GMTD

future lamentation
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Buffalo Sabres
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Forum: Armchair-GMFri at 12:31 pm
Thread: Can someone who watched the game fill me in
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>CrossFireX33</b></div><div>In terms of possession we got outplayed, but honestly the defense that was played while being attacked was great, just couldn't get the puck out. Yes there were a lot of shots but not a lot of them were good chances. The kings are a very experienced team and that showed with lots of possession, just looked like their talent wasn't there anymore. Basically: great game by Hutton, good game by the defense (just had trouble clearing), and an outstanding game by the third line. Hopefully this gets Mittelstadt going.</div></div>
Areas to build upon and continue:
While he made great saves, I thought Hutton was always in position. Can we credit Mike Bales for this? BTW, Carter set a Sabre record for most saves made to get a shut out.
Buffalo did not allow a shot over the last 8 minutes.
Mittelstadt is finally rewarded for his improved performance.
The PK finally played well. The PP was better than against the Ducks.
Areas to improve:
I also thought that too many times instead of clearing the pressure, the Sabre forwards too often were trying to make a play. Now I was not at the game, but maybe they were trying to make a stretch pass which I could not see, but IMO the coach has to be more concerned with protecting the lead at that point (get the puck out of the zone) v trying to pad the lead (making a perfect play).
They forgot how to win face offs, which allowed the Kings to control the play.
Forum: Armchair-GMFri at 11:03 am
Thread: Risto Trade
<a href="/users/SammyT_51" target="_blank">@SammyT_51</a>
<a href="/users/CrossFireX33" target="_blank">@CrossFireX33</a>
<a href="/users/CD282" target="_blank">@CD282</a>
<a href="/users/Ledge_And_Dairy" target="_blank">@Ledge_And_Dairy</a>
<a href="/users/Claesson4Norris" target="_blank">@Claesson4Norris</a>
<a href="/users/Masterjuddi" target="_blank">@Masterjuddi</a>

I included all of you because you all commented. A couple of points.
First, IMO CrossFireX33 returns are what he would want. Those are his asking price. The difference between asking price and selling price are often very different.
Second, It is really hard to imagine a coach (whose job depends on who is on the ice) would play any one for nearly half of the game unless the coach had faith in him. Four different coaches have played Ristolainen 24 minutes a night, that sounds like they all had faith in him.
Third, there is no rush to trade him. The team is under the cap, the team has 3 NHL quality defensemen on the mend, yet have the NHL 4th best GAA. The team is off to a great start, why trade him unless the return is remarkable.
Fourth, a fair trade would be a young consistent 60 pt forward (one for one), or a first and a good prospect, or a 2nd and great prospect. This year Ristolainen has really impressed me, but he is not Hedman, Burns, Karlsson or Eriksson, so I could not expect more than any of them would return in a trade.
Forum: Armchair-GMFri at 10:41 am
Thread: Trade with ARI
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>masterjuddi</b></div><div>Risto has to be the most traded guy on this site, but why? are Sabres fans posting these? Your team is doing well and he's a big part of that. Plus who's gonna fill those minutes? Bogo? Scandella? Dcore gets thin after that for a contending team
Also, the trade is garbage haha</div></div>

He is traded by Sabre fans for 2 reasons:
1) They think acquiring Jokiharju, Miller, and Montour was an indication that Betterall was unhappy with Ristolainen, instead of looking at the trades as being great pick ups.
2) The press totally misinterpreted his interview. (I am paraphrasing) He said he was unhappy that he could not bring a winner to Buffalo, which was heard that he was unhappy with Buffalo.

If he is traded it would only be for a great return (a consistent 60 pt center or forward) and I do not see that in the future.
Finally, considering that Buffalo has a 2.25 GAA (4th best in the NHL) yet Buffalo has 3 NHL defensemen on ir I would think it is a good indication that the defense is actually very deep.
Forum: Armchair-GMThu at 1:08 pm
Thread: Reversal equals Stanley Cup Contendor
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Ragsandbluesfan</b></div><div>Ok so the bruins were exhausted, but the blues werent??? They played 26 of a possible 28</div></div>

