Kevyn Adams GM thread

[Royal Thunder]

You can find it as a podcast. Search the Jeremy White Show.

Thanks so much!

 

[Chainshot]

The whole interview link:

https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-jeremy-white-show-9b4b9/episodes/sabres-gm-kevyn-adams-in-studio-with-jeremy-and-joe-1c24e

 

[Gabrielor]

This is as close as we’ll essentially get to Adams to saying “yes we are going to be making moves this summer”

100% zero doubt in my mind they add a Dman, and not just a depth one.

The rest is trickier to figure out. Olofsson gone is the safest bet. The rest could go any way.

 

[MOGlLNY]

100% zero doubt in my mind they add a Dman, and not just a depth one.

The rest is trickier to figure out. Olofsson gone is the safest bet. The rest could go any way.

Yes I forgot he also talked about what he can do to help the back end and mentioned texting with Donnie watching playoff games.

I’m pretty convinced Severson is the target, what number we are willing to go to is the question.

 

[Chainshot]

Yes I forgot he also talked about what he can do to help the back end and mentioned texting with Donnie watching playoff games.

I’m pretty convinced Severson is the target, what number we are willing to go to is the question.

The handedness thing - says they don't look at it as much as fans might think. So that could also be Graves or someone we don't have on our radar.

 

[MOGlLNY]

The handedness thing - says they don't look at it as much as fans might think. So that could also be Graves or someone we don't have on our radar.

Hadn’t gotten there yet, or missed it. But would love Graves, personally.

 

[Ace]

His answer to hits is the correct one and I look forward to the After the Whistle podcast losing its mind over it.

i couldn’t care less about defensive handedness. When the only pairs that work are Samuelsson - Dahlin and Power - Dahlin….I don’t know how anyone could at this point. Style fit for Samuelsson…Skill fit for Power….that’s what makes guys work together. Joker is right handed and he can’t make anyone better. I don’t care that he hasn’t found the right handedness to put in the top 4. I care that he hasn’t come close to finding a style and/or skill fit to put in the top 4. To an almost purposeful degree.

 

[Chainshot]

Hadn’t gotten there yet, or missed it. But would love Graves, personally.

There is a part where he's speaking specifically to Power's partner and he does spend time talking about Jokiharju, but the handedness thing was interesting since he does say that Sam's group has done some work on it... considering they employ someone who wrote the proverbial book (okay... blog post) on the benefits of handedness, Domenic Galamini, that's uniquely interesting since it would be a shift from previous data.

 

[Chainshot]

Adams also has a comment that Ventura's department is there with input on every decision.

 

[Gabrielor]

Yes I forgot he also talked about what he can do to help the back end and mentioned texting with Donnie watching playoff games.

I’m pretty convinced Severson is the target, what number we are willing to go to is the question.

Oh, another 100% guarantee. They'll pick in the 1st round.

 

[1point21Gigawatts]

Same cliques as normal. The guy contradicts himself constantly. I have always been an Adams supporter, but I'm officially worried he isn't adapting and is just gonna stick to his conservative crap.

dIsagree. I didn't hear any real cliches. I didn't love his goaltending answer, but i loved his responses to hitting, faceoffs, upgrading the defense. I especially loved that he feels we have to evaluate special teams.

 

[DatDude44]

Would u guys be against a Jokiharhju + Ostlund or #13 for Parayko type of deal? Maybe blues add a lower pick or spec as well

He's a much better player (both eye test and analytically) then alot of "fans" give him credit for, gets the absolute toughest minutes, matchups, zone starts and is rather successful within them(despite the team being atrociously bad this year)

I know the length of his contract isn't ideal, but he's exactly what u guys need as a shutdown PK Defensive D(can play with power or dahlin), veteran with a cup resume as well.

