Author: Chris Ostrander

Sabres stay focused on centers on day two of draft

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With Friday’s fireworks in the rearview, Darcy Regier and his scouting staff went to work with six picks in rounds two through seven of the 2012 NHL Draft.

While they shipped off their very first pick of day two in order to draft Zemgus Girgensons, Buffalo was able to net an impressive amount of size and talent with their remaining picks. With their nine picks, the Sabres took five centers with their eight picks at the draft, picking up a pair defensemen and one goaltender.

There is no longer a need for organizational depth at center after the past two days. Counting Luke Adam, Tyler Ennis and Cody Hodgson, the Sabres have 12 centers in their system. With Girgensons and Mikhail Grigorenko flirting with an immediate jump to the professional game, these improvements will be felt at every level.

The Sabres also were able to begin re-stocking their crease after signing the only two  goalies they had in the pipeline. After a commitment to defense in the mid-2000s, the blueline still has some prospects on the way that will be enhanced by this draft.

Buffalo’s commitment to centers and adding more big, skilled players was the obvious trend in this draft and I would expect that to continue for at least one more year. For a full rundown of the Sabres draft, I will defer to Sabres Prospects. But here are a few thoughts I have on each of Buffalo’s day two picks:

Jake McCabe (2nd round, 44)

McCabe is fairly well sized and just finished up his rookie year at Wisconsin with adequate numbers. I think the most promising part of this selection is that Wisconsin has become Defenseman-U in the past  few seasons churning out talent like Ryan McDonaugh and Jake Gardiner.

Without much prior knowledge of McCabe I am happy with the choice. He played for Ron Rolston in the US Development Program and Kris Baker notes his solid two-way game as a reason to look to the future. I’d venture a guess he plays at least two seasons in the NCAA before signing a pro contract. Continue reading →

Regier gets bold with a pair of centers

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Sabres fans can finally take solace in the fact that the team has a pair of big, talented centers in the system. Buffalo chose Mikhail Grigorenko with the 12th overall pick and then trade up to select Zemgus Girgensons at number 14.

Mikhail Grigorenko and Zemgus Girgensons

Grigorenko’s stock had slid in recent weeks with allegations that he was basically a typical, lazy Russian and those allegations allowed the Sabres to snag him at 12. However, Grigorenko was still the third-ranked North American skater entering the draft. His 85 point season (40+45) for Quebec in the QMJHL shows as much. Based on the way the opening picks played out, Buffalo was fortunate to pretty much have their pick of the littler based on who was available at 12. Their obvious need for a center and Grigorenko’s availability made for an easy choice of the best player available.

The selection of Girgensons wrapped up a 365-day cycle between the Sabres and Flames that began at the 2011 Draft when Buffalo acquired Robyn Regehr. To get up to 14, Regier hit up Jay Feaster, who is quickly becoming the target for Regier’s most maniacal trade propositions. Buffalo was able to leap seven spots to select Girgensons with the 14th pick.

The price to move up was Buffalo’s second first-round pick (21 from Nashville) and their own second-round pick (42) in this year’s draft. The Sabres still have pick 44, acquired from Calgary last season. Calgary chose to take Mark Jankowski, a forward from a Quebec high school prep league, slated to play for NCAA powerhouse doormat, Providence next season. Jankowski probably projects to a four or five-year project and has many question marks surrounding the competition he played against prior to the draft.

To recap, Regier traded Paul Byron, Chris Butler and the pick that became Jankowski for Robyn Regehr and the pick that became Girgensons. The second round pick exchanged is basically a wash since the Sabres retain the pick they received from the Flames in 2011. Suffice it to say I am okay with the way that shook out. Continue reading →

Don’t call it GM for a Day

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On the eve of the 2011 NHL Draft, Darcy Regier spurred a deal with the Calgary Flames to acquire Robyn Regehr. Not only was it a trade that no Sabres fan would have seen under the former ownership, it was a trade none were expecting to see.

Regier’s action at last year’s draft set off a month-long string of moves geared towards making the Sabres a Cup contender. Tonight’s draft presents Regier with a very similar opportunity.

This isn’t supposed to be a GM for a Day post. It will certainly be similar to one, but it is more a genesis of the Pegula Puzzle posts I did last year.

If Bobby Ryan is to be acquired, it will likely come via draft day trade.

Considering that Regier has never been one to show his hand with regard to free agents or trades makes the likelihood of acquiring Jordan Staal or Bobby Ryan somewhat unlikely. In fact, there have been plenty who have noted that Regier hasn’t pulled the trigger on any trade that had been widely speculated, rather a trade that few were aware of.  That much was proved last year with the acquisition of Cody Hodgson and Regehr.

I fully expect Regier to make at least one trade this weekend. I also think there is the potential to acquire an impact player. However, I’m not in the position to speculate who he may chase. After all, this isn’t Xbox.

