"in a recent 2014 draft redo, I saw that he'd be picked fourth based on his NHL stats" (I added emphasis to my original comment to put it more clearly in my intended context). I was surprised to see him slotted at #4 (actually he was in a tie for 4/5 with Larkin; 1-3 were Ekblad, Draisaitl, Pastrnak). But, they based this on actual stats. Actual stats can surprise sometimes; Reinhart has put up better numbers than he's generally given credit for; stats also do not tell the full story. He was not drafted for his speed but for his "hockey iq". It's debatable, even dubious, that that was a valid reason for taking him #2, but he still is very young with a lot of upside remaining. Mostly that "upside" is based on having failed to actually deliver on his expected performance. Sam's problem is that he looks dependent on great linemates (i.e., Jack), and that shouldn't be the case with a guy with hockey iq. He should be the one improving the play of those around him. He is clearly not succeeding in the environment he's in. They either have to quickly change that environment, or they need to trade him.
I would not be surprised in the least bit if Gionta is brought back to the Sabres after the deadline. They're likely to move a few current players on the team, and their stated objective is to develop slowly in Rochester. They do not want to bring players up to replace those players. They'll have to fill some vacancies and Brian may be ideal. One advantage is that he is a local guy and he wants to play in the Sabres org.; BUF may be the most appealing landing spot for him. In a year or so I expect he'll move into coaching.
Even stats-wise Reinhardt is behind Ehlers and Nylander, forget the eye test he’s way back. Brayden Point is the one really putting up numbers now, in a nice cushy roster spot though. But I think your point is valid either way Dan, SR has value and isn’t as bad as many fans think he is. Same is true for Bennett and that’s why a trade like that could benefit both teams. 2 real high picks from the same draft that could both use a fresh start.
Makes sense Gionta coming back to Buffalo. Behind the bench too, that guy has that leadership quality we were talking about earlier in spades. On a semi-Gionta related note I think the US team is going to get crushed at the Olympics.
Will Borgen could be a steady NHL blueliner in a year or two. Will help the Amerks a lot this Spring. Less steady are Sabres fans trying to get back on track after going off the rails. Half of them are convinced that we were doomed to lose Will to UFA in a year. Will is ready. Our other Minny boy, Casey, could do with another year in college.
If I were a Sabres fan I’d be rooting hard for the BJs. If the Caps have another early exit I could see them making a rash decision or two. A team like Buffalo could pounce. Specifically I’d be all over Holtby. Grubauer took the #1 spot heading in to the playoffs and the Caps have the best NHL goalie prospect in Samsonov coming over next season. Holtby is 28 and has 2 more years on his deal at $6.1 cap hit ($5 per in real dollars). A pretty significant upgrade in net and I think it would be a major statement to the locker room.
This morning I was thinking the same thing. If the Craps crap out early again, they may start blowing shit up.
Carlson, Holtby, Backstrom, id be first in line for these guys. Pretty sure Carlson is a UFA, they might let him walk.
Carlson is a pending UFA and I think they may take a run at him on July 1 if they miss out on Rasmus Dahlin. He'd be expensive but they absolutely have to improve at D. Linus Ullmark is expected to move up from Rochester next season. (It's a damn good thing that Botterill made sure Vegas didn't snag him. Will we ever hear about Will Carrier again?) I like his 6' 4" size, but I doubt he's ready for full-time starter status. Holtby could be a good stand in if he doesn't need a lot of term. A lot of chatter about ROR being available. He'd be a #1 or #2 C on most any team so be carries a lot of value. In the right deal, I would not hate to see him go. C is actually one position of strength for Buffalo.
I see Holtby as a top 5 goalie, imho he wouldn’t be holding the spot until Ullmark or anyone arrives, he’d indefinitely hold that spot and you’d have a sure thing in net. 2 years on his deal could be a problem but I think he’s so good it’s well worth it. Edmonton would be a great spot for Holtby too, if Chiarelli could unload Big Fat and Talbot in return.
