Aaron Portzline looks ahead: Buffalo

Tim Connolly doesn't play through boo-boo's?? If you consider a severe concussion, fractured vertebrae, and a cracked sternum boo-boo's, then you really have no idea what you're writing about. I understand you wish to write about hockey and there's really no such thing in Ohio, but please do some research before writing this stuff. Just stick to the Buckeyes. The pro's seem beyond your grasp.

The sabres have signed Tyler Myers, one of the top young Canadian defenseman as he was drafted 12 overall last year. He's 6'8" and will take over that big defensemen they lack. Most fans believe that either Tallinder or Lydman will be traded/cut to shore up room for Myers and Spacek. Perhaps both will go and they sign someone ala Brooks Orpik or let another young guy come up as they have great prospects at D.

I think Connolly's worst injury days are behind him. He was misdiagnosed for almost a year. Playing with broken ribs is not a boo boo. I love how he bounces back after an injury with no hangups. He may turn out to be a bargain in the future.

All they really need is one more grit dd guy to block shots and help them win the 2 to 1, 1 to 0 games.

It's DREW not Patrick Stafford. research man, research

Dude if your going to say stuff make sure you know what your talking about. How can you say anything about Miller not playing well the first half the year? As soon as he went down with the injury we sucked. He had no help out there with the morons Tallinder and Lydman pivoting in circles in front of him not pushing people out of his way.

Timmy's injuries have been a bit more then booboos. i would consider multiple concussions, broken ribs, and a fractured vertebrae serious injuries. i do think they slightly overpaid for Tim though. Buffalo needs a few forwards and a defenseman who are physical and grinders.

Not bad macro analysis considering an out of town writer..

Yes connolly's injuries were NOT boo-boos, but when you have them every year it's a trend not an anomoly. Here's to hoping he gives us some ROI for that $9 million.

I don't see any huge "splashes" in the FA market either. Bring up Weber, possibly Myers to fill the 5th D spot and sign a FA to replace Spacek. He won't be affordable. Sign a 2nd or 3rd line veteran foward to provide some grit and leadership. Fill out the rest of the roster with call ups gerbe/kennedy/mancari.

Unfortuantely, the plan seems to be grow from within, but if you really study our recent draft history (especially 1st round) Mr. Regier leaves a lot to be desired. The growth potential isn't as high as it should be.

Here's 3 1st rounders in the last 10 years that never played in Buffalo:
Barrett Heisten - 1999
Artem Kyrukov - 2000
Marek Zagrapan - 2005

Miller had a career year, not sure what you were looking at. At least until he got hurt down the strech. Not sure they go far, but if he doesnt get hurt, they make the playoffs.

Timmy's 'boo-boos' when you have pitchers getting 10+million and can't pitch because of a BLISTER?
Enough of that ... I can't see Pominville's #'s continuing to decline, Gaustad to only get better offensively ... if Miller were in for 9 of those 13 games missed, I'm certain Buffalo would've gotten the 2 points needed.

Yes, it is DREW Stafford. Connolly has been hurt a lot, but once he came back healthy this year he did not miss another game. And his injuries were serious. I hope he does stay healthy. He will be needed!
The problem with Buffalo is that they have too many similar offensive players. They need a gritty-veteran type player. Losing Max is addition by subtraction. Losing Moore (which will probably happen) will hurt their face-offs. They desperately need another player who can win face-offs.
The Sabres were in fifth place, one pt behind 4th, when Miller went down. Ans yes, statistically he had a solid year. Vanek missed 9 games (some of the same games as Miller) and they still fell just short.

The largest problem with the Sabres in my opinion is the lack of passion shown by the players. You need to crash the boards in forecheck and separate the puck from the opposition when backchecking. The coaching leadership does not instill this needed passion into this group of players.Changes need to be made and we in W.Henrietta,NY are not seeing them being made. These players are talented but again lack the passion to showcase their talent.

Might be time to trade some of this young talent...I think Drew Stafford can go...talented enough but a bratty attitude.

Bratty attitude? Wow that came out of left field.
Staffords stats:

06-07-41 13G 14A 27pts.
07-08-64 16G 22A 38pts.
08-09-79 20G 25A 45pts.

Shows me he's a young player who's progressing each year. Sign him long-term.

They don't miss Campbell at all, you dolt. 2006-07 with Campbell on the team for most of the season: 90 points. 2007-08 without Campbell: 91 points. Their downfall has had to do with Briere and Drury (more Briere), not Campbell -- whose contract is one of the worst in the NHL.

CJB wrote:

They don't miss Campbell at all, you dolt. 2006-07 with Campbell on the team for most of the season: 90 points. 2007-08 without Campbell: 91 points. Their downfall has had to do with Briere and Drury (more Briere), not Campbell -- whose contract is one of the worst in the NHL.

I think you mean 2007 2008 he played most, then 2008 2009 he dident play. Campbell is a d liability.

You're right, deep north. My mistake on the years. Thanks for the correction.

Miller was the Sabres best player last year - and he had a career year with the best GAA, SV PCT and SO numbers of his career. If he had not been lost to injury the Sabres would have made the playoffs.

Plenty of hate for the Sabres, though, what's up with that? Tired of watching an NHL team with only one NHL caliber player in Rick Nash?

Ryan Miller was having his best season before he got hurt this year. Saying that he was not up to his usual level is just plain false

Why not go out and trade for Kaberle. The Leafs need forwards or picks and we need someone to get our forwards the puck.