Buffalo Sabres & NHL 2018-19: Sabres picking 7th overall (6/21/19). Ralph Krueger hire as new head coach!

[shrader]

The fun thing about those proposals is that they completely ignore a pesky little thing called the salary cap. 

[BillsFan4]

Anyone have any interest in a separate NHL playoff thread? 

 

Or should we just discuss it here? 

 

 

Im kind of thinking just discuss it here, as we seem to have a somewhat small group of hockey fans that post here. 

 

 

 

Anyone watching the Columbus vs Tampa game? 

 

I thought Columbus would get killed. Tampa came out real strong in the 1st and just swarmed Columbus. Bobrovsky looked like his usually shaky playoff self and Tampa was up 3-1.

 

Columbus is now up 4-3 with 3minutes left! Bobrovsky has looked like a different goalie since that awful 1st and CBus has really turned it up. 

 

We need at at least one of Columbus, Colorado, Vegas or Dallas to make it to the conference finals (along with the Blues losing before that) so the STL pick gets pushed down to #19 and goes to Buffalo. 

[BillsFan4]

 

I think this is at least the 3rd or 4th different day/time we’ve interviewed McLellan, if you go by twitter...  

 

lol

[Boca BIlls]

22 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

yea that ain't happenin..the Great Ones never get traded

The team you are talking about has done it before...

[May Day 10]

22 hours ago, Taro T said:

 

Not a chancein Hades the Eulers would settle for that.

 

Eichel heads to Alberta in any trade they'd make with the Sabres.

 

As to your question: Botterill answers before it rings.

The Sabres' trade there would result in edmonton getting burned to the ground a little less than the other 2 proposals.

 

Yes.  Eichel for McDavid would be the structure with some more going edmonton's way.   

[Helpmenow]

I’d make that trade.

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

On 4/10/2019 at 7:56 PM, ChevyVanMiller said:

 This column speculates on the possibility of Connor McDavid being traded and three teams that could pull off a deal for him. One is the Sabres. Take a look at what they have the Sabres offering and tell me how quickly you think Jason Botterill would jump through the telephone to make this deal happen.

 

https://www.nhltraderumors.me/2019/04/if-connor-mcdavid-gets-traded-here-are.html?m=1

 

Make it so, number one.

9 hours ago, May Day 10 said:

The Sabres' trade there would result in edmonton getting burned to the ground a little less than the other 2 proposals.

 

Yes.  Eichel for McDavid would be the structure with some more going edmonton's way.   

 

I'd do it.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

On 4/10/2019 at 7:56 PM, ChevyVanMiller said:

 This column speculates on the possibility of Connor McDavid being traded and three teams that could pull off a deal for him. One is the Sabres. Take a look at what they have the Sabres offering and tell me how quickly you think Jason Botterill would jump through the telephone to make this deal happen.

 

https://www.nhltraderumors.me/2019/04/if-connor-mcdavid-gets-traded-here-are.html?m=1

 

hope it happens

 

 

[BillsFan4]

 

Heard he’s interested more in a front office role than coaching, but this is a guy I’d love to have behind the bench. 

 

Botterill actually tried to interview him the first time around, but he wasn’t ready to leave Southampton yet. 

 

Seems to fit what we need. 

Super high energy. Super positive. Excellent motivator (he’s actually also a motivational speaker and even wrote a best selling self help book). He’s a believer in implementing analytics. Adapts his system to his team. Consistently gets the most out of lesser talented teams/players. Mike Babcock has even used him as a special advisor...

 

We’d definitely be a very hard working team under Krueger, and I feel like he may be able to help fix the fragile mindset of this team. 

 

Here an an article on him. I can’t find the article i’m looking for. If I find it, I’ll post it here. 

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nhl/2016/09/28/ralph-krueger-world-cup-southampton-football-club/91240876/

 

 

love this quote on why after a lifetime in hockey he took a job turning around a soccer/football club - 

 

 

 

Quote

The reason for that is my hunger to grow as a leader,” he said. “After 25 years of head coaching it was another level [but] it happened to be football-slash-soccer. It was a really difficult challenge, just as this is. I had no goal to get into football. I just like to do difficult projects.”

