Buffalo Sabres and NHL: 2019/20: Sabres season officially over. Draft lottery June 26th

[JohnC]

The below link is an article written by WGR's Brayton Wilson pointing out some San Jose players who might be available in free agency because their team is  cap stressed. He promotes getting Labanc who he believes could be available at a reasonable contract. I'm not as knowledgeable about these second-tier players as others are here. The point in this article is that because of the cap situation teams have good players who will be difficult to retain. The Sabres are in a good situation to bring in two to three good players to bolster the roster and add depth to a thin team. It will be disappointing if that doesn't happen. 

 

https://wgr550.radio.com/articles/opinion/labanc-offer-sheet

[YoloinOhio]

Of course 

 

 

[snafu]

^^^^^that doesn't look good. 

 

[BillsFan4]

Ralph Krueger development cap interview- (great listen)

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/ralph-krueger-62919/t-277437090/c-68596103

 

Botterill interview -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/jason-botterill-62919/t-277437090/c-68596203

 

not sure what to make of that Risto answer around 3:20(ish)

 

 

Colin Miller conference call -

 

https://sabresmedia.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/6.29-miller.mp3

 

highlights from the French connection tournament -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/2019-french-connection-tournament/t-277437090/c-68599003

 

Olofsson looked like a man among boys. 

 

3 hours ago, snafu said:

^^^^^that doesn't look good. 

 

Sounds like he’s ok -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/dylan-cozens-62919/t-277437090/c-68597303

Edited June 29, 2019 by BillsFan4

[K-9]

8 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Ralph Krueger development cap interview- (great listen)

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/ralph-krueger-62919/t-277437090/c-68596103

 

Botterill interview -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/jason-botterill-62919/t-277437090/c-68596203

 

 

 

In the few times I’ve heard Krueger speak, he’s yet to strike a sour note with me. And the disparity between him and Housley continues to be so evident. 

[BillsFan4]

3 minutes ago, K-9 said:

In the few times I’ve heard Krueger speak, he’s yet to strike a sour note with me. And the disparity between him and Housley continues to be so evident. 

Listening to Krueger inspires confidence that he truly has a plan and knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t seem at all overwhelmed by the task at hand (we’ll see how long that lasts...lol). He actually seems to revel 8n the challenge.

 

He just seems like a guy that will command respect in the locker room and someone the player will want to follow. It’s a lot easier to follow someone during the hard times when you have confidence that they know what they’re doing. 

 

 

From that Colon Miller conference call, talking about Las Vegas -

 

Quote

“It just takes guys that are willing to buy in. I think if there’s one thing that I was most proud of in Vegas, it was the character of the guys and the friendships that I made, because we had such good people in that locker room and good people throughout the organization. That’s the first thing in Buffalo, from talking to the coach and the players and the GM — it really is some great people here. And that’s what it takes, ultimately, if you’re going to come together as a team.”

 

I really do believe in the power of 100% player buy-in. Just look at the Islanders last season, or the Capitals the season before (when they won the Cup), and the Knights who went to the Finals in their inaugural year. 

 

Krueger is all about getting 100% buy-in. That’s been a notoriously hard task in Buffalo, so we will see how good Krueger really is... lol. 

[JohnC]

48 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Ralph Krueger development cap interview- (great listen)

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/ralph-krueger-62919/t-277437090/c-68596103

 

Botterill interview -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/jason-botterill-62919/t-277437090/c-68596203

 

not sure what to make of that Risto answer around 3:20(ish)

 

 

Colin Miller conference call -

 

https://sabresmedia.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/6.29-miller.mp3

 

Sounds like he’s ok -

 

https://www.nhl.com/sabres/video/dylan-cozens-62919/t-277437090/c-68597303

With respect to the Risto issue I get the impression that he asked to be traded or at least told them that he would be receptive to being traded. The GM danced around the issue as to whether Risto wanted to be traded. If the player wanted to be part of the solution and told the organization that he was committed to the team the GM would be more declarative with his comments on that subject. 