I was waiting for your comment.
Who did the Bruins and Blues play in each round,
Leafs v Jets Who do think would win that match-up? Maybe I am wrong but it was harder to get to 100 pts in the east then 99 in the west. I think most odds makers would give the nod to the Leafs.
Jackets v Stars after the Jackets loaded up and added McQuaid, Dzingel and Duchene they sure looked like possible cup champs and the way they dispatched the Bolts in 4 games. Again IMO most odds makers would give the nod to the Jackets. BTW check out the 7th game stats and try to convince me that O'Reilly is the reason the Blues won that game and got to the western conference finals.
Canes v Sharks hmmm how many Sharks were injured? Pavelski, Karlsson and Hertl. without (85 goals that year) them I wonder if the Sharks are a playoff team. Safe to say the Canes would take down the Sharks.
So, you are correct the Blues played a lot of games against much easier competition.
Forum: Armchair-GMWed at 3:51 pm
Thread: Reversal equals Stanley Cup Contendor
<a href="/users/Ragsandbluesfan" target="_blank">@Ragsandbluesfan</a>
81-78-62 the Sabre's point total the 3 years O'Reilly was in Buffalo. But somehow, he will suddenly turn Buffalo into a Stanley Cup team
O'Reilly goes to a team that missed the playoffs by one point in 2018 then the Blues add Perron, Bozak, Binnington as well as O'Reilly and beat an exhausted Bruins team.

<a href="/users/EthanK24" target="_blank">@EthanK24</a>
Actually, the defense is awesome. Dahlin will be a Norris winner soon, Miller is a perfect mate and has the defense's best +/-. Ristolainen is maligned but he manages to play 24 min/gm for his 4th coach, paired with McCabe they hit all players in the wrong uniform. Only Ristolainen had more ice than Scandella in 2017-18 and he is now the 3rd LHD and Jokiharju looks really solid. The defensive depth is probably NHL best with Montour, Bogosian and Pilut on IR.
Forum: Armchair-GMTue at 11:57 pm
Thread: ari trade
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>wojme</b></div><div>Not worth it for either team</div></div>
While Buffalo has very good RHD, this is a great trade for a team that could a better RW than Sobotka.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Salami4McDonalds</b></div><div>It does not make sense for any of the teams. We need to trade Risto only for help in the top 6 and not for another defender.</div></div>
Yup.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Swagmaster</b></div><div>No he is not . I love the player too. Was hoping we would chose him . Hated the Nylander choice. Beyond all that the trade makes no sense for either team.</div></div>
Yup, I will believe until I can proven wrong, but I think final straw the broke the camel which finally convinced Pegula to fire Murray was not drafting friend of the Pegula family Chychrun. I wonder if Murray could have made a trade with Boston for their 2 first round draft picks and Boston picks McAvoy with the 8th pick and Buffalo gets Chychrun with the 14th pick.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>jonnymc26</b></div><div>so LD is not deep on sabers it will show up eventually and opposite is true for ARI as RD is a bit weak. the plan should be mitts as 2nd center and cozens should slide into the 2nd RW spot eventual. so top 6 is ok for future should focus on solidifying other positions.</div></div>
Before the season started LHD looked weak, but right now it is looking pretty good. Dahlin will become a Norris winner in a couple of year. McCabe is rock solid and Scandella is erasing many of Jokiharju's mistakes. But I do not see Betterall making an essentially lateral deal as this when the team needs a top 6 RW.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>jonnymc26</b></div><div>speed risto&gt;chychrun, size R&gt;C, offense R&gt;C, defense R&lt;=C, physicality R&gt;C
potential is 2nd pair for both but risto has higher ceiling, its a step down in skill for the saber to help fill weakness from a strength</div></div>
I agree with your assessment. I do not want to see Ristolainen traded for a often injured LHD.
BTW you could add sturdiness to ranking. Jakob has played 68, 50 and 53 games the last 3 years while Rasmus has played 79, 72 and 78 games. Ristolainen has played 59 more games over the past 3 seasons.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 12 at 12:44
Thread: Winnipeg
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Cheddamonkey37</b></div><div>Not a chance</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>AndrewLadd</b></div><div>OOF</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Shibbal18</b></div><div>Lol mmk</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>masterjuddi</b></div><div>Ummm no</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Swagmaster</b></div><div>Both fan bases greatly over value their players . Scandella has benefitted from the new coaching staff . And is an acceptable 4 -5 d on most teams. Nelson is a good 7th d for any team . Buffalo just has a wealth of D at this point . Nelson for a 6th or 7th would be a fair deal that could give Winnipeg some depth on D. I see Scandella being worth a 4th or 5th round pick with his better play.</div></div>