 

Edited April 12, 2019 by BillsFan4

[plenzmd1]

i listened to GR in the car this morning, they were talking speculation possibly a trade for Beudreau. That would be interesting. I know him better than McClennan, so i like him better. Pretty poor reason for liking him I admit, but still.

 

They were also talking about this list of RFAs coming up..holy mol;y is there a ton of talent there.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-fantasy-hockey-rfa-preview-list/c-299419564

 

Would you rather have Duchene at $12 per, age 29 -36

 

or Point at $11per, give up 4 firsts, age 24-31.

 

I want Point!!!!!

[YoloinOhio]

 

[BillsFan4]

3 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

i listened to GR in the car this morning, they were talking speculation possibly a trade for Beudreau. That would be interesting. I know him better than McClennan, so i like him better. Pretty poor reason for liking him I admit, but still.

 

They were also talking about this list of RFAs coming up..holy mol;y is there a ton of talent there.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-fantasy-hockey-rfa-preview-list/c-299419564

 

Would you rather have Duchene at $12 per, age 29 -36

 

or Point at $11per, give up 4 firsts, age 24-31.

 

I want Point!!!!!

 

I would be absolutely thrilled with Boudreau. His teams always get better under him, and seem to get worse when he leaves. I believes he’s made the playoffs 11 of his 13 NHL seasons.

 

And there’s this - 

 

 

I see people saying “I don’t want BB. He can’t get far enough in the playoffs” and I just have to shake my head! lol

 

Let’s make the playoffs for the first time in 8+ years first, and then let’s consistently make them every year before we worry about a coach that can get us over the playoff hump. 

 

And it’s not like the guy forgets how to coach once the playoffs roll around. There are a lot of things that go into winning a series. Sometimes it’s just bad luck hitting a super hot team. 

I mean, look at Trotz. Never made it past the 2nd round his first what, 20yrs in the league? 

 

 

 

 

As for Point for four #1’s... I’d love him but I couldn’t do that. 

The Sabres just don’t have anywhere close to the team depth needed to make that trade, and they haven’t been too great about finding good players outside of the 1st round. Plus, they have drafted top 8 for the last 7 years straight, 3 of those years being top 2. 

 

I would be fine with trying to trade for Point though. There was a rumor of Ristolainen + Mittelstadt as the base for a Point trade. I’d be more willing to do something like that rather than give up four 1sts. 

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

 

4 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

i listened to GR in the car this morning, they were talking speculation possibly a trade for Beudreau. That would be interesting. I know him better than McClennan, so i like him better. Pretty poor reason for liking him I admit, but still.

 

They were also talking about this list of RFAs coming up..holy mol;y is there a ton of talent there.

 

https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-fantasy-hockey-rfa-preview-list/c-299419564

 

Would you rather have Duchene at $12 per, age 29 -36

 

or Point at $11per, give up 4 firsts, age 24-31.

 

I want Point!!!!!

I wouldn't give up four first round picks for Point. That is not to say that he isn't a terrific player who will get even better. In a cap system extended success is predicated on having a steady stream of young players added to the roster who are on their cheaper rookie deals. Mortgaging the future is a risky proposition for one player in an injury plagued sport. Those first round draft picks are also assets that can be used in trades. The acquisition of Montour is a good example of that. 

 

What the Sabres need is an infusion of talent to broaden out this thin roster. There needs to be additions on the second line and also in the defensive corps. If you weigh this roster down with a few heavy duty contracts at the expense of bulking up the rest of the roster you are limiting your options. I would also be hesitant to sign Duchene for $12 per year on an extended contract. Under your scenario if he was signed for the term you cited what happens with the Skinner deal? And then what happens in the not too distant future when Rehinhart and Dahlin contracts need to be addressed? 

[BillsFan4]

1 hour ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

 

I would have been happy with TM but he wasn’t my first choice. Too many parallels between buffalo and Edmonton, where he just failed. That’s also why I was a bit surprised TM was interested in Buffalo. 

