Botterill's noggin fully eclipsing the Sabres logo is certainly an image.
It's not really "leaks", it's talking points to drive the media narratives and online discussion. In this specific example, the idea of that the Sabres were 'deciding between signing him or taking the picks' magically surfaced when Johnson didn't sign immediately. It wasn't reported anywhere that taking the pick was even a consideration. It's like how the broadcast talking points switched to ' the future is bright' when the Sabres dropped out of the playoff race in mid march.
There is a concerted effort here to control how the local media covers the Sabres, moreso since Adams took over than any other GM in memory. It really was obvious when the Eichel situation broke open. The local media turned on Eichel quicker than I have ever seen. It didn't happen with Peca, it didn't happen with Hasek. Just magically, the problem wasn't ownership, it wasn't management, it was Eichel all along.
Dreger talking out of his ass. He's talking like the Sabres have another year on Johnson. He doesn't even know the situation.
Every NCAA player can technically play five seasons if they were on a roster during the 2019-20 season.
The CBA reads somewhat unclear, but says the signing rights are retained “through the graduation of his college class”. I am not sure if any drafted player has chosen to play five years yet and if there is precedence for the rights being retained during the extra year.
Not saying it’s realistic - just playing devil’s advocate.
His rights being traded wouldn't change anything about his ability to go to FA though.
Also anybody trading for his rights would have to offer up at least a 2nd rnd pick to make it worthwhile for the sabres. So even if the sabres knew he wasn't signing all along, doubtful they could find a buyer to give more value than just letting him walk.
Ahhh I find it hard to believe he's signing with us if he's not gonna be playing in any of these games.What's the latest rumors, if any, on Johnson? I'm starting to get worried
Between who Adams has given contracts to/acquired on D and his complete unwillingness/inability to land a big fish in trade…Use that 2nd as part of a bigger package and go get some immediate help.
We’re just waiting. Anybody besides Johnson or the Sabres themselves telling you anything, is making it up.What's the latest rumors, if any, on Johnson? I'm starting to get worried
I think Johnson is considering whether it is worth it to sign now or to wait and test FA.So…..I guess the chance of him signing to burn a year by playing against CLB tonight is around +/- 0.001% ?
If burning a year wasn’t the concern, then what’s the hold up in getting your ass to Rochester, RyJo?
NCAA players are also at the disadvantage compared to their peers. Excluding Russians, drafted players with rights expiring have their rights expire June 30th, giving them the opportunity to sign with a team when free agency opens. NCAA players have to wait until mid-AugustWhy it's the same for every draftee except Russians. No one is forced to sign with the team that drafts them, the NCAA is the only one that gives a compensatory pick for 1rd.
The difference is that you can sign a player in those other leagues and they can STILL PLAY in those leagues. The NCAA system drives players to the brink of free agency just by virtue of wanting to finish school. That doesn’t happen in any other league except in Russia which is why you hold their rights forever. Ostlund is in Sweden under contract. Savoie is in juniors under contract. College players aren’t allowed to sign…and as time moves on they get closer to a dangling carrot that screws the team that drafted them.Why it's the same for every draftee except Russians. No one is forced to sign with the team that drafts them, the NCAA is the only one that gives a compensatory pick for 1rd.
The issue is all about the NHL CBA and how long teams can hold onto the draft rights to players that are drafted out of Jr A and the NCAA.Then the problem is the NCAA itself, not the NHL rules around players rights.
Too bad the Pegula's don't own a marketing firm. Then they could have spent some NIL money on NCAA players.Then the problem is the NCAA itself and their ludicrous pretension about being an amateur non-profit organisation, not the NHL rules around players rights.
Really starting to hate these NCAA draftee rules..
Even in a game that couldn't matter less in the standings I can't see us playing a rookie who hasn't so much as practiced once with the team. Unless he just gets a quick shift expressly to burn the ELC year and then parks it for the rest of the game.I have to think if he's not signed today he goes UFA right? He'd have to sign this afternoon AND pass a physical to play in Columbus tonight right?
Even if the they opt the ATO route, he'd have to get to Rochester for the Cleveland games this weekend.
Does Brisson count?We’re just waiting. Anybody besides Johnson or the Sabres themselves telling you anything, is making it up.