 

If I were a betting person my money would be on Risto being moved for a second-line player or be part of a packaged deal that brings in a higher profile player. 

 

 

Edited June 29, 2019 by JohnC
grammar

[BillsFan4]

23 minutes ago, JohnC said:

With respect to the Risto issue I get the impression that he asked to be traded or at least told them that he would be receptive to being traded. The GM danced around the issue as to whether Risto wanted to be traded. If the player wanted to be part of the solution and told the organization that he was committed to the team the GM would be more declarative with his comments on that subject. 

 

If I were a betting person my money would be on Risto being moved for a second-line player or be part of a packaged deal that brings in a higher profile player. 

 

 

I got the same exact impression. 

 

I’ve felt that he would be happy with a trade ever since locker clean out day. He just sounded like a guy who was mentally exhausted by the past 6 years in Buffalo and needed a change of scenery. 

 

id still much rather see him stay. I know he has another level. We’ve seen how dominant he can be. With a better tram around him and not so much constant losing, I think you’d see that player a lot more often. He is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL. I really don’t want to see him leave and blossom with another team. 

I hope they give it 1 more year with Ristolainen. See what Krueger can do. 

 

Its Botterill’s job to do what is best for the Buffalo Sabres. If teams are not offering a proper return for a Risto, then Botterill needs to keep him. 

 

But If they can pry a player like Cirelli out of Tampa, I can live with him being traded. 

 

Zero interest in draft picks being one of the main assets, though. I want the main value coming from the player(s) coming our way in the trade. Screw taking a lesser asset for a 1st or 2nd. Give me the better player, keep the pick. 

 

 

[BillsFan4]

https://player.fm/series/hockey-central-at-noon/june-28-season-finale

 

Nick Kypreos saying that it sounds like Mats Zuccarello to Buffalo. 

 

I would be pretty happy if we can land Zuccarello. He is one of the most loved and respected veterans in the NHL and he can still score. I was hoping the Krueger/Zuccarello connection would help... and maybe it will! 

 

i expect that buffalo will likely have to give an extra year of term (guessing 5 years), knowing that the last year could start to get ugly. But that’s what they have to do if they want to land him. Gotta offer something over other teams. 

 

Good teams always figure out a way way to get rid of a bad contract if they really need to. Look at all the cap strapped teams this offseason. I mean, look at Tampa. They’re capped out with a big time RFA to sign and they’re still going big fish hunting (Karlsson, Pavelski is rumored to favor Tampa). 

 

Buffalo needs better players and has cap space. Get it done Botts! 

 

 

Heres the exact quote -

 

Quote

Kypreos: Zuccarello.. maybe Buffalo?
Marek: Zuccarello to Buffalo?
Kypreos: That's the talk. That's the type of guy that could really help those young kids in Buffalo. I love him.

 

Edited June 29, 2019 by BillsFan4

[JohnC]

32 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

I got the same exact impression. 

 

I’ve felt that he would be happy with a trade ever since locker clean out day. He just sounded like a guy who was mentally exhausted by the past 6 years in Buffalo and needed a change of scenery. 

 

id still much rather see him stay. I know he has another level. We’ve seen how dominant he can be. With a better tram around him and not so much constant losing, I think you’d see that player a lot more often. He is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL. I really don’t want to see him leave and blossom with another team. 

I hope they give it 1 more year with Ristolainen. See what Krueger can do. 

 

Its Botterill’s job to do what is best for the Buffalo Sabres. If teams are not offering a proper return for a Risto, then Botterill needs to keep him. 

 

But If they can pry a player like Cirelli out of Tampa, I can live with him being traded. 

 

Zero interest in draft picks being one of the main assets, though. I want the main value coming from the player(s) coming our way in the trade. Screw taking a lesser asset for a 1st or 2nd. Give me the better player, keep the pick. 

 

 

Botts is not going to reprise another ROR deal that comes back to haunt him. With ROR there was as much determination for the player to get moved as there was for the organization to get him out of the room. That isn't the case here. The organization doesn't need to get rid of Risto where with ROR they no longer wanted him to be part of the mix. 

