sabres prospect talk

[JATMtheJATM]

i dont know if anyone else around here really follows the kids before they make the club, but i sure do.

sabres prospect justin bailey scored a PP goal for the kitchener rangers tonight.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQsg8RF0kL4

[JATMtheJATM]

logan nelson had 4 assists in his WHL opener.

[JATMtheJATM]

baptiste scored in the sudbury opener. petersen got the win in his opener.

[JATMtheJATM]

possler has 3 points in 4 games as well. connor hurley has 2 assists in one game with muskegon.

[ckg927]

I'll be heading up to Saginaw tomorrow, as Justin Kea is back with the Spirit. Bonus: I get to watch Connor McDavid at work(Saginaw's playing Erie)...of course, we MIGHT draft McDavid in 2 years...

[JATMtheJATM]

I'll be heading up to Saginaw tomorrow, as Justin Kea is back with the Spirit. Bonus: I get to watch Connor McDavid at work(Saginaw's playing Erie)...of course, we MIGHT draft McDavid in 2 years...

my dad will be at the game.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia out with broken hand. no time table for return.

well, ****.

[PTI]

armia out with broken hand. no time table for return.

well, ****.

My dad told me he had a good chance of making the team too, according to the radio.

[JATMtheJATM]

My dad told me he had a good chance of making the team too, according to the radio.

i havnt seen any preseason games, i live in michigan, but it sounded like he wasnt that out of place. i would have started him in rochester and brought him up later but im conservative with prospects.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SdaV5LjWFI

possler gets an assist off hard work, and scores a break away goal.

[JATMtheJATM]

kea with an assist tonight for sagnasty

bailey with 2 assists for kitchener.

[JATMtheJATM]

zadorov out 2 weeks with cut finger (really?)

unsure if he will be returned to london of the OHL.

[JATMtheJATM]

ristolainen makes sabres. wears 55

[Crisis]

Really excited about the future of the blueline with Risto, Myers, and Z.

[JATMtheJATM]

dont forget pysyk and mcnabb still has promise, mccabe does as well.

[Crisis]

dont forget pysyk and mcnabb still has promise, mccabe does as well.

Yeah, we definitely have some other solid pieces as well but those three all have legit #1 D potential IMO. Pysyk seems more of the steady top 4 guy that's going to bring a ton of consistency and a calming effect when he's on the ice, the other three I think have superstar potential. Nothing wrong with Pysyk, in fact I love what he brings... just the other three have sky high potential.

This is assuming Myers rebounds of course, since he's looked much better in preseason already.

[ckg927]

kea with an assist tonight for sagnasty

bailey with 2 assists for kitchener.

I was at that game, and Kea could VERY easily have added a goal or two to that point total if he had gotten some good breaks.

[JATMtheJATM]

I was at that game, and Kea could VERY easily have added a goal or two to that point total if he had gotten some good breaks.

i was talking to a spirit employee last year and i explained i was a buffalo fan coming to watch kea, ect. he told me to watch justin skate. effortless skater who looks like he isnt even trying to skate hard, but is. and quite quick.

[DetDannyWilliams]

Kris Baker ‏<s>@</s>SabresProspects Last night, Nick Baptiste forced OT with five seconds left. Today he forced OT with :03 left in reg. Sudbury lost both, but NB clutch early
http://youtu.be/lrDPQtw4M1k

[JATMtheJATM]

baptiste 3rd in OHL scoring.

kea 5 points in 8 game. -4 though.

[JATMtheJATM]

Watched the Michigan exhibition game, compher created chances for moffat but moffat couldn't bury them. Announcers glowed about him. Ken Daniels was the commentator. He's the wings pbp guy-

[JATMtheJATM]

logan nelson. goals in his last 5 games.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher centering the michigan first line tonight

[JATMtheJATM]

and it worked. compher assisted on the OT GWG.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrmnsLhV_SA

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.sabresprospects.com/2008/01/sabres-prospects-statistics.html

updated stats. some pretty PPG at the top.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ige0vI-t-a4

baptiste scores 2 goals saturday. has 11 goals in 11 games. kids got wheels too!

[JATMtheJATM]

reading good things on risto and zad tonight. risto scores. apparently, zad was pointing out where he wanted stafford to go on a rush (rookie telling a vet where to go? good sign.)

grigs getting some time tonight at least.

[JATMtheJATM]

for what its worth, i asked kris baker of sabresprospects.com about grigs. i asked him if he was concerned about him. his response?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Not at all. He&#39;s playing better and I&#39;m confident he&#39;ll keep trending upward. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Mike*****Mike">@Mike*****Mike</a> are you concerned about grigs at all?</p>&mdash; Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresProspects/statuses/394145059483820032">October 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

if you have twitter, give him a follow. hes great.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=689043&utm_campaign=Wildfire+Message+-+.%40NickBaptiste+continues+hot+start+in...&utm_content=po_568406&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter

weekend update on the prospects.

[JATMtheJATM]

mcnabb and adam are having nice bounceback years so far. might be time to give one (or both) another look. adam, maybe his final look.

[Epicness]

mcnabb and adam are having nice bounceback years so far. might be time to give one (or both) another look. adam, maybe his final look.

IIRC, when Adam was brought up towards the end of the season last year he looked pretty good. He's still relatively young, I don't think he's a lost prospect at this point.

I love McNabb and it's great to hear he's bouncing back well, but do we really have room for him at this point?

[JATMtheJATM]

i suspect zad will be returned to london, and weber is out long term.

[coastal]

i suspect zad will be returned to london, and weber is out long term.
Why do u suspect Zad to be returned to London?

[JATMtheJATM]

Why do u suspect Zad to be returned to London?

gut feeling. after 9 games, that starts his contract. thats why grigs is up. they dont want to burn a year while hes in the Q. so i think theyll put zad back in the O, and let risto and pysyk be the youngsters on the blue line for the year.

[Dr. Lecter]

Listening to Rolston yesterday, it sounds like Zadaorv is going nowhere.

And I love McCabe. If you saw him in the Juniors last year you would know why. The kid is going to be a solid, albeit unspectacular, NHL defenseman

[JATMtheJATM]

Listening to Rolston yesterday, it sounds like Zadaorv is going nowhere.

And I love McCabe. If you saw him in the Juniors last year you would know why. The kid is going to be a solid, albeit unspectacular, NHL defenseman

the thing with me is, im more conservative with prospects. dont rush them, you run the risk of ruining them. i get that during a rebuild. you play younger players. but every first round pick you get doesnt have to be shoved into the lineup right away.

now, if hes playing well, and it appears he is, well, its a moot point. but at this point, and this is just how i would do it. id give zad his 9 games, send him back, and call up mcnabb.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia a week away from returning, will be sent to rochester, per bill hoppe.

[JATMtheJATM]

7th rounder eric locke had, in order PP assist, SH assist, PP goal, EN goal tonight for saginaw.

justin kea was held scoreless, but had an interesting night. first, he went legs first into the boards after being shoved. he stayed down, but eventually came back. next time out, during a time out, he went after an owen sound player, and was given a 10 min misconduct. the game got out of control after that.

locke and kea were on both the PP and PK.

kea has skinny ass legs. good skater through.

[JATMtheJATM]

kea had two goals for sagnasty last night, but the spirit lost to the soo greyhounds.

:(

oh, and saginaw has a goalie that will be available this upcoming draft. Nikita Serebryakov. not great numbers so far, but they say hes developing nicely and is likely a top 3 round pick in the upcoming draft. he has lightning quick feet and great positioning. i really like this kid if the sabres dont take a goalie high in the draft.

[DetDannyWilliams]

NO! NOMORE GOALIES!, They have a pipeline of them waiting in the wings... Hackett, Ullmark, Peterson, Makarov, Knapp and Lieuwen

[JATMtheJATM]

none of those are projected to be anything above a spot starter/backup with the exception of hackett. and hackett is struggling.

[JATMtheJATM]

possler had to be helped off the ice. possibly twisted his knee.

