2014 NHL Draft Thread

[DragonfromTO]

COHL

It later turned into the UHL (United League) if you remember that. One of my college linemates played briefly for the Asheville (formerly Brantford) Smoke, beat Brent Gretzky in a shootout competition in practice and then got punched out his very first shift on the puck drop.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Just because the Sabres have an owner who can spend money on whoever he wants, doesn't mean he can get whoever he wants - there are very few top end FA's available every year because teams lock up their star players, so it's not going to work signing guys like Ville Leino to ridiculous contracts - the key is that they need to draft better and stop overspending on FA when they're not close to winning

Sixers lost 25+ games in a row and still didn't pass the Bucks for the worst team in the league - and the Sixers are the embarrassment of that league? The Bucks should be relocated after the people who just bought that team for 500+ million - the Sixers have been mediocre for so many years, what do you expect them to do, continue to be that way? No free agent is going to want to come there, that's why they have to blow it up and get great players via the draft - the NBA is a league with many flaws anyways - that's the only way in order to get back up to the top

How were the Sabres going to get any top prospects in those deals? Every fucking team knew they were going to trade Ryan Miller/Thomas Vanek/Steve Ott/etc, so the Sabres knew they weren't getting a top notch prospect - what did you want them to do? Keep those veterans and then let them walk and get nothing in return or keep those guys and continue to be mediocre? Like your Islanders? Islanders made way worse trades than the Sabres, if you were a Sabres fan you would have loved those moves the Sabres are making

The Sabres have fallen so far because they stuck with the same cast so long and that's how they've gotten to this point

I expect every team in every sport to put the best team they can out their. I've had to endure 15 years of Charles Wang owning my favorite hockey team. Their are only two guys I think could be worse. One is Donald Sterling the other is the guy who owns the Marlins. Fortunately Wang is selling the Islanders.

The Sabres could have asked the Islanders for Strome or Nelson. They could have asked the Blues for Jaden Schwartz or their backup goalie who has a bright future. They probably would have been told no, but you never know. Look at what Anaheim got for Bobby Ryan. That deal looks real good for the Ducks.

Sorry, but it looks to me like the Sabres have put all their eggs in one basket. We'll see if it works out, but if the owner doesn't spend money in the offseason there's no reason to believe they won't have another awful season. Like I said earlier if they draft the wrong guys they could be like the Oilers. We just don't know yet. It would be quite funny if they're sitting outside the top 2 next year on draft day. After all they seem to be going to a lot of trouble to make sure they're in one of those spots.

I have no problem with the Vanek trade. It was worth the risk. Besides I expect the Isles to be a much better team next year than they were this season. All they need is a goalie to contend for a playoff spot. I'll take the Isles future over the Sabres based on several factors.

1.The Isles have a franchise player already who's signed long term.
2.After the Olympic Break Ryan Strome looked like a future Franchise Player.
3.The Isles have tremendous depth at Center. The most important forward position in hockey. As of next season Tavares, Nielsen, Nelson, Strome & Cizikas.
1.I'd like the Isles to add a vet defenseman like Orpik, but I doubt it happens. However, defensively the Isles are incredibly deep. Like I said earlier they had 5 rookies in the lineup against Montreal & shut the Canadiens out. That team didn't have Griffin Reinhart, Ryan Pulock, Ville Pokka or Adam Pelech. Nor did it have Brian Strait, Thomas Hickey, Lubomir Visnovsky or Matt Carkner. It was Hamonic & 5 kids not many had ever heard of.

The Sabres could end up with the next Crosby & Malkin. The key word is COULD. We don't know where teams will finish until after next season. I'd rather have a better idea about what I have to work with than what if's at this point. The bigger question is if the Sabres don't end up with one of the top 2 picks next year how long will it take for them to become relavent again?

 

[Cobiemonster]

I expect every team in every sport to put the best team they can out their. I've had to endure 15 years of Charles Wang owning my favorite hockey team. Their are only two guys I think could be worse. One is Donald Sterling the other is the guy who owns the Marlins. Fortunately Wang is selling the Islanders.

The Sabres could have asked the Islanders for Strome or Nelson. They could have asked the Blues for Jaden Schwartz or their backup goalie who has a bright future. They probably would have been told no, but you never know. Look at what Anaheim got for Bobby Ryan. That deal looks real good for the Ducks.

