The Instigator Podcast

Colton Parayko may be a Sabre if he opts to waive his no trade clause. Robert Thomas was very nearly a Sabre, based on reporting on Tuesday. Both big names out of St. Louis are our primary talking points this week as Thomas would represent a monumental blockbuster deal while Parayko is a seasoned top four defender who would further strengthen an already impressive unit. We break down what Parayko could mean for the Sabres as we await word on the trade being finalized. We also dive deep into the Thomas rumor, discuss which Sabres assets would have been involved and consider what could bring the teams back together before Friday afternoon.  --- Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777 or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds  required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time in 46 years the U.S. has won gold in Olympic Hockey. Meanwhile, the U.S. women brought home yet another gold medal, cementing themselves as the global power in the women's game. We break down both gold medals in addition to addressing the discourse that has followed in the wake of the double championships. In this episode we debate if USA Hockey will learn the wrong lessons from hanging on for dear life in the gold medal game along with our grievances with the officiating in both tournaments. We also share some thoughts on the Sabres return to action on Wednesday. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Olympic hockey tournament is here and we take a look at the tournament favorites on the men's side. We break down the Canadian and U.S. line combos and share what we think separates the two gold medal favorites. We offer thoughts on what countries we think will make some noise at the tournament and pick our podium.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With the men's Olympic hockey tournament set to begin and the women's Olympic hockey tournament already underway, Parker McLean of On The Fly joined the show to give a host of insights on this year's Olympic hockey tournament. Parker provides some great, in-depth talking points on the women's tournament, the teams who will be competing behind the U.S. and Canada and which of the two big rivals will walk away with gold. We also break down the men's tournament, discussing what fans can expect from IIHF officiating, the rink dimensions and sever other aspects of the tournament. Parker offers his favorites and who he thinks will win gold in the men's tournament as well. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Big news broke in Buffalo on Tuesday as it was announced the Bills will bringing their radio production in-house for the coming season. Shortly after, The Buffalo News reported that the Sabres will follow suit. This represents a big shift in how both teams present themselves to their fanbase and will have a broad impact for fans. We discuss some of the more fascinating points of the process and what may be on the horizon in Western New York. We also dig into the Sabres strong finish in their pre-Olympic games and our growing confidence in their playoff credentials.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Four point games are all the rage as the Sabres press on. The next week is filled with high-stakes games as the Sabres look to strengthen their hold on an Eastern Conference playoff spot. We touch on the upcoming schedule, whether or not Buffalo's dip in underlying numbers are cause for concern and offer a few thoughts on last week's Josh Doan extension. Along the way, we touch on the pair of trades made by the Islanders and share some thoughts on Buffalo's minor league trade with the Hurricanes as well.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We take a detour from hockey talk to break down the seismic news of Sean McDermott's firing from the Bills. We touch on that news before digging in to the latest with the Sabres as they continue their push to end the playoff drought with a few impressive showings as they head out on the road. We also talk about how rejuvenating the Olympic break may be for the players who are dealing with injuries like Josh Norris and Michael Kesselring.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The meat of the NHL's condensed schedule has arrived. The Sabres face a daunting set of games as they head towards the Olympic break and it doesn't get any easier in March. We talk though the challenges the Sabres face as they work to stay in the thick of the playoff race. Along the way, we touch on Buffalo's need for one more scorer and share some thoughts on what else needs to be shored up as they creep towards the stretch run.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week's episode tackles the tricky topic of scoreboard watching along with a discussion of the Sabres line combinations upon Jason Zucker's return. We break down the pros and cons of Peyton Krebs remaining with Tage Thompson, Noah Ostlund's apparent demotion and whether Jack Quinn should remain in the lineup. We wrap up with an in-depth look at some potential options on the blueline as the Sabres try to navigate the absence of Michael Kesselring and Conor Timmins.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres streak hit nine and we offer up thoughts on the latest for the streaking Sabres while digging into some of Owen Power's impressive underlying numbers while fleshing out the debate over trading him. We also provide some insight to the USA Olympic hockey team's roster bubble, debating the last few players expected to make the team ahead of the official announcement.