I constantly read about how this player or that player is capable of getting x-amount of points or goals. What's especially curious about some of these numbers is the fact that sometimes the player in question HAS NEVER reached those numbers.

I also hear about the talent they have and the great things they should be doing. And when that player doesn't do these things--repeatedly---it's chalked up to a confidence issue or some other motivational issue.

The reality is that many players in many sports have a certain amount of raw talent. The performance that would reflect this talent is often mitigated by a number of things, particularly personality issues, whether it be self-confidence, work ethic, etc.

ALL of that factored together ultimately determines the talent level that player will play at, irrespective to the "raw talent" that the player brings to the table.

The question:

Who on the Sabres roster is actually capable of getting better and who will forever be guilty of getting in the way of their own raw talent. THAT is how you decide who to keep and who to trade for pucks.

Vanek can achieve 40+ goals and 80+ points.

Roy can get 30+ goals and 80+ points.

Connolly has shown he can put up a PPG before, 6 points in 10 games isn't that terrible right now, but it could be better.

Pominville has score 30+ goals and 80+ points also, he can achieve it once again. Just need to find his shot again.

Myers, well he will only get better as the time goes on.

Sekera, also I say can and is getting much better, he doesn't do the stupid mistakes like he used to and is easily one of our best skaters on defense.

Morrisonn, glad we got him, I would expect when he comes back to be a beast and a guy to hold onto for a while.

Ennis, well what more can we ask for from the kid? He is a keeper.

Outside of Vanek, Roy, Ennis, Myers, Sekera, Morrisonn, if they are able to be traded, you can trade them. I would prefer to be able to keep Kaleta for his agitating role, I'd keep McCormick for his physical presence and heart, and I would keep Rob Niedermayer for the veteran presence. I'd also keep Monty as he is a beast right now, and Leopold is nothing to worry either.

Butler is always on the watch list, but he has stepped it up this year. And Weber is showing great signs again.

There, as I said, outside of Vanek, Roy, Pominville, Myers, and Ennis, of course Miller, if something better comes along for a package, take the deal. I'd part with Pominville if it meant a RW or Center that will put up 90+ points. Ennis, Myers, and Vanek to me are no touchables.

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Fixed it

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If it's a tight squeeze, spit on it! - NyI

He's a middling AHL player who had the good fortune of a drunk arbitrator. - The Squanto re: Tim Kennedy

At the moment? All of the players can be better. Sekera has been good, and so has Roy...after a 6-1 loss, there really isn't anyone (aside from maybe Sekera, because I know he was benched because of an injury) you could say is playing up to expectations.

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"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Hockey Night in Buffalo

Oh, that would work better, actually.

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I generally need to see a player achieve these approx. highs for at least 2 seasons to make sure it wasn't an out-of-character performance, especially if one of those years is a cotract year. There are players who miraculously come around when that money is up for discussion---and then slip back into the lower work ethic mode asap after that.