NHL Trade Deadline 2012: Sabres Complete Multi-Player Deal Featuring Zack Kassian
by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 27, 2012 3:49 PM EST
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PrintThe Buffalo Sabres have made the biggest deal of the deadline as they sent Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani to the Vancouver Canucks for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer.
Kassian has three goals and four assists in 27 games this season. He has enamored a bit of a legend among himself with his physical play in the OHL. That physicality has gone down in the NHL with 20 penalty minutes in those games. Gragnani has struggled this season with only one goal and 11 assists after making headwinds in the Philadelphia Flyers playoff series.
Hodgson has 16 goals and 17 assists for the Vancouver Canucks in 63 games this season and has been in consideration for the Calder Trophy. Those totals will put Hodgson at 4th overall in points and 3rd in goals on the Buffalo Sabres. Hodgson is 22 and has one more year left under his entry-level deal at $1,666,667. Sulzer seems to be a throw in piece of this deal as he has only played in 12 games for the Canucks and has only one assist in those games.
With this deal the Buffalo Sabres get their center for the future.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated on all your Buffalo Sabres news. For more on the trades happening around the league, follow along with SBNation.com and the Trade Deadline Storystream.
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Threading like crazy today.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Yep, keeps everything relatively civil in terms of conversation.
Die By The Blade - I give, the Sabres have officially broken me.
by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 27, 2012 4:00 PM EST up reply actions
Hodgson totally fills a need….that is really a solid move by Darcy.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Where to you get the heart?
This team will get run over by everybody except their farm team. A third line center doesn’t face the other teams front line defensemen and checking line. What do you think happens when this guy gets on the ice with guys that will hit him? This team needs to dump players that don’t have heart.
No.
This team needs player who can score since that’s the little thing that actually wins games.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
DID SOMETHING DARCY!
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 3:53 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Barely touched the Core, and got center depth…he might know what he is doing.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
I Would Have Preferred...
The Core touched a bit more, but I like both of the deals. A lot.
Kudos to Darcy
Can we all just call a truce on shots fired at Darcy for now?
Also… love that this signals they Sabres are not giving up on the playoffs.
Seriously.
They’ve improved for the future and are taking a run at it. It’s win – win. They were never going to be bad enough to get a top 3 pick.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Hodgson-Kassian came out of nowhere
It is really a delightful surprise.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
My Darcy hate.
Has been put on hold after today’s trades.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 27, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
This is one of those moves that can’t be graded for a few years. It’s completely based on potential on both of these guys.
by JSCoope on Feb 27, 2012 3:54 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
"Potential." Seriously?
Hodgson grew up in Toronto, so he couldn’t be closer to home (which means, I hope, that they Sabres have a chance to keep the kid long term). The kid has 16 goals and 17 assists. He’s in, what, the top five scorers on the Sabres right now? Potential? Luke Adam has potential. This kid is doing it. His “potential” is upside.
He has the potential to be even better than a 20 goal 20 assist center on only 12 minutes of ice time.
OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs
Hope you're right, but...
… it’s hard to be enthusiastic. Players change as the players around them change. As much as we want them to translate, his numbers might instead deflate once he is surrounded by the bad luck and incompetency that has characterized the Sabres this year.
Similarly, I wonder what Luke Adam would have done if he had been playing against the othere guys’ fourth lines while being complemented by the guys that Hodgson played with on the Canucks.
Hodgson was being "complimented" by Maxim Lapierre and Mike Duco.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Make that "some combination of Hansen, Raymond, and Higgins" as stated below.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
How is this NOT potential?
ie/ if he’s this good now, how good will he be in a few years?
Kass has the potential to be a top 6 forward, getting PK and PP minutes adding 20-30 goals a year.
Hodge has the potential to be a top line point per gamer getting PP with limited defensive capabilities.
Potential just means that neither talent is fully realized. you need to relax.
Potential?
Ahhh… I get it… you mean “potential” in the way Vanek or Miller has potential, as in a guy who is doing it, but could do more, rather than in the standard sense of a guy like Kassian who hasn’t done anything, but might someday do something, the way the rest of us use the word “potential”.
Imagine how much Darcy would have gotten for Jochen Hecht jeez he’s on fire today.
OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs
Hodgson is fifth in the league in rookie scoring.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Let's tally this up.
Goose, Kassian and Grags gone. An UFA, a nice player how wasn’t quite doing it and a Dman who wasn’t going to see the ice again for the Sabres.
—- in return --
Hodgson and a 1st.
Who here is going to criticize that deal? We need to see some Darcy love around here.
Kass was a steep price.
I hope for the Sabres it works out. Kass was the guy I wanted the Sabres to draft when they got him. The resigning of Staffy to a 4 yr. contract and Pomers getting the “C” just about doomed him.
Go Sabres!
umm, about that
wasnt Luke Adam THIRD in goals for rookies at one time.?
Then Lindy the Wizard put him on the fourth line and ,magically, his numbers go down.
When Hodgson faces 1st line checking, not 3rd line,AND FLOURISHES, tell me about it.
If he plays on our top line, he also gets to play with top talent. In Vancouver, he played the majority of his time with Mike Duco and Maxim Lapierre. He also is 22; so I want to give this deal time.