[JATMtheJATM]

none of those are projected to be anything above a spot starter/backup with the exception of hackett. and hackett is struggling.

though, with the exception of hackett, sabres goalies look good this year in the pipeline.

[JATMtheJATM]

baptiste with 27 points through 19 games for sudbury. 15 goals.

[JATMtheJATM]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Andrey Makarov makes 27 saves as Fort Wayne edges Cincinnati 3-2. Makarov: three wins in five ECHL starts, 2.41 GAA, .922 sv%.</p>&mdash; Kris Baker (@SabresProspects) <a href="https://twitter.com/SabresProspects/statuses/399394910182195200">November 10, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[JATMtheJATM]

justin kea, 2 goals and an assist today for saginaw. he was drafted as a defensive forward like goose. but his offense has been jumping significantly. 22 points in 20 games. kris baker said that his stock of all sabres prospects has jumped the most this season. hes looking solid.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia had an assist tonight in rochester. his first as a NA pro.

compher got his first NCAA goal for michigan (go blue).. hes been getting plenty of assists.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.sabresprospects.com/2013/11/1116-recap-armia-malone-pot-firsts.html

armia has 3 points in 3 games with the amerks. including his first goal. 1+2=3

compher got his second goal for go blue. a shorty!

baptiste scored 2 today in a sudbury OT winner.

heres the stats. http://www.sabresprospects.com/2008/01/sabres-prospects-statistics.html

[JATMtheJATM]

zad with 2 assists for team russia over the OHL in the subway series.

[JATMtheJATM]

make that 3 assists. also, correction on armia. he has 1 goal, 1 assist in 4 games.

[JATMtheJATM]

larsson and risto had scored their first AHL goals last night. risto added a SH EN goal in a 6-3 win for rochester last night. so he has 2+0 for 2 points since the demotion.

armia has 3 points 1+2 in 7 games. its gonna take him a little while to get up to speed.

[JATMtheJATM]

looks like im talking to myself here, but whatever.

zad just scored for london and took a penalty shortly after.

[Dr. Lecter]

We are listening

I am going to the outdoor Amerks game on the 13th. Should be fun to watch some of these guys

[JATMtheJATM]

We are listening

I am going to the outdoor Amerks game on the 13th. Should be fun to watch some of these guys

im going to see both amerks games next weekend against the grand rapids griffins. friday is dollar beer night. so i doubt ill be doing much scouting.

[Dr. Lecter]

I will get to see them a second time in February. They play in Buffalo and Chern and I got free tickets to that game as part of our season ticket package

[JATMtheJATM]

I will get to see them a second time in February. They play in Buffalo and Chern and I got free tickets to that game as part of our season ticket package

i go to alot of griffins games, and saginaw spirit games. i believe im going to see kea and locke this weekend. kea is a big defensive forward who was supposed to be like goose. but its turning out hes got an offensive upside. maybe not a 50 point guy, but 30s.

[JATMtheJATM]

went to the spirit game in sarnia tonight. sat behind the saginaw bench. locke was out, kea played alot, didnt score. sagnasty lost 2-1 in OT.

larsson with 1+1 for 2 points tonight.
armia woth 1+0 for 1 point
risto with a pair of assists.

amerks won 5-3

lieuwen stopped 32 of 35

http://theahl.com/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=1011396

[JATMtheJATM]

JT compher had a goal and an assist last night in michigans OT win against ohio.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher with 2 goals tonight against the ohio buckeyes. michigan leads 3-1

[JATMtheJATM]

mcnabb back to rochester.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher makes USA WJC prelim roster

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/120413aaa.html

[JATMtheJATM]

sabres to potentially loan grigo to russia for the WJC

[JATMtheJATM]

sabres to potentially loan grigo to russia for the WJC

and its done. grigo and zad loaned to russia for WJC. this is terrific news!

[DetDannyWilliams]

J.T. Compher named to USA preliminary roster, Gustav Possler named to swedish preliminary roster

[JATMtheJATM]

i watched the rochester @ grand rapids game tonight. live and in person! grand rapids slaughtered rochester, 5-1. neither risto or larsson were playing. risto was sucker punched at the end of the game wednesday and is out with a concussion. i guess it was dirty dirty.

anyways, armia. boy, i like this kid alot. he reminded me of rick nash. now before you go nuts about me being a homer, i mean in his playing style. hes big and strong on the puck. he uses his body alot in the offensive zone and will use his body to carry the puck down low. where as other players would carry the puck to the slot if they had a lane, armia will make that lane with his body. he certainly looks like a top 6 scorer down the line. he just needs some polish.

[Ginger Vitis]

risto was sucker punched at the end of the game wednesday and is out with a concussion.



Risto played well for Finland in last years junior tournament 6 points in 6 games tough break getting this concussion. Id guess he is unlikely to play in the junior tournament this year

[JATMtheJATM]

Risto played well for Finland in last years junior tournament 6 points in 6 games tough break getting this concussion. Id guess he is unlikely to play in the junior tournament this year

it looks like he isnt going to miss too much time. week or so. hes been good for the amerks too.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/o-zone/2013/12/03/ristolainen-wont-play-this-week/3855835/

he might play in the WJC afterall

[JATMtheJATM]

rochester @ grand rapids game 2. much better effort, but still lost 3-1. nathan lieuwan played wonderfully. grand rapids is a great team, and he kept em in it. rochester had chances, but petr mrazek is an AWESOME goalie. detroits got a beauty in him.

larsson played, and his game was not spectacular, but effective. played well both ways, played on the PP. armia, again, used his body, but not like he did last night. he wasnt afraid to go in front, or in the corners. but what really impressed me was his forechecking. he created havoc at times with his effort. unfortunately, he doesnt seem to have top end speed. hes not a terrible skater, but hes not blazing fast. and maybe thats by design, as on the rush, he hangs back and waits for a pass to either shoot or bully his way down low. im unsure. but he was noticeable.

but hes a ways away from being an impact NHLer. but it will happen.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.sabresprospects.com/2008/01/sabres-prospects-statistics.html

an updated sabres prospects stats. ullmark has a dirty save percentage at .938

hope hes across the pond in rochester next year.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=56303#.UqZqvkADRmw.twitter

apparently, rasmus is going to the WJC.

[coastal]

I had 3 goals and 3 assists in my senior league tonight...

[JATMtheJATM]

I had 3 goals and 3 assists in my senior league tonight...

35+? they didnt have enough goalies so i got to play in the lapeer league before i moved out to GR. i loved the 35+ league. it wasnt a bunch of youngsters who still think they can make the NHL. it was a bunch of guys having fun without the BS.

[coastal]

35+? they didnt have enough goalies so i got to play in the lapeer league before i moved out to GR. i loved the 35+ league. it wasnt a bunch of youngsters who still think they can make the NHL. it was a bunch of guys having fun without the BS.
No it's not 35+ but it's a good league without the BS... at least for the most part.

every now and then some cement head tries to start **** but for the most part... those guys are weeded out.

[Ginger Vitis]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=56303#.UqZqvkADRmw.twitter

apparently, rasmus is going to the WJC.

Risto I would expect will play a ton of minutes for the Finns at the WJC and my expectations are he will be one of the better defensemen at the WJC.. 4 points in 5 games so far at Rochester I'm still not sure if he can be No.1 defensemen but a No.2 guy I think is realistic

[JATMtheJATM]

Risto I would expect will play a ton of minutes for the Finns at the WJC and my expectations are he will be one of the better defensemen at the WJC.. 4 points in 5 games so far at Rochester I'm still not sure if he can be No.1 defensemen but a No.2 guy I think is realistic

risto would have more games in rochester if not for a sucker punch he suffered last week.

[JATMtheJATM]

bailey scores for kitchener.

[JATMtheJATM]

heres a good read about sabres prospects heading to the WJC

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1886469-buffalo-sabres-prospects-to-watch-at-the-2014-world-junior-championships

[Ginger Vitis]

heres a good read about sabres prospects heading to the WJC

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1886469-buffalo-sabres-prospects-to-watch-at-the-2014-world-junior-championships

One encouraging thing I took from that article is Zadorov has 6 points in 8 games with the Knights.. 8 games is no t a huge sample size but so far he showing more offense than he did last year in London.. I also noticed Jake McCabe is not on the American roster this year for the juniors i can only assume he is not eligiible to play this year in the WJC?

