2019 College Free Agents

[Sabreality]

LA's been scouting Taro hard, they may be the frontrunners on Veronneau too.

 

[Chainshot]

If those who are behind the paywall missed this, Pronman did a write-up on all the UDFA's he likes here: Pronman: Ranking the top free agents from the CHL, college...

 

[Baccus]

Also mentions Edmonton and Ottawa going after Veronneau.

 

[old kummelweck]

So does a college FA look at buffalo as a place of opportunity at this point?

 

[Baccus]

So does a college FA look at buffalo as a place of opportunity at this point?

I think Buffalo would be seen as an opportunity, if they feel they play a position they can break in on. I'd hope the majority of them are realistic in that they won't just walk on to the NHL team (outside of a few end of season games as a bonus or whatever) and secure a position, but that they'd have to probably put in some AHL time etc.

Though as you look at signings around the league, I often think it's the players relationships with team people/the pitch the teams make more of an impact than actually looking at the roster and being like, oh they have no RW depth, so that's perfect for me.

 

[Chainshot]

So does a college FA look at buffalo as a place of opportunity at this point?

Torn on this -- the opportunity from an outside perspective has to be that the team is a talent desert and should be a place to make the show but at the same time the current front office is ridiculously slow-moving and the opportunity to play is not afforded to those who may have followed a similar path (C.J. Smith, Lawrence Pilut) despite appearing to be ready and able for the NHL. And torn is not a positive.

 

[old kummelweck]

Torn on this -- the opportunity from an outside perspective has to be that the team is a talent desert and should be a place to make the show but at the same time the current front office is ridiculously slow-moving and the opportunity to play is not afforded to those who may have followed a similar path (C.J. Smith, Lawrence Pilut) despite appearing to be ready and able for the NHL. And torn is not a positive.

Both those guys have seen pretty good NHL action. Nelson and ERod have made it to the big club. I think Oglevie is still developing and Antipin is really the only undrafted failure.

 

[old kummelweck]

Though as you look at signings around the league, I often think it's the players relationships with team people/the pitch the teams make more of an impact than actually looking at the roster and being like, oh they have no RW depth, so that's perfect for me.

Maybe - they are certainly looking hard at organizations and quality of life.

 

[Chainshot]

LA is known for their pitch. We will see if they land their share again.

 

[Chainshot]

Kuffner and Hirose both sign with Detroit.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Can't blame any of them for picking those spots.

 

[old kummelweck]

Taro to DET.

 

[UnleashRasmus]

 

[dortt]

So does a college FA look at buffalo as a place of opportunity at this point?

why would they sign here? Phil has shown he won't play UDFAs, regardless of their play

 

[UnleashRasmus]

why would they sign here? Phil has shown he won't play UDFAs, regardless of their play

Where has this been shown? The only college UFA that we've been able to land thus far haven't come up from Rochester? Bring me up to speed on who it is you're thinking?

 

[dortt]

Where has this been shown? The only college UFA that we've been able to land thus far haven't come up from Rochester? Bring me up to speed on who it is you're thinking?

I didn't say college UDFAs. I was referring to UDFAs in general

 

[brian_griffin]

So does a college FA look at buffalo as a place of opportunity at this point?

At forward, I would think so especially for a 21-23yo.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

The fact that a kid named Taro didn't sign with the Sabres is truly saddening.

 

[dortt]

At forward, I would think so especially for a 21-23yo.

sign here and get the CJ Smith treatment. Score a goal and get sent back down to the minors

 

[Chainshot]

Something that does not sell this team on UDFA's is the possibility that the front office will be turned over again. Promises made for playing time and opportunity go with the departing staff.

 

[DolanPlsGoSabres]

Something that does not sell this team on UDFA's is the possibility that the front office will be turned over again. Promises made for playing time and opportunity go with the departing staff.

The negotiations probably go...

Botts: "Hey college UFA, will you come to Buffalo? We'll give you a chance to play NHL minutes! Look at our dire depth!"

Kid: "Will I really play over Sobotka? Seems like coach Housley plays him over some of the other young guys in your system."

Botts: "Phil and I communicate a lot..."

*Hangs up*

 

[debaser66]

The negotiations probably go...

Botts: "Hey college UFA, will you come to Buffalo? We'll give you a chance to play NHL minutes! Look at our dire depth!"

Kid: "Will I really play over Sobotka? Seems like coach Housley plays him over some of the other young guys in your system."

Botts: "Phil and I communicate a lot..."

*Hangs up*

They communicate just by using chewing gum noises so it's sometimes hard understand each other

 

[Chainshot]

I'd very much like Lukas Craggs, in the same way I was hoping for Andrew Sturtz from last year's crop. Get some players who make it hard to play against in the system. Foster that. Get some depth guys who will skate through a wall instead of the daisy curl capital of the hockey world that is the Buffalo Sabres.

 

[Jim Bob]