Adam was sent down to the fourth line because he lacked the defensive responsibility needed for a center. Hopefully he can improve on this in Rochester, and he will become a better center for our future.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
In Vancouver, he played the majority of his time with Mike Duco and Maxim Lapierre
False. Duco has barely played on the Canucks this year, and Hodgson has been 3rd line for the most part. More or less, it’s worked out as Hodgson with some combination of Hansen, Raymond, and Higgins on the 3rd, with Lapierre/Malhotra/Dale Weise on the 4th. Cody was also centring the 2nd PP unit, usually with Booth/Burrows/Higgins.
by RogerFenway on Feb 27, 2012 10:51 PM EST up reply actions
My Bad.
I looked at the percentages at leftwinglock, and that showed the highest percentage line combo…except it was for your most recent game. For full season line combos, I should have looked here. Thanks for the heads up.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
S'all good.
He’s played a bit of everywhere, really.. I think at one point they had Hodg-Booth-Lapierre on a line together, which is all kinds of weird. Point was though he’s mostly been a third line guy.
by RogerFenway on Feb 27, 2012 11:15 PM EST up reply actions
I have to admit.
I don’t know a ton about the Nucks other than:
- They are legit
- Way better than my team
I knew he was getting third line minutes, and probably should have known that Duco wouldn’t be on it. Lots of excitement today…so I tended to overlook something obvious. Hodgson will have a better chance over here, since we have no one who is Sedin or Kesler-esque in our organization. Hopefully Kassian becomes your Lucic, and Hodgson becomes one of our top six centers…we really need more than one.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Will be a UFA…right? I see he has a $700,000 contract currently.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Two-way deal currently
$105,000 AHL
$700,000 NHL
http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=1065
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
i remember hoping for this guy last year.
I am so amped about this move.
Darcy is safe
He cleaned up today without stripping the team and giving up on even the slight chance they have of making a run. And this is coming from a guy who doesn’t like Darcy too much, trust me. Solid, solid work today!
follow me @buffaloexplorer
I definitly not a darcy fan but he cleaned up today.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Feb 27, 2012 4:02 PM EST via Android app reply actions
this team will be better for the rest of this year
and better next year, and beyond. Darcy wins.
CoHo
Nickname from David Booth..
Reminds me of CuBro.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
actually Chinook I think was his nickname from Booth
we at NM call him Coho though, and both are types of Salmon
Go Canucks Go!
I Like Chinook...
But I’m not sure if I like the Indian Warrior connotation, or the helicopter, better…
Eric Schmitz @3rdManIn
Cody Hodgson will wear #12 for the #Sabres, Alexander Sulzer will wear #52.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
Craig Rivet Part Deux
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
I assume Sulzer is wearing #52 for the Amerks?
OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs
Or they traded a 7th DMan for another 7th Dman whose contract is expiring.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
Some really great and creative moves by Darcy
Hodgson in particular. We need a center and we not only got one, but he could wind up being one of the top centers in the league long-term.
My only worry is that we really lost toughness today, and a lot of it. But really, Goose could be back (maybe) and we really need to see how the draft goes before we can really analyze what happened today.
"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."
"he could wind up being one of the top centers in the league long-term."
Yep, I really do think so.
He wasn’t getting much playing time in Vancouver, much to the chagrin of Canucks fans.
I think you guys will like him. A lot.
by Temujin on Feb 27, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Reassessment time!
Ditto. I think he “cleaned up” in two senses: (1) putting the packages side by side, I think there’d be 90+% who’d take Hodgson and a 1st for Goose, Kassian and Grags, but also, (2) he “cleaned-up” in that he moved guys who were taking up roster space.
Grags was destined to be the best offensive Dman in the AHL. Kassian wasn’t pulling his weight and for a guy who was supposed to be one better than Kaleta, he failed in most regards. I’d like to see the kid be given another year, but that’s the cost of trades.
On top of it all, the Sabres still have a great farm system over stocked with Dmen and now they have two 1sts and 2nds in next year’s draft to restock it further. Kudos to Darcy “The future’s so bright / I got to wear shades” Regier!
I have said all year that Darcy has to go
BUT WOW He actually might know what he is doing. Fantastic day today. Nice job Darcy
by Winnie33 on Feb 27, 2012 4:10 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
If Winnie is saying this, than I think we can say “universal acclaim”
by Philaster on Feb 27, 2012 4:11 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
OT:
@Real_ESPNLeBrun
Red Wings inquired on Gaustad but didn’t have what Buffalo wanted: a 1st-round pick (dealt in Quincey deal).
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
The way I see it, Darcy needed to do 3 things before next season:
1. Replace (or re-sign) Gaustad, Hecht, and Boyes
2. Land a legitimate scoring center
3. Improve organizational depth
So far, he’s accomplished:
Replace Hecht with Hodgson, who is a legitimate scoring center. Land another 1st round pick, which will improve organizational depth.
A great start. Hopefully we can sign Gaustad or a similar player in the offseason (I’m not yet convinced that Ellis or Foligno or Adam are the answers, but the team has 20 more games so we’ll see). Boyes can probably be replaced from within the organization. We have thus freed up cap space to have more trade/signing flexibility in the offseason. A+
Do we really need to sign another center?
Right now the depth chart is:
1. Roy
2. Ennis
3. Hodgson
4. Adam
5. Ellis
Plus Pominville has taken 344 FO’s (tied for the 56th most in the leauge) with a 47.7 Win%.