[JATMtheJATM]

One encouraging thing I took from that article is Zadorov has 6 points in 8 games with the Knights.. 8 games is no t a huge sample size but so far he showing more offense than he did last year in London.. I also noticed Jake McCabe is not on the American roster this year for the juniors i can only assume he is not eligiible to play this year in the WJC?

thats correct, he is not eligible.

[JATMtheJATM]

im not really sure we can call brian flynn a prospect, but.

http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/sabres-brian-flynn-embracing-checking-role-starting-to-showcase-slick-offensive-skills/

for a college free agent signing, he has been a good one.

[DetDannyWilliams]

compher makes USA WJC prelim roster

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/120413aaa.html
JT cut from :usa: World Jr's http://blogs.buffalonews.com/sabres/2013/12/prospect-jt-compher-cut-from-us-world-juniors-team.html?ref=bipn

[JATMtheJATM]

yup. sucks an injury kept him out. he will make the team next year.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher is a game time decision against the western michigan broncos at comerica park tomorrow for the GLI.

guy is a BEAST.

[Ginger Vitis]

compher is a game time decision against the western michigan broncos at comerica park tomorrow for the GLI.

guy is a BEAST.

Impressive Compher might play tomorrow considering he hurt his foot a week ago.. On WGR 550 this morning Matthew Kollar said he has not been impressed with Joel Armia in Rochester. WGR cuts to commercial and then for the rest of the broadcast Kollar never follows up or gives specific reasons why he has not been impressed with Armia. 2 goals in 18 games might be one reason

[JATMtheJATM]

i watched armia 2 games. 6 points in 18 pro games isnt good. but he certainly has a big body, good skating, high amount of skill, and likes getting dirty. i have a hunch itll click soon.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher just scored a shorty to give michigan a 1-0 lead over western michigan at comerica park.

[JATMtheJATM]

kea and bailey have goals in OHL action tonight.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia had a goal and an assist in a rochester win tonight. he has 8 points in 19 games. not good numbers, but he should come around. just needs more time.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia with another goal tonight. 3 in his last 3 games. hes starting to heat up

[Ginger Vitis]

armia with another goal tonight. 3 in his last 3 games. hes starting to heat up

Good that he is starting to find the net.. When I think about the Sabres young prospects I tend to forget about Armia.. Prior to this season Kris Baker had Armia ranked #3 on his Sabres prospects list.. Speaking of Bakers prospect list think he needs to update it.

[JATMtheJATM]

i saw alot of rick nash in armia. not as a high a ceiling, but a big body who will bully his way to good scoring areas. baker said he also sees vanek in armia too when vanek created from the corner.

if you use twitter, baker responds often to tweets. also, if you do, i update on prospects too.

[JATMtheJATM]

grigos goal in the bronze metal game.

http://www.tsn.ca/videohub/?collection=72&show=269520

[JATMtheJATM]

baptiste scores a SH breakaway in the first for the wolves. the kid has wheels and hands. be nice if that translated to the pro game.

[JATMtheJATM]

justin kea scored for the saginaw spirit. the spirit lead 7-4 over the ottawa 67s.

[JATMtheJATM]

grigo sent back to juniors. its a shame nolan would hardly even look at the kid. i get his philosophy of making people earn their ice time. but then he turns around and gives scott 10 minutes a night and power play time. what has scott done to earn 10 minutes plus special teams play?

anyways, grigo is back to prospect status. so ill be posting about his progress in juniors.

[ZAZusmc03]

grigo sent back to juniors. its a shame nolan would hardly even look at the kid. i get his philosophy of making people earn their ice time. but then he turns around and gives scott 10 minutes a night and power play time. what has scott done to earn 10 minutes plus special teams play?

anyways, grigo is back to prospect status. so ill be posting about his progress in juniors.

grigo is refusing to show up to his junior team.

[JATMtheJATM]

grigo is refusing to show up to his junior team.

i just saw that. lets see how this plays out. theres a number of things that can happen. im not sure if the KHL is one of them.

[JATMtheJATM]

this is a cluster ****.

heres what i do know. grigo was sent to juniors, he refuses to report. IF quebec suspends him, he can report to rochester. thats all we know at this point. KHL might be an option as well.

heres what i think. grigo is somewhat justified. the sabres have yanked this kid around for a while. nolan wants players to earn their ice time, but gives scott minutes? what has scott done to earn his time? hes horrible. he takes stupid penalties. grigo has done what he was asked. he was told to go play in the WJC, and play well. he did that. he returns and nolan wont even look at him? what kind of bull**** is that?

but grigo has to take his lumps. he cant take his ball and go home. kids 19, he needs time to develop. so go back to juniors, dominate, get ready for the AHL next year.

[SpikedLemonade]

The Sabres are incompetent fools and that won't change quickly.

[coastal]

The kid is 19 and hasn't shown he belongs night after night.

Going to to juniors with a fire in your belly to absolutely dominate every time you get on the ice... and guess what... the big club will call you up.

[JATMtheJATM]

The kid is 19 and hasn't shown he belongs night after night.

Going to to juniors with a fire in your belly to absolutely dominate every time you get on the ice... and guess what... the big club will call you up.

you cant get called up from juniors.

[Dr. Lecter]

The Sabres are incompetent fools and that won't change quickly.

Go troll somewhere else.

[coastal]

you cant get called up from juniors.
So they can't call him back?

[Dr. Lecter]

The kid is 19 and hasn't shown he belongs night after night.

Going to to juniors with a fire in your belly to absolutely dominate every time you get on the ice... and guess what... the big club will call you up.

I would agree with you if Scott, Konopka, Flynn, Porter, McCormick, Omark, Ellis, Leino, etc were not on the Sabres.

Sadly, the kid belongs in Rochester but can't go there.

[Dr. Lecter]

So they can't call him back?

I don't think they can until the team's season is over.

Then he can come back or go to Rochester.

(An emergency injury recall is allowed)

[coastal]

Go troll somewhere else.
He isn't trolling... why is this blowing up the way it is?

welcome to the game Mr. Murray.

The first move under his watch and Grigs isn't on the same page.

theres a problem.

[JATMtheJATM]

I would agree with you if Scott, Konopka, Flynn, Porter, McCormick, Omark, Ellis, Leino, etc were not on the Sabres.

Sadly, the kid belongs in Rochester but can't go there.

UNLESS quebec suspends him. then he can head to rochester. heres hoping thats what happens.

- - - Updated - - -


So they can't call him back?

no, not until quebecs season ends. there is an emergency recall, but thats in case of injury and not being able to field a full team. its very rare.

[coastal]

I don't think they can until the team's season is over.

Then he can come back or go to Rochester.

(An emergency injury recall is allowed)
So he's called back up next year after proving he can be consistent for a whole season?

So my statement wasn't inaccurate then... it's just a matter of timing?

[JATMtheJATM]

So he's called back up next year after proving he can be consistent for a whole season?

So my statement wasn't inaccurate then... it's just a matter of timing?

well, he graduates from the CHL this summer. so the next step is the AHL. he will be invited to training camp. he may make it, or may be assigned to rochester.

[Downinfloflo]

This is why Grigs dropped liked a stone in the draft..He will be in the KHL in a few years.

Zherdev...Part 2..

[JATMtheJATM]

He isn't trolling... why is this blowing up the way it is?

welcome to the game Mr. Murray.

The first move under his watch and Grigs isn't on the same page.

theres a problem.

grigo did what he was asked. go to the WJC, have a strong tournament, come back with some confidence and we will look at you. he gets back and they send back to juniors. kid has every right to be pissed. this isnt a problem of a bad GM, its a problem of nolan. i like nolan, but his handling of grigo has been atrocious.

[JATMtheJATM]

grigo just posted this

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BduvX51CcAAcMHK.png
no idea what to think.

[Downinfloflo]

Grigs job is to do what the team tells him to do.