 

There is no doubt that Risto is a physical specimen. He has all the tools except a critical one: His instinct to anticipate and react to the play.  How many times did he fail to stay in front of the net chasing the puck behind his goalie? How many times was he goaded by the offensive player and lose sight of his basic responsibility of net presence? 

 

There is no doubt he can be a cruncher on a soft team. But what bothers me about Risto is that after all of his playing time his on ice cerebral approach to the game has not matured to where it should be. Is he a physical palooka whose muscle mentality hasn't caught up, or will ever catch up, with the mental side of the game? Or maybe he just needs a change a scenery to freshen up his approach to the game and be rejuvenated? I honestly don't know. 

[YoloinOhio]

 

[BillsFan4]

3 minutes ago, YoloinOhio said:

 

Adds to competition at camp. Maybe a 4th liner for us. Most likely ends up on waivers and in Rochester.

 

At least he should be pretty hungry (after not getting qualified). I expect he will compete his ass off. 

[Another Fan]

He speaks and wants to win:

 

https://www.si.com/nhl/2019/06/29/buffalo-sabres-terry-pegula-winning-free-agency

 

More a Bills fan than Sabres so I wouldn't really know but it seems Pegula hasn't done much for the team's success.  They've still yet to make the playoffs with a full year of him as owner 

[BillsFan4]

 

 

Wow. Pretty impressive return for the penguins considering they had no leverage in the deal. Everyone knew they were dying to dump Kessel. 

 

Plus, Kessel could only be traded to 8 teams (and the rumor is Arizona was really the only realistic team on the list). He already vetoed at least 1 trade. 

 

I hope Botterill is taking notes. Impressive job by a veteran GM getting value back in a trade he had no choice but to make. 

[JohnC]

25 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

 

Wow. Pretty impressive return for the penguins considering they had no leverage in the deal. Everyone knew they were dying to dump Kessel. 

 

Plus, Kessel could only be traded to 8 teams (and the rumor is Arizona was really the only realistic team on the list). He already vetoed at least 1 trade. 

 

I hope Botterill is taking notes. Impressive job by a veteran GM getting value back in a trade he had no choice but to make.

Why do you say that Pittsburgh's GM had no choice other than to deal him? If he couldn't get back a reasonable return he would have simply kept him. Kessel is a veteran and knows how the system works. He wasn't embittered when the Penguins tried to deal him to Minnesota. He exercised his non-trade clause and let the market evolve until it worked out to the way he wanted it to. There was no secret that if dealt Kessel was only willing to go to Arizona. If a deal couldn't have been worked out with the Coyotes he would have remained a Penquin and continue with his prolific scoring.  

Edited June 30, 2019 by JohnC
syntax

[shrader]

18 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

Olofsson looked like a man among boys. 

 

 

at a couple weeks shy of his 24th birthday, he literally is a man among boys. I can’t imagine there’s anyone older than him out there who isn’t holding a whistle. He’s the guy who damn well better look good out there or else you’re giving up on the guy. 

 

I don't really know how much there is to take away from him at these camps at this point. 

Edited June 30, 2019 by shrader

[BillsFan4]

 

 

 

well, so much for that... 

 

I  have a feeling it may be a disappointing open to free agency on Monday. 

[BillsFan4]

2 hours ago, JohnC said:

Why do you say that Pittsburgh's GM had no choice other than to deal him? If he couldn't get back a reasonable return he would have simply kept him. Kessel is a veteran and knows how the system works. He wasn't embittered when the Penguins tried to deal him to Minnesota. He exercised his non-trade clause and let the market evolve until it worked out to the way he wanted it to. There was no secret that if dealt Kessel was only willing to go to Arizona. If a deal couldn't have been worked out with the Coyotes he would have remained a Penquin and continue with his prolific scoring.  

Do you have an athletic subscription? 