6.5M really isn't too bad for a guy like this, the term is really the issue. But I see it as the first 4 years is a top 4 shutdown PK D, and the last 4 he's probably closer to a 3rd pair limited pk role similiar to guys like Chara and Braun at the end of their careers. Then in his last year or two a trade or buyout becomes easier and more theisable.(If it ever even gets to that point)

Obviously I don't know him directly, but parayko seems like the type of personality that would fit perfectly well into the sabres room.

Given your guys incredible contracts, I don't think the back end of paraykos is nearly as worrisome as it would be in other cases and who knows, the guy is an absolute mutant physically, maybe he's still good in to his age 35 season etc...

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

Would u guys be against a Jokiharhju + Ostlund or #13 for Parayko type of deal? Maybe blues add a lower pick or spec as well

He's a much better player (both eye test and analytically) then alot of "fans" give him credit for, gets the absolute toughest minutes, matchups, zone starts and is rather successful within them(despite the team being atrociously bad this year)

I know the length of his contract isn't ideal, but he's exactly what u guys need as a shutdown PK Defensive D(can play with power or dahlin), veteran with a cup resume as well.

6.5M really isn't too bad for a guy like this, the term is really the issue. But I see it as the first 4 years is a top 4 shutdown PK D, and the last 4 he's probably closer to a 3rd pair limited pk role similiar to guys like Chara and Braun at the end of their careers. Then in his last year or two a trade or buyout becomes easier and more theisable.(If it ever even gets to that point)

Obviously I don't know him directly, but parayko seems like the type of personality that would fit perfectly well into the sabres room.

Given your guys incredible contracts, I don't think the back end of paraykos is nearly as worrisome as it would be in other cases and who knows, the guy is an absolute mutant physically, maybe he's still good in to his age 35 season etc...

I was a huge Parayko fan a few years ago and some posters still want him now. I think the term makes KA steer away, and I can't blame that logic. He'd be a fantastic add for a couple years but then...? Too much uncertainty and everything KA has said about his plans for the team translate to a player like Parayko not coming here. I think a decent veteran RHD can still be had and improve the team for less cost/cap, with several solid candidates around the league.

 

[Gabrielor]

Would u guys be against a Jokiharhju + Ostlund or #13 for Parayko type of deal? Maybe blues add a lower pick or spec as well

He's a much better player (both eye test and analytically) then alot of "fans" give him credit for, gets the absolute toughest minutes, matchups, zone starts and is rather successful within them(despite the team being atrociously bad this year)

I know the length of his contract isn't ideal, but he's exactly what u guys need as a shutdown PK Defensive D(can play with power or dahlin), veteran with a cup resume as well.

6.5M really isn't too bad for a guy like this, the term is really the issue. But I see it as the first 4 years is a top 4 shutdown PK D, and the last 4 he's probably closer to a 3rd pair limited pk role similiar to guys like Chara and Braun at the end of their careers. Then in his last year or two a trade or buyout becomes easier and more theisable.(If it ever even gets to that point)

Obviously I don't know him directly, but parayko seems like the type of personality that would fit perfectly well into the sabres room.

Given your guys incredible contracts, I don't think the back end of paraykos is nearly as worrisome as it would be in other cases and who knows, the guy is an absolute mutant physically, maybe he's still good in to his age 35 season etc...

Term is the issue for a price like that, sadly. The or on Ostlund/13 is really fair, I'd just want assurances on Parayko's health. His later years give me Seabrook vibes.

 

[DatDude44]

Term is the issue for a price like that, sadly. The or on Ostlund/13 is really fair, I'd just want assurances on Parayko's health. His later years give me Seabrook vibes.

Makes sense.

Appreciate you classy Sabres fans not just sh**ting on my idea haha

Figured with how deep u guys are at Fwd on the pro farm and spec rosters that if this guy can help get u over that hump into playoff hockey and mentor the young D that’d it’d be worth an Ostlund who’s most likely never gonna have too 6 opportunity in buffalo, but certainly could in STL eventually

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

No idea whether that interview is a total fake out but he sounded so status quo for this year. Has to be holding his cards close.