 

I am still hoping for AV, or Ralph Krueger or a trade for Bruce Boudreau (though I think the latter two are unlikely). 

 

Theres some other interesting candidates out there, too. Hopefully Botterill gets it right this time. He should have a much better idea of what this specific group of players need out of a coach, so that should help. 

 

He may may not get another chance at a coaching hire, so he better get it right! lol

 

[plenzmd1]

43 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I wouldn't give up four first round picks for Point. That is not to say that he isn't a terrific player who will get even better. In a cap system extended success is predicated on having a steady stream of young players added to the roster who are on their cheaper rookie deals. Mortgaging the future is a risky proposition for one player in an injury plagued sport. Those first round draft picks are also assets that can be used in trades. The acquisition of Montour is a good example of that. 

 

What the Sabres need is an infusion of talent to broaden out this thin roster. There needs to be additions on the second line and also in the defensive corps. If you weigh this roster down with a few heavy duty contracts at the expense of bulking up the rest of the roster you are limiting your options. I would also be hesitant to sign Duchene for $12 per year on an extended contract. Under your scenario if he was signed for the term you cited what happens with the Skinner deal? And then what happens in the not too distant future when Rehinhart and Dahlin contracts need to be addressed? 

I think you can have a core of 4..Jack, Rasmus, Sam, Duchene/Point. I think Skinner is out of here...if he wanted to stay he would be signed by now. I get Stamkos did the same thing and re-signed...just something about the way this whole year went and Skinner not signing soon after the deadline when the 8 years could kick in. Hope I am wrong.

 

In terms of 4 key guys...Leafs are going to be paying 4 guys..Matthews, Tavares, Nylander, and Marner...Chicago did it with Kane, Toews, Seabrook and Keith..Penquins are Syd, Malkin, Kessel, Latang...seems to me it is a doable thing.

 

And in terms of the draft picks...just do not see them as valuable in the NHL if they are past the top 3-5 picks. Guys on GR made the point today Pens have had like 5 guys from the last 7drafts see the NHL...

[Turk71]

Boudreau has coached a team to the playoffs in 10 of his 12 years coaching in the NHL and has the 4th highest winning % in NHL history for coaches over 100 games. He did it with 3 different teams. This past season was the first in 7 years to not make the playoffs. I would be psyched if the Sabres got him.

Edited April 12, 2019 by Turk71

[Nextmanup]

What's with all the talk about Boudreau?

He's not leaving Minnesota.

 

Fenton just confirmed that at a recent PC.

 

 

[plenzmd1]

2 minutes ago, Nextmanup said:

What's with all the talk about Boudreau?

He's not leaving Minnesota.

 

Fenton just confirmed that at a recent PC.

 

 

Does t mean they won’t trade him

[bbb]

On 4/10/2019 at 6:50 PM, BillsFan4 said:

 

 

That really wasn't much fun, at all.  

[shrader]

4 minutes ago, bbb said:

 

That really wasn't much fun, at all.  

 

Hehe, he said balls. 

 

There, that’s my best attempt at making that one fun. 

[Q-baby!]

19 minutes ago, shrader said:

 

Hehe, he said balls. 

 

There, that’s my best attempt at making that one fun. 

You're nuts.

[BillsFan4]

 

 

Its a a shame the Sudbury was eliminated so quickly. They just ran into a great team. Sudbury is not even close to the Ottawa 67’s level. UPL dragged that entire Sunbury team to the playoffs. But there’s only so much a goaltender can do when facing such a stacked team like Ottawa.

 

 

 

I wonder if they will try and get him in one of the last couple Amerks regular seasons games (tomorrow and Sunday), or if they will just have him practice with the team.

 

I doubt he will see any regular time in the playoffs, unless maybe the goaltending completely craps the bed like last year. 

 

Most people seem seem to think that he won’t see any playing time this year. 

 

 

[JohnC]

3 hours ago, plenzmd1 said:

I think you can have a core of 4..Jack, Rasmus, Sam, Duchene/Point. I think Skinner is out of here...if he wanted to stay he would be signed by now. I get Stamkos did the same thing and re-signed...just something about the way this whole year went and Skinner not signing soon after the deadline when the 8 years could kick in. Hope I am wrong.

