While I don't necessarily disagree, the problem with Hecht comes down to Ruff. He's just too comfortable with Hecht. At this point in career Jochen should be used in nothing more than a third/fourth line role, but you know at the first sign of trouble Lindy is going to put him on one of the other lines.
Buffaloed
webmaster
What do we need Hecht for when we have great checking centers like Leino, Ellis, Porter, and McCormick? 
HiddenInLight
Registered User
- Sep 4, 2011
- 3,908
- 17
In September, my answer was no, even though Jochen was my man, yo.
Now? Shortened season, maybe a cheap contract?
Low risk, high reward.
If he's healthy and playing like himself, he'd be a monster pick-up.
If injured/out of form, live with it for 48 games, and then move on afterwards.
I'm really not sold on the current roster at all.
The high-end skill is not there compared to other teams, neither is size and grit among the top-6, nor skill among the bottom-6.
And it could be a LONG time before Grigs and Girgs come into their own.
Now? Shortened season, maybe a cheap contract?
Low risk, high reward.
If he's healthy and playing like himself, he'd be a monster pick-up.
If injured/out of form, live with it for 48 games, and then move on afterwards.
I'm really not sold on the current roster at all.
The high-end skill is not there compared to other teams, neither is size and grit among the top-6, nor skill among the bottom-6.
And it could be a LONG time before Grigs and Girgs come into their own.
NotABadPeriod
ForFriendshipDikembe
- Oct 28, 2006
- 52,095
- 8,808
Hey, have a little more confidence in me.
I just worry about Hecht's body holding up for the whole season. You're right in that it's low risk...worst case scenario is he ends up on LTIR. Hecht actually makes a lot of sense:
Vanek-Hodgson-Pominville
Foligno-Ennis-Stafford
Leino-Hecht-Ott
Gerbe(hurt)-McCormick(hurt)-Kaleta
Scott, Porter, Adam, etc. as injury fill-ins.
Hecht would be a defensive guy + PK. But he should not be used as a offensive top 6 forward if it can be at all avoided--and Ruff's track history doesn't inspire confidence. Not that I don't think Hecht would be bad at the role (he has often been the "glue" guy on a top 6 line who makes his linemates better), it's that I don't think he can handle that many minutes TBH.
Now does the fact he played in Europe and wasn't signed to a deal before the lockout mean he has to pass through waivers to be signed? I imagine there's an exception since the NHL season hasn't started, but in a normal year signing him in January would require that.
Hecht would likely play opposite Pominville, centered by Hodgson or Grigorenko. He'd do the dirty work for those guys, and, if playing with Grigorenko, cover up for some of the inevitable defensive errors from Grigs. Also, I don't think we should get too wrapped up in phrases like "top-6." Ruff doesn't have a top-6, he has a top-9 and he'll spread out the ice time among them, especially in a condensed season.
Given the complete dearth of forwards with much defensive ability and that the alternative is probably signing nobody thereby allowing Porter or Adam to step into the lineup, I'm surprised there are so many opposed to signing Hecht on a one-year deal.
Given the complete dearth of forwards with much defensive ability and that the alternative is probably signing nobody thereby allowing Porter or Adam to step into the lineup, I'm surprised there are so many opposed to signing Hecht on a one-year deal.
I'd probably agree with you if I had any faith whatsoever that Regier was considering alternatives outside the organization. I have the feeling, however, the alternative to Hecht is plugging the roster spot internally with someone like Porter or Adam. And, hey, if Brochen still can't hold up, you play Porter/Adam and you're in no worse a position than you would've been if you just didn't sign anyone.
True. Expecting Regier to find middle ground between long-range development (Girgensons) and what looks like a short-range stop gap (Brochen or AHL-level talent) would be unusual.
I am all for Hecht coming back. What do the sabres have to lose? Short season and if he injured he goes on IR and does not count against the cap....It is make it or break it time for him.
BuiltTagonTough
Stand still laddy!
I'd be all for Hecht coming back if its a one year deal. Anything longer seems like too much of a risk.
La Cosa Nostra
Caporegime
- Jun 25, 2009
- 14,076
- 2,344
No no no. I don't want a 35 year old fragile injury prone player, especially one whos been here 10 years.
Remember all of you said trading Roy was a culture change? Getting rid of the losing mentality? Well not resigning Hecht is the same thing, I don't want him near the team. He's always hurt and the last 2 times we made the playoffs he played a total of one game.Hes just as much a loser as Derek Roy, except Roy produced far more then broken Jochen.
Remember all of you said trading Roy was a culture change? Getting rid of the losing mentality? Well not resigning Hecht is the same thing, I don't want him near the team. He's always hurt and the last 2 times we made the playoffs he played a total of one game.Hes just as much a loser as Derek Roy, except Roy produced far more then broken Jochen.
Clock
Registered User
- May 13, 2006
- 22,225
- 73
I'm sorry, but that's an awful comparison. Injury woes have little to nothing to do with locker room attitude concerns.
ZZamboni
Puttin' on the Foil
La Cosa Nostra
Caporegime
- Jun 25, 2009
- 14,076
- 2,344
I disagree. I'd gladly take a locker room "problem" like Roy over a guy who is not even reliable to play half a season. Hecht hasn't been reliable or good in a few years, why bother signing him so he can sit out 30 out of 48 games this year. And I find it Funny, was Derek Roy the only problem with this team? Or is it because Jochen is a fan favorite so of course it's "nothing" alike. Jochen Hecht has as much to do with the problems of this team as Derek Roy did.
I'd rather see Kevin Porter as a center then Jochen. Hecht if he is signed won't play any more then 25 games guaranteed.
FearTheBeard
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2011
- 3,944
- 0
No one is arguing that Hecht wasn't injury prone, they are saying missing time due to injury doesn't have the same negative effect of the locker room that Roy's attitude did. Not sure how you can say it does.
FearTheBeard
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2011
- 3,944
- 0
So saying a guy still has some skills makes him the captain??? By your logic you would want to sign him to a 10 year back diving contract.
Just saw this now, but nope never said I'd make him captain, nor would I sign him to a long term deal. None of my post has pro-Hecht in it what so ever, may want to read it again pal
Jim Bob
RIP RJ
No thank you.
I'd rather see if the Sabres could deal from their depth on D to get a better option for the role that Hecht would try and fill.
I'd rather see if the Sabres could deal from their depth on D to get a better option for the role that Hecht would try and fill.
struckbyaparkedcar
Guilty of Being Right
Only if they buyout Leino and play Hecht as a third line defensive specialist with Ott. And trade for another center at the deadline so no part of the top nine is dependent on a guy who hasn't been healthy to end the past three seasons.
Zman5778
Moderator
Frankly, I'd like to see Regier do BOTH.
Sign Hecht and trade a D for a bottom 6er.
With the season being the sprint it's gonna be, we're gonna need bodies.....and we already do seeing as how Gerbe and McCormick seem like they may miss the beginning.
Old Navy Goat
Registered User
I have no issues with resigning Jochen for a 1 year contract. In fact I think Grigs would benefit from playing between Jochen and Poms. He'd have the advantage of playing with two true professionals and would have the security of two guys that have a clue about where to go and what to do on the ice.
Ad
Upcoming events
-
-
-
-
-
BET ON ONLY ONE HORSE WATCH LIVE - FINGER LAKES RACE 1 - Farmington, NYWagers: 2Staked: $273.00Event closes- Updated: