Buffalo Believes In GMJB 10.0 (Kings Rangers Devils Trades) (Comments encouraged

Team: 2017-18 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 14, 2017

Published: Jun. 14, 2017

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

This edition will take into account a few of the nuggets that have been being talked about on Buffalo Radio & TV over the last few days. I am not going to bother with the Patrick Kane type of rumors as I believe that is just fodder for the dreamers.

This edition is taking a different path than my previous 9 editions have taken specifically with the protection list (my overall opinion of the list has changed in the last 48 hours) and with how I see GMJB building this franchise. GMJB is going to try and develop this franchise like the Penguins franchise has been built (since he helped build it over the last 10 years). The Pegula's have always desired to copy the blueprint out of Pittsburgh (look at the locker room construction, the hiring of previous Penguin higher ups) they finally have a guy in GMJB that actually was involved in the day to day development of the Penguins. I think if we look at the type of hockey played by Pittsburgh that is what GMJB will try to do in Buffalo.

I also think that GMJB will have no problem moving players out that previous GM's were responsible for bringing into the organization if said player(s) does not fit GMJB vision of building the franchise.

I think we start at the top who will be the Head Coach. All along I figured it was Tocchet due to the close working relationship he has had with GMJB and how he handles superstars. What causes me pause at this point is GMJB stating yesterday that he would not be making a decision until early next week. This means to me that Housley and Reirden are still very much in the mix. I also think that Ralph Kruger is also a possibility if the rumors are true that Southampton may be sold. I will throw out one more name Clark Donatelli. If people are creatures of habit and following a script that has proven successful then all we need to do is see what has happened in the past with the Penguins. Twice in recent history they opted to promote their AHL head coach to the position of head coach of the Penguins. It is plausible that GMJB follows that same path and selects Donatelli.

In regard to the protection list. I think GMJB will NOT protect Lehner but instead protect Ullmark. I do believe that Fluery is headed to Vegas from Pittsburgh. This means Fluery is the right now goalie for Vegas. What Vegas will need is a goalie in 3 years. By protecting Lehner it exposes Ullmark who very well could be the 'goalie' in 3 years. Lehner is a now goalie and Vegas would not take on Fluery and a Lehner contract totaling a combined 10+ million. So expose Lehner.

Protection List:

O'Reily
Carrier
Okposo
Girgensons
Larsson
Foligno
Kane

Risto
McCabe
Austin

Ullmark

I do not see GMJB giving up more than a 3rd Round pick for Vegas to take a specific player (Moulson, Bogo, Ennis or Gorges). It is my belief that GMJB really values draft picks with his current situation. The way he is going to build HIS franchise is through draft picks therefore he will not be giving away draft capital.

Austin, Dupuy, Kea, Rodrigues & Schneider will all be signed and sent to Rochester.

Pedersen will be signed as GMJB will pointed to how the Murray/Fluery situation was handled and he will have every opportunity to compete for the job. He will stress to Cal that he did not trade a first round pick for Lehner and he did not protect Lehner. GMJB thinks that in 3 years it will be between Ullmark & Pedersen to be tending the net in Buffalo.

As always I really do appreciate your feedback and comments. As such they are welcomed and encouraged!!!

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