Sorry, but it looks to me like the Sabres have put all their eggs in one basket. We'll see if it works out, but if the owner doesn't spend money in the offseason there's no reason to believe they won't have another awful season. Like I said earlier if they draft the wrong guys they could be like the Oilers. We just don't know yet. It would be quite funny if they're sitting outside the top 2 next year on draft day. After all they seem to be going to a lot of trouble to make sure they're in one of those spots.

I have no problem with the Vanek trade. It was worth the risk. Besides I expect the Isles to be a much better team next year than they were this season. All they need is a goalie to contend for a playoff spot. I'll take the Isles future over the Sabres based on several factors.

1.The Isles have a franchise player already who's signed long term.
2.After the Olympic Break Ryan Strome looked like a future Franchise Player.
3.The Isles have tremendous depth at Center. The most important forward position in hockey. As of next season Tavares, Nielsen, Nelson, Strome & Cizikas.
1.I'd like the Isles to add a vet defenseman like Orpik, but I doubt it happens. However, defensively the Isles are incredibly deep. Like I said earlier they had 5 rookies in the lineup against Montreal & shut the Canadiens out. That team didn't have Griffin Reinhart, Ryan Pulock, Ville Pokka or Adam Pelech. Nor did it have Brian Strait, Thomas Hickey, Lubomir Visnovsky or Matt Carkner. It was Hamonic & 5 kids not many had ever heard of.

The Sabres could end up with the next Crosby & Malkin. The key word is COULD. We don't know where teams will finish until after next season. I'd rather have a better idea about what I have to work with than what if's at this point. The bigger question is if the Sabres don't end up with one of the top 2 picks next year how long will it take for them to become relavent again?

How do you know that the Sabres didn't ask for those guys? That's a dangerous assumption to say that they didn't ask for those guys, knowing Tim Murray he would have exhausted every possible scenario to get as much as he could - hence why he waited until near the deadline to start wheeling and dealing

The Vanek trade was bad for numerous reasons, now you end up without Vanek and Matt Moulson - it's not like Matt Moulson is any worse than Vanek - you could have had Matt Moulson and the draft picks, but now you have neither and all you've got is Sebastian Collberg and a 2nd rounder - terrible mismanagement by Garth Snow - tried to make a home run deal knowing that Wang is cheap as garbage and wouldn't have given Vanek the big contract anyways - basically Garth Snow thought the Isles would make the playoffs with Vanek because it was obvious he wasn't going to re-sign there, and thought they were good enough to make the next step - Garth Snow overrated his team - and honestly, looking at what the Isles did at the end of the season doesn't mean a whole lot to be honest - they've been doing that a lot over the years and everyone thinks they'll be better the next season, but their issue is that in the dog days of the season(middle of the season), they've fell off completely and they've put theirselves in a spot where it's easier to play when you're eliminated because there's no pressure - what are those guys going to do when the pressure IS on them?

Also, as long as Garth Snow is there, he's not going to get them a legitimate goaltender - that's what it all comes down to - you guys will be borderline playoff team and that's as good as you'll be as long as you don't have a legitimate goaltender

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

How do you know that the Sabres didn't ask for those guys? That's a dangerous assumption to say that they didn't ask for those guys, knowing Tim Murray he would have exhausted every possible scenario to get as much as he could - hence why he waited until near the deadline to start wheeling and dealing

The Vanek trade was bad for numerous reasons, now you end up without Vanek and Matt Moulson - it's not like Matt Moulson is any worse than Vanek - you could have had Matt Moulson and the draft picks, but now you have neither and all you've got is Sebastian Collberg and a 2nd rounder - terrible mismanagement by Garth Snow - tried to make a home run deal knowing that Wang is cheap as garbage and wouldn't have given Vanek the big contract anyways - basically Garth Snow thought the Isles would make the playoffs with Vanek because it was obvious he wasn't going to re-sign there, and thought they were good enough to make the next step - Garth Snow overrated his team - and honestly, looking at what the Isles did at the end of the season doesn't mean a whole lot to be honest - they've been doing that a lot over the years and everyone thinks they'll be better the next season, but their issue is that in the dog days of the season(middle of the season), they've fell off completely and they've put theirselves in a spot where it's easier to play when you're eliminated because there's no pressure - what are those guys going to do when the pressure IS on them?

