My thumb is down to the Buffalo Sabres' lust for Connor McDavid. I'm well aware that all 30 NHL teams would not hesitate to smile at the thought of McDavid in their lineup, but most of them would be highly disappointed if that came to pass because they won the draft lottery after finishing in last place.

Until or unless the Sabres decide to change the conversation regarding themselves and McDavid by vowing to finish as high as they can, they are to be judged by the comments they've made. Owner Terry Pegula has stated that the way to improve is to do what Pittsburgh did - draft Sidney Crosby with the first pick a year after selecting Evgeni Malkin with the second pick. Well, there are other ways, but I digress.

General manager Tim Murray is anxious to see the Sabres lose "properly" if they must lose. "Let's get Connor with honour" would be the rallying cry. The Sabres are probably bad enough to get the most favourable draft odds by trying their best, and so they should say and do everything to suggest that 30th place is not acceptable….even if that is the goal.

-Dave Hodge of TSN.