Amerks add another depth dman

[Jim Bob]

http://www.rochesterdandc.com/sports/amerks/0925OL1TGNT_amerks25_amerks.shtml

Lingren’s arrival means the Amerks very likely will start the season with eight defensemen. Veterans Brian Chapman and Rick Mrozik, who were signed in August, have already been assigned by the parent Buffalo Sabres. Ryan Jorde, an Amerk rookie last season, and Doug Janik, an Amerk the past two years, are expected from Buffalo, as are two other off-season free-agent acquisitions, David Cullen and Joel Bouchard.

The final spot should be filled by one of two rookies, Nathan Paetsch or Dennis Wideman. Both were drafted by the Sabres, but neither has been signed. Their play in camp with the Amerks — and perhaps in preseason games Oct. 3-4 against the Cleveland Barons — may determine their fate.

“If they want to be a part of this, a lot depends on their performance,” Amerks coach Randy Cunneyworth said.

[Forum21]

Saw that. Maybe Regeir isn't willing to part with Bouchard?

[Jim Bob]

I doubt that.

The problem is that Bouchard's trade value is next to nothing. He has to clear waivers to go to Rochester, he was a FA over the summer, and he cleared waivers last year.

You aren't going to get anything for Bouchard. And even in a package deal he doesn't add a whole lot unless the team is purely trying to shed payroll like the Pens were last year.

[Forum21]

Originally posted by Jim Bob
I doubt that.

The problem is that Bouchard's trade value is next to nothing. He has to clear waivers to go to Rochester, he was a FA over the summer, and he cleared waivers last year.

You aren't going to get anything for Bouchard. And even in a package deal he doesn't add a whole lot unless the team is purely trying to shed payroll like the Pens were last year.

Huh? I was suggesting that Bouchard will stay with Buffalo, and that's way the Amerks picked up a guy who can play PP, PK and be responsible defensively. I don't see any trades happening with him, though a defensemen may be on the move in bflo.

[Jim Bob]

Originally posted by jj@jj.com
Huh? I was suggesting that Bouchard will stay with Buffalo, and that's way the Amerks picked up a guy who can play PP, PK and be responsible defensively. I don't see any trades happening with him, though a defensemen may be on the move in bflo.

Heck no, the Sabres now have 7 defensemen with 1 way contracts: Zhitnik, Kalinin, McKee, Delmore, Campbell, Patrick, and Fitzpatrick. And they have Tallinder who has a 2 way deal, but is an NHL defenseman right now.

Regier is already in the situation where he either has to carry 8 defensemen or he has to decide between sending Tallinder down to Rochester or sending Fitzpatrick and paying him NHL money in the AHL.

If Bouchard stays in Buffalo that means either:

A) They keep 8 d-men and they send a 1 way contract to Rochester.

B) They keep 8 d-men and send Tallinder to Rochester.

C) They keep 7 d-men and send Tallinder and a 1 way contract to Rochester.

D) They keep 7 d-men and send 2 1 way contracts to Rochester.

I can't see Bouchard playing so well as they do any of those things.

Bouchard is injury protection/an AHL vet kind of like Fitzpatrick was last year.

[Forum21]

http://www.sabres.com/news/tans_regier_9243.html

"With the depth at defense, are you looking to move one defensemen?

"The (trade) calls are starting now. I think teams have gotten a good sense of themselves through training camp, but there is nothing on the burner for a defenseman. We are just having conversations with other teams about where they are and what they think their needs are." "

-It doesn't sounds like Regeir has ruled out moveing a dmen.

[Jim Bob]

I think they'd have to move 2 without adding one for Bouchard to make the squad, unless they keep 8 d-men after a deal.

I have him as 9th on the depth chart right now:

1) Zhitnik
2) Kalinin
3) McKee
4) Delmore
5) Tallinder
6) Campbell
7) Patrick
8) Fitzpatrick
9) Bouchard

[Forum21]

I think if you break the depth chart in two:


Defensive
------------
1. Zhitnik
2. Kalinin
3. Mckee
4. Tallinder
5. Fitzpatrick
6. Patrick

Offensive
------------
1. Delmore
2. Campbell
3. Bouchard


You can see where someone like Bouchard may fit in. I would say that he has a better chance of cracking the lineup over Patrick or Fitzpatrick if they're looking for a little more offense and Tallender and Kalinin aren't chipping in at all.

[Jim Bob]

I think guys like Zhitnik, Kalinin, and Tallinder are almost as good offensively as Bouchard and far better defensively.

If you really want to break it down you should go with a 3way breakdown:

Defensive:
1) McKee
2) Fitzpatrick

2way:
1) Zhitnik
2) Kalinin
3) Tallinder
4) Patrick

Offensive:
1) Delmore
2) Campbell
3) Bouchard