Confirmed with Link: Casey Mittelstadt traded to COL for D Bo Byram. Straight up.

[Dreakon13]

If Thompson and Cozens play up to their potential or even kinda close to how they did last year... this trade doesn't feel so bad. A lot of the talk about how much worse we are without Mitts goes away.

Right or wrong, those two are our 1-2 punch down the middle for the foreseeable future. Them slumping makes losing Mitts feels like a bigger hole than it is, and with or without Mitts this team isn't going anywhere until those two (and/or their lines) get it together.

 

[Ralonzo]

Hey guys, hope you don't mind the intrusion, but do you have any games from this season that you'd recommend watching to get a good idea of Mittelstadt's toolset?

Not so much footage but to me his game right now, I'd comp stylewise to Sydney Crosby. Not the elite production, but in the sense that I've always thought of Crosby as a grinder with elite skill. Mitts was drafted with high-end skill but got thumped around the first few years. Now Mitts main forte is his wall work and puck protect, you'll be surprised how often he walks off the wall with a puck or shields it to buy time for teammates. Definitely a plus-possession guy. And every so often you get a wow-pass or wow-shot. Tends to elevate his linemates - late last year when Tage when down Mitts stepped into the void and production didn't fall off at all.

It's bitter to trade his production for more potential - the Sabres shouldn't be doing that still after 13 years. I see the dropoff from Mitts to Krebs as much larger than the upgrade from Ryan Johnson to Byram. The trade is a great fit from the Avs end though where the drop from Byran to Girard may not be a drop at all, and the RyJo to Mitts upgrade is... well, you know.

 

[joshjull]

What a crazy thing to wake up to. That must have been surreal initially.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

It will be the highlight of Byram's life talking to know nothing Harrington.

 

[HOOats]

What a crazy thing to wake up to. That must have been surreal initially.

Some interesting stuff in there if you're willing to reach to extrapolate:

• This wasn't a Donnie trade. He comes off slightly miffed that one of his two five-year star American reclamation projects is gone. Mitts, Tage, and Dahlin are basically his entire resumé at this point.
• Adams is going for a leadership/culture core built around these young Canadian kids (incl Power and Savoie). It's remarkable how much top end Nats talent we have now. I'm not sure what that means for Dahlin's natural leadership within the group, but it will be interesting to watch. Pay attention to who controls the locker room stereo.
• I don't like how giddy Krebs and Cozens have come off. The best performer on your team and also your friend just got dealt. Sure your good buddy is coming the other way, but be a bit reserved in your reaction. This isn't a reward for you, it's more of an indictment of a failed season. Parise was interviewed by Pierre during the Avs-Wings last night and didn't mention the guys they acquired once. He struck a somber tone and paid tribute to what Byram and co had meant to their group. I know our guys aren't vets who "get it" yet, but hold off on acting like your best friend is coming to sleep over for at least a day. Maybe we'll get good once they "get it" more.

 

[Dubi Doo]

This is where I’m at. I love adding someone as talented as Byram to the defense. If Byram - Dahlin work, then you can figure out two pairs between power, samuelsson, joker, and Clifton.

I also don’t like the forward group as it has no identity, missing key types of players, and just needs some changes. You have some key pieces, but it’s just a collection of players rather than a thoughtfully constructed forward group. But that was true even with Mitts.

I will be fine with this trade if Adams is aggressive in adding forwards that fill roles this team is currently lacking. I have my doubt Adams shares my line of thinking.

That being said, if Byram becomes Dahlin's partner for the foreseeable future, and takes that pair to the next level, then the trade looks really nice. It's just the rest of the roster construction that becomes an issue.

I'm also fearful we just aqcuired another Joki; a player who has really nice potential, but isn't ready for the role he'll play on this team, and suffers because of it. At least Byram will have an ultra talented partner.

 

[toddkaz]

Do we though?

What if Mittelstadt’s replacement (Krebs) never comes close to reaching Casey’s level of play?

Mitts replacement has nothing to do with winning the trade. Byram is a 2-3 defenseman and Mitts is a 2-3C thats what matters.

Failure to replace Mitts is on Adams not the trade. A GM should have a plan, not just grabbing at pieces.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I will be fine with this trade if Adams is aggressive in adding forwards that fill roles this team is currently lacking. I have my doubt Adams shares my line of thinking.

That being said, if Byram becomes Dahlin's partner for the foreseeable future, and takes that pair to the next level, then the trade looks really nice. It's just the rest of the roster construction that becomes an issue.

I'm also fearful we just aqcuired another Joki; a player who has really nice potential, but isn't ready for the role he'll play on this team, and suffers because of it. At least Byram will have an ultra talented partner.

At least avalanche fans think he’s ready for the increased role. A lot of comments about his struggles is because he’s stuck on the third pairing, so we’ll see.

