BUF's AGM has to be scouting Byram on the right side. That is three games in a row now I think. If it is the case I really hope it is for Mitts and not Cozen. I'm really not a fan of Cozen's hockey IQ.
Strangely enough, that seems to be around the same time that Byram has 'woken up' and started playing a ton better.
I wonder - did they say 'hey we've got some interest but you're going to have to play your best if we're going to be able to trade you' - maybe in response to a trade request? That's just speculation on my part but I have to believe that Byram probably wants to have some sort of opportunity to play on the PP - at some point - and he's just not getting that here.
From the Sabres, they have some pretty interesting center options :
Tage Thompson -> the guy has unreal talent but needs better structure to his game. I'd be surprised if the Sabres traded that guy but I personally don't believe kevyn adams is a good GM so anything is possible. In the BUF game I saw a few weeks back, he was easily the most talented forward on the ice but he didn't seem to work within a system (if any). I do believe that coaching is a huge issue with the Sabres and a big reason why they aren't a playoff team right now.
Dylan Cozens -> after a slow start where he only put up 11 points in 23 games, he's bounced back nicely with 22 points in his last 29 games. I personally have zero problem with his hockey IQ... he's a good skater and puts in the work defensively. I think he's probably already reached his ceiling offensively and is likely to be a 60 point guy but that's already pretty damn good at that age. I would love it if we acquired him, I think he would fit this team very nicely.
Casey Mittelstadt -> he's come a massively long way since those days around 4 years ago when we Avs fans were wondering if we should do a Jost for Mittelstadt, 1-for-1 trade or not. (well, they ended up with both!) His $2.5M contract would be fantastic for the cap
this season but if you're trading for him you have to be mindful that there's an extension coming this summer as well. He's got arbitration rights and is coming off a 59 point season last year and on pace for a 65 point season this season. So you're looking at the low-end - let's say Dylan Strome who signed a $5M X 5 year contract in the midst of a 65 point season with the Caps and on the high-end, PLD signed a $8.5M X 8 year contract coming off a 63 point season with the Jets, both those guys were around 25 years old RFAs as well, so it's gonna be for sure in that range which is pretty wide. I would think he's the likely target but you never know... those posts from
@SoundwaveIsCharisma could have made all the difference in the world a few weeks back!
