Kevyn Adams GM thread

[Ace]

We’re going to be stuck here for a long time. Adams is unwilling to do anything. Pegula won’t fire him. This is it. Now we just sit back until the next wave of guys start asking out.

 

[sabremike]

We should start calling Kevyn Ray Guy because he's the greatest punter of all time.

 

[HaNotsri]

We need to fire Adams and get the new GM up and running fast. I don't need a "year of evalution" and all that crap. Get someone in here that can retool the bottom 6 and make unsentimental trades to build a winning roster. The team needs to be ready in october 2024. Adams strategy will be to have "lots of interesting conversations" and then it will come down to Quinn and Thompson being healthy again, UPL showing that he can play in the NHL, Levi being a special talent and all that dumb crap you say when you don't do your job because you are so afraid to make decisions and failing.

It's not fair to all these kids to expect them to magically change the culture just by being talented. Someone needs to teach them how to become NHL players. We bring in a goalie prospect and he's got Comrie as support? And maybe some well meaning text mesages from Anderson?

You need leaders on the ice. People that show you how to do it by actually doing it, not just talking.

Get a starting goalie, get a legit mentor for Power and some forwards that can play defense and make the other team bleed. Then the next coach will have something to work with.

 

[Tijuana Donkey Show]

What matchup line? Girgs-Jost-Okposo? The the 4th line that gets 12 minutes a night. We don't have.a true matchup line. It's one of the problems.



Well, we need to a center of Lindholm's skill set. Mittelstadt has gotten better....but he's likely never going to be as versatile as LIndholm is, even with Lindholm on the downside of his career.

I'd much rather pay Lindholm 8.5 (Horvat's contract basically) than pay Mittelstadt 7. A much more versatile player with a much more proven track record of success.

I would trade Cozens before Mitts and it isn’t even close. This team needs more guys like CM.

 

[May Day 10]

This is what it looks like when you hire a Jr Sabres coach as your GM, and his lack of experience force him to triple down on analytics and asset and futures-hoarding.

The team is not built to win in the NHL with any consistency. The roster makeup on the NHL level and the organization as a whole is completely imbalanced. The only thing they want to do is draft, re-sign players like KO and ZG, and grab whatever pet project Granato wants from his USDP days. You look at Jeff Skinner and see someone who doesn't seem to care or hate to lose.

They are the physically weakest team in the NHL. If they ever steal a wild card spot, they are going to get savaged in the first round, and several players will suffer serious injury.

Adams has failed to address the goaltending position at the NHL level for almost 4 years now.


I do not believe Adams knows what to do or what to change. They locked a lot of players on long-term high-dollar deals. They don't like to make hard decisions. They are going to stunt the growth of all these young players they locked in for 7-8 years.

The #1 priority for Terry Pegula and the Sabres is to preserve this circular management structure where everyone's ideas are heard. They need someone who might be opinionated and abrasive. Pegula needs to get out of the way and let someone control and build a real NHL organization from the top-down. It wont happen. Even if they fire Granato, they will go with familiarity with Appert or someone from within. Even if they fire Adams, they will hire Adam Mair or someone Pegula is comfortable with. Its awful and I have almost no hope for this franchise.

 

[Gras]

This is what it looks like when you hire a Jr Sabres coach as your GM, and his lack of experience force him to triple down on analytics and asset and futures-hoarding.

The team is not built to win in the NHL with any consistency. The roster makeup on the NHL level and the organization as a whole is completely imbalanced. The only thing they want to do is draft, re-sign players like KO and ZG, and grab whatever pet project Granato wants from his USDP days. You look at Jeff Skinner and see someone who doesn't seem to care or hate to lose.

They are the physically weakest team in the NHL. If they ever steal a wild card spot, they are going to get savaged in the first round, and several players will suffer serious injury.

Adams has failed to address the goaltending position at the NHL level for almost 4 years now.