 

In terms of 4 key guys...Leafs are going to be paying 4 guys..Matthews, Tavares, Nylander, and Marner...Chicago did it with Kane, Toews, Seabrook and Keith..Penquins are Syd, Malkin, Kessel, Latang...seems to me it is a doable thing.

 

And in terms of the draft picks...just do not see them as valuable in the NHL if they are past the top 3-5 picks. Guys on GR made the point today Pens have had like 5 guys from the last 7drafts see the NHL...

I don't believe Skinner is out of the picture. The stumbling block right now is the length of term. In addition, why should Skinner sign now when he can scan the full market as a free agent? I'm confident he will sign. If not then you just move on and use that designated salary for another good player. That's how the system works for every team.  As far as Duchene if Panerin and the goalie leave to go to Florida as many people expect Columbus will be in a good position to sign Duchene. 

 

Where you and I veer off the road is that I'm not so desperate to mortgage the house for a top shelf player. I think there is still more to build on before I go all in with a bevy of maximum contracts that takes away our flexibility to maneuver. As an example Tampa will be in a tough cap spot very soon. I believe that we can get a good player or two from a trade deal with them to help us construct a second line and still give us options to address other needs. When the draft approaches or at the draft I expect Botterill to make some moves to bolster a thin roster. I'm not willing to prematurely act out of fear and desperation because there is still so much more to do. 

[JohnC]

According to WGRZ McLellan is out as a coach for the Sabres. 

 

https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/report-mclellan-no-longer-coaching-candidate-for-sabres/71-c031ae42-497e-4060-810d-d986e5a5bfc2

[Turk71]

3 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

What's with all the talk about Boudreau?

He's not leaving Minnesota.

 

Fenton just confirmed that at a recent PC.

 

 

I have no idea if he is available. The rumor mill tossed his name out there I guess. I was just saying that he is a good coach and if he was available I hope the Sabres get him. I think the Wild would be dumb to let him go though.

[4merper4mer]

20 hours ago, JohnC said:

I don't believe Skinner is out of the picture. The stumbling block right now is the length of term. In addition, why should Skinner sign now when he can scan the full market as a free agent? I'm confident he will sign. If not then you just move on and use that designated salary for another good player. That's how the system works for every team.  As far as Duchene if Panerin and the goalie leave to go to Florida as many people expect Columbus will be in a good position to sign Duchene. 

 

Where you and I veer off the road is that I'm not so desperate to mortgage the house for a top shelf player. I think there is still more to build on before I go all in with a bevy of maximum contracts that takes away our flexibility to maneuver. As an example Tampa will be in a tough cap spot very soon. I believe that we can get a good player or two from a trade deal with them to help us construct a second line and still give us options to address other needs. When the draft approaches or at the draft I expect Botterill to make some moves to bolster a thin roster. I'm not willing to prematurely act out of fear and desperation because there is still so much more to do. 

I agree that Skinner may want to return.  I didn't at first but then I walked outside and a unicorn was farting rainbow colored lollipops all over my front yard.

[BillsFan4]

 

 

 

 

 

[plenzmd1]

@JohnC , you should follow this series on Diebytheblade on lower-priced FAs that could be a good fit for the Sabres. Chad is a really good advanced stat guy..he was really the first one breaking down how bad Housley was at player utilization.

 

Think most Sabre fans will enjoy this series..certainly going to highlight guys I am not aware of.

 

https://www.diebytheblade.com/2019/4/14/18309144/buffalo-sabres-jordan-weal-could-be-an-under-the-radar-signing-this-summer-free-agent

 

[K-9]

9 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

At 23, and having produced in two major pro leagues, Olofsson is ready. I look for him to be a fixture as a top 6 winger for the next 10 years. Can't teach his shot. 

[JohnC]

16 hours ago, 4merper4mer said:

I agree that Skinner may want to return.  I didn't at first but then I walked outside and a unicorn was farting rainbow colored lollipops all over my front yard.

