But finishing last doesn't guarantee a top 2 pick although its likely. I just don't think its a good idea to take on bad contracts to ensure last place. We will still be bad and we have the islanders pick. Why not add someone like evander kane to build aound.
- ZRS58

Yes it does. We finish last ala this season, we can only move down 1 spot.

I picked on the Isles fans the other day:

Buffalo finishes last in the league again next year, wins the lottery with the Isles pick.
- stashu

Right, I think the islanders could finish last this year. At least bottom 5.

Right, I think the islanders could finish last this year. At least bottom 5.
- ZRS58

That's what we're all hoping.

Keep the strait jacket handy then.
- stashu

Good God I hope not.
I'm trusting that if Ekblad falls to us, then TM moves the pick and stays near the top to get one of the Sam's or Draisaitl.
Especially with the new news that the League is going to float a proposal to significantly change the Lottery for 2015 and beyond...meaning even if Buffalo relaizes a full-on tank job next year, they could conceivable move back to drafting 5th...all per Kevin on Hockey Hotline at WGR.

Yes it does. We finish last ala this season, we can only move down 1 spot.
- ImThatGuy

My bad, I just don't want them to be afraid to add young talent outside the draft in fear of getting better.

Yes it does. We finish last ala this season, we can only move down 1 spot.
- ImThatGuy

Not if the rumors are true that the league wants to change the draft...new news from this morning Peire LeBrun reporting the League will propose a major change.

Good God I hope not.
I'm trusting that if Ekblad falls to us, then TM moves the pick and stays near the top to get one of the Sam's or Draisaitl.
Especially with the new news that the League is going to float a proposal to significantly change the Lottery for 2015 and beyond...meaning even if Buffalo relaizes a full-on tank job next year, they could conceivable move back to drafting 5th...all per Kevin on Hockey Hotline at WGR.
- IonSabres

Does that mean they're proposing to draft where teams did last year? Care to elaborate?

Not if the rumors are true that the league wants to change the draft...new news from this morning Peire LeBrun reporting the League will propose a major change.
- IonSabres

It was said a few weeks ago that the GMs have agreed to change the lottery, but not until the 2016 draft.

Not if the rumors are true that the league wants to change the draft...new news from this morning Peire LeBrun reporting the League will propose a major change.
- IonSabres

I don't believe that will effect the 2015 draft though

Not if the rumors are true that the league wants to change the draft...new news from this morning Peire LeBrun reporting the League will propose a major change.
- IonSabres

I believe it has to go through a vote as well from the owners.

Right, I think the islanders could finish last this year. At least bottom 5.
- ZRS58

Even if they don't were still alright. A top 2 pick this year, the first pick in the second round + how many others we have this year from trades(I'm not up on the exacts, sorry). A likely top 5 pick next year and WORST CASE SCENARIO Isles pick 20th next year will still give us a high quality player. That + a deep crop of prospects and the plethora of other acquired picks coming + an abundance of cap room and a GM who has his head on straight. I can't tell you how excited I am about the future.

I don't believe that will effect the 2015 draft though
- Stripes77

Originally the proposal was slated for down-the-road, but the report is that the league is now trying to significantly expedite this process.

Even if they don't were still alright. A top 2 pick this year, the first pick in the second round + how many others we have this year from trades(I'm not up on the exacts, sorry). A likely top 5 pick next year and WORST CASE SCENARIO Isles pick 20th next year will still give us a high quality player. That + a deep crop of prospects and the plethora of other acquired picks coming + an abundance of cap room and a GM who has his head on straight. I can't tell you how excited I am about the future.
- Buffalo-Sabres

I agree its very exciting!

Meeting this morning had discussions about Draitsal (sorry about spelling). One scout called him the next Malkin due to size and skill. Reinhart has been on top of their board all year but the discussion is based around maybe Leon is a better fit as a 1b center behind someone like McDavid or Eichel. They are planning on their franchise center next year. This year is who will be a better fit to give a great 1-2 punch. Leon is giving all scouts a lot to talk about right now
- Beezer33

I'm not convinced that this is the case.

Murray & Devine have been saying for weeks now that the team's board has been set in stone for quite some time now.

Doesn't seem like a lot of last minute tweaking is going on to me. I believe these guys know who they want...