 

[BUCKSHOT]

This is as close as we’ll essentially get to Adams to saying “yes we are going to be making moves this summer”

He literally said “this off-season we’re gonna be looking to round things out with our roster than we have been the last couple years.” how someone took that as we are going to be cheap and not make moves is insane lol

some guys around here will spin anything to hate on Adams

 

[Gabrielor]

Makes sense.

Appreciate you classy Sabres fans not just sh**ting on my idea haha

Figured with how deep u guys are at Fwd on the pro farm and spec rosters that if this guy can help get u over that hump into playoff hockey and mentor the young D that’d it’d be worth an Ostlund who’s most likely never gonna have too 6 opportunity in buffalo, but certainly could in STL eventually

Blues' fans and us had very good dealings in 2018 when the OReilly stuff was around, despite how much the final trade sucked at the time. I'm always looking for good relations with a knowledgeable fan so I can get good value estimations in return without the nonsense "start with McDavid, then add" replies.


Back to Parayko: in theory, he's a perfect match, and your price is fair from my point of view. Term and risk assessment would be the questions, and I don't know if our GM would do it.

 

[Dubi Doo]

I'm not sure how someone would come away from that interview feeling down. I actually feel more hopeful, and it's not only due to the fact that Adams said this offseason will be a bit different. It's how seemingly in tune he is with every department and the players.

IMO, An important aspect of GMing is not going into it with too big of an ego *cough*Murray*cough*. It's understanding that certain employees will be more knowledgeable than you in certain areas, so listen to them! We know Adams does this.

I also like that he's around the players a lot. It keeps his finger on the pulse of the lockerroom, and given what we heard from the exit interviews, it seems like most of the players really enjoy the environment in the lockerroom, which is a FAR cry from how it was even two years ago. That's really, really strong growth in that area.

I also enjoyed hearing him talk about his plan to identify his core players first, lock them up, and continue building around them. I think some people forget where this team was pre 2021-2022 season. Who was our core? Dahlin and...? Now, the core is emerging, they're getting locked up long-term, and Adams is adding players to the foundation.

Those are some really encouraging signs that Adams 'gets it'. He's a pretty green GM, but he sounded incredibly knowledgeable when answering the questions.

Take a moment and remember where this squad was when Krueger was fired. What was it? A 15+ game losing streak? They've not only been steadily improving on the ice, but the culture has done a complete 180, and Adams / Granato deserve a ton of credit for that.

 

[Ace]

No one forgets any of those things. They just recognize that a year passed where an opportunity was squandered by the unflinching nature of his plan. They’ve needed a top 4 D his entire tenure. Still waiting. They went into last season with a joke of a goaltending plan. Now they need a steady vet more than ever due to the team taking the step and being handed to a rookie goalie. He’s had the assets and cap space to fix these things for years. There is no reason to believe that he will address these two issues meaningfully. Because he never has. This is his fourth offseason. Not everyone is waiting on strike 4. They stopped being fooled last off-season.

 

[Der Jaeger]

No one forgets any of those things. They just recognize that a year passed where an opportunity was squandered by the unflinching nature of his plan. They’ve needed a top 4 D his entire tenure. Still waiting. They went into last season with a joke of a goaltending plan. Now they need a steady vet more than ever due to the team taking the step and being handed to a rookie goalie. He’s had the assets and cap space to fix these things for years. There is no reason to believe that he will address these two issues meaningfully. Because he never has. This is his fourth offseason. Not everyone is waiting on strike 4. They stopped being fooled last off-season.

Imagine a present where Adams did exactly what you said and made you happy last season. Signed Jack Campbell to a huge deal, bigger than he's got now, to convince him to come to Buffalo and not Edmonton. Likely $6M x 5 seasons. And Ben Chariot was added, 4 years for $5M.