Also, as long as Garth Snow is there, he's not going to get them a legitimate goaltender - that's what it all comes down to - you guys will be borderline playoff team and that's as good as you'll be as long as you don't have a legitimate goaltender

The Isles offered Vanek a 7 year 50 million deal. The same deal he already had. It's been said by he media since Vanek turned it down that he'll be lucky to get something similar on the UFA market this summer. We'll see if they're right. Vanek didn't help himself during the Olympics that's for sure.

As of right now the Islanders have 10 picks in the 2014 draft. A 1st two 2nd's two 3rd's & 3 4th's. They also have a 2nd round pick in 2015 from Philly. So I'm really not concerned about stocking the cupboard. It's already pretty good & obviously with the number of picks going to get stronger.

I never said they didn't ask for those guys. My point is they should have gotten one of them. If you're trading a franchise player you should at least get one really good prospect in return. The Sabres gave up a franchise goalie & at the time of the trade Vanek was very highly thought of. GM's usually wait until near or at the deadline to make trades because they think other teams will be desparate. Teams aren't giving up their top prospects like they once did. Ciarelli in Boston obviously didn't feel the need to. The only player Bob Murray of the Ducks was willing to give up a lot for was Ryan Kesler & he didn't offer any of his teams top prospects. Instead he offered his teams 2 firsts & 2 seconds in the 2014 draft. Vancouver did the right thing in saying no. The Ducks have one of the best prospect pools in all of hockey. I'd want a couple of those top prospects if I was giving up somebody like Kesler. Murray said he wasn't going to give up anything significant for a rental. He wasn't kidding.

One thing you need to keep in mind is Charles Wang is selling the Islanders. Garth Snow might not be in charge soon. We'll see.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

yeah I know it still sucks but sucks more that year because Leetch was the Conn Smythe winner in 94

His partner on defense was Sergei Zubov that year. It's not like he was chopped liver. That was a brutal year for Islanders fans. Last summer NHL Network in the states must have shown that damn 1994 Rangers team documentary nearly every day. Talk about nauseating.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

The Isles offered Vanek a 7 year 50 million deal. The same deal he already had. It's been said by he media since Vanek turned it down that he'll be lucky to get something similar on the UFA market this summer. We'll see if they're right. Vanek didn't help himself during the Olympics that's for sure.

As of right now the Islanders have 10 picks in the 2014 draft. A 1st two 2nd's two 3rd's & 3 4th's. They also have a 2nd round pick in 2015 from Philly. So I'm really not concerned about stocking the cupboard. It's already pretty good & obviously with the number of picks going to get stronger.

I never said they didn't ask for those guys. My point is they should have gotten one of them. If you're trading a franchise player you should at least get one really good prospect in return. The Sabres gave up a franchise goalie & at the time of the trade Vanek was very highly thought of. GM's usually wait until near or at the deadline to make trades because they think other teams will be desparate. Teams aren't giving up their top prospects like they once did. Ciarelli in Boston obviously didn't feel the need to. The only player Bob Murray of the Ducks was willing to give up a lot for was Ryan Kesler & he didn't offer any of his teams top prospects. Instead he offered his teams 2 firsts & 2 seconds in the 2014 draft. Vancouver did the right thing in saying no. The Ducks have one of the best prospect pools in all of hockey. I'd want a couple of those top prospects if I was giving up somebody like Kesler. Murray said he wasn't going to give up anything significant for a rental. He wasn't kidding.

One thing you need to keep in mind is Charles Wang is selling the Islanders. Garth Snow might not be in charge soon. We'll see.

Your logic is so far off it's laughable. Regier dealt Vanek and got a pretty good return on him by moving him early in the season. If he (or Murray as it turned out) waits to the trade deadline, he loses all leverage and gets bent over a barrel the way that Garth did when he had to move Vanek at the deadline.

Murray had no leverage at all on Miller who didn't want to be here anymore. Is Murray supposed to ask for Schwartz from STL and when they say no just walk away entirely then? And then let Miller walk for nothing in the off-season? Even though they're offering two possible 1st rounders?