I mean I guess if we can sign someone like Zenon Konopka (he has a 58.5 Win% this year) for pocket change in the offseason, then sure, but I don’t think it necessarily needs to be addressed any more than that.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
I suppose it is a matter of opinion
but the way I see things, we need a checking line center, and none of those 5-6 guys fit that role. Roy, Ennis/Pominville, and Hodgson will vie for the top 2 lines, with one of them on the third line. Adam will be better served in Rochester (or on another team if the trade is right) than on the 4th line. He makes for a good call-up for injuries, but until he improves his defensive or physical game he cannot possibly fill the 4th line center role. Ellis can, but not nearly as effectively as Gaustad. Since Ellis is signed for one more season on a one-way contract, I suppose he buys us another season to find a replacement for Gaustad’s role (if Gaustad isn’t re-signed), either through the farm or through acquisition/trade. It is a much smaller need than the one addressed by acquiring Hodgson, and I can’t complain about a first-round pick, just speculating as to what should come next. I am not convinced that all the problems are solved by those two moves, as great as they were.
Ennis may not stay at center, could easily slide to LW
by BillsThickNThin on Feb 27, 2012 8:54 PM EST up reply actions
They just moved him there. I doubt they jerk him around like that.
Plus he’s been really good there.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
He's Improved His Play A Lot
Since they moved him to C. I think they have to keep him there for the rest of the year, at least. Unless they want to lowball him in the off-season – then move him back to wing and watch his numbers die.
I do have to laugh at all the “potential” for Marc-Andre Gragnani. Canucks fans will be potentially shaking their heads a lot.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 4:13 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Gragnani
Frustrated me to no end. In the first 20 or so games, before this season even sucked, I was constantly wondering why he wasn’t in the press box over Weber. Maybe that speaks more to Ruff’s decision-making than it does to Regier’s roster-building, but now it won’t be an issue.
Because Weber has shown he doesn't make mistakes ever...
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Last few games he has improved a lot. Early in the year, it was super brutal.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
That's true
I haven’t noticed him much at all the last few (which for a defensive defenseman is just fine).
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Irrational Grags hate!
Check the Corsi leader boards.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
I am curious...
Do you think those stats may trend better to more offensive oriented D-men? I have noticed that GVT seems to favor players like Ehrhoff over someone like Regehr. Just a thought.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Probably, but not by much since it's an aggregate stat.
If anything it favors puck-possession defensemen like Lidstrom.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Irrational?
Or you’re picking the stat that makes MAG look amazing? Why is his relative Corsi so high but everything else makes him comparable to Matt Ellis?
http://www.behindthenet.ca/nhl_statistics.php?ds=30&s=14&f1=2011_s&f2=5v5&f5=BUF&f7=40-&c=0+1+3+5+4+6+7+8+13+14+29+30+32+33+34+45+46+63+67
Why are both his Corsi Rel QoC & Corsi QoC second worst on the team? Why does a defenseman, A DEFENSEMAN! lead the team in offensive zone starts by a hefty margin? Why does a defenseman lead the team in offensive zone finishes?
Lindy protected MAG more than any forward on the team and he was one of six defenseman on a given night compared to twelve forwards. When you play your opponents weakest competition and do it only in the offensive end (as a defenseman!) of course you’re going to create more shots than you generate.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 28, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Okay irrational was a bad word choice.
But he is a rookie and sheltering a rookie is completely common.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Looking at his numbers, and with what I’ve heard about his offensive game, I think he’ll do great in blue and green. How’s Ehrhoff doing?
by RogerFenway on Feb 27, 2012 10:54 PM EST up reply actions
He seemed to struggle with the injury carousel early this year.
We do love his diving 2-on-1 pass interceptions though.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Elite Prospects
A good center who can both finish and create plays. Fantastic hockey sense. Good creativity and two-way game. Suffers from his lack of size and has issues with strong defencemen.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
of course
First caller on WGR has nothing nice to say.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
Not your problem
It looks like I’m the only one who has a bad feeling about trading a power forward like Kassian to a contender. Seems like we have waited 40 years to get a Cam Neely type player…gosh I hope I’m wrong cause I want that cup! !!
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 4:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He`s NOT EVEN Lucic!!! Eventhough I`m a Sabres fan, Cam is one of my all time favorites. Something has happened to Kassian, I don`t see the willingness in physical play. I saw him play when he was 17 yrs old in Peterborough and he was a monster.
I think he's finally playing with people his own size.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions
This
"You never have to wait long, or look far, to be reminded of how thin the line is between being a hero or a goat."
- Mickey Mantle
by maestro110584 on Feb 27, 2012 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
And doesn't want to get suspended anymore.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Lindy may have a tight rein as well.
What I have seen is that Kass needed a little more AHL seasoning.
Go Sabres!
OK
but LeClaire, Lucic, Kerr, Neely, Holstrom,Neal & Bertuzzi’s don’t come along everyday & I’m not saying Kassian was there yet…but I saw more from him than Taylor Pyatt…sorry Taylor!
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 5:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
HE CAN STILL BE THE NEXT STEVE BERNIER!
Seriously though, Kassian is like the third big winger we have traded to Vancouver since the lockout after Bernier and Pyatt, and all three of them were former first round picks. What’s up with that?
Mancari is another big winger that went from Buffalo to Vancouver recently but he got picked up as a UFA.
by Gareth Braxton on Feb 27, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
Can you say Ruff and the league rules
Kassian needed to stay clean for a while because of his junior history or this league will bury him with suspensions and fines. Once your established then they may allow you to play. Ruff told him to clean up his act and he did by becoming a Sabre otherwise he plays in Rochester.
