2018-19 Roster Speculation Pt. 3: Started from the bottom now we're here

[Aladyyn]

We need a 1st line speed with grit and hands winger.
We need a 2nd line true sniper for Casey.
We need a 3rd line that contributes.
We need to upgrade Girgenson on that 4th line, Larry needs more than just a throw in grinder/pk specialist to play with.

Defensively I think we're in a decent place. I'd like a replacement RHD for Bogo and some competition to push Nelson down to the 7th D, both RD situations, but not overly concerned as of yet.
Goaltending has been good to outstanding, I don't expect a change here.

To me, it comes down to the forward ranks, not just scoring more, but puck possession players as well. Puck possession is so key. Game after game over the last 3 to 4 years the Sabres have had terrible numbers in this regard, and although it's improving, they still lose the puck far to often to quickly in the neutral and offensive zones.

Do we really need a 1st line winger when we already have 2? Doesn't seem like an awfully pressing need.

 

[Yatzhee]

We can’t fully depend on our prospects panning out in the future, but CJ Smith, Olfosson, and Asplund could be those players that we need. Not to mention a recent 8th overall pick in Nylander down in Roch as well

Agree that some of those needs may be addressed internally.
I've watched Rochester on AHLTV a bit, not sold on Asplund as others are. He's not remotely ready for the NHL in my opinion.
Olofsson and Nylander however, are coming along nicely, from what I've seen.
CJ Smith is a bit of a conundrum to me, he shows good speed, good stick handling, but in the games I've watched of Rochester he misses the net a lot when he does shoot and tends to lose the puck to often in the O zone. Correctable? Sure, but at his age he should be self correcting and improving on those, I haven't seen it. I have him as a "potential" 3rd line LW'er.

 

[Yatzhee]

Do we really need a 1st line winger when we already have 2? Doesn't seem like an awfully pressing need.

I'm not sold on Skinner staying Aladyyn. Just a hunch.

Edit: And I should note, it's with that in mind that I've been paying attention to Ehlers out in Winnipeg. 6 mil, long term, speed with skill. I would love to see him with Middlestadt.
They could use an LW upgrade.
I've been looking at Trouba and Ehlers in a deal around Skinner, Girgensons and Scandella.

 

[Aladyyn]

I'm not sold on Skinner staying Aladyyn. Just a hunch.

That's a fair point. I personally see him staying but of course none of us can predict it.

For me the scariest part of the roster is Casey Mittelstadt. If he doesn't pan out, we're f***ed. And we all know how hard it is to find true top 6 centers...

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I think Buffalo is fine at W, but there is no good answer at a middle six C past mediocre options of Sobotka, Berglund, Rodrigues, or even Girgensons. I say "middle six" because I'm open to acquiring a 2C and moving Mittelstadt down, and even using him in a more defensive role. Even if Asplund turns out perfect for 3rd line duties, that's at least two seasons waiting for him to fill the hole.

 

[Yatzhee]

That's a fair point. I personally see him staying but of course none of us can predict it.

For me the scariest part of the roster is Casey Mittelstadt. If he doesn't pan out, we're ****ed. And we all know how hard it is to find true top 6 centers...

Agreed. I was editing my original post as you were responding. There was some talk out of Winnipeg fans about Ehlers being odd man out. They want to go for it this year.

Here is my edit:

And I should note, it's with that in mind that I've been paying attention to Ehlers out in Winnipeg. 6 mil, long term, speed with skill. I would love to see him with Middlestadt.
They could use an LW upgrade.
I've been looking at Trouba and Ehlers in a deal around Skinner, Girgensons and Scandella.

********should be noted, Peg fans were looking to address the 3/4 LD situation, even when Big Buf returns.

 

[nickdawg95]

Do we really need a 1st line winger when we already have 2? Doesn't seem like an awfully pressing need.

i agree, skinner eichel reinhart is a fine top line

 

[nickdawg95]

we should go out and get brassard i'm all in, probably be pretty cheap, Not working out for the pens 5 m cap hit ufa season, only get paid 1.5m in actually dollars. could be a really good add if we keep this top 5 team thing going into the new year

Skinner-Eichel-Reinhart
Sheary-Brassad-okposo
Thompson-Mittlestadt-erod/pominvile
berglund-larson-girgs

 

[dkollidas]

Why do you have Reinhart on the 3rd line, especially with Okposo in that spot?

I was just attempting to put as much balance through the lineup as possible. I also think Reinhart can provide solid offensive play with half decent players, and can definitely be used as part of a “shutdown line”. If we had him with someone like Sissons or Bennet as well as Sheary on the other wing, I think that could be a strong line.

If we did get Silfverberg as I suggest, you could, and probably would, flip them back and forth throughout the season. None of this would be permanent. It will all ebb and flow throughout the season.

 

[Yatzhee]

Spoke with a Winnipeg fan this morning. They are contemplating the Trouba situation, and the potential of moving Ehlers.
Stated their needs are a top 4 RHD, 2/3 C and a 3/4 LHD on reasonable term in that order.
Ehlers and that contract is exactly what I'd be looking to target if I'm Botts. Tough to gauge what gets it done as Winnipeg would need immediate roster upgrades, futures would be secondary to them I'd imagine. The first player that came to mind was Scandella for the LHD, but for Ehlers they would need more.

Also, Sobotka for Brassard straight up I would do if we can make the cap work.

Any thoughts?

 

[OkimLom]

I was just attempting to put as much balance through the lineup as possible. I also think Reinhart can provide solid offensive play with half decent players, and can definitely be used as part of a “shutdown line”. If we had him with someone like Sissons or Bennet as well as Sheary on the other wing, I think that could be a strong line.

If we did get Silfverberg as I suggest, you could, and probably would, flip them back and forth throughout the season. None of this would be permanent. It will all ebb and flow throughout the season.

Okay I get that. I can just imagine the criticism certain fans would have of Reinhart WHEN he doesn’t produce with what is left offense wise for the 3rd line especially playing wing.

 

[Weaves]

Spoke with a Winnipeg fan this morning. They are contemplating the Trouba situation, and the potential of moving Ehlers.
Stated their needs are a top 4 RHD, 2/3 C and a 3/4 LHD on reasonable term in that order.
Ehlers and that contract is exactly what I'd be looking to target if I'm Botts. Tough to gauge what gets it done as Winnipeg would need immediate roster upgrades, futures would be secondary to them I'd imagine. The first player that came to mind was Scandella for the LHD, but for Ehlers they would need more.

Also, Sobotka for Brassard straight up I would do if we can make the cap work.

Any thoughts?

Okay, still have my Winnipeg ties so here goes.. Jets will do everything in there power to keep Ehlers. Kyle Connor and Laine needing a new contract is going to cause serious issues, though.

Ehlers may be gettable in the offseason, and Winnipeg's only real area of need after this season is defence and a #2C (which we dont have the assets to provide). They will have Morissey sloted in as their 1LHD, and Byf obviosuly as their 1RHD, but he is aging. I still feel Trouba gets dealt personally, and they will likely recoup some dmen for him. Outside of Niku, there isn't any real help coming. Myers likely walks in the off season.

But getting Ehlers? Gonna take something like Guhle + Asplund + a 2020 first, maybe more. It will be tough to pry him out of Winnipeg, period.

And FWIW, I proposed a 1for1 RoR for Ehlers swap this entire summer, funny how that trade would still have worked out for both sides.

 

[CatsforReinhart]

We need a 1st line speed with grit and hands winger.
We need a 2nd line true sniper for Casey.
We need a 3rd line that contributes.
We need to upgrade Girgenson on that 4th line, Larry needs more than just a throw in grinder/pk specialist to play with.

Defensively I think we're in a decent place. I'd like a replacement RHD for Bogo and some competition to push Nelson down to the 7th D, both RD situations, but not overly concerned as of yet.
Goaltending has been good to outstanding, I don't expect a change here.

To me, it comes down to the forward ranks, not just scoring more, but puck possession players as well. Puck possession is so key. Game after game over the last 3 to 4 years the Sabres have had terrible numbers in this regard, and although it's improving, they still lose the puck far to often to quickly in the neutral and offensive zones.

I don't think we are that far off. With our prospects Nylander, Olofsson and Plut also perhaps Guhle....

I think one 2nd/3rd line center and 1 top 9 winger.

 

[Royal Thunder]

I'm not sold on Skinner staying Aladyyn. Just a hunch.

Edit: And I should note, it's with that in mind that I've been paying attention to Ehlers out in Winnipeg. 6 mil, long term, speed with skill. I would love to see him with Middlestadt.
They could use an LW upgrade.
I've been looking at Trouba and Ehlers in a deal around Skinner, Girgensons and Scandella.

With regards to Skinner, if he wants to be close to home and Toronto can't afford him, where else is he gonna go? Everything I've read says that proximity to home is the most important factor in his decision. I feel pretty confident that we lock him up between 7.5 and 8.5

 

[CatsforReinhart]

I'm not sold on Skinner staying Aladyyn. Just a hunch.

Edit: And I should note, it's with that in mind that I've been paying attention to Ehlers out in Winnipeg. 6 mil, long term, speed with skill. I would love to see him with Middlestadt.
They could use an LW upgrade.
I've been looking at Trouba and Ehlers in a deal around Skinner, Girgensons and Scandella.

That deal is not even close to getting it done. Skinner a UFA and Girgensons and Scendella have little value. Skinner probably wouldn't even get you Trouba or Ehlers.

 

[CrazyPsycho]

Sheary practicing

 

[Yatzhee]

Okay, still have my Winnipeg ties so here goes.. Jets will do everything in there power to keep Ehlers. Kyle Connor and Laine needing a new contract is going to cause serious issues, though.

Ehlers may be gettable in the offseason, and Winnipeg's only real area of need after this season is defence and a #2C (which we dont have the assets to provide). They will have Morissey sloted in as their 1LHD, and Byf obviosuly as their 1RHD, but he is aging. I still feel Trouba gets dealt personally, and they will likely recoup some dmen for him. Outside of Niku, there isn't any real help coming. Myers likely walks in the off season.

But getting Ehlers? Gonna take something like Guhle + Asplund + a 2020 first, maybe more. It will be tough to pry him out of Winnipeg, period.

And FWIW, I proposed a 1for1 RoR for Ehlers swap this entire summer, funny how that trade would still have worked out for both sides.

Thank you for the insight. I was thinking for next season as well.

I don't think we are that far off. With our prospects Nylander, Olofsson and Plut also perhaps Guhle....

I think one 2nd/3rd line center and 1 top 9 winger.

I disagree respectfully. We are far more than what you listed away, although, we have improved. The stats bare out where the team is at. Yes, I realize, it was an incredible 10 game winning streak run. Pilut looks serviceable, Guhle hasn't looked terrible, but he hasn't stood out in Rochester, and I watch a lot of their games on AHLTV. Olofsson looks to be a lock as a winger, but Nylander is still streaky.
If an opportunity presents itself to improve the roster long term via outside channels, it should be considered.

With regards to Skinner, if he wants to be close to home and Toronto can't afford him, where else is he gonna go? Everything I've read says that proximity to home is the most important factor in his decision. I feel pretty confident that we lock him up between 7.5 and 8.5

It's a 2 way street. Your basing 7.5 to 8.5 on what? It's been rumored he's looking for 9 to 9.5, and the way he's been playing, he'll get it elsewhere (Detroit comes to mind, playing on Larkins wing doesn't look so bad to Skinner either I'd imagine, and still close to home) if others are interested, and you can bet there will be interest for sure. There is an equally good possibility he goes as opposed to stays, with what little information we have now.

That deal is not even close to getting it done. Skinner a UFA and Girgensons and Scendella have little value. Skinner probably wouldn't even get you Trouba or Ehlers.

While I realize that doesn't get it done, it was just a spitball to see what else is available. Preferably, I'd like to land both Trouba and Ehlers, the underlying theme is can a deal be made, regardless of what I initially posted. It starts a conversation on the subject is all. I'm sure we can discuss.

 

[Hasekperreault23]

Agreed. I was editing my original post as you were responding. There was some talk out of Winnipeg fans about Ehlers being odd man out. They want to go for it this year.

Here is my edit:

And I should note, it's with that in mind that I've been paying attention to Ehlers out in Winnipeg. 6 mil, long term, speed with skill. I would love to see him with Middlestadt.
They could use an LW upgrade.
I've been looking at Trouba and Ehlers in a deal around Skinner, Girgensons and Scandella.

********should be noted, Peg fans were looking to address the 3/4 LD situation, even when Big Buf returns.

I can't see Winnipeg giving up them two without a king ransoms return they are trying to win now

 

[Hasekperreault23]

I can't see Winnipeg giving up them two without a king ransoms return they are trying to win now

Edit..start with risto,our 1st ,reinhart,scandella..i think i will stay put and build within like our young pieces and picks moving forward

 

[dkollidas]

Okay I get that. I can just imagine the criticism certain fans would have of Reinhart WHEN he doesn’t produce with what is left offense wise for the 3rd line especially playing wing.

Well Sheary is a solid 40pt player. If you get a decent 3C in there, that could be a solid grouping. And as I said it could flip around. But I’d prefer more offense spread out evenly.

 

[CatsforReinhart]

Thank you for the insight. I was thinking for next season as well.



I disagree respectfully. We are far more than what you listed away, although, we have improved. The stats bare out where the team is at. Yes, I realize, it was an incredible 10 game winning streak run. Pilut looks serviceable, Guhle hasn't looked terrible, but he hasn't stood out in Rochester, and I watch a lot of their games on AHLTV. Olofsson looks to be a lock as a winger, but Nylander is still streaky.
If an opportunity presents itself to improve the roster long term via outside channels, it should be considered.



It's a 2 way street. Your basing 7.5 to 8.5 on what? It's been rumored he's looking for 9 to 9.5, and the way he's been playing, he'll get it elsewhere (Detroit comes to mind, playing on Larkins wing doesn't look so bad to Skinner either I'd imagine, and still close to home) if others are interested, and you can bet there will be interest for sure. There is an equally good possibility he goes as opposed to stays, with what little information we have now.



While I realize that doesn't get it done, it was just a spitball to see what else is available. Preferably, I'd like to land both Trouba and Ehlers, the underlying theme is can a deal be made, regardless of what I initially posted. It starts a conversation on the subject is all. I'm sure we can discuss.

I do agree with trading Skinner if he doesn't want to sign and getting Ehlers would be awesome. I think Skinner + for Ehlers might be possible. I think the value for Skinner could be all over the place at the deadline. A team like San Jose or Anaheim might be willing to pay more because of their aging teams.

 

[HaNotsri]

Ehlers feels like a Reinhart++ or Risto+ kind of piece.

Would rather go for someone like Athanasiou but he’s having a really good season (sadly).

 

[CatsforReinhart]

Ehlers feels like a Reinhart++ or Risto+ kind of piece.

Would rather go for someone like Athanasiou but he’s having a really good season (sadly).

If Skinner is traded it wont be to Detroit. More likely Anaheim, San Jose, Minnesota, Nashville or maybe even Pittsburgh if they are buyers. Chances are its going to be a good aging team.

 

[Yatzhee]

I do agree with trading Skinner if he doesn't want to sign and getting Ehlers would be awesome. I think Skinner + for Ehlers might be possible. I think the value for Skinner could be all over the place at the deadline. A team like San Jose or Anaheim might be willing to pay more because of their aging teams.

Agreed. I only focused in on Winnipeg because of their board chatter admittedly.
All options should be considered though if it is likely he's moved.

 

[joshjull]

Why do you have Reinhart on the 3rd line, especially with Okposo in that spot?

If we are going to debate who belongs where we need to identify the lines by their usage. We have two offensive lines with usage skewed that way centered by Eichel/Mitts. We have two defensive lines with usage skewed that way centered by Sobotka (Erod)/Larsson. Eichel line usually gets the most minutes followed by the Sobotka line then Mitts then Larsson lines. Though some nights Larsson’s line has surpassed Mitts line. In that context criticizing Sam on the perceived“3rd line” is kind of a waste of time.

Where does Sam fit best? On our top defensive line? Or on one of the two offensive lines? He is one of the few that can handle playing in either role. I’d rather see him on the top defensive line to give us more balance and offensive firepower from that line.

EDIT: Wouldn’t mind seeing Sam get a spin at center on that line. I’m not a fan of Erod getting tried there. Which gets me back to my supreme frustration that Phil won’t give Sam a shot there.