If Skinner decides to sign elsewhere then so be it. He's a free agent and ultimately it's his decision. Just like Tavares moved on from NYI and probably Panerin and Boborosky (sic) will move on from Columbus player movements are part of the system. If Skinner's contract demands get too extreme it's not inconceivable that the GM decides to seek other player options with that designated money. It happens all the time.  

[4merper4mer]

6 minutes ago, JohnC said:

If Skinner decides to sign elsewhere then so be it. He's a free agent and ultimately it's his decision. Just like Tavares moved on from NYI and probably Panerin and Boborosky (sic) will move on from Columbus player movements are part of the system. If Skinner's contract demands get too extreme it's not inconceivable that the GM decides to seek other player options with that designated money. It happens all the time.  

So be it?  You have been saying our lack of talent held the coach back but "so be it" describes your thoughts on one of the top talents vacating?

 

There is something wrong with the Sabres and it is hard to pinpoint.  We know it started with the worst GM in the history of sports, but where is it now?  Botterill certainly doesn't seem outwardly concerned about creating a winner but different people have different styles.  I'd say the jury is still out on him.  The first rounder for useless Montour was botched though.

 

Ryan O'Reilly aka drunken donut clearly has some motivation issues but they've been solved in  St. Louis.  Now Skinner is running too. I love Eichel as a player but maybe he isn't the best in the room. It's just a thought, not anything I'm sure about but most people from Boston are self centered me me me types and a lot of good players have bolted.  Also Murray literally got everything wrong except Eichel.  Maybe he let the top inmate run the asylum?

[JohnC]

5 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

So be it?  You have been saying our lack of talent held the coach back but "so be it" describes your thoughts on one of the top talents vacating?

 

There is something wrong with the Sabres and it is hard to pinpoint.  We know it started with the worst GM in the history of sports, but where is it now?  Botterill certainly doesn't seem outwardly concerned about creating a winner but different people have different styles.  I'd say the jury is still out on him.  The first rounder for useless Montour was botched though.

 

Ryan O'Reilly aka drunken donut clearly has some motivation issues but they've been solved in  St. Louis.  Now Skinner is running too. I love Eichel as a player but maybe he isn't the best in the room. It's just a thought, not anything I'm sure about but most people from Boston are self centered me me me types and a lot of good players have bolted.  Also Murray literally got everything wrong except Eichel.  Maybe he let the top inmate run the asylum?

If you want me to defend Murray who set this franchise back with his disjointed maneuvers then you are way off the mark. Of course I want to sign Skinner. But if he and the GM can't come to a contract resolution that makes sense for both parties then you move on and pursue other options. That's how the system works. 

 

Your comment that Botterill doesn't seem outwardly concerned is ludicrous. Of course he is concerned and he has a self-interest in building a successful team i.e. his job. You more than anyone else was a scathing critic of ROR after his donut and drunken crash. The captain wanted out and the locker room was plagued with issues so it was not  so surprising that he was dealt. He is doing well in St. Louis because he went to a much better team. Did the GM get enough in return in that deal? He got what he could get, and we moved on.

 

Your assessment on Montour is off the wall. He is a good skating and puck moving second pairing caliber of defenseman. He was a good addition to a unit that needed talent.  I'll take that Guhle and first pick for him any day of the week. Guhle was expendable because Pilut moved ahead of him in the defenseman ranking. That was an excellent deal for us by any measure.

[4merper4mer]

17 minutes ago, JohnC said:

If you want me to defend Murray who set this franchise back with his disjointed maneuvers then you are way off the mark. Of course I want to sign Skinner. But if he and the GM can't come to a contract resolution that makes sense for both parties then you move on and pursue other options. That's how the system works. 

 

Your comment that Botterill doesn't seem outwardly concerned is ludicrous. Of course he is concerned and he has a self-interest in building a successful team i.e. his job. You more than anyone else was a scathing critic of ROR after his donut and drunken crash. The captain wanted out and the locker room was plagued with issues so it was not  so surprising that he was dealt. He is doing well in St. Louis because he went to a much better team. Did the GM get enough in return in that deal? He got what he could get, and we moved on.