I have the same worry
But in Darcy I trust.
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
Bill Hoppe @BillHoppeNHL
#Sabres Darcy Regier: “Marcus Foligno can play every bit the style or way that Zack Kassian can play.” #Buffalo
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
yes, true
but the power forward, gritty forechecker potential is there
by lgbfromoregon on Feb 27, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions
you're not the only one
As much as I understand the need for a center, for a team that’s desperate for grit and toughness to trade away the guy who could develop into a true power fwd for yet another finesse player just doesn’t make me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.
Bill Hoppe @BillHoppeNHL
#Sabres Darcy Regier: "Marcus Foligno can play every bit the style or way that Zack Kassian can play." #Buffalo
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
thats wonderful
if Darcy thinks we only need one guy who plays that style than that’s a real problem
The real problem is a delusional fan base.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 5:07 PM EST up reply actions
We needed center depth, and Hodgson looks like he can potentially be a very good player. Of course, we must give up something potentially good to get something potentially good, so we gave VAN Kassian. We really need centers and we have a ton of wingers. If Foligno’s progression has lead to Kassian being expendable for a good center, then we do it.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions
They need wingers so its a good match TBH.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
I'll bite
The Sabres have too many RWs as it is, so that in itself lends to Kassian’s expendability.
Foligno and Kassian have a very comparable playing style, and Foligno has been more effective by far at the professional level (so far).
Finally, almost all modern wingers can switch between LW and RW seamlessly, so being labeled as one or the other really has little bearing on anything.
Ding Ding Ding
We Have a Winner!
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions
The Sabres have too many RWs as it is, so that in itself lends to Kassian’s expendability.
I count 3, Pominville, Stafford and Kaleta. That’s not too many
Foligno has been more effective by far at the professional level (so far).
not sure how you came to that conclusion
at the AHL level :
Kassian 26 pts in 30 games = 0.87pts per game
Foligno 34 pts in 54 games = 0.63pts per game
Hodgson 30 pts in 52 games = 0.58pts per game
Foligno and Kassian have a very comparable playing style
so what, I’d rather two big power wingers than just one.
The Sabres need more size and toughness, not less. Hodgson is as finesse as finesse gets, I would not have given up Kassian for him even if we had the whole Foligno family waiting in the wings
That is one opinion.
We are trading muscle for a skilled center. Kassian may have a better ppg for this season in the AHL, but if Darcy thinks Foligno will be better in the future, then I will go with Darcy’s opinion. I would love power wingers just like you, but I think this was a fair hockey deal. Like I said below, if Kassian becomes Lucic, then I hope Hodgson becomes a 60-70 point center.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
For your first point, I meant wingers, we have too many wingers. That relates to my third point (LW and RW are essentially interchangeable).
For your second point, I was ranking their effectiveness based on their physical play. If you’ve followed them at all it would be as clear to you as it is to Darcy.
For your third point, I’d argue that the Sabres currently have a more urgent need for a scoring center than for a physical winger. While we all would love to have both, if it comes down to one or the other I’d pick the scoring center (for this team) any day of the week. We can always pick up more muscle later, if need be, but scoring comes at a high premium so to get a cheap, young scoring center you’re going to have to give some value back.
1. Securing an elite talent like Hodgson, especially at center, is much harder than finding some size
2. We have the draft and the offseason to add bulk and toughness, it isn’t as if we’re playing for the cup this year. This isn’t our final product of a team by any means.
by BillsThickNThin on Feb 27, 2012 9:00 PM EST up reply actions
Boyes , Tropp
and even Vanek, Vanek is a true right wing whom the Sabres switched to left wing.
Vanek
Is a right-hand shot, but he has always preferred the LW. That is. Thomas Vanek decision, not a coaching decision.
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula
by willgarr15 on Feb 28, 2012 8:31 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Ray brings up a good point
If the Kassian was going to be the hit everyone and score type of player, he would already be doing it consistently. He wasn’t. He wasn’t in Rochester or in Buffalo.
Nope. As a matter of fact I've been disappointed in him this season.
I’ve preferred Foligno from his time in Rochester. He’s more of an always on type of player.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Foligno is better at being Kassian than Kassian?
by lgbfromoregon on Feb 27, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
Yup.
He doesn’t seem to take his head out of the game like Kassian has a tendency to do.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions
You're assuming that they really are desperate for "grit and toughness".
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Mike Foligno
I hope you & Darcy are right that Marcus will be that power forward or as good as his Dad who was tough to battle..but to watch Zach just throw NHL defenseman off his back while skating with the puck is a component the Sabres have never had.
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 4:48 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Why on TSN
do they keep saying we GOT a 4th round in addition to the 1st with the Gaustad trade? Didn’t we GIVE UP a 4th round?
"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."
TSN is stupid or Darcy is even more amazing than we thought.
OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs
by Ubiquitous on Feb 27, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Can’t it be AND?
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Toronto boy
I bet Hodgson will be pleasantly shocked.
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
Also Shocked
his bank account after the next Sabres home game.
OPERATION TANK IS A GO.
In an unprecedented move 9 teams in the Eastern Conference have decided to officially "pass" on the playoffs
On nhl channle . They talked to him and he was really shocked had heard about it five minutes before. He did seem glad that his family would be able to see more games.
