Tre White Transaction Academy Not As Fun
Some people who come to town for work leave as friends.
Buffalo fans have been sad about something other than games. For a change of pace, the last few days have been spent watching the Tre White Goalie Academy ad and crying like it’s the start of Up. The Bills made rational moves factoring salary and injury history that hurt our dear feelings. Altering the roster embodies the tough human challenges of an employment decision by a city’s sports team.
All-time puck-stopper White leaves Buffalo never having seen a pro hockey game. He could finally have a chance by signing somewhere that doesn’t host the Sabres. Either way, he’ll remain as professional as he is charming.
The cornerback you most wish was your friend has had a Robert James-style career where he’s trying to keep pace with injuries. A star’s tremendous play hasn’t been seen frequently lately on account of a career shortened by devastating injuries.
The secondary is now truly depleted. Jordan Poyer came along at just the right time. That may not have been a coincidence. Correlation may not equal causation, but it may, too. A huge part of the defensive turnaround didn’t just happen to arrive when Poyer turned tackling into more than a dream.
Some wishes won’t be granted. For one, I will never find out why his girlfriend blocked me on Twitter even though I agree with her about the absurd infringements capriciously ordered by a government that risibly claimed to be acting in everyone’s health. Like how Jerry never learned why his girlfriend refused to eat the pie, some mysteries will remain unsolved.
The oddity of excessively extensive work deals is a little easier to address. Last year’s two-year deal was twice as long as it should have been, but it can be tough to work comfortably if you know you’re getting canned at year’s end. It’s better to at least maintain hope. On that subject, I’m optimistic his decline will accelerate now that he’s joined the Dolphins. Embrace a chance for perfect timing.
The longtime center happened to be snapping just after Josh Allen was bitten by a radioactive spider. Mitch Morse also uncannily appeared as the offense changed from a corporate write-off to a juggernaut that can only be stopped by their own coach. The center of thoughtful play and answers brought stability from play’s start and past its finish.
Which player do you miss the most? Conducting a forlorn debate may help cope. Not getting the premier cornerback back was the saddest roster move. An irrepressible person’s play was just the start. Lamentably, we’ve recently only gotten to enjoy his personality. White has only played 21 games over the last three seasons with a recuperation that may keep him out of some during a fourth.
Bills fans were more shocked by Morse’s LinkedIn browsing. But a franchise that’s overpaying its roster by rule couldn’t justify keeping an offensive lineman who’s about to turn 32 with a concussion history. Morse is someone you can thank for his contributions as he’s getting canned and not be lying. Personally, I’m always proud to have introduced him.
By contrast, there’s the Sabres. The sentence applies to so many things. This month, it applies to the trade deadline and a technical captain. Kyle Okposo didn’t play well, but at least he didn’t lead well. He guided the Sabres through the drought. Also, “through” means “ deeper into”.
Florida gets the cursed Brady Bunch Kyle tiki while Okposo’s erstwhile employer should be glad for the marginal defenseman and draft choice received in return. A plagued fanbase is long since tired of hoping traded Sabres go on to find success with other clubs. The pathetic notion is particularly noxious for one player who didn’t earn the chance.
Constant fear that a chronic underachiever will drag down a team is thankfully not our problem anymore. The energy’s already changed for the better just by ostensible subtraction. You may have noticed the first two Sabres games without him featured both a win and ensuing salute to fans, which were two infrequent occurrences during his unproductive tenure.
The traded captain looking around trying to figure out who caused semipermanent playoff misses like Hot Dog Guy. Both like and unlike how Poyer showed up as the pass defense became respectable, Okposo was a Sabre for a huge percentage of the exile. The guy who reeks of gasoline vows to help you find the arsonist. They couldn’t win because a team where he was supposed to be a huge contributor underperformed by sheer coincidence.
The fact Okposo didn’t sign the worst contract in franchise is condemnation of the Sabres, not praise of him. We call that the Leino Precedent. Being finally free of his paralyzing deal only to bring him back in was a decision that can’t be blamed on unawareness of potential outcomes. The Sabres would bring Moses to the Promised Land multiple times without letting him in.
The Sabres got something back for one last turnover for Casey Mittelstadt. An eighth overall choice scoring a little more than half a point per game is the sort of uninspiring production that keeps a team drafting similarly highly. Bowen Byram is playing well because he hasn’t been tainted yet.
Wags note the Sabres should’ve traded the coach, general manager, and owner. Make the front office abide by Twitter polls. They can’t deal for a cultural turnover. Nobody trusts those responsible for changing employees.
The play’s the thing, according to Sabres fan Hamlet. The prototypical tragedy where everyone dies is far less melodramatic than the drought. I’m sorry for the spoilers, although we sadly know what’s next with this club. The titular character is more indecisive than Kevyn Adams.
Vague platitudes about change’s inevitability offer little preparation for specific moves. Buffalo features one team that could stand to start over while another tries to slightly improve efficiency despite losing crew members. The individuals we miss overshadow the play even if that’s how we got to know them.