But let me also say this, the premise of this post makes a lot of sense.


I like the idea of targeting your #2 center this yr., tanking the season, & drafting your #1 center @ next yr's draft.

While such a plan requires a bit of patience, at least it's realistic. The Sabres are in a perfect position to pull something like that off.

I believe it has to go through a vote as well from the owners.
- ImThatGuy

LeBrun is reporting that Daly - Asst Commissioner, will propose a major change the the lottery within the next 10 days to the Owners. He is not sure of the details, but some convoluted, complex way to determine picks 1 - 5 in which each slot is determined by a weighted "ball" style lottery...so in other words, 1 would be assigned by picking the ball from a pool of balls weighted by average finish over last 3 or 5 years) , then 2 is assigned by picking a ball from the pool. 3 4 5 all assigned the same way. The last place team is then guaranteed to pick no lower than 5th.
The impact is the 30 placed team could fall all the way to picking 5th.
Lots of questions if it impacts 2015, if it is phased in to some degree for 2015.
Yes the owners have to vote (but think o f it, you would have like 35 of the 30 teams thinking it improves their chance for McDavid/Eichel picks...what owner, except like Bflo, Edm, Calgary, etc. wouldn't agree with that?)

seems to most of us it is unfair to change it so close to 2015...but this is Buffalo, a cursed city.

EDIT: 25 of the 35 team owners (not the 35 of 30 as I mistyped above).

LeBrun is reporting that Daly - Asst Commissioner, will propose a major change the the lottery within the next 10 days to the Owners. He is not sure of the details, but some convoluted, complex way to determine picks 1 - 5 in which each slot is determined by a weighted "ball" style lottery...so in other words, 1 would be assigned by picking the ball from a pool of balls weighted by average finish over last 3 or 5 years) , then 2 is assigned by picking a ball from the pool. 3 4 5 all assigned the same way. The last place team is then guaranteed to pick no lower than 5th.
The impact is the 30 placed team could fall all the way to picking 5th.
Lots of questions if it impacts 2015, if it is phased in to some degree for 2015.
Yes the owners have to vote (but think o f it, you would have like 35 of the 30 teams thinking it improves their chance for McDavid/Eichel picks...what owner, except like Bflo, Edm, Calgary, etc. wouldn't agree with that?)

seems to most of us it is unfair to change it so close to 2015...but this is Buffalo, a cursed city.

EDIT: 25 of the 35 team owners (not the 35 of 30 as I mistyped above).
- IonSabres

TM did say a change was going to be made but that it won't effect next years draft.

Thanks!! So far so good! We should get together for a Solar Bears game (if I'm not reffing or lining it). Any good places in the area to watch Sabres games?
- Stripes77

Sure thing on Bears games.

Not really. Most of the bars/Alehouse type places will have a ton of TV's on. By chance a few may actually show Hockey games. Personally I just buy Game Center and watch my NHL games on that.

Not if the rumors are true that the league wants to change the draft...new news from this morning Peire LeBrun reporting the League will propose a major change.
- IonSabres

I believe they will say that draft order wil still be based upon your past record, but over multiple seasons.

For example, they may calculate W-L records over the past 3 years, and use that.



Even still, Buffalo is gonna be at the bottom. I wouldn't worry.

Meeting this morning had discussions about Draitsal (sorry about spelling). One scout called him the next Malkin due to size and skill. Reinhart has been on top of their board all year but the discussion is based around maybe Leon is a better fit as a 1b center behind someone like McDavid or Eichel. They are planning on their franchise center next year. This year is who will be a better fit to give a great 1-2 punch. Leon is giving all scouts a lot to talk about right now
- Beezer33

"A meeting" you say

"A meeting" you say
- ImNoTroll

This name seems suspicious...

"A meeting" you say
- ImNoTroll

Nopers, just "Meeting".

This name seems suspicious...
- ImThatGuy

Joined yest of course.

This name seems suspicious...
- ImThatGuy

Don't shoot the messenger, just feed him.

Don't shoot the messenger, just feed him.
- ImNoTroll

No, it's after midnight.

Is someone going to Irish's house to remove all sharp objects ? Also empty the Medicine cabinet !