"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus
by matthew62 on Feb 27, 2012 4:30 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Supposedly from Dreger:
I missed Burke presser, but can tell you Tor could have traded Schenn,Kulemin,MacArthur and Grabovski for 1st round picks.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Something to think about
Attitude. I’ve heard rumblings that Gragnani thought a little bit more of his own abilities than most people and acted the part. I’ve also heard that while Kassian had a good attitude about the organization, he could kind of coast at times. He snapped at the media about his lack of hitting in Rochester and was kind of generally sullen. Foligno has a much better attitude.
Apple didn't fall far for Foligno
Really looking forward to watching him. Article in D&C on him said he finishes EVERY check.
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone know...
Was Kassian’s contract set to expire at the end of the season? Only cause for concern I have is that we traded him for a guy who’s contract is set to expire when Ennis and Meyers are also set to be FA’s… I guess that just means were going to have to cut a few under-producing forwards in the offseason though… All around solid moves
RFA in 2014.
http://capgeek.com/players/display.php?id=1895
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Ummm.
Myers just signed a 7 year extension. Ennis is RFA. Hodgson has another year on his contract.
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
The cleaning company?
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 4:49 PM EST up reply actions
New ownership, new cleaning co. Makes sense.
by Frank Reich Revolution on Feb 27, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Hodgson’s contract runs out when Roy’s contract does if that makes you feel any better.
Die By The Blade - I give, the Sabres have officially broken me.
by Zachary Zielonka on Feb 27, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Myers*
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Just watch Hodgson spring board Boyes back to his 40 goal days. That would be ridiculous.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
And impossible.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Am I not allowed to hope Mr. Hida?
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
I’d hope for 20 goal days first :(
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
No, look more closely at trade details:
Canucks get: Kassian and Gragnani
Sabres get: Hodgson, Sulzer, 1.21 jigawatt flux capacitor
by Munchausen on Feb 27, 2012 5:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
A real 3rd center. All those times you see Ellis working his butt off to get a chance at the doorstep and you just have to say ‘AHHH if only you weren’t Matt Ellis’ might be gone and those wings have a chance to contribute again.
I fight with psychological warfare, I made her a Sabres fan…
Is he our 3rd center? Behind who?
I was wondering if Lindy wouldn’t play him at #1, given that he’s not super happy with Roy.
At the very least Hodgson will be our #2. Part of the problem in Vancouver is that CoHo was a top 6 center playing on the third line.
He will probably start at the 3. With Lindy’s line juggle he will probably get time with potentially all of the top 3 lines, but the Roy line has been better and the Ennis line is coming together as well.
I won’t be shocked to see him on anything other than the checking line, but have to figure it’s the 3 to start.
I fight with psychological warfare, I made her a Sabres fan…
Anyone think Hodgson will be our #2 then Ennis can slide to LW?
i don’t see Hodgson at #3.
by BillsThickNThin on Feb 27, 2012 9:07 PM EST up reply actions
Ennis is to small to play wing`
Sabres made right move in switching him to center.
For the record
CoHo would be our #3 goal scorer with his current production. And that’s with him getting third line minutes.
I bet Lindy gives him plenty of ice time now.
They trade Kassian
For the next Derek Roy. Pardon me while I get sick.
There we go.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
It generally takes big tough guys a few years longer to develop. Chara was no great shakes in his first few years. Who’s going to play against the boards?
You gotta understand that Hodgson played against 3rd/4th lines and 3rd line defensemen. He’s only 185 pounds and soft in his own end. Darcy’s type of player.
First:
You gotta understand
sounds condescending….I won’t try to take it that way, so I will move on. We needed center depth, and Hodgson looks like he can potentially be a very good player. Of course, we must give up something potentially good to get something potentially good, so we gave VAN Kassian. We really need centers and we have a ton of wingers. If Foligno’s progression has lead to Kassian being expendable for a good center, then we do it.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
by bgred105 on Feb 27, 2012 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Where the hell are you getting that Hodgson is bad in his own end when everything says to the contrary?
I would not call him bad in his own end but to be fair he has made some costly defensive mistakes this year. But that is to be expected. Because of his back injury, this is really his first year in the NHL and the defense part of his game should improve :) But he is by no means a defensive liability
He’s a great pick up for you guys and we are sad to see him go for sure.
Go Canucks Go!
Thanks for the support. I think Gragnani will be unbelievable for the Canucks. He has the potential to become Brian Campbell if he’s handled correctly, and he wasn’t being handled correctly here.
Thanks BW, I always like to hear the perspective of the team who let him go.
Hopefully this is a trade that is talked about down the road as being mutually beneficial for all teams and players involved.
I fight with psychological warfare, I made her a Sabres fan…
Then its a good think we have Lindy.
He made Vanek a complete player, he’s working on Adam. If anyone can make Hodgson a adequate player in his own zone, it will be Ruff.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Kassian is going to be Chara?
But I thought he was going to be Lucic!
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
#Illhangupandlisten
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
Yea, cause your evaluation of talent has been spot on.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 5:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
ORGANIZATIONAL DEPTH YO!!!
As mentioned, Foligno and Tropp should fit a similar bill that Kassian was supposed to eventually provide (but hadn’t). Bottom line here is we were in dire need of scoring centers and had a decent stable of grinding wingers so we shifted towards the needs. Our top center prospect before this trade was Kevin Sundher with Luke Adam having “graduated”. It’s been a huge hole the last 10 years and finally I hope we’ve addressed it.