I do not believe Adams knows what to do or what to change. They locked a lot of players on long-term high-dollar deals. They don't like to make hard decisions. They are going to stunt the growth of all these young players they locked in for 7-8 years.

The #1 priority for Terry Pegula and the Sabres is to preserve this circular management structure where everyone's ideas are heard. They need someone who might be opinionated and abrasive. Pegula needs to get out of the way and let someone control and build a real NHL organization from the top-down. It wont happen. Even if they fire Granato, they will go with familiarity with Appert or someone from within. Even if they fire Adams, they will hire Adam Mair or someone Pegula is comfortable with. Its awful and I have almost no hope for this franchise.

Its funny how everyone keeps harping about goaltending, when thats at the bottom of the list for reasons they keep dropping games this year.

 

[Zman5778]

Its funny how everyone keeps harping about goaltending, when thats at the bottom of the list for reasons they keep dropping games this year.

Yeah, to me the most egregious non-signing is that 3rd/4th line center who can win faceoffs/PK.

I don't blame him at all for re-signing KO and/or ZG. Zemgus, regardless of his "reputation" here, is a guy that playoff contenders love to have and love to have in the playoffs. I think most here knew that KO would be on borrowed time career-wise, but I don't think anyone could really have predicted just how far he fell off that cliff.

Adams upgraded the bottom pair nicely.......but playing Clifton on his off-hand has made him look much worse than he really is. I'm not saying he's some top 4 guy in waiting.....but he's better than what he's shown.


The thing that gives me SOME solace is this: KA knew he needed to upgrade our defense and defensive-capable forwards. He was in on Chychrun until the end, got Greenway, got Stillman.....signed EJ, signed Clifton......and then told everyone that he was in on at least one 3rd/4th liner that signed elsewhere. I have this hunch the main one he went after was Acciari, but PIT gave him a NTC.

Adams, to this point, hasn't been aggressive going after things he thought we needed. It's time to get aggressive. Let's see what he does now.

 

[Tatanka]

Its funny how everyone keeps harping about goaltending, when thats at the bottom of the list for reasons they keep dropping games this year.

While not the root cause, the team seems to collapse in their own zone in an attempt at what I think they believe is defensive support. When Andy played last year they were looser and did nit play like every mistake would end up in the back of the net. Now they are still shitty at pressuri g the puck carrier in the d zone and still hesitant when they get into the ozone to shoot and go get the leftovers. Adding a vet goalie pays dividends above just save %. I thought UPL rebounded yesterday but the team isn't confident he will save their bacon if they mess up.

 

[Ace]

Kevyn Adams inaction destroyed all the hope and goodwill with such speed and efficiency it’s incredible to think it wasn’t the point.

He aint it. And the longer it takes for Pegula to realize it the more we’re all just doing what Adams does. Nothing.

 

[SabresFan26]

Ya this guy isn’t it. Hired because Botterill wouldn’t be Pegulas yes man anymore.

Not qualified and never was just because he played in the NHL. 0 front office experience. Did nothing to improve the roster. And he hasn’t even sacked the coach to defend his roster and say it’s coaching that it’s not reaching its potential

 

[toddkaz]

Ya this guy isn’t it. Hired because Botterill wouldn’t be Pegulas yes man anymore.

Not qualified and never was just because he played in the NHL. 0 front office experience. Did nothing to improve the roster. And he hasn’t even sacked the coach to defend his roster and say it’s coaching that it’s not reaching its potential

Adams and Granato haven't won squat at this level.

Perfect for Pegula.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

It's not happening. Obviously. But let's just say for discussion purposes that we wake up tomorrow and Adams is gone.

Who is out there? The obvious answer is Karmanos just takes over, but I really would want someone who has had success as an NHL GM before.

 

[Tatanka]

It's not happening. Obviously. But let's just say for discussion purposes that we wake up tomorrow and Adams is gone.

Who is out there? The obvious answer is Karmanos just takes over, but I really would want someone who has had success as an NHL GM before.

I think your right. And if history is any indicator TP likes only those he knows. But Karmanos isn’t tied to somemof these players to the extent Adams is and I think he came on board after Granato but I could be mistaken.

I also do not think anyone really wants to work for this organization. Maybe Lombardi? Idk.

 

[sabres4ever]

Honestly? I don't think this franchise moves forward with Pegula as owner, unless he hires people (Pres. of hockey/GM/coaching staff) with NHL experience.

 

[May Day 10]

I think your right. And if history is any indicator TP likes only those he knows. But Karmanos isn’t tied to somemof these players to the extent Adams is and I think he came on board after Granato but I could be mistaken.

I also do not think anyone really wants to work for this organization. Maybe Lombardi? Idk.

They can get anyone they want.

They need to pay the right salary and the lines would have to be clearly defined. The minute pegula starts talking about communication, sharing of ideas, and their circular management structure, and decent gm candidate is running for the door.

If pegula wants to give autonomy and resources, it's suddenly a very appealing job

 

[Tatanka]

They can get anyone they want.

They need to pay the right salary and the lines would have to be clearly defined. The minute pegula starts talking about communication, sharing of ideas, and their circular management structure, and decent gm candidate is running for the door.

If pegula wants to give autonomy and resources, it's suddenly a very appealing job

Zebras don’t change their spots

 

[zenthusiast]

I’d like to see what he does if he thinks he needs to save his job, because otherwise, it seems like he’s just willing to accrue the fruits that come with being a bad team and wait

 

[stokes84]

His two offseason additions, Clifton and Johnson, are the two worst players on a terrible team. Great job, Kev.

 

[sabremike]

I’d like to see what he does if he thinks he needs to save his job, because otherwise, it seems like he’s just willing to accrue the fruits that come with being a bad team and wait

How can I put this:

Peter Laviolette doesn't have nearly the job security right now that Kevyn Adams does.

 

[SabresFan26]

His two offseason additions, Clifton and Johnson, are the two worst players on a terrible team. Great job, Kev.

Worse than Botterilll

 

[5 Minute Major]

Your average fan could come on these boards, read up on prospects and mock drafts, and have the Sabres, at the very least, in the same position as Adams has them.

 

[HaNotsri]

Imagine having good vibes and an overperforming coach and then stab them all in the back. F U Adams.

 

[May Day 10]

I'm at another low point in my 45 year Sabres Fandom.

This team had a look at the playoffs last year and the gm punted because he is averse to giving anything up and making hard decisions.

Now, this year, with a bit of hope, this team is spider man pointing at himself for pretty much every other drought team. In 26 games I can count on 1 hand the number of 60 minute efforts, and they continue to somehow be worse on home ice.

Maybe they could have parlayed last year's promise with cap space into a great offseason. Instead it was more of adams' risk aversion and wanting to make everyone happy.

Even overlooking the odd 3 goalie, 7 defensemen thing, this roster is not a well stratified nhl roster. It should be embarrassing that a 170 pound 18 year old made the team and he outhustles and gets his nose dirtier than anybody.

The team is slipping fast. Hurtling to the new year and nearing last in the conference. Something needs to be done. Our jr sabres coach made gm is incapable of doing anything. He wants everybody to be happy and comfortable on long term deals and we see what that looks like.

Adams is almost surely here for another 2.75 seasons, and I'd be surprised if granato isn't as well. More unearned long extensions by this franchise.

It is all Pegula. This team will never be a relevant NHL team as long as he us the owner of it. The biggest priority the organization has is to preserve his communication mandate, circular structure, and his ability to share "ideas". No GM, president, or coach worth anything is going to agree to work under that. Adams is a perfect yes man, and granato too. Neither have other nhl options. I don't even think it'd adams decision on granato. This whole operation is always rigged to fail. Until pegula sells the team, or steps away completely and puts the org in the hands of a team president (with experience this is a heavy lift), it won't sniff any success.