 

If so, it’s all laid out here -

 

https://theathletic.com/1051402/2019/06/28/phil-kessel-and-the-penguins-a-breakup-held-hostage/

 

to quickly sum it up, it was an untenable situation. He was combative with coaches and getting into arguments, etc. Either Kessel had to go or Mike Sullivan had to go. But they also felt Kessel was dragging Malkin down and they were worried about his influence on some of the younger players. 

 

Also, I guess Kessel also only wanted to play with Malkin but Malkin didn’t want to play with Kessel anymore. 

 

And Kessel also asked for a trade multiple times last season and again this offseason.

 

 

It sounds like there was a lot going on. Just a whole bunch of little things.

There is a lot more detailed info in the article.

 

 

Here’s another article on it -

 

https://theathletic.com/1054507/2019/06/29/a-look-at-how-and-why-phil-kessel-was-traded-to-arizona/

 

Quote

The Phil Kessel era in Pittsburgh is over.

It was largely his choice, according to the Penguins.

General manager Jim Rutherford confirmed late on Saturday night that Kessel, as controversial as he is gifted, asked the Penguins to be traded numerous times during the past season. It was also made clear by Kessel that Arizona was his preferred destination.

 

Quote

Kessel had a slightly different take on the situation.

“I’m not sure that’s exactly what happened,” Kessel said. “Jim came to me one time and said, ‘(You’ll) never be a Penguin again.’ I think he’s mistaken a little bit there. But I don’t want to get involved in that. I’m not here to tell what really happened and the real truth, but whatever Jim wants to say.”

 

 

He was also almost traded once already this offseason but vetoed the trade (to minnesota).

Edited June 30, 2019 by BillsFan4

[Cripple Creek]

13 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

I got the same exact impression. 

 

I’ve felt that he would be happy with a trade ever since locker clean out day. He just sounded like a guy who was mentally exhausted by the past 6 years in Buffalo and needed a change of scenery. 

 

id still much rather see him stay. I know he has another level. We’ve seen how dominant he can be. With a better tram around him and not so much constant losing, I think you’d see that player a lot more often. He is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL. I really don’t want to see him leave and blossom with another team. 

I hope they give it 1 more year with Ristolainen. See what Krueger can do. 

 

Its Botterill’s job to do what is best for the Buffalo Sabres. If teams are not offering a proper return for a Risto, then Botterill needs to keep him. 

 

But If they can pry a player like Cirelli out of Tampa, I can live with him being traded. 

 

Zero interest in draft picks being one of the main assets, though. I want the main value coming from the player(s) coming our way in the trade. Screw taking a lesser asset for a 1st or 2nd. Give me the better player, keep the pick. 

 

 

If he is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL then wouldn't that other level be on display more often than not?  You're statements don't seem to jive to me.  Either he's under performed and needs a change of scenery or he's a really hard worker who is what you see he is.

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

Do you have an athletic subscription? 

 

If so, it’s all laid out here -

 

https://theathletic.com/1051402/2019/06/28/phil-kessel-and-the-penguins-a-breakup-held-hostage/

 

to quickly sum it up, it was an untenable situation. He was combative with coaches and getting into arguments, etc. Either Kessel had to go or Mike Sullivan had to go. But they also felt Kessel was dragging Malkin down and they were worried about his influence on some of the younger players. 

 

Also, I guess Kessel also only wanted to play with Malkin but Malkin didn’t want to play with Kessel anymore. 

 

And Kessel also asked for a trade multiple times last season and again this offseason.

 

 

It sounds like there was a lot going on. Just a whole bunch of little things.

There is a lot more detailed info in the article.

 

 

Here’s another article on it -

 

https://theathletic.com/1054507/2019/06/29/a-look-at-how-and-why-phil-kessel-was-traded-to-arizona/

 

 

 

 

He was also almost traded once already this offseason but vetoed the trade (to minnesota).

(I couldn't bring up the link but I got a sense what it was about from your post.) 