 

Your assessment on Montour is off the wall. He is a good skating and puck moving second pairing caliber of defenseman. He was a good addition to a unit that needed talent.  I'll take that Guhle and first pick for him any day of the week. Guhle was expendable because Pilut moved ahead of him in the defenseman ranking. That was an excellent deal for us by any measure.

Did we win even 5 games after Montour arrived?  He disappeared like many have done when they arrive here.

 

The word outwardly was key to my description of Botterill.  I am fine with his demeanor if he does his job.  So far he has not but in his defense he had/has a lot to dig out from.  

 

I don't despair over losing ROR because he is a guy who needs things handed to him.  It is more that so many guys have wanted out of our room.  If it was just him it would be one thing.  But it isn't.  Something is wrong in there.

[K-9]

14 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

Did we win even 5 games after Montour arrived?  He disappeared like many have done when they arrive here.

 

The word outwardly was key to my description of Botterill.  I am fine with his demeanor if he does his job.  So far he has not but in his defense he had/has a lot to dig out from.  

 

I don't despair over losing ROR because he is a guy who needs things handed to him.  It is more that so many guys have wanted out of our room.  If it was just him it would be one thing.  But it isn't.  Something is wrong in there.

On a team full of suckitude, Montour is the last guy to point a finger at. His metrics since his arrival were near elite status for a defenseman. He’s an offensive force that drives play from the blue line. What this team needs are defenseman that can mix it up and clear the front of the net to pair with guys like Montour, Pilut, and Dahlin. 

[JohnC]

8 hours ago, K-9 said:

On a team full of suckitude, Montour is the last guy to point a finger at. His metrics since his arrival were near elite status for a defenseman. He’s an offensive force that drives play from the blue line. What this team needs are defenseman that can mix it up and clear the front of the net to pair with guys like Montour, Pilut, and Dahlin. 

You can add Borgen to the defense corps next year. He is not flashy or has much offense to his game. He is a solid stay at home defenseman who will help to balance out that unit. I like him a lot. 

Edited April 14, 2019 by JohnC

[BillsFan4]

The last regular season Amerks game is on right now. UPL is in goal.

 

you can find the game if you check “hockey streams reddit”. 

 

 

Really impressed with thr way Chris Taylor has this team playing. 

The Amerks are resting just about all their regular players today and are still dominating the B sens (full lineup).

 

And The B sens are playing for their playoff lives! They are tied for a playoff spot right now. They NEED the win. 

 

Rochester held them to 4 shots on goal the entire 1st period. 

Edited April 14, 2019 by BillsFan4

[K-9]

24 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

The last regular season Amerks game is on right now. UPL is in goal.

 

you can find the game if you check “hockey streams reddit”. 

 

 

Really impressed with thr way Chris Taylor has this team playing. 

The Amerks are resting just about all their regular players today and are still dominating the B sens (full lineup).

 

And The B sens are playing for their playoff lives! They are tied for a playoff spot right now. They NEED the win. 

 

Rochester held them to 4 shots on goal the entire 1st period. 

Great to see 6K get a start in goal. He’s our future in goal. 

[ajaxmt10]

YES! It's awesome to see 6K get a game. Great job by Taylor.

[BillsFan4]

 

 

I was impressed with the intensity Rochester played with. They had nothing to play for. They have the #2 spot and home ice advantage locked up. Yet they looked like the more desperate team than the B Sens, who needed a win to secure a playoff spot. 

 

There were 6 new players in the Amerks lineup, 5 who were called up from the ECHL.

I believe At least a few were getting their first ever AHL game. So I’m sure they added some jump. But still impressive none the less. 

 

Kind of ironic. The Amerks struggled against Belleville all year.

guess all they needed to do was to sit the majority of their good players...   lol

Edited April 14, 2019 by BillsFan4

[K-9]

Nice debut for Ukko. My question is, will 6K get a look in the playoffs given the struggles of Wedgewood lately.