On a defensive front, our cupboards are chalk full of puck moving d-men. Most of which could be ready next year (Pysyk, Scheistel, Brennan, Persson, and Leduc). Bring up McNabb in a week once he’s fully recovered and any physical hole is filled, probably more than Kassian as of today. Grags was a “sexy” thought after last years playoffs but in reality extremely expendable.
These moves definitely are future minded while still maintaining a glimmer of hope for this years playoffs. Sorry if you had already bought a #54 sweater.
YESSSS
by killabstingz on Feb 27, 2012 5:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
ALSO
Regier made a good point about the market for scoring versus physicality. No you’re not going to find many FA’s that have the size AND can put up points, per Kassian’s hope. But, signing banging wingers if you believe we don’t currently have them in the system is MUCH cheaper than pursuing scorers. Talent isn’t cheap, muscle is.
by killabstingz on Feb 27, 2012 5:19 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
This.
In addition, teams were more than willing to overpay for tough grinders with some marginal upside (Gaustad) or bright potential (Kassian), and Darcy took complete advantage of that to land a 1st rounder and a scoring-threat center. I’m excited to see what becomes of our 2 1st and 2nd round picks, we should be stacked in the future and we don’t look so bad on paper right now either
Really good point. We need scoring, we need centers, and we try to fulfill both in one trade. Very nice move by Darcy. If we need some size in the off season, we can get muscle. 60-70 point centers do not grow on trees.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
by bgred105 on Feb 27, 2012 5:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
HELP !!"
So, how soon will it be with the moves we made today…that we would be able to truly beat Pittburgh, Boston or the New York Rangers in a blood & guts seven game series to represent the East for the cup!
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 5:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
DeLorean is not assembled yet.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
by bgred105 on Feb 27, 2012 5:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
First Round Picks
I get the feeling that a lot of people aren’t taking into consideration the fact that we now have two 1st round picks and two 2nd round picks. Surely we can come up with some sort of package at the Draft for a top line center.
Probably won’t be, isn’t the Draft a cliff after pick 10 or so?
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Ok, I’m rolling with all your ideas, cause I’m sure you guys are closer to the team than I am because of my age. But you guys know in the playoffs for the trophy, clutch gut check guys prevail during that Marathon & right now we have Boyes, Stafford, Vanek & Roy leading the way…draft choices are necessary..but somehow Detroit has been a contender for 15 years….idk
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 6:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Newsflash
the Sabres are not a playoff team this year
Boyes is a UFA this summer and will not be resigned
Vanek and Roy are complete two-way players, and for that matter Stafford is too more often than not. Just because they aren’t pugilistic meatheads does not mean they can’t bring victory to this team. We can (and will, and do) employ some toughness in our bottom 6 and our defense.
That’s all good, but I think I was talking about clutch in big spots…you know like Pomminville, Holstrom, Hossa, Malkin, Callahan type clutch…my bad!
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 7:38 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
You’re absolutely right. Kassian was completely clutch.
Wait, what?
by Philaster on Feb 27, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
He's a rookie
Keep things in perspective
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
And people are acting like he's Cam Neely.
Keep things in perspective.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
I'm acting like he's a potential Neely and have things totally in perspective
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 10:40 PM EST up reply actions
I'm telling those people to heed your advise.
Sorry if it came off otherwise.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Or it allows us to take Grigorenko (who is dropping in the ranking) and/or Radek Faka in the first round.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
I Don't Know Anything About Him..
…but I would love having a guy on my team named ‘Faka’.
RJ: “Scoooorreessss!!!! Mutha-Faka!”
How about this
Would you trade both 1sts to move to say slot 2-5 if Grigorkenko is still on the board.
What if it’s 2 1sts and a 2nd? You still get a first round pick and have a 2nd… What would you do with all those picks….
I fight with psychological warfare, I made her a Sabres fan…
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=388658
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by twoeightnine on Feb 27, 2012 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Trades
Why are Roy and Stafford still here? Couldn’t he even trade them for a bag of pucks? It’s addition by subtraction and frees up more cap space. Hecht and Boyes are likely gone this summer as well. Get rid of those two as well and you clear out dead wood. maybe even have room to sign a UFA.
Hecht was far from being deadwood, but he should retire; three concussions in less than a year is jsut too much.
by Geolover on Feb 27, 2012 6:22 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Seriously, who are you and what happened to the Geo that I disagreed with?
by Binthet on Feb 27, 2012 8:33 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
If they decide to trade them, Roy has much more value in the summer and Stafford has several (3?) years left on the contract so there are many more deadlines and offseasons to try to unload him for value.
Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz
by bluecollarbuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 9:03 PM EST up reply actions
Sadly, Darcy Only Asked for 2 Bags of Pucks for Staff
But only Columbus came close to meeting his demands with one bag and a water bottle.
We know Staff is streaky and capable of scoring
His production is way down this year, his value is really low. IMO he scan score 25-30 again when the whole team has better offensive production. Personally, I think he’s looked great on the puck this year, he’s been quick, and he gets his chances just hasn’t buried them. Stafford will be back but in the unlikely event he cant get that 20 goal plateau, well his trade value can’t be worse than it was today.