He can't handle playing in the NHL right now and he can't play in the AHL, The Sabres have no other option, He's needs to man up and stop acting like a little *****.

[JATMtheJATM]

Grigs job is to do what the team tells him to do.

He can't handle playing in the NHL right now and he can't play in the AHL, The Sabres have no other option, He's needs to man up and stop acting like a little *****.

maybe, just maybe, this was by design. refuse assignment to quebec. quebec suspends him, he goes to the AHL.

[Ginger Vitis]

so go back to juniors, dominate,

Grigs can dominate the Quebec league without even trying. As time goes on I become a little more convinced Grigs is a bust and a lost cause. It pains me to admit this but everything DowninFloFlo said I think is true. Look at it this way Id say Darcy's last 4 1st Round picks he got it right with 3 players(Girgs..Risto.Zad) and blew it with Grigs.. 75% success rate isn't too shabby

[Downinfloflo]

maybe, just maybe, this was by design. refuse assignment to quebec. quebec suspends him, he goes to the AHL.

The NHL won't have any of that.

What he doing is adding to the red flags that surrounded him already.

The kid has no mental toughness...He might be Bi-Polar.

[JATMtheJATM]

Grigs can dominate the Quebec league without even trying. As time goes on I become a little more convinced Grigs is a bust and a lost cause. It pains me to admit this but everything DowninFloFlo said I think is true. Look at it this way Id say Darcy's last 4 1st Round picks he got it right with 3 players(Girgs..Risto.Zad) and blew it with Grigs.. 75% success rate isn't too shabby

im certainly not ready to call a 19 year old kid a bust. remember, vanek wasnt even drafted till he was 19. i agree the kid needs to sack up and do what hes told. but calling him a bust this early is pretty ridiculous.

[Ginger Vitis]

but calling him a bust this early is pretty ridiculous.

It's just a hunch I hope I'm wrong..

[Downinfloflo]

im certainly not ready to call a 19 year old kid a bust. remember, vanek wasnt even drafted till he was 19. i agree the kid needs to sack up and do what hes told. but calling him a bust this early is pretty ridiculous.

Well, He's certainly not showing he was worth the pick.

When a 19 year old act's like this, It's not a good sign of what's to come.

And don't compare him to Vanek that's just being silly. Vanek never acted like a tard.

[JATMtheJATM]

It's just a hunch I hope I'm wrong..

maybe you arent. im concerned about the kid. but im just not ready to call him a bust.

maybe in a few days, he comes to his senses and reports to quebec. maybe he spends the rest of the year in the KHL. maybe maybe maybe. very odd situation.

maybe murray says **** off, and trades him. who knows.

[JATMtheJATM]

Well, He's certainly not showing he was worth the pick.

When a 19 year old act's like this, It's not a good sign of what's to come.

And don't compare him to Vanek that's just being silly. Vanek never acted like a tard.

if you think im comparing vanek and grigo on issues, you couldnt be further off. its showing where the two were in their career at the same age. hence why grigo isnt a bust.

[Ginger Vitis]

maybe murray says **** off, and trades him. who knows.

That option makes sense.. And it doesn't bother me that Murray would be selling low

[Downinfloflo]

if you think im comparing vanek and grigo on issues, you couldnt be further off. its showing where the two were in their career at the same age. hence why grigo isnt a bust.

Ah, What???

[JATMtheJATM]

seriously?

grigo is 19, and has played 43 games in the NHL. vanek wasnt even drafted till he was closer to 20 then 19. im saying that grigo isnt a bust. players need time and development, physically and mentally.

[JATMtheJATM]

That option makes sense.. And it doesn't bother me that Murray would be selling low

sould be a package deal at the deadline. hey, take moulson and grigo and we will take whatever. that package would get a good return.

hes also not the first prospect whose refused to take an assignment back to juniors. anton babchuk.

[JATMtheJATM]

also, he cant play in the KHL this year.

http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=1579979

[Downinfloflo]

seriously?

grigo is 19, and has played 43 games in the NHL. vanek wasnt even drafted till he was closer to 20 then 19. im saying that grigo isnt a bust. players need time and development, physically and mentally.

Ummm....No, Vanek shown he had NHL talent from day one..He also showed he was not a douche bag.

Grigs has shown nothing in the NHL, And he dropped in the draft because there were red flags all over the kid.

If he can't handle going back to the the CHL, He can't handle the pressure of being a NHL player.

The 11 teams who passed on Grigs in the 1st round were smart to do so.

[Dr. Lecter]

He isn't trolling... why is this blowing up the way it is?

welcome to the game Mr. Murray.

The first move under his watch and Grigs isn't on the same page.

theres a problem.
He is trolling because that is all he ever contributes to this section

And yes - it is a problem. Sadly he was not handled correctly last year and the rules won't let him be assigned where he should be.

[coastal]

And yes - it is a problem. Sadly he was not handled correctly last year and the rules won't let him be assigned where he should be.flush the kid and move on.

[mightysimi]

The positive is when his contract is up after next year, you can low ball the **** out of him and get him at a reasonable price.

[Downinfloflo]

The positive is when his contract is up after next year, you can low ball the **** out of him and get him at a reasonable price.

No...Why do you think he's crying now? It's about money..Even if he sat in the Sabres press box he would make thousands, Going back to the CHL he's making like $500 a week.

If anything, When his contracts are up he's going to be all about getting paid.

[DetDannyWilliams]

John Vogl ‏<s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); ">@</s>BuffNewsVogl (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl)<small class="time" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); position: relative; float: right; margin-top: 1px; ">5h (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl/status/422116520404484098)</small>
Just landed in DC and see Mikhail Grigorenko's agent tells <s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(130, 218, 245); ">@</s>BNHarrington (https://twitter.com/BNHarrington) the Sabres center won't report to Quebec junior team. (1/?)

John Vogl ‏<s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); ">@</s>BuffNewsVogl (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl)<small class="time" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); position: relative; float: right; margin-top: 1px; ">5h (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl/status/422116770464673792)</small>
Source says Pat LaFontaine talked with Grigorenko today for 30 minutes to explain juniors decision. Grigorenko resisted the assignment (2/?)

John Vogl ‏<s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); ">@</s>BuffNewsVogl (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl)<small class="time" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); position: relative; float: right; margin-top: 1px; ">5h (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl/status/422117199957204992)</small>
Source says Sabres told Grigorenko he needed to play top-line roles and wasn't ready to do that in Buffalo. At end of extended talk (3/?)

John Vogl ‏<s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); ">@</s>BuffNewsVogl (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl)<small class="time" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); position: relative; float: right; margin-top: 1px; ">5h (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl/status/422117450587860992)</small>
The Sabres felt Grigorenko understood the reasoning and was ready to go to Quebec. Obviously, something changed the prospect's mind. (4/?)

John Vogl ‏<s style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); ">@</s>BuffNewsVogl (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl)<small class="time" style="font-size: 12px; color: rgb(187, 187, 187); position: relative; float: right; margin-top: 1px; ">5h (https://twitter.com/BuffNewsVogl/status/422118086079434752)</small>
It's my guess Grigorenko's agent advised him to explore options because neither gets paid if the center is playing for free in juniors (5/5)

[JATMtheJATM]

Ummm....No, Vanek shown he had NHL talent from day one..He also showed he was not a douche bag.

Grigs has shown nothing in the NHL, And he dropped in the draft because there were red flags all over the kid.

If he can't handle going back to the the CHL, He can't handle the pressure of being a NHL player.

The 11 teams who passed on Grigs in the 1st round were smart to do so.

vanek also was allowed to develop in the AHL and at the NHL level at 21. not 18 and 19.

- - - Updated - - -


Ummm....No, Vanek shown he had NHL talent from day one..He also showed he was not a douche bag.

Grigs has shown nothing in the NHL, And he dropped in the draft because there were red flags all over the kid.

If he can't handle going back to the the CHL, He can't handle the pressure of being a NHL player.

The 11 teams who passed on Grigs in the 1st round were smart to do so.

vanek also was allowed to develop in the AHL and at the NHL level at 21. not 18 and 19.