<a href="/users/F50marco" target="_blank">@F50marco</a>

Actually Marco has been the whipping boy of many Buffalo CFAG's many who value him so little that he should be bought out, or just moved off of the team with a pick. Just watch him play and he passes the eye test.
He has a good shot and last year ranked among all NHL top pairing defensemen with his 6 goals.
His first year in Buffalo, only Ristolainen played more minutes than he but his playing time has dropped not because his performance has waned but rather Buffalo's defense is greatly improved.
Now that I have that out of my system, I have seen trades of Roslovic and a 2nd for Ristolainen, so really doubt that this trade would ever happen.
He is playing much better than his D-man partner Jokiharju, and I have been a fan of him for some time but this is too much to expect. Let me add, I like Nelson, but he passed through waivers and could have been had for nothing.
Depending on the GM and the supply and demand at the TDL, Scandella will return a 3rd, 4th or 5th but not Roslovic.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 11 at 10:15
Thread: Could this be Botterills plan
First of all, I am a huge advocate of show casing players who may be traded. I do not think that is the plan, but I like your thought process. BTW our crash line is also getting more ice time than Mittelstadt’s line, could they also be dangled as trade bait? I think everyone knows how much I like Larsson and Girgensons, but maybe Asplund and Lazar could play nearly as well at half the Salary?
<a href="/users/Csick" target="_blank">@Csick</a> I agree, Johansson is a smart player and a great free agent acquisition, but he is not a # 2 center on a playoff team. I also agree that Buffalo could be in cap hell in two years.
<a href="/users/gerowrj16" target="_blank">@gerowrj16</a> Cozens is certainly making a case to be in the NHL this season with 5 goals and 9 pts in only 4 games. Next year could be interesting with Cozens and Thompson performing really well in the lower leagues.
<a href="/users/Cheddamonkey37" target="_blank">@Cheddamonkey37</a> I agree that trade never happens, IMO Betterall is very happy with his depth on the blue line. I have been watching the Sabres since their inception, I never remember the blue line being this strong. But if Ristolainen is traded this is the return that Betterall would want.
<a href="/users/Capitalfail67" target="_blank">@Capitalfail67</a> you are correct Buffalo’s RHD is very deep but that does not mean Buffalo should discount one of them to a team that needs defensemen. Ristolainen is still playing 24 minutes a night, so I would hardly call him a #4-6 dman. But you are correct, I would not trade Reinhart for Pionk.
<a href="/users/Wojme" target="_blank">@Wojme</a> I do not think Ristolainen will be traded unless it is for a 60 pt forward.
<a href="/users/Shibbal18" target="_blank">@Shibbal18</a> Let’s get excited about the current team, but you are correct the future looks even better.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 10 at 12:44
Thread: Winnipeg improving their D core
I am bemused, I said both teams would say no, but I am getting push back emphasizing that the Jets would say no, but make appear that I think they should make the trade! I wonder what I need to do to say that I agree with people?

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>tsyls</b></div><div>Bottom line I wouldn’t be moving Vesalainen. To be completely honest, I really don’t want ristolainen. The guy should be moved up to forward lol, he was what -41 last year? I honestly would rather wpg not even consider a risto trade and just let their young guys develop.</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>csick</b></div><div>Yeah if im looking at it from the 2 sides, its a bigger loss for Winnipeg than Buffalo. This would be a desperation attempt by Winnipeg that would fail rather quickly</div></div>
Actually it is potentially a big loss for the Sabres, let's presume Sheary and Perreault is more or less a wash.
We know Ristolainen can score 40 pts a year, we do not know if the player taken in the first or if Vesalainen will ever play in the NHL.
So Buffalo is actually taking the bigger risk in this trade.
But as I said, neither team will make this trade, so let's agree to that even though we have different reasons.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 10 at 11:57
Thread: WPG Trade
<a href="/users/Lenny54" target="_blank">@Lenny54</a>
<a href="/users/gerowrj16" target="_blank">@gerowrj16</a>
<a href="/users/BuFfaLOFaN" target="_blank">@BuFfaLOFaN</a>

