Maybe I worded my posts wrong but I don't feel they were that hard to understand.
Kassian is obviously much more talented than Kaleta. What I meant is that their point totals translating to the NHL may not be that far off because Kaleta is extremely fast and that can translate to an NHL game no matter how untalented you are.
You also assume Kassian is going to put up more points next year.
My point is that Kassian has hands and an offensive mindset that Kaleta doesn't possess.
Max could skate like the wind, but that didn't always translate to offensive production.
I believe that Kassian's hands and offensive game will have a much better chance at translating to legit top 6 offensive forward than Kaleta because I believe Kaleta doesn't have the hands.
It's easier to score with slow wheels and good hands than the other way around.
Maybe I worded my posts wrong but I don't feel they were that hard to understand.
Kassian is obviously much more talented than Kaleta. What I meant is that their point totals translating to the NHL may not be that far off because Kaleta is extremely fast and that can translate to an NHL game no matter how untalented you are.
You also assume Kassian is going to put up more points next year.
He may not pan out but if he does Kassian and Kaleta could end up being a major pain in the ass to play against. Sprikle in some physical play from Gaustad, Rivet, Myers and a few others and the Sabres may again become one of those teams others hate to play against. It would be a welcome change.
ISS considers him the most physically ready player in this draft. He has an excellent shot at playing for the Sabres next season. The scouts have nothing but good things to say about him. See http://www.andrewsstarspage.com/inde...ssian_profile/
I wonder if this is part of the reasoning behind Regier not being in a rush to sign Stafford. If the scouts and trainers think he has a great shot of making the club, then if you can get a 1st and 3rd for Stafford....
I wonder if this is part of the reasoning behind Regier not being in a rush to sign Stafford. If the scouts and trainers think he has a great shot of making the club, then if you can get a 1st and 3rd for Stafford.... Master plan, anyone?
Nice if it happens, but banking on a rookie to replace a pro entering his 4th year as a top six forward qualifies as playing with fire. Kassian may well be able to step in, but I'd rather take my chances with Stafford.
I wonder if this is part of the reasoning behind Regier not being in a rush to sign Stafford. If the scouts and trainers think he has a great shot of making the club, then if you can get a 1st and 3rd for Stafford....
Master plan, anyone?
I think Stafford is still part of the master plan and his contract negotiations are unrelated to Kassian.
Nice if it happens, but banking on a rookie to replace a pro entering his 4th year as a top six forward qualifies as playing with fire. Kassian may well be able to step in, but I'd rather take my chances with Stafford.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buffaloed
I think Stafford is still part of the master plan and his contract negotiations are unrelated to Kassian.
I agree, but you never know with Larry Legend calling the shots from behind the scenes.
If the team is in secret rebuild mode and they can get a 1st and 3rd for Stafford, I'd hope they'd do it.
I don't see Stafford and Kassian related at all. Though I do think Kassian could be in the mix for third or fourth line duty with an excellent Rookie and Training camp.
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It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. - Aristotle
I don't see Stafford and Kassian related at all. Though I do think Kassian could be in the mix for third or fourth line duty with an excellent Rookie and Training camp.
Chain, what do you think would be better for Kassian's development at this point? Getting 10-12 minutes in a 3rd or 4th line role on the Sabres, or getting big minutes on a top line in juniors?
Chain, what do you think would be better for Kassian's development at this point? Getting 10-12 minutes in a 3rd or 4th line role on the Sabres, or getting big minutes on a top line in juniors?
I'm not Chain, but I think the NHL might keep him hungry and have him further develop his physical game and effort, but hurting his scoring touch a little. Juniors won't really do that much for his physicality but will probably help his offensive game.
Chain, what do you think would be better for Kassian's development at this point? Getting 10-12 minutes in a 3rd or 4th line role on the Sabres, or getting big minutes on a top line in juniors?