[JATMtheJATM]

its gets even more odd.

if grigo doesnt report, his ELC gets extended to a 4th year.

i think, ultimately, he will report.

[Downinfloflo]

vanek also was allowed to develop in the AHL and at the NHL level at 21. not 18 and 19.

- - - Updated - - -





Vanek got drafted and went back to college, The next year he went to the AHL.

He never held out, He was never thought of as lazy, And a potential problem.

It is not the Sabres fault that Grigs is not ready for the NHL, They gave him 43 games and he responded with 8 points, He's a lazy defender who's only interested in scoring, He should have been left in the CHL from the get go.

It's not the Sabres fault he can't play in the AHL, And it's not their fault he's having a ruff time making it in the NHL, So this whole "Allowed" thing escapes me, He was given a shot and he need's a ton of work.

No one in the Sabres front office owes a 19 year kid anything..He was drafted to do a job, If he don't want to do that job, Go back to Russia where he can fit in with the rest of the divas.

[Dr. Lecter]

Vanek was never thought of as lazy????

You never read what Sabres fans say or what listen to what they do you?

It was a running commentary on him

I always thought it was stupid (to say the least) but a lot of people said he was lazy

[JATMtheJATM]

Vanek got drafted and went back to college, The next year he went to the AHL.

He never held out, He was never thought of as lazy, And a potential problem.

It is not the Sabres fault that Grigs is not ready for the NHL, They gave him 43 games and he responded with 8 points, He's a lazy defender who's only interested in scoring, He should have been left in the CHL from the get go.

It's not the Sabres fault he can't play in the AHL, And it's not their fault he's having a ruff time making it in the NHL, So this whole "Allowed" thing escapes me, He was given a shot and he need's a ton of work.

No one in the Sabres front office owes a 19 year kid anything..He was drafted to do a job, If he don't want to do that job, Go back to Russia where he can fit in with the rest of the divas.
vanek went back to college because the sabres didnt think he was ready. the sabres rushed grigo when he shouldnt have been.

and yes, vanek is seen around the NHL as lazy, selfish, floater, and lacks emotion by many in the NHL circles. i dont necessarily agree with those labels, but they are out there. heck red wings fans here dont want to trade for him, because hes "a lazy one dimensional floater"

[coastal]

So does this mean that he's not turning the corner?

[JATMtheJATM]

So does this mean that he's not turning the corner?

funny you mention that. grigo looked better this year then last year when he played. he was doing some of the smaller things. he wasnt ready, but he look better.

[JATMtheJATM]

larsson gets the GWG for the amerks. video in link

http://www.amerks.com/recap.asp?gameID=20140111

lieuwen was also awesome tonight.

[Downinfloflo]

Vanek was never thought of as lazy????

You never read what Sabres fans say or what listen to what they do you?

It was a running commentary on him

I always thought it was stupid (to say the least) but a lot of people said he was lazy

Was that a knock on him coming into the draft?

Or was it a lable the fans gave him?

I'm against drafting anyone outside of North America, Euros don't like to play a 2 way game in the NHL.

[JATMtheJATM]

Was that a knock on him coming into the draft?

Or was it a lable the fans gave him?

I'm against drafting anyone outside of North America, Euros don't like to play a 2 way game in the NHL.

im not against drafting euros. some of the best players ever have come from overseas. i dont believe in a behavior of play as a broad stereotype. every player is different. some you hit on, some you miss. and as a 19 year old, jury is still out on grigo. am i concerned? yes.

im betting he comes to his senses and reports to quebec in a few days.

[Crisis]

the handling of grigo was pure **** by the former front office... murray is trying to clean the mess up and grigo is taking offense to it.

he should've never been rushed to the NHL in the first place.

[Ginger Vitis]

Euros don't like to play a 2 way game in the NHL.

Sasha Barkov and Elias Lindholm will easily prove you wrong

[Downinfloflo]

Sasha Barkov and Elias Lindholm will easily prove you wrong

Yep....After you go through 100 of them, A few will stick.

[JATMtheJATM]

vanek played a decent two way game himself. datsyuk....

euros are fine. some hit, some miss. grigo might be a miss. time will tell. i have patience.

[Crisis]

nah man every euro is a lazy floater and every north american player is pure heart and doesn't coast in any area of the ice

[Dr. Lecter]

Was that a knock on him coming into the draft?

Or was it a lable the fans gave him?

I'm against drafting anyone outside of North America, Euros don't like to play a 2 way game in the NHL.

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg disagree with you

The anti Euro stance is one of the dumbest things I read when discussing hockey

[mightysimi]

No...Why do you think he's crying now? It's about money..Even if he sat in the Sabres press box he would make thousands, Going back to the CHL he's making like $500 a week.

If anything, When his contracts are up he's going to be all about getting paid.

yeah but with no game tape to speak of, it should be pretty easy to get him at a good price. But you never know, that is always the gamble when you draft a russian player.

[mightysimi]

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg disagree with you

The anti Euro stance is one of the dumbest things I read when discussing hockey

Yes it's a gross generalization but it comes from some truth. I would argue that most of the Swedes and Finns are good and play a solid two way game but the reputation comes from years of watching every russian but Ovechkin, Malkin and maybe Fedorov worry about numbers and money. Datsyuk too, can't forget the best of them.

[JATMtheJATM]

funny you mention federov. there were times in detroit when bowman would put federov on the blueline for stretches of games. bowman was so impressed with federovs defensive skill, he glowed that he was the best dman on the team. lidstrom didnt disagree. bowman thought federov could win multiple norris trophies at the position.

[mightysimi]

Right and here we are talking about 4 or 5 russians out of all of them. Speaks volumes in my opinion.

[JATMtheJATM]

Right and here we are talking about 4 or 5 russians out of all of them. Speaks volumes in my opinion.

what about larionov?

[Downinfloflo]

Ovechkin has (32) goals scored and he's a minus (15) :doh2:

That happens because he's a lazy ass Russian, He only cares about one side of the ice...LOL

[Downinfloflo]

Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg disagree with you

The anti Euro stance is one of the dumbest things I read when discussing hockey

Anyone from this decade?

[JATMtheJATM]

Anyone from this decade?

anze kopitar?

heck, girgensons?

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.wgr550.com/pages/18150680.php?contentType=4&contentId=14511201

devine talks grigo/risto/zadorov as well as the 2015 draft right after WJC. devine also talks about the progress grigo has made.

heres hoping grigo comes to his senses and reports.

[JATMtheJATM]

aaron ekblad scored 4 goals last night. 3 on the PP, 1 SH

ekblad or reinhart (on the fence) doesnt matter. they are going to get a good player.

baptiste added a goal and 2 assist for sudbury.

[Downinfloflo]

anze kopitar?

heck, girgensons?

That kid's not bad, He's not putting the puck in the net yet, But he does get his nose dirty..Something you won't/don't see from Grigs.

[JATMtheJATM]

That kid's not bad, He's not putting the puck in the net yet, But he does get his nose dirty..Something you won't/don't see from Grigs.

i hear girgs compared to rod brind amour. tireless worker. gym rat. defensive player who can contribute significantly offensively. girgs is going to be a good second line forward someday. tops out at 25 goals i figure.

[JATMtheJATM]

draft talk: connor mcdavid has 5 assists on the day.

[ParanoidAndroid]

I'm against drafting anyone outside of North America, Euros don't like to play a 2 way game in the NHL.

Respectfully disagree. All you have to do is look at a few NHL rosters to see several European players who have good 2-way games. Look at the Olympic rosters and you'll see players with great 2-way games.

[Ginger Vitis]

draft talk: connor mcdavid has 5 assists on the day.

And the knock on McDavid is he doesn't shoot enough lol.. Doesn't matter I guess when others are scoring from your passes

[JATMtheJATM]

he also scored a goal.

[JATMtheJATM]

BREAKING: grigorenko will report to quebec. good to see he thought it over and decided to not press the issue.

[coastal]

What a pussy.

[mightysimi]

what were his other options? Hold out?

[JATMtheJATM]

what were his other options? Hold out?

i think his agent caused this, honestly. his agent was protesting about how its unfair that hes playing for his 7th head coach in a calendar year.