He’s played a huge role before on a playoff run, so he’s got it in him for sure.

 

[Jim Bob]

Mitts replacement has nothing to do with winning the trade. Byram is a 2-3 defenseman and Mitts is a 2-3C thats what matters.

Failure to replace Mitts is on Adams not the trade. A GM should have a plan, not just grabbing at pieces.

To be fair, he has a long time between now and mid to late July to address the center depth.

You are not going to solve all the issues with any one trade.

The first stage will be giving Krebs a longer look at center not on the 4th line. If that doesn't go well, then Adams will know that getting two bottom 6 centers is on the To Do list for the off season.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Byram-Dahlin is intriguing to me.

I still don't like the forward group as much after this deal, obviously. But, if Byram clicks with Dahlin, the D core could look really good next season.

Byram-Dahlin
Power-[Jokiharju/RyJo/TBD]
Samuelsson-Clifton

Although, they could still shake stuff up with Jokiharju and Samuelsson potentially getting moved out.

After watching last night, I don't think Power is the one moving. They were trying him on the right side, which tells me that they are working ways to keep him in the line up.

I think Jokiharju moves.

Byrum - Dahlin
Johnson - Power (or flip it)
Samuelsson - Clifton

That's about as good a young D corps as you can have.

 

[Jim Bob]

After watching last night, I don't think Power is the one moving. They were trying him on the right side, which tells me that they are working ways to keep him in the line up.

I think Jokiharju moves.

Byrum - Dahlin
Johnson - Power (or flip it)
Samuelsson - Clifton

That's about as good a young D corps as you can have.

I never thought Power was going anywhere.

Jokiharju & Samuelsson are the two guys that I thought were potential trade out candidates. And Jokiharju is the most obvious candidate being that he's a pending RFA who was not a priority re-sign like Samuelsson was.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Mitts replacement has nothing to do with winning the trade. Byram is a 2-3 defenseman and Mitts is a 2-3C thats what matters.

Failure to replace Mitts is on Adams not the trade. A GM should have a plan, not just grabbing at pieces.

This is kind of the same same point I made in the Bram thread. It’s difficult to appreciate the beautiful airplane you’re flying on when the captain is driving it into a mountain.

It’s a good trade and he maximized value. Now you still have to build a team though.

 

[Asymmetric Solution]

Bets of luck with your recovery!

Thanks man. I’m off the meds a bit haha and calmed. Mitts was my guy but the more I read up on Byram, who I loved during his draft class, I’m intrigued what he can do to shore up the defense. He’s definitely going to add an element to the D and he was a stud defender coming out. Kids potential is still sky high and he and Dahlin could be dynamite.

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

After watching last night, I don't think Power is the one moving. They were trying him on the right side, which tells me that they are working ways to keep him in the line up.

I think Jokiharju moves.

Byrum - Dahlin
Johnson - Power (or flip it)
Samuelsson - Clifton

That's about as good a young D corps as you can have.

It's a great core, and I have no idea why we would be moving anyone unless it is for RD reasons to balance corps out. Sabres claim that doesn't matter. People are always trying to thin out a D to six guys. There is no team in the entire league that uses 6 D. That would be a miracle. You really need eight D, and hopefully, that is with guys who are eligible to get some time with Rochester without waivers.

Jokiharju is having a great season. His puck movement has been solid. Not spectacular but he is a great guy on a third pair and can play some top minutes if he has to. I have zero idea why we would trade him or anyone else unless we sign a UFA vet. And we sure don't need Erik Johnson 2.0. If we can sign a Teppo Numminen type player like we did in 2005-2006, sure move Jokiharku. But until then, why?

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

To be fair, he has a long time between now and mid to late July to address the center depth.

You are not going to solve all the issues with any one trade.

The first stage will be giving Krebs a longer look at center not on the 4th line. If that doesn't go well, then Adams will know that getting two bottom 6 centers is on the To Do list for the off season.

He’s had time before, and hasn’t used it. I think the worry is understandable.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I never thought Power was going anywhere.

Jokiharju & Samuelsson are the two guys that I thought were potential trade out candidates. And Jokiharju is the most obvious candidate being that he's a pending RFA who was not a priority re-sign like Samuelsson was.

I think there's a small possibility. Arguably, Power has the most trade value right now of any Sabre in terms of still untapped potential and ceiling.

If Adams went big game hunting for someone like Brady Tkachuk, he's absolutely need to include Power, Dahlin, or Thompson in that type of trade.

But, after watching last night and also seeing how Adams seems to be reshaping the roster around younger Canadians, I don't see Power moving.

Assuming the pairings work:

Bowen could be for Dahlin what I was thinking about when I advocated Broberg. Bowen could be a mobile shutdown type with the ability to skate with anyone and make great outlet passes. Can he cover for Dahlin? Is he suited for that role?

Power - Johnson could be really good if one of them can play the right side well. Both are mobile, and Johnson is basically a left handed version of Pysyk, which is what someone like Power needs.

Samuelsson and Clifton has potential to be the best 3rd pairing in the league. I think Samuelsson will be back to his old self when he's not asked to cover for Dahlin.

 

[Willgamesh]

Some interesting stuff in there if you're willing to reach to extrapolate:

• This wasn't a Donnie trade. He comes off slightly miffed that one of his two five-year star American reclamation projects is gone. Mitts, Tage, and Dahlin are basically his entire resumé at this point.
• Adams is going for a leadership/culture core built around these young Canadian kids (incl Power and Savoie). It's remarkable how much top end Nats talent we have now. I'm not sure what that means for Dahlin's natural leadership within the group, but it will be interesting to watch. Pay attention to who controls the locker room stereo.
• I don't like how giddy Krebs and Cozens have come off. The best performer on your team and also your friend just got dealt. Sure your good buddy is coming the other way, but be a bit reserved in your reaction. This isn't a reward for you, it's more of an indictment of a failed season. Parise was interviewed by Pierre during the Avs-Wings last night and didn't mention the guys they acquired once. He struck a somber tone and paid tribute to what Byram and co had meant to their group. I know our guys aren't vets who "get it" yet, but hold off on acting like your best friend is coming to sleep over for at least a day. Maybe we'll get good once they "get it" more.

MacKinnon was interviewed and mentioned Mitts and Byram, you're reaching

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

After watching last night, I don't think Power is the one moving. They were trying him on the right side, which tells me that they are working ways to keep him in the line up.

I think Jokiharju moves.

Byrum - Dahlin
Johnson - Power (or flip it)
Samuelsson - Clifton

That's about as good a young D corps as you can have.

Looks far better with Joki still in there. I doubt Johnson or power will be able to stick on the right side for the long-haul, even if they can handle it in a pinch when they need to

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

He’s had time before, and hasn’t used it. I think the worry is understandable.

The perfect third line centre add for this team -- and it COULD NEVER HAPPEN -- would be Ryan O'Reilly. We need a guy who can take a big draw, play some big minutes in his own end and who has some game left to score. I don't even think Casey fit that too well.

 

[Krieger Bot]

Looks like he is going to pair with Dahlin. Hopefully the two of them gel and never look back

I would be thrilled if it happens. But it just feels like trying to fit more square pegs into round holes. Maximizing these guys' skill sets would involve playing them with a couple of stay at home defensemen who will cover for them while they try to create. Not playing them with one another.

 

[HOOats]

MacKinnon was interviewed and mentioned Mitts and Byram, you're reaching

Well, considering I said it was a bit of a reach...

Our guys sounded like giddy kids, that's all. Not the end of the world, just came off a bit unserious. And that's absolutely consistent with what we've seen from this young group in terms of attitude and approach to this point.

 

[TageGod]

No. But I also don't understand why you ask.

Was curious the scope of what you meant but "much bigger" like what did you have in mind?

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

The perfect third line centre add for this team -- and it COULD NEVER HAPPEN -- would be Ryan O'Reilly. We need a guy who can take a big draw, play some big minutes in his own end and who has some game left to score. I don't even think Casey fit that too well.

That would be perfect. I'd like to trade JJP or Kulich for an excellent 4C like that, but one who has term and low AAV. If we grab a ROR, that only plugs the hole for a season or two.

 

[TageGod]

Some interesting stuff in there if you're willing to reach to extrapolate:

• This wasn't a Donnie trade. He comes off slightly miffed that one of his two five-year star American reclamation projects is gone. Mitts, Tage, and Dahlin are basically his entire resumé at this point.
• Adams is going for a leadership/culture core built around these young Canadian kids (incl Power and Savoie). It's remarkable how much top end Nats talent we have now. I'm not sure what that means for Dahlin's natural leadership within the group, but it will be interesting to watch. Pay attention to who controls the locker room stereo.
• I don't like how giddy Krebs and Cozens have come off. The best performer on your team and also your friend just got dealt. Sure your good buddy is coming the other way, but be a bit reserved in your reaction. This isn't a reward for you, it's more of an indictment of a failed season. Parise was interviewed by Pierre during the Avs-Wings last night and didn't mention the guys they acquired once. He struck a somber tone and paid tribute to what Byram and co had meant to their group. I know our guys aren't vets who "get it" yet, but hold off on acting like your best friend is coming to sleep over for at least a day. Maybe we'll get good once they "get it" more.

There is also excitement for a friend getting to contend in the playoffs. They probably had a better idea internally it was possible. I do agree it was a bit too much.

I still think this is 100% Dahlin's team.