Campbell crashes and burns. Levi doesn't sign because Campbell is in the way. Chariot is a boat anchor on defense. And Buffalo has $11M on the cap for the next 4 seasons for those two.

Maybe there's a reason that Adams isn't going the route you want? Maybe it isn't passing on opportunity.

Imagine the team has a group of math nerds, and a group of old hockey hands. Imagine that group comes together and tells Adams who to pick in the draft, and we see it working out. Now imagine that same group tells Adams to pass on certain players, who, we, the fans, think would be a great idea to sign or trade for.

 

[Gabrielor]

I'm not sure how someone would come away from that interview feeling down.

I personally feel great.

Adams:
-listens to his people. ALL of them.
-actually, seriously uses analytics. Not the old-timer dismissal tactics.
-identified the PK AND the PP as weaknesses to solve.
-acknowledged the need for internal centers to get better in the dot
-clearly is looking for a defensive upgrade in the top 4.
-acknowledges the challenging goaltending discussions ahead
-acknowledges how important ELCs are:

I'm breaking here to explain something. Save this quote. I'd bet Matt Savoie goes back to the WHL next year. Fans here will get pissy or want to trade him for 'not being ready', but Adams basically explained why extending elc's into playoff push windows is huge, and IMAGINE Savoie at 925k for 24-25, 25-26, 26-27. You can't find that kind of value.


-explained why chasing hits is stupid, and a dumb statistic to measure team toughness


The communication and intelligence in the building is through the roof now.

We have a top 5 prospect pool, a top tier young NHL team assembled with control, and THE BEST salary cap situation in the league going forward. These are the elements that win teams championships.

I fully believe in Kevyn Adams and the staff.

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

I'm breaking here to explain something. Save this quote. I'd bet Matt Savoie goes back to the WHL next year. Fans here will get pissy or want to trade him for 'not being ready', but Adams basically explained why extending elc's into playoff push windows is huge, and IMAGINE Savoie at 925k for 24-25, 25-26, 26-27. You can't find that kind of value.

I'm not sure too many here would get pissy if Savoie was back in the WHL next season. I've even said before that having Savoie, Kulich, and Ostlund slide for another year perfectly lines up their ELC's ending with Skinners contract ending. My only hope would be that IF he looks like he's ready in camp and the pre-season AND earns a spot, they don't hold him back and give him a few games to see if he really is.

I've personally floated possibilities based on him being ready, but those are solely hypothetical. If he needs more time to simmer, then so be it. Don't hold talent back if they're ready, and don't bring them up too soon if they aren't.

 

[Gabrielor]

I'm not sure too many here would get pissy if Savoie was back in the WHL next season. I've even said before that having Savoie, Kulich, and Ostlund slide for another year perfectly lines up their ELC's ending with Skinners contract ending. My only hope would be that IF he looks like he's ready in camp and the pre-season AND earns a spot, they don't hold him back and give him a few games to see if he really is.

I've personally floated possibilities based on him being ready, but those are solely hypothetical. If he needs more time to simmer, then so be it. Don't hold talent back if they're ready, and don't bring them up too soon if they aren't.

Just wait. Savoie, top 10 pick, back to the CHL for D+2, and the ignorance will flow come October.

 

[HOOats]

I'm breaking here to explain something. Save this quote. I'd bet Matt Savoie goes back to the WHL next year. Fans here will get pissy or want to trade him for 'not being ready', but Adams basically explained why extending elc's into playoff push windows is huge, and IMAGINE Savoie at 925k for 24-25, 25-26, 26-27. You can't find that kind of value.

We'll see of course, but it sounded like the opposite to me. Between how high he clearly is on Savoie and his current form, and repeatedly stating that he expects the team to be even younger next year, I'd guess he's here next year short of a true flop of a camp.

Plus there is a scenario where him signing his second deal a year earlier, perhaps before he really explodes statistically, is more team-friendly than not.