The Top Five Changes I Want to See the Buffalo Sabres Make

Swap John Scott for Someone Who Fights AND Scores

Nov 29, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; The Toronto Maple Leafs celebrate a goal by left wing

(41) (in group) as Buffalo Sabres goalie

(30) and left wing

(32) react during the second period at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

I have not been shy when it comes to sharing my opinions on Big John Scott.  Let me say this much about him, though: ever since he was suspended for elbowing Loui Eriksson in the head, Scott has been smart.  He has avoided being suckered into unnecessary fights (ah, those classy Toronto Maple Leafs!) and has actually tried to play hockey.

And therein lies the problem: John Scott is terrible at playing hockey.  My son is only eight years-old, but I am pretty sure he can skate better then Scott, pass at least as well as him, and could definitely get his stick on more pucks around the net than this guy can.  Is my son going to make the NHL?  Well, as much as I would love that, the odds currently point to no . . . which means that if he isn’t NHL-material, than neither is John Scott.

Clearly, losing Scott means the Sabres lose some muscle, but seriously folks: the NHL is changing.  I don’t care whether you like or not; the NHL wants guys like Scott and Patrick Kaleta out the door, UNLESS they can change their game and focus on playing hockey more and destroying/fighting people less.  Kaleta may still have an NHL career ahead of him, as he used to be able to score.  Scott – not so much.  And on an offensively-challenged team such as the Sabres, who managed only 15 SOG in their last game, every minute John Scott plays is a minute you can guarantee the Buffalo Sabres will not score.  Time to bring in a guy who is more than a one-trick pony.