 

I was aware that Kessel was a "unique" character but not a disruptive character as you described. My point with my first response was that Pittsburg's GM was scanning the market and was not going to dump him for little. Even if the organization was determined to trade him they were not going to be forced to give him up  for little in return. Their GM had a tentative deal with Minnesota for Zucker. Kessel nixed that deal. So he went back to the market and worked out another reasonable deal with Arizona, a team that Kessel wanted to go to. If you compare how the Penquins handled their deal with how Botts handled the ROR deal, both deals for players who wanted to be moved, I would say that Rutherford was more strategic and patient in working out a deal for a player he wanted out.  

[K-9]

Can't believe Kessel threw his GM under the bus like that. 

 

The ball on that guy!

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Cripple Creek said:

If he is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL then wouldn't that other level be on display more often than not?  You're statements don't seem to jive to me.  Either he's under performed and needs a change of scenery or he's a really hard worker who is what you see he is.

The questions you bring up regarding Risto are at the core of the trade or not trade issue. It was reported that all the coaching candidates were asked what would they do to enhance his play. The issue that the organization has to wrestle with is whether he can be a more cerebral player to enhance his physical game. Is Krueger the HC who can get that more focused play out of him? I don't know? Another question is whether he is another Sabre player like ROR who has gotten tired of the losing and wants a fresh start somewhere else? I'm sure that the organization with their communications with him have a better grasp on that issue than we do. Then there is the next obvious question of what can you get for him if traded? I suspect that the GM is not going to make another type of ROR deal where he got less than value. This is a tough issue.

[Dr. Who]

Fella who posts over at the Sabres hockeybuzz site who sometimes gets a thing or two right is saying there might be a trade with Florida. He's hearing McCabe, E-rod, and a pick for Hoffman. Grain of salt and all that.

[shrader]

2 hours ago, K-9 said:

Can't believe Kessel threw his GM under the bus like that. 

 

The ball on that guy!

 

I can’t believe someone beat me to a Phil Kessel joke!

Edited June 30, 2019 by shrader

[JohnC]

18 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

Fella who posts over at the Sabres hockeybuzz site who sometimes gets a thing or two right is saying there might be a trade with Florida. He's hearing McCabe, E-rod, and a pick for Hoffman. Grain of salt and all that.

If Panerin signs with Florida it is likely that Hoffman gets dealt. Hoffman can score goals but his +/-- is not too good. Last season, he had 36 goals, 34 assists and a -24 plus/minus. This deal still makes sense because the GM is determined to put together a decent second line to take some of the scoring pressure off of the first line. 

[Dr. Who]

50 minutes ago, JohnC said:

If Panerin signs with Florida it is likely that Hoffman gets dealt. Hoffman can score goals but his +/-- is not too good. Last season, he had 36 goals, 34 assists and a -24 plus/minus. This deal still makes sense because the GM is determined to put together a decent second line to take some of the scoring pressure off of the first line. 

If McCabe is dealt, does this mean likelihood is Risto stays? Whether he wants to stay or not, I'm not dealing unless the return is big.

[PromoTheRobot]

On 6/28/2019 at 9:44 PM, JohnC said:

Not that long ago the Sabres and the Billls were franchises that were fiscally tightly operated. The Pegulas have certainly made mistakes as new owners with their two franchises. They have learned from their mistakes. It is refreshing to have owners operate their small market team in a manner that allows them to compete with the bigger markets. I appreciate them and don't take them for granted. Thank you Mr. and Mrs P. 

 

Ay-fricken-men!

[njbuff]

Is Panarin going to get his $12 million asking price?

 

If he does, it will throw the entire market into chaos and be the catalyst for a possible work stoppage (AGAIN) in short order.

[BillsFan4]

6 hours ago, Cripple Creek said:

If he is one of the hardest working players in the entire NHL then wouldn't that other level be on display more often than not?  You're statements don't seem to jive to me.  Either he's under performed and needs a change of scenery or he's a really hard worker who is what you see he is.

 

 

I was talking about his workout/training regime (risto’s offseason workout regime is legendary) and his conditioning level, as well as always working hard when he is on the ice. He does not take shifts off, ever. And he’s always staying late in the gym to train. 