The idea of Bobby Ryan is nothing short of tantalizing. Buffalo may even have the pieces available to get him away from the Ducks. Some reports on Ryan’s availability mention Anaheim’s desire to acquire a number of pieces to help construct their roster. I would venture a guess that any package would require a first round pick and at least one roster player and one prospect. Perhaps two roster players.

If you’re spitballing, a combination of Derek Roy, Jordan Leopold or Andrej Sekera and a pick might be close, but still short on talent. The Sabres would probably need a top prospect to swing the deal. Continue reading →

UPDATED: Sabres a player for Webster Block

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It would appear that the competition for the Webster Block will come down to a pair of plans submitted to the City on the 15th.

According to Business First, the Sabres and Carl Paladino each have submitted a bid for the RFP process for the block across from First Niagara Center. Business First mentions a third bid which was described as more of a concept as compared to the other two bids.

Shovels should be in the ground on the Webster Block within 12 months.

“Sources said the Sabres are proposing a multi-rink facility, with a themed sports bar/restaurant to be developed by Delaware North. The rinks would be used as a practice facility for the team as well as the home base for some of the area’s collegiate hockey teams. It would also host amateur and youth tournaments.

The Paladino/Ellicott Development proposal calls for a multi-use project anchored by 140-room brand name hotel, 42 market rate apartments, 110,000-square-feet of Class A office space, some street level restaurant and retail store fronts and a 1,089-space parking garage.”

The part that should illicit the most excitement is that the city is expected to announce a winner by the end of the summer and construction will be expected to begin next year. Based on that time table I wouldn’t be surprised if major progress wasn’t underway on the block within the next 12-18 months. Continue reading →

Sabres can benefit from stockpiling picks

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The recent debate over the course of action the Sabres should take in the first round of this year’s draft has added to the trend of blue chip prospects entering the NHL as 18-year olds. It also would appear that development of NHL prospects is slowly changing the yearly event from a futures draft to an event that produces players that are prepared to enter the league almost immediately.

With the salary cap pressing out those players with mid-level salaries, young, ultra-talented prospects have begun to be fast tracked into the NHL. The Philadelphia Flyers’ use of Claude Giroux, James van Riemsdyk and Sean Couturier makes for a great example of this. Even the Sabres have seen Luke Adam, Tyler Ennis and Tyler Myers make a quick jump to the show.

Keeping all four picks could result in Buffalo landing physical center, Stefan Matteau.

Because of the trend away from a two or three-year development to a track closer to 18 months (or shorter), picks in the top five have become that much more valuable as compared to years past. In fact, dating back to the Crosby draft, Erik Johnson is the only first overall pick not to enter the league as an 18-year old. With Nail Yakupov, Alex Galchenyuk and Ryan Murray all lurking atop this year’s draft, there is room for more NHL ready talent to be selected.

Yakupov and Murray are almost shoo-ins to step into the NHL next season. Meanwhile, Galchenyuk, Matt Dumba and Mikhail Grigorenko are also good bets to make a run after their first NHL training camp.

While Darcy Regier all but shut the book on any possibility of trading up in the draft, I remain a proponent of making a run for one of the picks that would yield the young center. I see Glachenyuk as the number one center the Sabres so desperately need and likely won’t find on the open trade market. However, Regier seems to be content with keeping his four picks and stocking the cupboards. Based on the trend of the NHL draft, the case could be made for trading up or standing pat. Continue reading →

The Instigator Podcast 1.14 – Summit Hangover

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Since there were many interesting reactions and opinions on what took place in the aftermath of last week’s blog summit, Eric and I tackle a few topics on the “obligations” of bloggers and what should be expected from those who reside in the basement.

We also run down a few points on the NHL awards which go down tomorrow night.

Feel free to leave comments and criticism here or on @3rdManIn or @2ITB_Buffalo.

Projecting the 2012 NHL Awards

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Now that the NHL offseason is in full-swing, the NHL Awards will act as a jumping off point for the major events that will occur between Wednesday and July 1.

This year’s show boasts an impressive line up of presenters that should certainly help shed a bit more limelight on the league. While the musical act leaves something to be desired, I would anticipate the show to carry more entertainment value in the third year of the new format.

With the Art Ross, Rocket Richard, William Jennings and other statistically determined awards already decided, there will be 12 total awards handed out in Vegas. That is including the Messier Leadership Award, GM of the Year and the NHL Foundation Award.

Here is a rundown of who I think will win each award: Continue reading →

Can the Sabres trade up in the draft?

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Entering this weekend’s draft, Darcy Regier is expected to be working the phones to continue shaping the Sabres roster.

After last year’s splash there seems to be some expectation that Regier will be quick to pull the trigger at the draft yet again. I took a little time to mull over the potential for acquiring Jordan Staal previously and I am now moving on to yet another popular topic; trading up in the first round.

The Sabres currently have four picks in the first 60 picks of this week’s draft and there is a growing opinion that Regier should package those picks in order to draft in one of the top five spots in the draft.