[mightysimi]

i think his agent caused this, honestly. his agent was protesting about how its unfair that hes playing for his 7th head coach in a calendar year.

I'm sure it was the agent. He's a kid who will go where the people he trusts send him.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=700474&utm_campaign=Wildfire+Message+-+%23Sabres+prospect+%40NickBaptiste+records+5+points...&utm_content=po_774584&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter

good weekend for baptiste.

[coastal]

What can be said about the Grigs juniors situation... it appears that the new regime handled things well once they got weird.

this is going to be a good team in a handful of years.

For once... I really like what's been structured here in buffalo.

[Dr. Lecter]

They badly, very badly, need top 6 forwards.

[JATMtheJATM]

They badly, very badly, need top 6 forwards.

man, i cant wait for armia to be ready.

[coastal]

They badly, very badly, need top 6 forwards.
This ain't the year to target one in the top 3 IMO... if Ekblad is there... he's the elite talent. You take him.

If we end up with like a 12th overall from NYI... look for a player like Alex Tuch.

[Dr. Lecter]

This ain't the year to target one in the top 3 IMO... if Ekblad is there... he's the elite talent. You take him.

If we end up with like a 12th overall from NYI... look for a player like Alex Tuch.


Ekblad is now the 3rd rated guy in the draft, fwiw.

They have Myers, Erhoff, Risto, Zadarov, Pysyk and McCabe.

For top 6 forwards they have Moulson, who is likely gone, Hodgson who is borderline, Ennis who is borderline top 6, Stafford who has not been in 3 years and who else? Maybe Armia.

If they have a top 3 pick, they have to take a forward.

[JATMtheJATM]

This ain't the year to target one in the top 3 IMO... if Ekblad is there... he's the elite talent. You take him.

If we end up with like a 12th overall from NYI... look for a player like Alex Tuch.

i vote they package a second with that pick and move up. i really think the sabres will trade up to get the number 1 if they dont get it. edmonton has said their first is available.

also, hearing evander kane to buffalo rumors. anyone else heard anything?

[coastal]

Ekblad is now the 3rd rated guy in the draft, fwiw.

They have Myers, Erhoff, Risto, Zadarov, Pysyk and McCabe.

For top 6 forwards they have Moulson, who is likely gone, Ennis who is borderline top 6, Stafford who has not been in 3 years and who else? Maybe Armia.

If they have a top 3 pick, they have to take a forward.
You can always trade someone.. I know he has his fan club, but to me as the rebuild progresses, Tyler Myers is the perfect trade bait to bring in a top 6 forward.

[JATMtheJATM]

Ekblad is now the 3rd rated guy in the draft, fwiw.

They have Myers, Erhoff, Risto, Zadarov, Pysyk and McCabe.

For top 6 forwards they have Moulson, who is likely gone, Ennis who is borderline top 6, Stafford who has not been in 3 years and who else? Maybe Armia.

If they have a top 3 pick, they have to take a forward.

girgs can be a top 6 (not a top line)

not ready to give up on grigo either.

id like to give adam a shot too. i saw nothing wrong with his game. nothing to make me think he should be in rochester over john fuggin scott. or even leino.

oh, and for ****s sake. someone. PLEASE remember mcnabb whe discussing our future D. hes been good. i like his game.

[Dr. Lecter]

girgs can be a top 6 (not a top line)

not ready to give up on grigo either.

id like to give adam a shot too. i saw nothing wrong with his game. nothing to make me think he should be in rochester over john fuggin scott. or even leino.

oh, and for ****s sake. someone. PLEASE remember mcnabb whe discussing our future D. hes been good. i like his game.

I think Girgs is more of a 3rd line guy - not sure he has the offense.

I agree on grigo but he has a way to go.

First time I saw Adam play was against the Leafs in a preseason game. First thing I said was that he was too slow. unless he can score like Andyrechuck, he is still too slow. Although I would prefer him over Scott or D'agostini, konopka, etc.

And yes - McNabb is somebody I forgot.

[Dr. Lecter]

You can always trade someone.. I know he has his fan club, but to me as the rebuild progresses, Tyler Myers is the perfect trade bait to bring in a top 6 forward.
Could be, but he also has an unique skill set that is hard to duplicate.

And they might have to do both. They have an incredible lack of forwards. One would not do it.

[coastal]

Could be, but he also has an unique skill set that is hard to duplicate.

And they might have to do both. They have an incredible lack of forwards. One would not do it.
Agreed... Girgs is the only longterm forward I see that is top 6. He could even be a top line player some day. I really think the skies the limit for that kid.

Sure he's got a long ways to go but if he keeps at it... 3-4 years from now he's one very difficult hockey player to play against.

[JATMtheJATM]

You can always trade someone.. I know he has his fan club, but to me as the rebuild progresses, Tyler Myers is the perfect trade bait to bring in a top 6 forward.

if they got the right trade, sure. absolutely.

but the myers this year is different from the myers of yesteryear. he makes the team better. hes got some work to do, but hes coming along. and while this may shock some, if myers was put out there, teams would bite. is the eberle for myers rumor still out there? no. if it was, hello eberle.

but the untapped potential of myers, along with his resent resurgence of his physical play and puck carrying ability. he would fetch a good deal.

- - - Updated - - -


Agreed... Girgs is the only longterm forward I see that is top 6. He could even be a top line player some day. I really think the skies the limit for that kid.

Sure he's got a long ways to go but if he keeps at it... 3-4 years from now he's one very difficult hockey player to play against.

not armia? kid might have the most skill out of all the young sabres forwards.

[Dr. Lecter]

One thing I am sure of - nobody will develop into a top 6 forward with Nolan as coach.

That is not in his skill set.

[mightysimi]

i vote they package a second with that pick and move up. i really think the sabres will trade up to get the number 1 if they dont get it. edmonton has said their first is available.

also, hearing evander kane to buffalo rumors. anyone else heard anything?

Where have you heard this? Winnipeg just resigned him and is developing nice chemistry with Scheiffle I don't see this as a realistic possibility.

[JATMtheJATM]

Where have you heard this? Winnipeg just resigned him and is developing nice chemistry with Scheiffle I don't see this as a realistic possibility.

various twitters. i know theres rumors of him moving, and sometimes buffalo is tossed in there.. why, i dont know. what would buffalo offer? i wouldnt offer their first.

[Downinfloflo]

You can always trade someone.. I know he has his fan club, but to me as the rebuild progresses, Tyler Myers is the perfect trade bait to bring in a top 6 forward.

That rumor is starting to go around, Tyler Myers and Grigs could be bundled, I don't think Murray is going to be farging around, He has no personal stake in anyone on the roster.

They guy's that dealt with Myers and Grigs are all gone.

[JATMtheJATM]

its also worth nothing myers has a NTC.

[Downinfloflo]

its also worth nothing myers has a NTC.

I doubt he would mind.

[mightysimi]

various twitters. i know theres rumors of him moving, and sometimes buffalo is tossed in there.. why, i dont know. what would buffalo offer? i wouldnt offer their first.

That might have started from his issues with Noel. New coach I doubt he is on the move. Also, I think for a 23 or 24 year old 30 goal scorer, it would have to be a hell of a deal which would include a first round pick. That's why I don't see it. More likely Wheeler gets moved than Kane.

[JATMtheJATM]

I doubt he would mind.

maybe not.

i did a google search for tyler myers trade rumors. nothing came up. i havnt heard anything. i know nolan likes his game, because his game has turned around under him.

[Downinfloflo]

Sabres GM Tim Murray said there are no untouchables on his team, but prepare to make a big offer if you want someone like Zemgus Girgensons, Tyler Myers or Rasmus Ristolainen.


The biggest question surrounding the Blues is their goaltending despite how productive they’ve been. Ryan Miller’s name keeps coming up, but they are tight against the salary cap and it may be difficult to move out enough money to offset Miller’s cap hit. The Blues may also not be willing to part with the young prospects/players and picks the Sabres would want in return. The Blues could look trade one of Brian Elliott or Jaroslav Halak and bring up Jake Allen to be their backup.