 

He has has to be one of the best conditioned players in the NHL in order to handle the minutes he plays (he’s been top 5 in minutes in the entire nhl on a few occasions). 

 

He makes dumb mental mistakes and tries to overcompensate for crappy d partners at times, but that has nothing to do with his effort level. I have never once questioned Ristolainen’s effort level on or off the ice. 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know if all of his mental errors is something that can be fixed at this point or not (he is entering year 7), but I’d like to see if it can. I feel that we finally have a coach who’s proven he can install a very good defensive structure and we finally have some other defenseman that can help ease Risto’s burden. 

 

Maybe if he’s not trying to carry the entire entire load on D himself, and not so mentally exhausted from playing 25+ minutes a night, it will help him cut down on the mental errors. 

 

We’ve seen him (on more than one occasion now) start out the year on fire and then fall off as the year wears on and he gets worn out (from the over-usage). 

 

We also saw what other defenseman looked like when forced into Ristolainen's role (and for just a short time, too. Not all season long like a Risto) when he was out injured at the end of the season. Like Montour for example, he was making a lot of the same mistakes Risto does and looked even worse in that role than Risto does. 

 

 

 

But Ristolainen has to buy-in to the system and coaching, too. That has reportedly been an issue in years past. Paul Hamilton (grain of salt...) loves to say that Risto is one of the most un-coachable Sabres. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited June 30, 2019 by BillsFan4

[JohnC]

2 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

If McCabe is dealt, does this mean likelihood is Risto stays? Whether he wants to stay or not, I'm not dealing unless the return is big.

I'm not sure if a McCabe deal is made that it will have an effect on whether Risto stays or not. A reasonable replacement can be found from the market for an acceptable price.  In my view a Risto deal is all about what you get back. The ROR trade heist will not be repeated because the GM employment status can't afford too many of those glaring setbacks. 

[JohnC]

57 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

 

I was talking about his workout/training regime (risto’s offseason workout regime is legendary) and his conditioning level, as well as always working hard when he is on the ice. He does not take shifts off, ever. And he’s always staying late in the gym to train. 

 

He has has to be one of the best conditioned players in the NHL in order to handle the minutes he plays (he’s been top 5 in minutes in the entire nhl on a few occasions). 

 

He makes dumb mental mistakes and tries to overcompensate for crappy d partners at times, but that has nothing to do with his effort level. I have never once questioned Ristolainen’s effort level on or off the ice. 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know if all of his mental errors is something that can be fixed at this point or not (he is entering year 7), but I’d like to see if it can. I feel that we finally have a coach who’s proven he can install a very good defensive structure and we finally have some other defenseman that can help ease Risto’s burden. 

 

Maybe if he’s not trying to carry the entire entire load on D himself, and not so mentally exhausted from playing 25+ minutes a night, it will help him cut down on the mental errors. 

 

We’ve seen him (on more than one occasion now) start out the year on fire and then fall off as the year wears on and he gets worn out (from the over-usage). 

 

We also saw what other defenseman looked like when forced into Ristolainen's role (and for just a short time, too. Not all season long like a Risto) when he was out injured at the end of the season. Like Montour for example, he was making a lot of the same mistakes Risto does and looked even worse in that role than Risto does. 

 

 

 

But Ristolainen has to buy-in to the system and coaching, too. That has reportedly been an issue in years past. Paul Hamilton (grain of salt...) loves to say that Risto is one of the most un-coachable Sabres.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two players that Hamilton has not been reluctant to show his disdain for were ROR and Risto. His primary criticism for Risto is his repeated mental lapses. It was his seemingly inability to learn from his mistakes that bothered him very much. And his primary criticism of ROR is that he got tired of the gap toothed player's robotic responses/nonresponses after the games. With ROR the rotund reporter allowed his personal feelings to spill over into his reporting. At least that is how it seems to me. 

 

On the Risto trade or no trade issue I publicly admit my indecisiveness on this issue. I just don't know. 