As to Roy he’s one of the most underrated offensive forwards in the league. His numbers don’t lie. People say he isn’t a top line center yet, before his injury last year (when he was averaging a point per game) he has been top 25 in scoring for centers FOUR STRAIGHT YEARS (16th, 18th, 9th and 25th). This is a 30 team league DO THE MATH. The only argument I semi-buy is he is a liability in the locker room and in defensive zone. Also he and Staff aren’t earning their salary this year but Roy certainly has over the years. You don’t have to like them, but everyone makes it sound like they’ll never amount to anything again in the midst of a terrible offensive year for almost our entire team.
by BillsThickNThin on Feb 27, 2012 9:25 PM EST up reply actions
When I first heard the Kassian trade, I freaked out.
But upon thinking about it, Darcy traded a guy big on projection (and reputation), for a young center who has started to actually produce points with his skill. Now we have Roy, Ennis, Adam, and Hodgson for center depth. Plus Pominville has basically served as the first line center off and on for most of the year.
Really the toughest thing about the trade to get over are the images I’ve had in my head since the day he was drafted of Kassian playing on Vanek’s opposite wing and them netting 25 and 40 respectively while Kassian is a complete badass.
Sad to see Grags go. I think he will do really well in Vancouver.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
by Ogre39666 on Feb 27, 2012 6:23 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Ogre – I almost always agree and see eye to eye as you do, whenever you post. I couldn’t agree more and I think Grags was unlucky to be stacked with so many defenseman. I’ll miss Kassian, but interested to see how Hodgson places and fits in Lindy’s system. I’ve never seen him play before.
The fans are going to be so loud they are going to hear us in the next Dimension - abayarde
by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Feb 27, 2012 6:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not sure about the music
But here are some clips of some goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhgCaHsidSY&feature=fvst
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
Looks like he is very adept at finding rebounds and burying them. The Sabres don’t have enough players who can do that.
That slapshot he puts on Tim Thomas.
Is freaking nasty and has some heat. This is the kind of player I have been just begging for. Someone who has a nice shot and gets air on his shot and can paint the corners.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 28, 2012 12:20 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you.
Good to know someone else thinks like I do – at least when it comes to hockey.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Really seems like a hockey trade.
Hodgson has a better chance to flourish here without playing third fiddle to Sedin and Kesler. VAN gets a power forward winger that could potentially play on the wing with Kesler (in the far future I estimate), and we move Grags for a more defensive oriented player. I do think Grags has been ragged on too much (really good stats for when he has played), but I really like the center depth we get out of the deal.
Overall, hopefully the deal becomes pretty even. If Kassian becomes the next Lucic, Hodgson can become our next 60-70 point center. Or we can use him or Roy with our firsts to get a stud center this summer.
"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula
I would be sadder to see Grags go if we didn’t start doing much better when he got scratched.
by Gareth Braxton on Feb 27, 2012 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
Do you think
Weber is better than Grags?
The fans are going to be so loud they are going to hear us in the next Dimension - abayarde
by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Feb 27, 2012 6:35 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, but I recognize a lot of people think the opposite. That question is like a Buffalo Sabres fan litmus test for whether you put more emphasis on defense or offense.
by Gareth Braxton on Feb 27, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions
Haha
well, I am on the opposite side. Grags had the better +/- of all Sabre players and the only reason people hate on him are for that one overtime game where he gave the puck away and we lost. Everyone over reacted. Weber has given the puck away countless times. I see Grags as being way better than Weber, but that’s just one man’s opinion.
The fans are going to be so loud they are going to hear us in the next Dimension - abayarde
by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Feb 27, 2012 6:45 PM EST up reply actions
This.
I was on the Weber bandwaggon last year but he has really not lived up to expectations. For a stay-at-home, future shutdown D-man, he sure does get out of position and turn over the puck a lot.
Grags is a high-risk puck moving defenseman who generates a ton of offense. He has the 18th best Relative Corsi among skaters with ≥ 30 games played.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
We agree again
The fans are going to be so loud they are going to hear us in the next Dimension - abayarde
by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Feb 28, 2012 2:08 AM EST up reply actions
Weber>Grags
Imo…I never really thought Grags had NHL wheels…good vision…good passer.
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 6:43 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’ve never been a MAG fan. Kinda bummed to see ZACK KASSIAN!!! go, was looking forward to big things from him.
Excited to see what CoHo can do.
by Binthet on Feb 27, 2012 8:38 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
You're first impression may be correct
Kassian presents some hard to come by skills — fighter/tough, strong puck possession, great play along boards, and surprisingly to me ; great vision for the ice and passing skill. The question is whether he’ll develop a scoring touch. Time will tell. If Darcys wrong he’ll have traded another Cam Neely. I give Darcy credit for having the conviction/balls to make the move and believe me I hope he’s right !
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 10:37 PM EST up reply actions
We need to give to get.
Hodgson is the center prospect we’ve been waiting for. He’s like Adam but better.
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
Like I said
I hope Darcy and you are right and I agree we need to give—-just not too much— to get. I think it was very risky trade and acknowledge the fortitude to do it. My gut without having watched Hodgson is worrisome .
"I wore my knees out praying we'd win the 1st choice and could take Perreault. I never wanted a hockey player more."--Punch Imlach
by Sabresfansinceday1 on Feb 27, 2012 10:53 PM EST up reply actions
who knows Hodgson ?
Is he projected to be a more productive center than Ennis & Roy or will he be on the third line with Gerbe & Kaleta?