When you've got a guy that's already told you he's not re-signing in the off-season and you can get a guaranteed 1st and a possible additional 1st, you take that deal 100 times out of 100. Hmmm...two first rounders or nothing? Tough decision.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Your logic is so far off it's laughable. Regier dealt Vanek and got a pretty good return on him by moving him early in the season. If he (or Murray as it turned out) waits to the trade deadline, he loses all leverage and gets bent over a barrel the way that Garth did when he had to move Vanek at the deadline.

Murray had no leverage at all on Miller who didn't want to be here anymore. Is Murray supposed to ask for Schwartz from STL and when they say no just walk away entirely then? And then let Miller walk for nothing in the off-season? Even though they're offering two possible 1st rounders?

When you've got a guy that's already told you he's not re-signing in the off-season and you can get a guaranteed 1st and a possible additional 1st, you take that deal 100 times out of 100. Hmmm...two first rounders or nothing? Tough decision.

I didn't say Regier didn't get a good return for Vanek. The problem I have with that trade & the Moulson deal that followed is all they got were draft picks. Which are maybe's. The same goes for the Miller deal. With Grigorenko looking more and more like he's either going to be a bust or head back home in a year it shows how big of a gamble the Sabres are taking. We won't know how things end up for a few years with all the draft picks the Sabres acquired. Hopefully things work out like they did for Pittsburgh instead of Edmonton.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

In a Town Hall Meeting for Season Ticket Holders Garth Snow said if your counting on the Isles keeping this years 1st round pick, BET THE HOUSE. He also expects the team to be much better in the final season at the Nassau Coliseum. I only have one thing to say to Garth, I hope you're fired, SOON.

 

[IPostedWhat]

Who says they didn’t ask for a top prospect? Now you’re just playing the guessing game and assuming things to be true with nothing to back it up. Doug Armstrong made it known that he was not willing to give up a player like Tarasenko or Schwartz, so what were the Sabres supposed to do? No one who’s looking to add at the trade deadline is going to give up their top prospects. Especially for a player in return that MIGHT stay with the team after the Season is over.


Here’s a look at some of the players the Sabres have picked up or acquired in the past year:

Hudson Fasching, Nicolas Deslauriers, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, Rostislav Klesla, Jaroslav Halak, Zenon Konopka, Linus Omark, Matt D'Agostini, Torrey Mitchell, Michal Neuvirth, Matt Hackett, Johan Larsson, Cory Conacher, etc…


Not to mention some of their current prospects right now who look like they will play a key role in the future:

Rasmus Ristolainen, Zemgus Girgensons, Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko, Joel Armia, Mark Pysyk, JT Compher, Luke Adam, Jake McCabe, Connor Hurley, Nick Baptiste, Daniel Catenacci, Gustav Possler, Chad Ruhwedel, Justin Kea, Phil Varone, Matt Mackenzie, Anthony Florentino, Sean Malone, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Kevin Sundher, Tim Schaller, Brady Austin, Eric locke, Logan Nelson, etc….


Then you have take into consideration that the Sabres could still add some skilled veteran players come July 1st, since they will be well below the Cap, and Murray has already hinted he will be very active. They will also have a plethora of draft picks in the next couple of years as well. The Sabres also just announced that they now have an ECHL affiliation by entering into a partnership with the Elmira Jackals. This will allow their prospects to stay closer to Buffalo instead of being sent all over the Country, and the Sabres can monitor and develop them better.

So to say that the Sabres are just loading up on draft picks, not getting any players, and having nothing in the cupboard, is clearly absurd to say the least.

Pegula came into town and threw his money around, and where did that get the Sabres in the long run? You say that draft picks are a gamble, but so is thinking you can just buy a bunch of players and expect it to win you a Cup. I’m willing to bet that quite a few teams would trade places with the Sabres right now if they could, based on their draft picks and prospects right now.

Bottom line is that anything a team does could be considered a gamble, but at least the Sabres are setting themselves up to be a competitive team in the near future. They are going about with this rebuild the smart way, and not just making rash moves or signings again just because they have the money. We just have to wait and see, but it’s not like the Sabres have done anything in the past 44 years to win the Cup anywats. I welcome this new direction they are taking, and look forward to the future.