Some observations over the first 4 games:
OMW it is so nice to have defensive depth, 3 NHL defensemen on the mend (Montour, Bogosian and Pilut) and we still have solid 6 D-men.
We all presumed the team had too much RHD depth but how about the way Scandella is playing. He has been on the ice for only 1 opponent’s goal over the last 2 games. Dahlin is leading all NHL defensemen with 7 pts (in just 4 games) and pts/60 at 5.6. Larsson continues to hit anything in the wrong uniform, and we have Gilmour in the PB and Pilut on IR.
But to the point on hand, while Jokiharju is playing well, still needs more coaching and Scandella is erasing many of his errors. Since he does not need to clear waivers, when Montour returns, Henri will join Tage in Rochester.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 10 at 11:22
Thread: Winnipeg improving their D core
<a href="/users/wojme" target="_blank">@wojme</a>
<a href="/users/tsyls" target="_blank">@tsyls</a>
<a href="/users/csick" target="_blank">@csick</a>
<a href="/users/PenGoater99" target="_blank">@PenGoater99</a>
<a href="/users/Pullero" target="_blank">@Pullero</a>
<a href="/users/Cheddamonkey37" target="_blank">@Cheddamonkey37</a>

A few observations:
-Ristolainen manages to play 24 minutes a night for 4 different head coaches, my take away is the person whose job is on the line and his success is determined by the players on the ice, all value Ristolainen more than any other defenseman on the roster.
-The last 4 years (including this year), Perreault (46 goals 117 pts) and Sheary (5 goals 120 pts) each played 221 games, neither PK’s, Sheary has a slight edge with more ice time last year but the two previous years the TOI are about the same, so who is more valuable? BTW, I would rather have 27 yo Sheary @ $3KK than 32 (in Jan 2020) yo Perreault @ $4KK (but I do love his name).
-The Blues rushed Thompson to NHL, and unfortunately the Sabres as well, Big players take longer to develop. In his last 12 AHL games he has 10 goals, he bulked up over the summer, he dominated the french connection 3 on 3, he was voted the team leader during that event, so I would not write him off too quickly.
-So my take away,
Ristolainen, Rasmus for 2020 1st round pick not enough for Ristolainen
Sheary, Conor for Perreault, Mathieu I would rather have Sheary
Thompson, Tage for Vesalainen, Kristian too much for Thompson right now, but ask me how I feel in January.
Both teams would say no. Betterall is very happy with his defense depth, and Cheveldayoff likes to fleece other GM’s (see DATM) and would probably not want to trade away his first round pick.
Of course this is my opinion and we all know we all have our opinions and we all have our but whole.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 9 at 1:38
Thread: Good bye Kulikov hello Scandella
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Jetman</b></div><div>This isnt a good trade for the Jets...FYI, Kulikov already has points this year. If we are to trade him, its for a RD. Bogo isnt that much of an option...and we sure wouldnt trade a mid-high round pick for him.</div></div>

I hope you saw that I said this is a great trade for Buffalo and an OK trade for Winnipeg (not a good trade).
My comment was more directed to the short sighted Buffalo fans who actually thought this was a bad trade and gave it a "hard pass" or "Sabres dont need D". This is a great trade for Buffalo.
I see that Kulikov has 2 pts this year, but the 3 previous years his total pts only equaled the pts Scandella had in 2017-18.
I do not want to get into a food fight with Jet fans because I think this is only a moderate improvement for the Jets.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 9 at 1:19
Thread: Good bye Kulikov hello Scandella
<a href="/users/wojme" target="_blank">@wojme</a>
<a href="/users/Captain_Jack" target="_blank">@Captain_Jack</a>
<a href="/users/Jetman" target="_blank">@Jetman</a>
<a href="/users/Masterjuddi" target="_blank">@Masterjuddi</a>
<a href="/users/Ragsandbluesfan" target="_blank">@Ragsandbluesfan</a>
<a href="/users/Shibbal18" target="_blank">@Shibbal18</a>

