Up Next: The Draft

by Anne

It might just be that I haven't been paying attention but I feel like the 2010 draft class is somewhat lame. 

Will we ever again have another 2003 draft class? That first round was unbelievable. M-A Fleury, Eric Staal, Mike Richards, Thomas Vanek, Ryan Suter, Dustin Brown, Brent Seabrook, Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry. I think a lot of people have an association with the draft class that's your age; I know I do. The 2003 NHL entry draft was a few days before I graduated from high school so I have a certain extra affection for the class of 2003 and it was the most amazing draft class EVER.

Nevertheless, I usually pick a random dude that I want the Sabres to draft. They drafted Myers like I wanted them to. However, I really didn't think he'd be available for us, but as you all know, everyone but Tampa, LA, Toronto, and Atlanta was a MORON so we got him. Wooo!!

The three players I've seen the Sabres taking in mock drafts are:

Riley Sheehan, C

Tyler Toffoli, RW

Jared Tinordi, D

I keep calling Tyler Toffoli "Taylor," and his Facebook picture is him riding an ATV, so how can I choose him? Although he is wearing a helmet in the shot.

Jarred Tinordi is a giant, he's like 6'6", but we already have a giant defenseman. Although he is American, and I have a soft spot for American defensemen.

Riley Sheahan goes to Notre Dame and his name couldn't really be more Irish if it was Finnegan O'Toole. I'm Irish and have a soft sport for Irish people and his parents' names are Mike and Peggy.

I think that I shall pull for the Sabres to draft...ummmm...

Riley Sheahan. Why? Because our prospects at center are not too stellar, and he's 6'2", 200 lbs. We need more size in our center prospects coughNathanGerbecough.

Riley Sheahan or bust is my mantra until June 25th at the Draft party. 

In speaking of our prospects. 2008 prospects Zack "Mama Said Knock You Out" Kassian and Brayden McNabb have been selected to attend the World Junior prospect camp this year. It would be pretty sweet if they were able to play in Buffalo next season. Kassian might have a chance to play in the blue and gold, or at least in Portland if he can show the proper remorse for his assault arrest last month. 

Also, the US is currently losing to Slovenia in the World Cup 2-1. This is the first game I've watched and it's more exciting than I thought it would be. Honestly, I don't even notice the vuvuzelas. I think at this point it would sound weird if the stands were quiet and there was no vuvuzela noise. It's really just background at this point.

End these interminable playoffs, please? Etc.

by Anne

• I sincerely hope the Blackhawks win the Cup tomorrow night. Not because of any affection I have for them, but because I'm just tired of trying to care.

• Also, looks like my prediction (and what an ASTUTE predictoin it was) about Zack Kassian's contract talks stalling was right.

• John Vogl is right about this interview with Dominik Hasek being veeeeeery roughly translated into English. Although, English, Russian, Czech, or Yiddish, why would his teammates call him anything other than by his first name, weirdo reporterman?

• My sister is getting married next summer (WA-HOO!) and between that and job hunting, I have very easily been able to distract myself from hockey.

• I'm sure I'll go to the draft party but I know so little about this year's crop that it's hard to care. Are they extra weak this year or am I just missing the partay?

• In an attempt to find something to be super pumped about, I'm attempting to write a book. I've had this idea in my head for over a year, and I've played it out in my mind so many times that I just need to put it down on paper. It, of course, is somewhat hockey-related. I'll autograph copies for you all when it is published... by me at my printer.

• Let's Go 'Hawks! I guess? I suppose I'd like to see Kaner bring the Cup home for a visit.

Ron MacLean is a BAMF & other things

by Anne

• First and foremost, we all must pay homage to one Mr. Ron MacLean of Hockey Night in Canada who saved a man from taking his own life by diving into the Delaware River to save him. Read a bit about it here. What a dude. 

• So the Flyers won last night. I dislike both of these teams in the Final so I appreciate that these three games have been exciting and close. Chris Pronger makes things more entertaining, as always, even if it's because he's a royal d-bag.

• Zack Kassian saddens me. I know he has a mean-streak on the ice, but being arrested and charged with assault is not exactly going to endear him to Sabres fans. Darcy Regier had expressed interest in signing him to a pro-contract soon. That will likely be put off until later into the summer, if it happens this summer at all, while he deals with this situation. Idiot. Win the Memorial Cup and get arrested. Well done, Kash.

• I'm reading this book:

• I'm a big fan of the Roosevelts and I like biographies and I like biographies written by David McCullough, so this should be a good read. Thusfar I've read the first chapter, which focuses on TR's Pops, also named Theodore. He sounds like he was the kind of father any kid would want. Next chapter is about his Mama, Mittie.

• It's hard to find things hockey to look forward to. I'm not all that pumped about the draft this year. Neither the Kings nor Sabres have high draft picks, and there's no possibility of going to the draft in LA :( 

• The Sabres signed Jacob Lagace. This seriously ups the pretty factor in the prospects pool, which is always a plus for development camp. By the by, when is Dev Camp this summer? I love going up there for the scrimmages.

• Tumblr is rife with sudden pangs of lust for Dan Carcillo. Ladies, I can get behind loving even the grossest of the gross, but just not Dan Carcillo. I suppose I could understand a latent desire for Sean Avery or Chris Pronger, maybe even Dion Phaneuf, but NOT Dan Carcillo. Gross me out in all ways possible.

• Let's Go 'Hawks? I might pay attention to the NBA. The week off before the SCF started had a lot of us on Twitter watching the NBA. I suppose I'll pull for the Lakers? I don't know. I feel like the Celtics and Lakers are ALWAYS in the Final. I know that's not true but  they HAVE met 11 times in the Final.