As of right now, the Edmonton Oilers will pick first, followed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs.

If there is one player the Sabres are likely targeting at the top of the draft, it is Alex Galchenyuk.

You can immediately rule out the Leafs and Canadiens as potential trade partners, as the expected bounty for one of the lottery picks is expected to aid the receiving team for the present and future. The Oilers might be the easiest team to coax out of their current position, but the first pick is expected to come with a higher price tag. The Islanders are likely to stand pat with their lottery pick and the Blue Jackets would likely entertain a number of offers but may not want to get stung like they did with the Jeff Carter trade last summer.

I like the idea of trying to move up to one of the lottery picks in this draft. Buffalo has four picks to play with and I think it would be very realistic to think that those four picks could be turned into two, or possibly three selections. Obviously, one of those selections would end up being in the top three or four. Continue reading →

Consulting for less progress

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By the time the historically aligned, 18-inch deep canals are complete at Canalside, over $300,000 will have been spent on consultants for the developing district.

I’d consult that these lawns turn into buildings.

Buffalo Rising, yesterday reported that Biederman Redevelopment Ventures will be contracted for no more than $253,455 to serve as a public space consultant for ECHDC. Tack that onto the $100,000+ paid to power point and Google image touting Fred Kent.

Here are a few cherry picked quotes from the BRO article:

…the consultant will expand the Canalside vision and activation plan from the Central Wharf area to the former Memorial Auditorium block. The purpose is to further enhance Canalside as a regional destination, attract a diverse and growing audience, and support the public amenities currently under construction.

BRV’s scope of work will include leading a public workshop to solicit ideas from the general public; identifying key issues, opportunities, partners, audiences and technical items (such as availability of power, lighting, ADA access); developing principles and themes that describe each environment, their inter-relationships, as well as the former Aud Block’s connection to Canalside; developing a program plan of activities for Canalside on the Aud Block for 2013; and developing two signature Canalside ideas (e.g., physical amenities, events, festivals, programs) for summer 2013 and winter 2013, among other tasks.

The article goes on to state that the canal construction will serve as a key area for development under this consultation along with the functional lawns that border the Central Wharf.

It is all fine and dandy that ECHDC identified the need to bring in someone with so much experience in operating public areas; but at what point will ECHDC actually take action on actually developing Canalside? Hell, it took Terry Pegula getting fed up with looking at a windblown patch of dirt to get the rest of the lawns in place down there. I suppose he will need to get angry about the lack of buildings before anything is ever actually built.

BRV is supposed to host a workshop to solicit ideas from the public. Unless they bar all of the loony toons from gaining access, BRV will be peddling bocce ball, hula hoops and hop-scotch as their big ideas for Canalside. Remember, public access and lighter, quicker and cheaper is the wave of the future.

I do trust that BRV will be capable of identifying the need for a uniform look in terms of lighting, signage and other amenities. After all, it shouldn’t be hard to realize that the look and feel of the district should reflect – as Andrew Kulyk puts it – Ye Olde Canal District.

The most intriguing portion of this announcement is that BRV is expected to come up with a pair of “signature ideas” for summer and winter of 2013. Now, that has the potential to be as big as actual development or as flimsy as the crowdsourced public programming that is currently be touted as progress.

Continue reading →

HLMaking a case for Jordan Staal

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With the draft a week away, Darcy Regier is going to get his second kick at the can for the weekend under Terry Pegula’s ownership.

To recap, Regier acquired Robyn Regehr, Ales Kotalik and Calgary’s second round pick this year in exchange for Paul Byron and Chris Butler last summer. If that is any indicator, I would expect Regier to be busy once again.

Among the number of rumors floating around the internet, Buffalo’s interest in Jordan Staal appears to be somewhat serious. Staal’s rumored availability comes from the assumption that the Penguins will not be able to re-sign him while also keeping Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby with long-term contracts.

The contract status of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby may make Staal available.

As a sidebar, I am not of the belief that Jordan Staal would be an adequate number one center on any team in the NHL. While he is clearly a very talented player, I think he is nothing more than a very good number two center. However, his talent is at such a level that he would certainly contribute for any team that would acquire him.

Since the Sabres are still desperately searching for the player to fill their hole at center, Staal is certainly a target people are talking about. When considering Staal as a potential trade target, consider a few things: Is he capable of being the player the Sabres need? What will it take to get him? Will the package sent to Pittsburgh handicap the Sabres at another position?

As of right now the Sabres still need a true number one center. They have a pair of very talented youngsters in Cody Hodgson and Tyler Ennis; Derek Roy still has a year on his deal as well. However, none of those players are the premier talent that many teams possess. As stated above, I don’t think Staal would be the answer to this problem. By removing him from the situation he is in now – where Crosby and Malkin are the big guns – you set him up for much more focus than he currently receives. I don’t see him becoming a 30-goal scorer or a player capable of putting up 80-90 points on a yearly basis. But as a solid two-way center, he would certainly fill a need. Continue reading →