Well, Kassian's a pretty big dude already, but I wonder how much muscle mass the NHL staff could coax onto him. I think rookie camp + training camp in September go a long, long way to determining just how much of a difference jumping immediately to the NHL would make. If he comes in to both camps and he's knocking people around like it's his job, then it's his job. He might never hit 70 points -- hell, he might never hit 50 -- but if he comes into camp and is classy off the ice and a pain in the ass on it, I think the 10 to 12 minutes in the NHL end up being more like 15 or 16 by December.
Of course, all this depends on free agency, if Stafford gets an Offer Sheet, if any trades are moved [Paille, Hecht, etc.]. If nobody moves and Stafford re-signs, I'd be surprised if they keep Kassian up for a simple 4th line role.
Well, Kassian's a pretty big dude already, but I wonder how much muscle mass the NHL staff could coax onto him. I think rookie camp + training camp in September go a long, long way to determining just how much of a difference jumping immediately to the NHL would make. If he comes in to both camps and he's knocking people around like it's his job, then it's his job. He might never hit 70 points -- hell, he might never hit 50 -- but if he comes into camp and is classy off the ice and a pain in the ass on it, I think the 10 to 12 minutes in the NHL end up being more like 15 or 16 by December.
Of course, all this depends on free agency, if Stafford gets an Offer Sheet, if any trades are moved [Paille, Hecht, etc.]. If nobody moves and Stafford re-signs, I'd be surprised if they keep Kassian up for a simple 4th line role.
Wouldn't there still be room for Kassian if Stafford/Paille/Hecht all stay? Poms, Stafford, Kassian, and Kaleta as the four right wingers?
I'd so move MacArthur into Hecht's spot and slide the other two left wings down one line.
Josh, I'm with you, I think Kaleta has some untapped offensive potential and with the right center can score 10+ goals this year. That said, I'm not ready to hand him that spot quite yet.
I'd so move MacArthur into Hecht's spot and slide the other two left wings down one line.
Josh, I'm with you, I think Kaleta has some untapped offensive potential and with the right center can score 10+ goals this year. That said, I'm not ready to hand him that spot quite yet.
I'm ready to hand Kaleta whatever "spot" gets his ass on the ice more. The man makes a remarkable impact when he plays, he needs more ice time without question. Posted via Mobile Device
I'm ready to hand Kaleta whatever "spot" gets his ass on the ice more. The man makes a remarkable impact when he plays, he needs more ice time without question. Posted via Mobile Device
Agreed. I think Kaleta belongs on the 3rd line. much more so than Paille.
Comments from Regier on WGR this morning in terms of a comparison between Bertuzzi and Kassian.
For starters he stated his standard reply that he hates player comparisons (Chain is that you?). But then added he was there (on the Island) when Bert was drafted.
He feels Kassian is tougher than Bert but Bert had better hands.
Wouldn't there still be room for Kassian if Stafford/Paille/Hecht all stay? Poms, Stafford, Kassian, and Kaleta as the four right wingers?
I expect Kennedy and/or Gerbe to be on the squad, if for no reason other than they make less money than some other guys. With the amount of RFAs to sign and the self-imposed Cap, I expect somebody to be moved for a pick or prospect. Paille for a 3rd or something.
I expect Kennedy and/or Gerbe to be on the squad, if for no reason other than they make less money than some other guys. With the amount of RFAs to sign and the self-imposed Cap, I expect somebody to be moved for a pick or prospect. Paille for a 3rd or something.
To me, Darcy really made it sound as if there were a few players he would try to move for the need of fresh scenary. The three that come to mind for me are Hecht, Hank and Paille.
He said that there is a need to trust your picks to develop and they will start playing in the bigs earlier.
He said the Stafford demand too high to discuss contracts now, its time to stop being afraid of offer sheets and attempt to control price of contracts, the way to do so was negotiate after free agency opens. He reiterated the desire to protect assets of the club.
He said the only way they make a big splash is with movement of roster players.
Darcy not involved with Heatley,but discussed with Murray and Heatley handcuffed his trade value.