Just read on the Buffalo news page that Kassian will be playing some exhibition games, rather than going back to juniors as previously planned.

Apparently he's been a beast out there, scoring some nice goals and roughing people up.

Additionally, they stated there's a real good chance Weber beats out Sekera and Butler for the 6th defensive spot... however we'll be starting the season with 8 defenseman so we don't lose any to waivers yet.

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Wheelhouse

Interesting that the young kids are really showing their worth this camp.
Looks very promising.
Weber must be hungry to play for the big club.

Anyone think Kassian gets a 9 game tryout if he stays consistent through out camp?
Also, how do you pronounce his name? Is it Kay-C-Un or is it Kay-Sh-An? Just curious.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

With the Sabres planning on keeping 8 D, there will be limited forward spots for guys like Gerbe, Mancari, and Kassian.

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Sabres Hockey: Commitment to Mediocrity

Hey guys, I was at camp yesterday, I will be doing a write up of what I saw here in a while.

Here was what I saw, Kassian, big body, loves to go hard to the net, but isn't quite fast enough to keep up with the NHL guys yet. (He's still an 18 year old boy)

Weber was a beast all scrimmage long, banged along the boards, worked hard, blocked shots...exactly the dude we need him to be.

The best two players on the ice yesterday, by far and away were Vanek and Morrison though. Vanek was in a league of his own, blowing by defenders, moving right around guys like Goose, Butler, and Neids like they weren't even there. He is in great shape, and was absolutely flying out there.

Morrison makes the game look so easy, he almost seems like he's not even trying. He makes smart plays, blocks shots, and is impossible to get around. Ask Connolly and Stafford. He made 1 bad play all day, and that was a puck he forced up the boards, instead of being safe and going around the net with it. Enroth bailed him out on that play.

All in all I was very happy with the Sabres camp yesterday, the only guy I thought was off his game was Stafford, and well, that's to be expected, considering he's never shown up for camp in shape. Even last year when he held out all summer for a bigger contract, and he still couldn't come to camp in shape to warrant the extension he got.

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"She's like plan C after an 18 pack"

Squanto 7/27/2010

I believe it's Cash-un.

Thanks Gasoline

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

Also wanted to add, it sounds like we have a shootout player that won't miss in Ennis.

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Wheelhouse

I'm really looking forward to Kassian, Weber, and Ennis.

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When Lindy was asked if Kassian was going to just go back to Juniors Lindy's reply was something along the lines of "Oh no, he'll definitely see some games."

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Really happy to hear that Vanek and Weber are having strong camps. I'm expecting a lot for those two, especially Vanek, he seems really focused for this year.

Also, I think Morrisonn will be by far our best defensive d-man this year, he should be fun to watch play.

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LET'S GO BUFFALO!

Its great news that the kids are getting a chance to crack the line up and some of the veteran players have shown up to play.

I would still like an impact forward via trade for some foundational security for a cup run, I'd prefer a sniping center, but, if Darcy does make a trade (I know, big if, I just can't see them wasting the chance and Darcy keeps things so close to the vest there's always a little hope in me) I wouldn't mind in the least bit if he took promosing prospects or picks.

With Weber, Myers, Ennis and Kassian getting looks, I have to wonder, are we witnessing the start of a "changing of the guards"?
I sure hope so.

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Lord Stanley's Cup is what its all about.
Mr. Pegula, your destiny awaits you sir.

Here's to hoping that I've been totally wrong on Weber, and he comes out kicking ass and taking names.

That statement is both encouraging and discouraging.

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Revenge is sweet... Revenge is best served cold... Revenge is ice cream.

The part about Morrisonn? Well, it's not like we have any big name on defense...or offense. Anyway, the Sabres have been competitive without any star players, at least that's what you'll hear about the Sabres around the league.

Honestly, we aren't any worse than last year and this group seem tougher, more fit and ready for the playoffs than they were. The core is hitting their prime, and imagine 2 or 3 of them have career year(Vanek, Connolly) plus young players having breakout seasons(Ennis, Stafford, Gerbe, Weber, Butler, Sekera, etc.), Miller continuing his great work...that's all you need for a great Cup run. I'm overly optimistic though.

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LET'S GO BUFFALO!

I've been saying Kassian will make this team for months. It was even in my sig for awhile

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"I can't really hear what Jeremy says, because I got my two Stanley Cup Rings plugging my ears...." -Patrick Roy in reference to Jeremy Roenick's trash talking

Don't fool yourself about Kassian. With Ruff coming out and saying they'll keep 8 d-men, that seals the deal for Kassian (if he ever had a realistic chance). Sure he's got promise, but with his lack of speed he would be more of a defensive liability than he already would just from being a rookie (a very young rookie). Kassian will get some game time so they can see just how far along he is, but he won't make the team...certainly not with only 13 forwards on the roster.

BTW, is Ellis on a two-way deal now? If so he's probably the odd man out but will still be in the battle with Gerbe and Ennis (maybe McCormick) for the 13th spot.

I've been big on Weber and hopefully he stays healthy and proves how steady, tough and nasty he is. I wouldn't mind trading Butler or Sekera away if Weber convinces Ruff and earns his confidence. With Weber stepping up and a healthy Rivet I'm pretty happy with that d-corps, aside from the big gaping hole without a PP QB.

Ellis is on a two-way deal and Ruff said in an interview that he was 1 injury away for a roster spot, so I guess he assumed Gerbe won't make the team. Is McCormick on a two-way deal? I think he is our #12 forward right now.

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LET'S GO BUFFALO!

McCormick is on a one way deal @ $500k.

Thanks. That's what I thought. It gives us less flexibility, but he'll be an upgrade over Ellis.(I assume he'll have the same role Ellis had the last 2 years).

BTW, thanks for the people going to the training camp and giving us reviews.

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LET'S GO BUFFALO!

So who did Morrison and Leopold practice with then?

Is Myers with Morrison and Leopold with Sekera?

Rivet with Butler/Weber then?

I think a Morrison/Myers the M&M pair would be great, Myers can focus a bit more on offensive contributions while Morrison plays the backend, he could be Like Mike Green then, but with better defensive responsibilities too.

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