And is it wrong of me to hope that the Islanders miss the Playoffs next year and then win the Lottery?

As of right now the Islanders have 10 picks in the 2014 draft. A 1st two 2nd's two 3rd's & 3 4th's. They also have a 2nd round pick in 2015 from Philly. So I'm really not concerned about stocking the cupboard. It's already pretty good & obviously with the number of picks going to get stronger.

Oh, I see how it is. When the Sabres have a bunch of upcoming draft picks, it means they are taking a big gamble, and there is no guarantee that it will pan out. But when the Islanders have a bunch of draft picks, it means they are obviously going to get stronger.

 

[mattola]

I thought I just saw a puddy

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

And is it wrong of me to hope that the Islanders miss the Playoffs next year and then win the Lottery?

Only if they give us this year's pick.

I'd also settle for Buffalo winning the lottery and NY being in the second slot.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I didn't say Regier didn't get a good return for Vanek. The problem I have with that trade & the Moulson deal that followed is all they got were draft picks. Which are maybe's. The same goes for the Miller deal. With Grigorenko looking more and more like he's either going to be a bust or head back home in a year it shows how big of a gamble the Sabres are taking. We won't know how things end up for a few years with all the draft picks the Sabres acquired. Hopefully things work out like they did for Pittsburgh instead of Edmonton.

People don't give up top level prospects for rentals. You get draft picks or middle tier prospects, that's it. Especially when you have no leverage.

And that's good of you to focus on the Moulson trade so closely but not even be right about it. They didn't pick up a prospect, but they did acquire a roster player in Torrey Mitchell. Not a top line player, but not only draft picks like you stated.

Then you ignore the other deals. They also got roster players in the Halak flip. Klesla didn't report, but they've got Neuvirth to help them bridge for a couple years. Fasching and Deslauriers from LA for picks. Stewart and Carrier in the Miller deal.

But hey, don't let the facts get in the way of your ranting and raving.

And I'll grant you that draft picks are hit or miss. They could turn into Crosby or they could turn into Patrick Stefan. But when your team sucks and you've got a big pile of overpaid 3rd line caliber players, you take your chances.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Who says they didn’t ask for a top prospect? Now you’re just playing the guessing game and assuming things to be true with nothing to back it up. Doug Armstrong made it known that he was not willing to give up a player like Tarasenko or Schwartz, so what were the Sabres supposed to do? No one who’s looking to add at the trade deadline is going to give up their top prospects. Especially for a player in return that MIGHT stay with the team after the Season is over.


Here’s a look at some of the players the Sabres have picked up or acquired in the past year:

Hudson Fasching, Nicolas Deslauriers, Chris Stewart, William Carrier, Rostislav Klesla, Jaroslav Halak, Zenon Konopka, Linus Omark, Matt D'Agostini, Torrey Mitchell, Michal Neuvirth, Matt Hackett, Johan Larsson, Cory Conacher, etc…


Not to mention some of their current prospects right now who look like they will play a key role in the future:

Rasmus Ristolainen, Zemgus Girgensons, Nikita Zadorov, Mikhail Grigorenko, Joel Armia, Mark Pysyk, JT Compher, Luke Adam, Jake McCabe, Connor Hurley, Nick Baptiste, Daniel Catenacci, Gustav Possler, Chad Ruhwedel, Justin Kea, Phil Varone, Matt Mackenzie, Anthony Florentino, Sean Malone, Jerome Gauthier-Leduc, Kevin Sundher, Tim Schaller, Brady Austin, Eric locke, Logan Nelson, etc….


Then you have take into consideration that the Sabres could still add some skilled veteran players come July 1st, since they will be well below the Cap, and Murray has already hinted he will be very active. They will also have a plethora of draft picks in the next couple of years as well. The Sabres also just announced that they now have an ECHL affiliation by entering into a partnership with the Elmira Jackals. This will allow their prospects to stay closer to Buffalo instead of being sent all over the Country, and the Sabres can monitor and develop them better.

So to say that the Sabres are just loading up on draft picks, not getting any players, and having nothing in the cupboard, is clearly absurd to say the least.

Pegula came into town and threw his money around, and where did that get the Sabres in the long run? You say that draft picks are a gamble, but so is thinking you can just buy a bunch of players and expect it to win you a Cup. I’m willing to bet that quite a few teams would trade places with the Sabres right now if they could, based on their draft picks and prospects right now.

Bottom line is that anything a team does could be considered a gamble, but at least the Sabres are setting themselves up to be a competitive team in the near future. They are going about with this rebuild the smart way, and not just making rash moves or signings again just because they have the money. We just have to wait and see, but it’s not like the Sabres have done anything in the past 44 years to win the Cup anywats. I welcome this new direction they are taking, and look forward to the future.

And is it wrong of me to hope that the Islanders miss the Playoffs next year and then win the Lottery?





Oh, I see how it is. When the Sabres have a bunch of upcoming draft picks, it means they are taking a big gamble, and there is no guarantee that it will pan out. But when the Islanders have a bunch of draft picks, it means they are obviously going to get stronger.

I'm not saying they didn't ask for a top prospect. I said they should have gotten one.

Of the players they acquired Halak was traded right away. Klesla is an UFA right? Omark couldn't make the Oilers roster. Konopka is a 4th line grinder/fighter who's skating leaves a lot to be desired. D'agostini has had a hard time finding his niche. Maybe Buffalo will be the place, who knows? Stewart & Mitchell could help. Stewart has 1 year left on his deal right? The other guys are prospects who might work out. Time will tell.

Grigorenko has bust written all over him. Besides the Sabres have already wasted 2 years of his ELC. Ristolainen, Girgensens & Zadorov have all shown promise. Hopefully they become a big part of the Sabres team for years to come. Armia is another guy who will hopefully contribute soon. Luke Adam played well early on when he was first brought up. He's been shuttled back & forth between the AHL & the Sabres for a couple of years now. It's time for Mark Pysyk to step up. We'll have to wait & see on the other guys.

I don't blame any Sabres fan for hoping the Islanders miss the playoffs & get a very high pick. I expect it & have no problem with it one bit.

You missed the point of that one. Just because the Isles won't have their first 2 picks in 2015 doesn't mean their cupboards are empty. That's all I was trying to let Cobie know.

 

[DragonfromTO]

I'm not saying they didn't ask for a top prospect. I said they should have gotten one.

Of the players they acquired Halak was traded right away. Klesla is an UFA right? Omark couldn't make the Oilers roster. Konopka is a 4th line grinder/fighter who's skating leaves a lot to be desired. D'agostini has had a hard time finding his niche. Maybe Buffalo will be the place, who knows? Stewart & Mitchell could help. Stewart has 1 year left on his deal right? The other guys are prospects who might work out. Time will tell.

Grigorenko has bust written all over him. Besides the Sabres have already wasted 2 years of his ELC. Ristolainen, Girgensens & Zadorov have all shown promise. Hopefully they become a big part of the Sabres team for years to come. Armia is another guy who will hopefully contribute soon. Luke Adam played well early on when he was first brought up. He's been shuttled back & forth between the AHL & the Sabres for a couple of years now. It's time for Mark Pysyk to step up. We'll have to wait & see on the other guys.

I don't blame any Sabres fan for hoping the Islanders miss the playoffs & get a very high pick. I expect it & have no problem with it one bit.

You missed the point of that one. Just because the Isles won't have their first 2 picks in 2015 doesn't mean their cupboards are empty. That's all I was trying to let Cobie know.

I don't like that they've burned 2 years of him, but if I were GM of a team that was lacking down the middle I'd absolutely take a chance on Grigorenko. He hasn't even turned 20 yet and you want to write him off?

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I don't like that they've burned 2 years of him, but if I were GM of a team that was lacking down the middle I'd absolutely take a chance on Grigorenko. He hasn't even turned 20 yet and you want to write him off?

There's been a lot of talk that he's a selfish player. I know he isn't the first & won't be the last, but somebody needs to light a fire under him. I would have thought Nolan could be that guy. We'll see, maybe a change of scenery is what he needs, but I won't be surprised one bit if Grigorenko goes home in a year or two.

 

[IPostedWhat]

Of the players they acquired Halak was traded right away. Klesla is an UFA right?

We already established that Halak made it known right away he was not happy to be on the Sabres, and was not going to stay with the team after the Season was over. The Sabres found a way to unload him for something, and they did.

As for Klesla.....

