI. Problem was when they were together. Alone they were just bullies, but together... they were lethal."

Michael Ghofrani: Sabres Offseason Blueprint Prologue: An Identity Crisis
- Michael Ghofrani

nice blog, keep up the good work and stay safe

nice blog, keep up the good work and stay safe
- homiedclown

Thanks! and same to you.

https://twitter.com/cnn/s.../1241390133158518789?s=21

Interesting analysis.

A great deal of numbers to confirm we need more talent.

More talent and better structure at the top. Talent can be acquired, but solid structure at the top seems to be very hard to get.

" When I was growing up, there was a bully in my hometown. He used to terrorize everybody. But he wasn't the problem. He had a brother who was worse than him. He wasn't the problem, either. One or the other was always in jaiI. Problem was when they were together. Alone they were just bullies, but together... they were lethal."
- homiedclown

Hear him, now he’s just a bully.

https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1241390133158518789?s=21
- Pegullaville

Read the article and some others.

I'll no more believe in information shared by the Russian government then I will the Chinese government.

“ Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status”

As much as he’s probably just not as good as we’d hoped, I think his partner/playing off hand has without a doubt hurt him.

He’s a serviceable player still IMO

“ Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status”

As much as he’s probably just not as good as we’d hoped, I think his partner/playing off hand has without a doubt hurt him.

He’s a serviceable player still IMO

Agreed.
I do wonder what his contract value is ... somewhere between $4.25 - $5.0m is my guess.
If they can get say 5 years at $4.5/4.75m I do it, then trade him next offseason.

“ Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status”

As much as he’s probably just not as good as we’d hoped, I think his partner/playing off hand has without a doubt hurt him.

He’s a serviceable player still IMO
- sbroads24

Perhaps playing on the wrong side all year (his unnatural d side) has something to do with this?

Perhaps playing on the wrong side all year (his unnatural d side) has something to do with this?
- turbo044

Don't forget also playing forward a few times.

“ Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status”

As much as he’s probably just not as good as we’d hoped, I think his partner/playing off hand has without a doubt hurt him.

He’s a serviceable player still IMO
- sbroads24

yeah im not quite there myself but it did turn sideways quickly. From what i saw, the defence was put on a very tight leash.

Dahlin and Montour suffered the worst, it was only recently I noticed 26 carrying more.

yeah im not quite there myself but it did turn sideways quickly. From what i saw, the defence was put on a very tight leash.

Dahlin and Montour suffered the worst, it was only recently I noticed 26 carrying more.
- Michael Ghofrani

I’d be weary of a 4-5 per year deal if it’s long term. But I think as a 4-5 D man he’s ok.

Problem is, like Risto, his skill set appeals to every coach

Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status.

There's only one line capable of successfully playing high event hockey. Montour was miscast all year playing in various out of place positions, but that was always going to be the case because he and Risto are redundant and occupy essentially the same role

Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status.

I know you're a stats guy Michael but the bolded above is the kind of hyperbole that is silly, IMO.

Brandon Montour suffered the worst of the big five, essentially going from a potential Rasmus Ristolainen replacement to “should they even qualify him?” status.

I know you're a stats guy Michael but the bolded above is the kind of hyperbole that is silly, IMO.
- kingcong39

he was laughing on the bench during a blow out loss

There's only one line capable of successfully playing high event hockey. Montour was miscast all year playing in various out of place positions, but that was always going to be the case because he and Risto are redundant and occupy essentially the same role
- jcragcrumple

It’s been blatantly obvious for a year that one of Risto/Montour needs to be moved.

Idc at this point. Just pick one.

he was laughing on the bench during a blow out loss
- homiedclown

methinks risto is gone this off season...not sure if you've heard anything but he'll have two more years left on is contract at a reasonable rate and the iron is certainly hot right now...if they do that i'd like to think that they'll keep montour

It’s been blatantly obvious for a year that one of Risto/Montour needs to be moved.

Idc at this point. Just pick one.
- Pegullaville

The blatantly obvious choice is 55.

Montour at say 4.5 mil for 4-5 years >>>>>>> Risto getting a raise to say 7 mil long term in two years.

The blatantly obvious choice is 55.

Montour at say 4.5 mil for 4-5 years >>>>>>> Risto getting a raise to say 7 mil long term in two years.
- sbroads24

I don't think he'd even re-sign in buffalo at the end of his contract...

thoughts?