[JATMtheJATM]

i think miller to STL makes the most sense. they have ok goaltending. and a great team. miller to stl for a first and a second, call it good.

[mightysimi]

i think miller to STL makes the most sense. they have ok goaltending. and a great team. miller to stl for a first and a second, call it good.

See I think this is people jumping on what others have suggested. St.Louis is 3rd in Goals allowed. Only 1 more than Boston and 4 more than the Kings who are considered one of the best defensive teams in the league. I mean anything is possible but I don't know they take Miller without you taking a goalie in return. They are up against the cap so would you be willing to take 6.75 million in salary back? Don't think you would.

[Downinfloflo]

See I think this is people jumping on what others have suggested. St.Louis is 3rd in Goals allowed. Only 1 more than Boston and 4 more than the Kings who are considered one of the best defensive teams in the league. I mean anything is possible but I don't know they take Miller without you taking a goalie in return. They are up against the cap so would you be willing to take 6.75 million in salary back? Don't think you would.

Not to mention he's a UFA in a couple months who will be looking for a big pay day.

His $6.75 salary is going to be closer to $8m..

St Louis is 31-8-5 why in the world would they trade for a 33 year old goalie?

St Louis is #1 in the NHL in Goal-Diff with a plus 62..And 3rd in the NHL in goals against with 99..

[JATMtheJATM]

Not to mention he's a UFA in a couple months who will be looking for a big pay day.

His $6.75 salary is going to be closer to $8m..

St Louis is 31-8-5 why in the world would they trade for a 33 year old goalie?

St Louis is #1 in the NHL in Goal-Diff with a plus 62..And 3rd in the NHL in goals against with 99..

because a team trying to win a stanley cup upgrades its weakest point. lots of teams acquire expensive, older, aging players with expiring contracts all the time. its called "a rental player"

sometimes, teams give up lots to acquire a rental player.

[JATMtheJATM]

See I think this is people jumping on what others have suggested. St.Louis is 3rd in Goals allowed. Only 1 more than Boston and 4 more than the Kings who are considered one of the best defensive teams in the league. I mean anything is possible but I don't know they take Miller without you taking a goalie in return. They are up against the cap so would you be willing to take 6.75 million in salary back? Don't think you would.

of course i expect buffalo to take a goalie back. theyd have to.

[Downinfloflo]

because a team trying to win a stanley cup upgrades its weakest point. lots of teams acquire expensive, older, aging players with expiring contracts all the time. its called "a rental player"

sometimes, teams give up lots to acquire a rental player.

Halak, is 18-6-3 with a 2.31 GAA and a 911 SA%

Elliott, is 13-2-2 with a 1.86 GAA and a 925 SA%

I think St Louis is pretty set at that position.

[JATMtheJATM]

Halak, is 18-6-3 with a 2.31 GAA and a 911 SA%

Elliott, is 13-2-2 with a 1.86 GAA and a 925 SA%

I think St Louis is pretty set at that position.

im sure theyll appreciate your position on the subject. however, all things point to st louis looking for a goaltending upgrade.

[Downinfloflo]

im sure theyll appreciate your position on the subject. however, all things point to st louis looking for a goaltending upgrade.

What they say about yours?

[JATMtheJATM]

What they say about yours?

All things point to st louis looking to upgrade the goal tending you say?

As productive as Halak and Elliott have been this season, they can’t make the intrigue go away.
No matter how well Elliott plays it’s virtually inconceivable they can anoint him their No. 1 because Halak’s postseason pedigree makes him the presumptive postseason starter. Yet Halak has been pulled against San Jose, Chicago and Anaheim since November 29, though one wonders how a lingering illness contributed to an .885 December save percentage.
Fan fixation on Buffalo Sabres goalie and 2010 Olympic hero Ryan Miller remains strong. Miller might well be moved at the trade deadline but it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Blues, snug against the salary cap, could move enough money to offset Miller’s addition. The Blues likewise appear unlikely to surrender the bounty of young players and draft picks demanded by the rebuilding Sabres.

same article.

[Downinfloflo]

:bored:

Miller might well be moved at the trade deadline but it’s difficult to envision a scenario where the Blues, snug against the salary cap, could move enough money to offset Miller’s addition. The Blues likewise appear unlikely to surrender the bounty of young players and draft picks demanded by the rebuilding Sabres.

[JATMtheJATM]

larsson scores for the amerks. hes a decent prospect too. should be a top 9 forward when he is ready. maybe top 6.

[JATMtheJATM]

grigo with a goal and 2 assists for quebec. he was the games first star.

[JATMtheJATM]

baptiste with a goal and an assist for sudbury
locke with a goal for saginaw.

saginaw beat sudbury, 4-3

[Crisis]

how has justin bailey looked in juniors?

[JATMtheJATM]

not setting the world on fire, but his numbers are better then last year in terms of PPG. hes already surpassed last years goal total (18 this year, 17 last year) in 12 less games with 3 less points overall.

http://www.ontariohockeyleague.com/roster/show/id/10411

im not overly excited about this kid. i think he has potential, but its somewhat limited. he could be a third liner some day.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher gets a goal to tie the game for michigan.

[JATMtheJATM]

zadorov with a goal and assist for london.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher with 2 goals and 2 assists yesterday against MSU for go blue.

[JATMtheJATM]

compher is the big 10 first star of the week.

he has a seasons PPG of 1.00. in college, for a freshman, thats phenomenal.

http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/012814aaa.html

go blue.

[Ginger Vitis]

zadorov with a goal and assist for london.

Another goal and a assist from Zad tonight.. 15 points in 17 games if I was to come up with a top 10 Sabres prospects list right now Zad would be No.1

[JATMtheJATM]

Another goal and a assist from Zad tonight.. 15 points in 17 games if I was to come up with a top 10 Sabres prospects list right now Zad would be No.1

hes moving up. id say risto, but zad is REALLY coming along.

[JATMtheJATM]

armia with a goal and an assist tonight.
larsson with a goal
risto with an assist.
lieuwen with a 26 save SO

amerks have won 7 straight

[Ginger Vitis]

Zadorov scored 2 goals against Barrie tonight in a 5-4 win..Aaron Ekblad also had a 2 point game 1 goal and 1 assist

[coastal]

Zadorov scored 2 goals against Barrie tonight in a 5-4 win..Aaron Ekblad also had a 2 point game 1 goal and 1 assist
If we end up with the first... it will be interesting to see if we take Ekblad.

[Ginger Vitis]

If we end up with the first... it will be interesting to see if we take Ekblad.

Sam Bennett had 3 points tonight. 5 points in 3 games since coming back from his groin injury. The 5 games that he missed the Frontenacs only won 1 game. The lack of scoring on the Sabres they really could use one of the "Sams" The "Big 3" are pretty close it would be a tough call..

[coastal]

Sam Bennett had 3 points tonight. 5 points in 3 games since coming back from his groin injury. The 5 games that he missed the Frontenacs only won 1 game. The lack of scoring on the Sabres they really could use one of the "Sams" The "Big 3" are pretty close it would be a tough call..
I'm partial to Bennett at this point.

the other real interesting thing is going to be whether or not the Isles defer till 2015.

If they do... and they continue to suck and we suck too...

that could be two high picks in 2015 to go with Bennett.

[JATMtheJATM]

Zadorov scored 2 goals against Barrie tonight in a 5-4 win..Aaron Ekblad also had a 2 point game 1 goal and 1 assist

is it just my sabres homerism talking here, or is zad becoming a top end prospect? an elite prospect? he was a second tier prospect when he was drafted.

[coastal]

is it just my sabres homerism talking here, or is zad becoming a top end prospect? an elite prospect? he was a second tier prospect when he was drafted.the handful of games he played when he was up... there was just something about him.

[Ginger Vitis]

that could be two high picks in 2015 to go with Bennett.

I just found out yesterday that Bennett and McDavid were linemates and friends in minor hockey for a 5 year period from 9 to 14 years old. They could do for the Sabres organization what Kane and Toews have done for the Blackhawks

[Ginger Vitis]

is it just my sabres homerism talking here, or is zad becoming a top end prospect? an elite prospect? he was a second tier prospect when he was drafted.