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jarmo Kekäläinen made his first front office additions, bringing in Marc Bergevin and Josh Flynn. We talk about those additions and what else may be on the horizon for Kekäläinen and the Sabres hockey department as the new GM settles in. This episode also runs through some players who may have been Adams' guys but potentially not Jarmo's guys. We touch on the upcoming World Junior Championship and offer up a gift that each of us would give to the Sabres.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevyn Adams was relieved of his duties as Buffalo Sabres general manager, a move that was eagerly anticipated by Sabres fans. Jarmo Kekäläinen steps into the role, the first time Terry Pegula has hired a general manager with prior experience in his time as owner. We break down where things went wrong for Adams and what led to his firing. We also dig in to what makes Kekäläinen an intriguing fit for the Sabres and the biggest issues he'll need to manage in the role.      Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Tuch's contract negotiations seem about as icy as Buffalo's weather. The potential he's moved increases by the day and this episode focuses on what it will look like if and when the Sabres trade Alex Tuch. Who should they target when they shop him? What should the trade package for Tuch look like? And how can the deal help push the Sabres forward?   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Norris made his return from injury and posted an impressive stat line. Combined with Noah Ostlund, the Sabres center group looks much more confidence inspiring than it did just a couple of weeks back. Norris, Ostlund and a few other key performers are the focal point of this week's episode as is our take on the delays with the arena that is suppose to host the Olympic hockey tournament in Milan.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Thanksgiving came and the Sabres sit last in the East. As one of the most notable schedule benchmarks passes with the Sabres facing a daunting climb, what is to be made of the general manager and how are they going to solve the three-headed monster in goal?       Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres may finally be getting some injury relief, which will cause some difficult roster choices to be made once Zach Benson, Josh Norris and Jason Zucker finally return. Buffalo's trio of goaltenders will make the roster choices tighter, unless the team finds a path to running just two goalies. We discuss the pros and cons of Buffalo's three headed goalie monster and the implications in net and on the rest of Buffalo's roster.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

An unbelievable run of injuries and illnesses have hamstrung the Sabres and put them in a monumentally difficult position. Without four key forwards and Rasmus Dahlin, the Sabres are in the midst of a challenging roadtrip that could put the team behind the 8-ball in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. We break down the key aspects of the run of injuries and offer up some views on how the team can dig out of the hole...and whether or not they're positioned to do so.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In addition to a brief update post-OT loss to the Mammoth, I take some listener questions on this week's show. Among the topics are Owen Power, what the Sabres do with their lineup once they're healthy and how to fix their three on three woes. Also on the show, a discussion on the loser points they're racking up and how they're keeping the Sabres alive in a tightly packed Eastern Conference, but also how a few wins stacked up wouldn't just have the Sabres in the hunt, but with a firm grip on a playoff spot.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Whether it be the play of Alex Lyon, Josh Doan, Zach Benson or their improved special teams, the Sabres have shown some promise early in the 2025-26 season. They are at NHL .500 after 10 games and we dig into what's gone right, what needs to be cleaned up and why were still feeling good about their outlook even in the wake of two disappointing OT losses.     Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Sabres rebounded after a dreadful set of opening games. With wins against Ottawa and Florida, and a quality outing in Montreal, things are looking brighter in Buffalo. There is still work to be done as we discuss Buffalo's sluggish first period results and their substandard goal scoring results through their first six games. We also highlight the bright spots, including Zach Benson, Josh Doan and others who may just help pull the Sabres into the fight as they try to break their NHL record playoff drought.   Gambling problem? Call one eight hundred Gambler. In New York, call eight seven seven eight HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). In Connecticut, Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-878-9777or visit ccpg dot org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (Kansas). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in Illinois. 21-plus age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario. Restrictions apply. Bet must win to receive Bonus Bets which expire in 7 days. Minimum odds required. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG.co/audio. Limited time offer. Copyright NHL 2025. All Rights Reserved.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.