[Doc Brown]

4 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

Fella who posts over at the Sabres hockeybuzz site who sometimes gets a thing or two right is saying there might be a trade with Florida. He's hearing McCabe, E-rod, and a pick for Hoffman. Grain of salt and all that.

Not crazy about them dealing E-Rod for a one year rental who's unlikely to sign a long term deal here.  Hoffman will be 31 and probably looking for a five plus year deal on what's likely his last contract.  E-Rod gives you better long term value as a 3rd/4th liner with some offensive prowess who can still grow and is valuable on the penalty kill.  Plus, you can sign him to a more cap friendly intermediate deal.

[Dr. Who]

1 hour ago, Doc Brown said:

Not crazy about them dealing E-Rod for a one year rental who's unlikely to sign a long term deal here.  Hoffman will be 31 and probably looking for a five plus year deal on what's likely his last contract.  E-Rod gives you better long term value as a 3rd/4th liner with some offensive prowess who can still grow and is valuable on the penalty kill.  Plus, you can sign him to a more cap friendly intermediate deal.

I tend to agree. Just reporting a rumor.

[Cripple Creek]

5 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 

 

I was talking about his workout/training regime (risto’s offseason workout regime is legendary) and his conditioning level, as well as always working hard when he is on the ice. He does not take shifts off, ever. And he’s always staying late in the gym to train. 

 

He has has to be one of the best conditioned players in the NHL in order to handle the minutes he plays (he’s been top 5 in minutes in the entire nhl on a few occasions). 

 

He makes dumb mental mistakes and tries to overcompensate for crappy d partners at times, but that has nothing to do with his effort level. I have never once questioned Ristolainen’s effort level on or off the ice. 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know if all of his mental errors is something that can be fixed at this point or not (he is entering year 7), but I’d like to see if it can. I feel that we finally have a coach who’s proven he can install a very good defensive structure and we finally have some other defenseman that can help ease Risto’s burden. 

 

Maybe if he’s not trying to carry the entire entire load on D himself, and not so mentally exhausted from playing 25+ minutes a night, it will help him cut down on the mental errors. 

 

We’ve seen him (on more than one occasion now) start out the year on fire and then fall off as the year wears on and he gets worn out (from the over-usage). 

 

We also saw what other defenseman looked like when forced into Ristolainen's role (and for just a short time, too. Not all season long like a Risto) when he was out injured at the end of the season. Like Montour for example, he was making a lot of the same mistakes Risto does and looked even worse in that role than Risto does. 

 

 

 

But Ristolainen has to buy-in to the system and coaching, too. That has reportedly been an issue in years past. Paul Hamilton (grain of salt...) loves to say that Risto is one of the most un-coachable Sabres. 

Then motivation, Krueger's ace in the hole, isn't going to help him any.  Maybe a lesser role, as you suggest will help.  

 

I'm tired of watching good players go elsewhere, but, I fear he is what we fear he is.  If he's dealt I won't shed any tears.

[JohnC]

6 hours ago, njbuff said:

Is Panarin going to get his $12 million asking price?

 

If he does, it will throw the entire market into chaos and be the catalyst for a possible work stoppage (AGAIN) in short order.

If the pay scale for elite players takes a quick jump and that higher level becomes the benchmark for those elite echelon of players then the teams will have to adjust with paying less to the lower level of players, or will result in playing more younger players on their first contract. It will also cause teams to keep fewer core and top shelf players.The formula for the cap is set as a ratio of the revenues. If a team is to overpay to entice a premium player then their roster or pay distribution will have to be altered for that team. 

 

The issue that will have to be dealt with when the new league/player contract comes up is the allowable length of the contracts. Those 8 year or longer contracts end up hamstringing the teams on the backside of the contracts. Maybe having teams be able to buy-out the contract on the back side of the contract can be negotiated where it benefits the teams and the players.  

 

The teams that will benefit when organizations pay crazy contracts for players are teams such as Buffalo who will be in a good position to select some of the good players jettisoned to make room for the star player. An example of that is if Florida signs Panarin for stupid money then a player such as Hoffman will have to be shipped out in order to make room for the rich signing. 

