Recalled/Assigned: CJ Smith Recalled 12/31 (Assigned to Amerks 1/11)
- Thread starter vcv
- Start date
Aladyyn
they praying for the death of a rockstar
Dreakon13
Registered User
I predict people will be disappointed that one or two Amerk callups don't necessarily move the needle much short term here, and cue the "we suck and have nothing in the pipeline" hot takes.
But Smith earned his chance here. Would be awesome if he could make his presence felt tonight.
But Smith earned his chance here. Would be awesome if he could make his presence felt tonight.
tsujimoto74
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joshjull
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joshjull
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Beerz
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- Jun 28, 2011
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Even if they dont move the needle at least you know now and can make moves accordingly
joshjull
Registered User
Yep. Need to see what the kids can do before looking outside for help.
Please play. Establish yourself. And let’s repeat that with a few more amerks.
Please.
For the love of god sit pominville he is useless
Please.
For the love of god sit pominville he is useless
BuffaloGooner
Registered User
Dreakon13
Registered User
I'm all about trying stuff, for sure. Especially as bad as the middle 6 has been here.
I just think some folks believe these callups are the difference between bottoming out and making the playoffs, which are huge expectations for a couple of guys who have yet to really touch the NHL. Not looking forward to the hot takes if they disappoint.
EDIT: And that's not to say that if Smith/Olofsson/Nylander aren't the season saviors people want them to be, that they can't be solid contributors long term. It's just tough for some to think that far out.
Beerz
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No doubt there will be hot takes regardless of how this turns out
I'll take a guy who doesn't move the needle over the ones who are actively moving the needle against us (e.g., Sobotka, Tage, Poms, et al.). I'm guessing he comes in for Elie, though.
nickdawg95
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vcv
Registered User
So... that's moving the needle.
I agree he will move the needle. But that's because the needle is already maxing out in the negative for our middle 6.
sabremike
Friend To All Giraffes And Lindy Ruff
I don't think anyone expects them to come up and wreck the league. And everyone knows if we make the playoffs it's because Jack carried us there. If guys come up and make even a modest contribution it could be enough to get us over the hump, and that would make it a huge success that made a difference.
joshjull
Registered User
Gabrielor
"Win with us or watch us win." - Rasmus Dahlin
I think most are of the mind that a middle-6 forward "moving the needle" means providing a bit of offense. I don't think that's necessarily a fair expectation for Smith, at least until he gains more experience. I just want to see him not get destroyed when he's on the ice. Sure, that represents an upgrade, but I was referring to "moving the needle" in the way that I think a lot of posters would intrepret it - and the way I think the phrase was being used in posts prior to mine - as creating offense.
Yep, all about potential incremental improvements and discovering what they have at this level from players currently on the farm.
Team Cozens
Registered User
For those who have seen CJ Smith play in Rochester, how is his skating / speed?
The main comments I have heard have been around compete and his hockey IQ.
The main comments I have heard have been around compete and his hockey IQ.
At least he will be playing tonight. I thought he had more experience in the NHL but it was only two games late in the 16/17 season. He may play hard and do the right things however who he plays with will have a big say in if he can help the team offensively.
I haven't seen any word on tonight's lines. With a limited skate this morning, not sure we'll know for a bit.
joshjull
Registered User
He may get it with Girgs listed as week to week. Or at least that’s the last I saw.
I thought CJ Smith has to clear waivers to go back to Rochester but he in fact has one year left before he’s waiver eligible.
My expectation is that he should get a fairly significant look in Buffalo. At this point he’s played 90 AHL games and 120 NCAA games, plus he’s 24. Smith seems to fit the “mold” Botterill wants. He played 3 years in college and about a season and a half in Rochester. Since Smith does not need to clear waivers, Botterill is not forced to keep him in Buffalo the rest of the year. This is probably his best shot to stick in the league. Expectations are not ezteremely high for a 24y/o putting up just shy of a PPG in the AHL but if he can come in and be a middle six (really a third line) stop gap that provides SOMETHING offensively without getting caved in defensively, congrats CJ you just earned yourself a full time spot on the roster for the rest of the year.
All he needs to do tonight is be better than Remi f***ing Elie. Don’t mess it up, man.
My expectation is that he should get a fairly significant look in Buffalo. At this point he’s played 90 AHL games and 120 NCAA games, plus he’s 24. Smith seems to fit the “mold” Botterill wants. He played 3 years in college and about a season and a half in Rochester. Since Smith does not need to clear waivers, Botterill is not forced to keep him in Buffalo the rest of the year. This is probably his best shot to stick in the league. Expectations are not ezteremely high for a 24y/o putting up just shy of a PPG in the AHL but if he can come in and be a middle six (really a third line) stop gap that provides SOMETHING offensively without getting caved in defensively, congrats CJ you just earned yourself a full time spot on the roster for the rest of the year.
All he needs to do tonight is be better than Remi f***ing Elie. Don’t mess it up, man.