Let’s be clear here, this is a great trade for Buffalo, they are essentially trading their 6th or even 7th defenseman and a 4th for a cap dump and a 2nd. Kulikov will be put on waivers and sent to Rochester as soon as any of Pilut, Bogosian or Montour is well.
This is an OK trade for the Jets. They get a defenseman much better (much much better Kulikov had 6 pts, Scandella had 6 goals last year) than Kulikov, unload cap space and it only costs them a late 2nd round pick. Scandella was Buffalo’s top LHD during the 2017-’18 season. He has a great shot and ranked among all top pairing NHL defensemen with 6 goals last year.
Maybe a trade is made after Bogosian returns to the line up and Zach is traded and not Scandella. I may be in error but I think the Jets could use a RHD more than a LHD.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 9 at 12:02
Thread: Girgensons
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>sabres89</b></div><div>Probably not if we have to retain. Hes not worthless, hes a decent 4th liner, does not score, i mean he gets buried with d zone starts, but even when he does get chances to score not much happens. The best reason to trade him is that it opens up a spot and moves a guy out that has seen nothing but losing for his career. Probably have to wait until theres a losing streak, i dont see him being moved while we are playing well.</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Skyraider112</b></div><div>Z probably won't be traded unless Sabres are out by TDL which I don't think will be the case. He is so valuable as a 4th line grinder.</div></div>

OMW, I have been preaching the value of Girgensons and Larsson it seems forever. Thank you I thought it was falling on deaf ears.
I also agree that the Sabres will be in the hunt for a playoff spot at the TDL.
On the other hand, if Asplund, Thompson, Pilut, Jokiharju and more are tearing up the AHL, we may see a lot of house keeping at the TDL. A third round pick for Girgensons or Larsson would be a decent return.
BTW please do not tell Tim Murray, but this is the way to build a champion and sustain the excellence:
first, let the prospects develop on a winning team in the AHL (the operative word here is winning),
second, trade the established NHL player on an expiring contract,
third, bring up the prospect,
fourth, use the picks to draft well,
fifth go back to the first step.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 9 at 11:14
Thread: Key takeaways after game
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Shibbal18</b></div><div>Jokiharju is Scandellas d partner and has made him look good, thats why he gets inflated ice time. Scandella has been better, this so far has been the best season for him in a Sabres uni (season is still young). But Scandella has hit his ceiling, hes a bottom pair guy and way over paid for it. Jokiharju has a much higher ceiling and is already playing at the level of Scandella. Thats why he should get the nod. I also havent seen anyone blame Scandella for the loss, but if they are thats just stupid.</div></div>

I know Nylander had a great preseason and good opening game, but probably no one was happier to see Jokiharju in a Sabre uniform than I. I just do not want to see him rushed, defensemen need more time and with the number of solid NHL defensemen on the roster, IMO it would be better for him to be in Rochester.
Second, no one should be blaming Marco, as he was only on the ice for one of the Jackets goals and that was on a PK. The team was badly out shot, badly out hustled, badly our chanced, the loss was a team effort. I hope they wake up in time for tonight game.
On the other hand that is a new twist, the player with more give away is making his partner look good! I agree that Marco is over paid, but he is still a solid NHL defenseman with a very hard shot. Since he is our 6th or even 7th defenseman, it is amazing how much the defense has been improved in one year. At the close of the 2017-18 season he was our top LHD with only Ristolainen playing more minutes than he. Now it is universally recognized that only injuries will keep him in the line up.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 9 at 10:43
Thread: Key takeaways after game
<a href="/users/Skyraider112" target="_blank">@Skyraider112</a>
<a href="/users/ExpiredmilkYT" target="_blank">@ExpiredmilkYT</a>
<a href="/users/Shibbal18" target="_blank">@Shibbal18</a>
<a href="/users/Littlejerryseinfeld" target="_blank">@Littlejerryseinfeld</a>

I am constantly bemused by how may fans dump on Scandella, yet RK is playing him a lot. Only McCabe and Ristolainen have more 5 on 5 or PK ice time than he. Only Dahlin has a better Corsi for than Scandella. Every one wants to play Jokiharju over Scandella yet Henri has as more give away than the rest of the defense combined. Let’s settle down before we anoint Jokiharju with more ice time and give him time to develop his defensive game (remember Ristolainen was rushed). Every one wants to pile on Marco but we forget his first year here he was paired with Ristolainen while playing top LHD minutes and last year only Dahlin had more defenseman goals than he last year.
The entire team played poorly in Columbus. In part Buffalo came out flat, but the Jackets were certainly fired up as well. As Shibbal18 correctly pointed out, Dahlin was called for 2 penalties that led to goals and Jack had the terrible give away in OT that led to the winning goal, but we seem to want to blame Marco for the loss. Yet he was on the ice for only one of the Jackets goals (a PP goal let me add),