26 points in 63 games last year and this year he is close to a point per game average his offensive production has really taken off. 8 points in his last 5 games Kris Baker yesterday said Zadorov has been in a "dominant groove"

[swiper]

26 points in 63 games last year and this year he is close to a point per game average his offensive production has really taken off. 8 points in his last 5 games Kris Baker yesterday said Zadorov has been in a "dominant groove"

Yeah, but how is he defensively?

[Ginger Vitis]

Yeah, but how is he defensively?

His positioning in his own end could use some improvement but it is not a glaring weakness.. His bread and butter is bone crushing body checks and with is size and above averge skating ability he has length and can cover a lot of ground and he can log a lot of minutes.. His love of seeking out the big hit at times takes him out of plays

[coastal]

I just found out yesterday that Bennett and McDavid were linemates and friends in minor hockey for a 5 year period from 9 to 14 years old. They could do for the Sabres organization what Kane and Toews have done for the Blackhawksthat would be quite a story.

btw... as long as we're stroking it... The Isles pick will become Eichel!

Eichel Girgs... McDavid Bennett...

[JATMtheJATM]

Yeah, but how is he defensively?

he needs some work, as already pointed out (but what 18 year old doesnt) but think of it this way; he was drafted because they think he can be extremely good defensively. his offense wasnt even part of the equation.

[JATMtheJATM]

in 6 games with quebec, grigo has 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points.

[Downinfloflo]

in 6 games with quebec, grigo has 4 goals and 4 assists for 8 points.

Is it good if you have 45 goals 40 assist for 85 points in 49 games?

[JATMtheJATM]

Is it good if you have 45 goals 40 assist for 85 points in 49 games?

85 points in 49 games? is that good? um, yes.

[Downinfloflo]

85 points in 49 games? is that good? um, yes.

That's the Rangers 3rd round draft pick Anthony Duclair..

Odd's of him making it in the NHL are slim.

[Downinfloflo]

The great hockeys future has him rated as "7.0" with a probability of success as a "D"

[JATMtheJATM]

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/mikhail_grigorenko/

thats a 7.5 B.

[Downinfloflo]

http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/mikhail_grigorenko/

thats a 7.5 B.

And...???

85 points in 49 games with 45 goals.. :candle:

[Downinfloflo]

The best Grigs has ever done in the QMJHL is 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games.

Duclair also plays in the QMJHL and he has 45 goals and 85 points in 49 games..

[JATMtheJATM]

And...???

85 points in 49 games with 45 goals.. :candle:

and what? you claimed HF has grigo rated at a 7.0 D and hes not. so i posted his player page showing you.

as far as his stat line, so what? what point are you trying to make?

[Downinfloflo]

and what? you claimed HF has grigo rated at a 7.0 D and hes not. so i posted his player page showing you.

as far as his stat line, so what? what point are you trying to make?

No that's not what I claimed...My god..That's Anthony Duclairs rating from hockeys future..

The point I'm making is hockeys future is ****.

The best Grigs has ever done in the QMJHL is 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games.

Duclair also plays in the QMJHL and he has 45 goals and 85 points in 49 games..

[JATMtheJATM]

No that's not what I claimed...My god..That's Anthony Duclairs rating from hockeys future..

The point I'm making is hockeys future is ****.

The best Grigs has ever done in the QMJHL is 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games.

Duclair also plays in the QMJHL and he has 45 goals and 85 points in 49 games..

oh, i didnt see the duclair post.

they dont use stats to get their rankings. they use scouting reports from NHL scouts as well as IIHF prospect rankings.

[JATMtheJATM]

No that's not what I claimed...My god..That's Anthony Duclairs rating from hockeys future..

The point I'm making is hockeys future is ****.

The best Grigs has ever done in the QMJHL is 40 goals and 85 points in 59 games.

Duclair also plays in the QMJHL and he has 45 goals and 85 points in 49 games..

actually, you might want to keep an eye on duclair. i was reading up on the kid. apparently, he is ultra fast and has hyper good acceleration. he can also play with the puck at those speeds. he looks intriguing. to say the least.

[JATMtheJATM]

http://sabres.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=703520&utm_campaign=Wildfire+Message+-+.%40NickBaptiste+puts+up+2+goals%2C+2+assists+to...&utm_content=po_833858&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter

update on the kids.

ullmark is having a hell of a season in sweden. bring him over next year, please.

[Ginger Vitis]

Regarding Grigs.. 6 games is a small sample size but he should have more than 8 points.

[JATMtheJATM]

Regarding Grigs.. 6 games is a small sample size but he should have more than 8 points.

its a very small sample. but 3 of his 4 goals have been GWG so he has that going for him. which is nice.

[Ginger Vitis]

Sam Reinhart 5 point night last night (1 G 4 Assists) and 8 points in his last 2 games. Could just be a coincidence but Reinhart is probably cheesed he has slipped from The No.1 spot in most rankings and he is determined to regain the Top spot. Kris Baker on WGR this morning echoed what Coastal said the other day. That it is very important for the Sabres to have the No.1 pick so that they have the control and and can go in any direction they want. Baker also believes it would be good or marketing purposes.

Baker also mention the biggest reason for Zadorovs considerably improved offensive output in London is he has improved his skating quite a bit.. There is no hesitation in his play and his confidence his sky high.. Mike Robitaille called Zadorov "untouchable". Mike Robitaille also believes the Sabres if they have the option of taking Ekblad "there is no thinking to be done if you think he can be another Shea Weber"

[coastal]

I know we need top 6 forwards...

but if Ekblad is #1 on their board, you take him and trade other defensive assets to acquire the top 6 forwards they need.

not to mention... Ekblad, Pysyk, Risto and Zad.

thats the makings of dominant defensive unit. Then go find big, fast skating forwards and let Nolan coach them up.

[JATMtheJATM]

I know we need top 6 forwards...

but if Ekblad is #1 on their board, you take him and trade other defensive assets to acquire the top 6 forwards they need.

not to mention... Ekblad, Pysyk, Risto and Zad.

thats the makings of dominant defensive unit. Then go find big, fast skating forwards and let Nolan coach them up.

dont forget mccabe. hes often overlooked. his projection is as high as a first pairing dman. more likely a second pairing.

if you want, you could also trade mccabe for a young forward with potential.

hes often overlooked, and he shouldnt be. kids good.

[JATMtheJATM]

Sam Reinhart 5 point night last night (1 G 4 Assists) and 8 points in his last 2 games. Could just be a coincidence but Reinhart is probably cheesed he has slipped from The No.1 spot in most rankings and he is determined to regain the Top spot. Kris Baker on WGR this morning echoed what Coastal said the other day. That it is very important for the Sabres to have the No.1 pick so that they have the control and and can go in any direction they want. Baker also believes it would be good or marketing purposes.

Baker also mention the biggest reason for Zadorovs considerably improved offensive output in London is he has improved his skating quite a bit.. There is no hesitation in his play and his confidence his sky high.. Mike Robitaille called Zadorov "untouchable". Mike Robitaille also believes the Sabres if they have the option of taking Ekblad "there is no thinking to be done if you think he can be another Shea Weber"

i think ive said this a dozen times. if you have twitter, follow kris baker. the guy knows his ****.

[Skooby]

We need more picks from the islanders.

[Ginger Vitis]

Sam Bennett with another 3 point game tonight (3 assists) +/- was plus 4 in Kingston's 10-6 win over Barrie. Aaron Ekblad with a crummy stat line of 0 points and +/- of minus 6

[JATMtheJATM]

oh wow. bad night for him. those nights happen though.

[coastal]

Sam Bennett with another 3 point game tonight (3 assists) +/- was plus 4 in Kingston's 10-6 win over Barrie. Aaron Ekblad with a crummy stat line of 0 points and +/- of minus 6
Sam Bennett over Reinhart

[JATMtheJATM]

jake mccabe just scored for wisco over minnesota. 2-1 wisco.