[JohnC]

4 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

Not crazy about them dealing E-Rod for a one year rental who's unlikely to sign a long term deal here.  Hoffman will be 31 and probably looking for a five plus year deal on what's likely his last contract.  E-Rod gives you better long term value as a 3rd/4th liner with some offensive prowess who can still grow and is valuable on the penalty kill.  Plus, you can sign him to a more cap friendly intermediate deal.

You make a good point that Hoffman could end up being a one year rental player for us. On the other hand being a one year rental might serve the Sabres needs better than signing him to an extended deal. If Hoffman can be part of a contributing second line (even if it is for one year) that will help us this season and allow some of the young players in the system more time to be ready when they make the jump to the NHL. 

 

I like E-Rod. As you stated he has value as a third or fourth line players. But those types of players are replaceable while getting a goal scoring second-line forward is much more difficult. 

 

The fans are getting fatigued. The owners want to see better results. And the players are getting frustrated with being stuck in the muck of mediocrity. Taking a talented scoring player on a short term for an immediate benefit is not an unreasonable approach to take. 

[Doc Brown]

57 minutes ago, JohnC said:

You make a good point that Hoffman could end up being a one year rental player for us. On the other hand being a one year rental might serve the Sabres needs better than signing him to an extended deal. If Hoffman can be part of a contributing second line (even if it is for one year) that will help us this season and allow some of the young players in the system more time to be ready when they make the jump to the NHL. 

 

I like E-Rod. As you stated he has value as a third or fourth line players. But those types of players are replaceable while getting a goal scoring second-line forward is much more difficult. 

 

The fans are getting fatigued. The owners want to see better results. And the players are getting frustrated with being stuck in the muck of mediocrity. Taking a talented scoring player on a short term for an immediate benefit is not an unreasonable approach to take. 

I see your point but if you start listening to the fans as a GM you become one.  The goal should be winning the cup rather than just make the playoffs and this team is more than one season away.  We're going to have to give long term deals eventually to Dahlin and Reinhart meaning we'll have four players signed long term making at least 8 million per year.  I don't think we can afford a 5th for Hoffman.  If the deal didn't include E-Rod I'd be fine with it, but he's undervalued by this fan base imo.

[YoloinOhio]

10 hours ago, njbuff said:

Is Panarin going to get his $12 million asking price?

 

If he does, it will throw the entire market into chaos and be the catalyst for a possible work stoppage (AGAIN) in short order.

Hearing it could be 13 mill/year AAV. Cbus  has to offer more to get him to stay because he wants big city/coastal. 3 team race with Cbus/Islanders/Panthers 

Edited July 1, 2019 by YoloinOhio

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

I see your point but if you start listening to the fans as a GM you become one.  The goal should be winning the cup rather than just make the playoffs and this team is more than one season away.  We're going to have to give long term deals eventually to Dahlin and Reinhart meaning we'll have four players signed long term making at least 8 million per year.  I don't think we can afford a 5th for Hoffman.  If the deal didn't include E-Rod I'd be fine with it, but he's undervalued by this fan base imo.

It's unusual for a lower echelon nonplayoff team to make an immediate jump to being a cup contending team. It's most often done in stages. (The Las Vegas surprise is an all together different situation.) This team needs to become competitive sooner rather than later not only because the fans are starting to peel away but because the owners are starting to get restless. You don't think that the  GM  is aware that the owners have expectations that haven't been close to being met? There is another aspect about systemic losing that is fraught with danger. It is that it has a corrosive effect on the players. ROR wanted out because he got tired of the losing. It appears that Risto is struggling with that same malaise where he wants a fresh start somewhere else. You don't think that Jack as one of the best players in the league going to be dissatisfied watching other teams playing in the playoffs from his couch?

 

I agree with you that in the not too distant future the organization will have to deal with grand contract expectations from Dahlin and Reinhart. That is why a short term deal with a player such as Hoffman would fit in very well with the cap puzzle that will have to be put together with those looming contracts.  

[thebandit27]