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 6:41 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He played sheltered minutes on the 3-4th line so weather or not he can take over the 2nd line is up in the air. I don’t think he was super effective when he was on the 2nd line when Kesler was rehabbing from offseason surgery. Best to ask people at NM though.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Petite
Ennis, Gerbe, Roy, Pomminville & Hodgson…wow we got small in a hurry….That 1st seven game series is going to be a physical challenge!
by rexachss on Feb 27, 2012 6:46 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Petite it is Midget Hockey
I hope Hodgson can skate fast real fast because it is the only way he is going to survive. Doesn’t he also have a bad back? Huge difference between a third or fourth line center and a number two man. Wait until he has to face a real defensive forward will hit him.
.
Everyone knows Drury and Briere are actually 6'3".
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
by Ogre39666 on Feb 27, 2012 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Oh noes
The Delorean is finished and we went back to pre lockout hockey.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
Guys like Fleury
and Skinner seem to do alright.
flayed ones stealth mode
"Fleshling! Do not shoot! For I am one of you fleshy things. It is I. Your Uncle Stan. Can't you tell by the long strips of fleshy substances covered in bodily fluids? Trust me! I have fleeeeeeeeesh."
There are a bunch of 6’ and under guys who have had great NHL Careers.. 2 of them almost lead the Sabres to a Eastern Conference Championship… twice.
Daniel Briere 5’10"
Chris Drury 5’10"
other Centers the Sabres had from 05-07
Derek Roy 5’9"
Jochen Hecht 6’1"
Paul Gaustad 6’5"
Jiri Novotny 6’3"
Adam Mair 6’1"
Michael Ryan 6’1"
Tim Connolly 6’1"
Bigger doesn’t mean better.
What about 1999
Mike Peca 5’11"
Curtis Brown 6’0"
Brian Holzinger 5’11"
Derek Plante 5’11"
Wayne Primeau 6’4"
Erik Rasmussen 6’1"
Stu Barnes 5’11"
Joe Juneau 6’0"
Domenic Pittis 5’11"
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 8:13 PM EST up reply actions
’twas my point. :)
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 27, 2012 8:50 PM EST up reply actions
Did you watch this kid's goal scoring video from this year?
I hope Hodgson can skate fast real fast because it is the only way he is going to survive. Doesn’t he also have a bad back? Huge difference between a third or fourth line center and a number two man. Wait until he has to face a real defensive forward will hit him.
This kid might have the best shot on the team, even better than Vanek. At very least as good as Vanek. This kid is exactly what we need. I watched his goals and he has a killer shot.
I think after this trade, this is the first time since Briere and Drury got away that I haven’t wanted to see Darcy’s head on a spike.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 28, 2012 5:16 AM EST up reply actions
Anyone know why Hodgson is going to wear 12?
Why not just go with 19 since 9 is spoken for?
Save Jenrry Mejia!
2012 Amazin' Avenue Offseason Plan: 2nd place
I hope that you guys come to really like Cody Hodgson
We really do :) Things at NM are a bit sad right now because many Canucks fans (not just those at NM) really like Coho (Hodgson) :)
So, what can you expect? Cody is a probable 2nd line center (maybe he makes a 1st line but definitely a really good 2nd line center would not be an unreasonable projection). He has great hockey instincts, though it is true he makes a few defensive errors that can be pretty costly – but I think his defensive game will continue to grow and with his good hockey instincts he’ll probably iron out any defensive issues soon :) He is certainly not a defensive liability though by any means. He was centering our 3rd or 4th lines (usually 3rd I believe) and not getting a ton of minutes because we are pretty deep at center :)
He is currently in being talked about in Calder Trophy discussions (and congrats to him if he ends up in the running). He has been centering our 2nd line PP unit and done really well in that role, but he has also been a bit sheltered with many Ozone starts which could help with the scoring. He has a great shot though and makes some timely goals :)
I think you guys should end up being very happy with Hodgson :)
NM nicknames for Hodgson include:
Coho
Godson
Chinook – given by David Booth
Silent G
there may be more but I can’t remember :)
Go Canucks Go!
by BW79 on Feb 27, 2012 10:39 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
We need to get a picture of him Tebowing.
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 28, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
You're the one who called
Godson is amazing.
When I think Godson, my first thought is Jesus.
My second is Tebow.
I mean how could someone who is such a lousy QB win a playoff game?
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 28, 2012 3:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Im sure there are plenty of lousy qbs that have won a playoff game. Tebow is trash and I’m really tired of hearing about him.
"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"
"Do it or Die Trying."
by FloridaBuffalo on Feb 28, 2012 5:34 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Then bring on TEBOWIE!
Tebow is trash and I’m really tired of hearing about him.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/videos/2012/01/13/tim-tebow-and-david-bowie-become-tebowie.html
"A Patriots loss is a Bills win" - TheAfghanTwighlight
by The Buffalo Kid on Feb 28, 2012 5:44 AM EST up reply actions
I think second line center is a good starting point, but the Sabres don’t really have lines per se…It’s so much easier when you have a team like the ’Nucks with such talented Centers.
maybe :) but not easier to find room for a guy like Coho when you have Hank, Kesler and Manny already :) And Lappy is naturally a center also I believe
Go Canucks Go!
Add Pahlsson and it just gets worse.
"Thank you very much fans and let’s go for the next game together!"
— Lubomir Visnovsky
I rec’d that shit.
by Steven Hida on Feb 27, 2012 11:03 PM EST up reply actions
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