Buffalo Believes In GMJB 3.0

I would fire Botterill if he protected Bogosian

Well it was either him or Gorges.... I had to pick one.... went with the 25yo who is injury prone over the washed up old fart who can no longer handle the puck in his own end!!!!

You can protect Falk. Let Vegas have it's pick between Ennis, Moulson, Bogosian and Gorges if they want a forward or defenseman. There's a trade to be had for Deslauriers for a team that needs a cheap, protection eligible forward (Arizona, Carolina, Chicago) and if we protect Ullmark I don't think VGK will want to stare Lehner's arbitration or long-term raise in the face when they have younger, better and cheaper goalie options.

I would protect Bogosian over Falk. I am not ready to throw Bogo away I still think there is a quality season in the guy. Then again he is a Murray trade deal so anything can happen with him.

I do not agree that Deslauriers will have any takers. His injury plagued season last year would scare off teams. I am not sure he will fit into the new regime's overall plan of attack. You could very well be correct.

I am in the camp that Lehner proved his is a true #1 goalie with his play last year with the horrendous Defense that we put on display. Therefore you do not even attempt fate by electing not to protect him. If McPhee wants Ullmark (unless there are a few goalie trades prior to the expansion protect list due) I see better options than Ullmark available to Vegas. i just do not think a new GM in Botterill would expose himself by not protecting Lehner when you do not know if you have a true NHL caliber net minder in the system.

Let's agree to disagree on a few aspects of the Sabres moving forward..... I do appreciate the exchange.

It's all good. I think Lehner's a good goalie. I think protecting Ullmark is our best chance of keeping both given Lehner is not widely considered a legit #1 and is owed a raise this year. Bogosian might have a good season in him but not for the $5 mil he makes when we have contracts to give out starting next year. If we can take on short term or sweeten a Vegas deal to jettison Bogosian we have to do it.