With all due respect to the Sabres organization, I decided this week not to continue playing hockey this season. It has been a tough year for injury and moving several times to new teams. I will now take some time off and get ready to continue my career in Europe. I would like to thank my fans and all the people that have helped me. I am grateful for the career I have had in the NHL and all the people that I have met along the way who have supported me and my family.

Grigorenko has bust written all over him.

While I will agree that Grigs has not panned out quite like everyone was hoping he would so far, he looks to have finally turned a corner lately, and it looks like he might be actually growing up and taking his career seriously.

In the past 8 games he's played with Rochester, he has 4 assists, and his overall play seems to be much improved.

After working through his personal pity-party upon learning of his demotion to junior, Grigorenko seems to have figured out what's necessary to make it in the NHL. According to Rochester Americans coach Chadd Cassidy, Grigorenko's overall play has shown solid improvement.

After last nights 5-1 Amerks win in their home finale, Cassidy said of Grigorenko, "“The thing that I am most happy with is his consistency. He's had one game where I didn't think he was as good as he needed to be but every other game he has been pretty good. He has been around the puck all the time, not a lot of shortcuts and very detailed.”

While watching the Amerks and Lake Erie Monsters play last Sunday you could see what Cassidy was talking about. Grigorenko skated well in all areas of the ice and was, in fact, around the puck in all three zones.

buffalosabresnow: The development of Joel Armia and Mikhail Grigorenko is Randy Cunneyworth's first major task.


Here's hoping he actually pulls it together and becomes a vital part of the Sabres rebuild.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

We already established that Halak made it known right away he was not happy to be on the Sabres, and was not going to stay with the team after the Season was over. The Sabres found a way to unload him for something, and they did.

As for Klesla.....

With all due respect to the Sabres organization, I decided this week not to continue playing hockey this season. It has been a tough year for injury and moving several times to new teams. I will now take some time off and get ready to continue my career in Europe. I would like to thank my fans and all the people that have helped me. I am grateful for the career I have had in the NHL and all the people that I have met along the way who have supported me and my family.




While I will agree that Grigs has not panned out quite like everyone was hoping he would so far, he looks to have finally turned a corner lately, and it looks like he might be actually growing up and taking his career seriously.

In the past 8 games he's played with Rochester, he has 4 assists, and his overall play seems to be much improved.



buffalosabresnow: The development of Joel Armia and Mikhail Grigorenko is Randy Cunneyworth's first major task.


Here's hoping he actually pulls it together and becomes a vital part of the Sabres rebuild.

I hope Grigorenko becomes a good player for the Sabres. They obviously need help at Center. He's got plenty of talent. Hopefully this is a big sign that he's figuring things out.

 

[puckhead]

IIHF U18, the last major showcase for much of the draft class

MVPs:
William Nylander named top forward,
Haydn Fleury top defenseman, and
Mason McDonald top goaltender at the U18s by the Directorate.

top 3 players as named by the coaches:
CAN: Travis Sanheim, Haydn Fleury and Mason McDonald
USA: Jack Eichel (Boston Univ), Louis Belpedio (Miami) and Alex Nedeljkovic
SWE: Sebastian Aho, William Lagesson and William Nylander
CZE: Vitek Vanacek, jakub Vrana, Filip Pyrotchka

the rest here: http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/368/IHM3689900_85J_1_0.pdf
scoring leaders: http://stats.iihf.com/Hydra/368/IHM3689900_85B_11_0.pdf

 

[forty_three]

Thanks to the Kings getting back into and past their series with the Sharks, the Jackets draft position this year is now as such:


Round 1: 16th overall
Round 2: 47th overall
Round 3: 63rd overall (EDM, from LAK), 77th overall
Round 4: 107th overall
Round 5: no pick (pick sent to EDM for Schultz)
Round 6: no pick (pick sent to NYR for Gaborik)
Round 7: 197th overall

4 picks in the top 77 and their highest pick is right around where they got Wennberg last year. Not too shabby.

In addition, they get a conditional 2015 pick from LA since the Kings made it past the first round. That pick is a second rounder and it originally belonged to Toronto. So if Toronto has a similar season to this one next year, it could be a decent second round pick. Plus they still have Philly's third rounder next year as well.

 

[forty_three]