They had Craig Patrick and lafontaine, but lafontaine didn't like consulting with and getting forced to hear Kim pegula's ideas. They butted heads through his short tenure, culminating with her going completely over his head on something which resulted in a blow up. Pegula at his next pc said his biggest regret was giving up control and that wouldn't happen ever again. Haunting words for a sabres fan

 

[oldgoalie]

I'm at another low point in my 45 year Sabres Fandom.

This team had a look at the playoffs last year and the gm punted because he is averse to giving anything up and making hard decisions.

Now, this year, with a bit of hope, this team is spider man pointing at himself for pretty much every other drought team. In 26 games I can count on 1 hand the number of 60 minute efforts, and they continue to somehow be worse on home ice.

Maybe they could have parlayed last year's promise with cap space into a great offseason. Instead it was more of adams' risk aversion and wanting to make everyone happy.

Even overlooking the odd 3 goalie, 7 defensemen thing, this roster is not a well stratified nhl roster. It should be embarrassing that a 170 pound 18 year old made the team and he outhustles and gets his nose dirtier than anybody.

The team is slipping fast. Hurtling to the new year and nearing last in the conference. Something needs to be done. Our jr sabres coach made gm is incapable of doing anything. He wants everybody to be happy and comfortable on long term deals and we see what that looks like.

Adams is almost surely here for another 2.75 seasons, and I'd be surprised if granato isn't as well. More unearned long extensions by this franchise.

It is all Pegula. This team will never be a relevant NHL team as long as he us the owner of it. The biggest priority the organization has is to preserve his communication mandate, circular structure, and his ability to share "ideas". No GM, president, or coach worth anything is going to agree to work under that. Adams is a perfect yes man, and granato too. Neither have other nhl options. I don't even think it'd adams decision on granato. This whole operation is always rigged to fail. Until pegula sells the team, or steps away completely and puts the org in the hands of a team president (with experience this is a heavy lift), it won't sniff any success.

They had Craig Patrick and lafontaine, but lafontaine didn't like consulting with and getting forced to hear Kim pegula's ideas. They butted heads through his short tenure, culminating with her going completely over his head on something. Pegula at the pc said his biggest regret was giving up control and that wouldn't happen ever again. Haunting words for a sabres fan

You have hit the nail squarely on the head. And your comments about the Patty La situation are so very true; Kim f***ed that situation up so completely. These owners have no concept of how to run a hockey organization, and as long as they own the Sabres, they will never win a championship.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I'm at another low point in my 45 year Sabres Fandom.

This team had a look at the playoffs last year and the gm punted because he is averse to giving anything up and making hard decisions.

Now, this year, with a bit of hope, this team is spider man pointing at himself for pretty much every other drought team. In 26 games I can count on 1 hand the number of 60 minute efforts, and they continue to somehow be worse on home ice.

Maybe they could have parlayed last year's promise with cap space into a great offseason. Instead it was more of adams' risk aversion and wanting to make everyone happy.

Even overlooking the odd 3 goalie, 7 defensemen thing, this roster is not a well stratified nhl roster. It should be embarrassing that a 170 pound 18 year old made the team and he outhustles and gets his nose dirtier than anybody.

The team is slipping fast. Hurtling to the new year and nearing last in the conference. Something needs to be done. Our jr sabres coach made gm is incapable of doing anything. He wants everybody to be happy and comfortable on long term deals and we see what that looks like.

Adams is almost surely here for another 2.75 seasons, and I'd be surprised if granato isn't as well. More unearned long extensions by this franchise.

It is all Pegula. This team will never be a relevant NHL team as long as he us the owner of it. The biggest priority the organization has is to preserve his communication mandate, circular structure, and his ability to share "ideas". No GM, president, or coach worth anything is going to agree to work under that. Adams is a perfect yes man, and granato too. Neither have other nhl options. I don't even think it'd adams decision on granato. This whole operation is always rigged to fail. Until pegula sells the team, or steps away completely and puts the org in the hands of a team president (with experience this is a heavy lift), it won't sniff any success.

They had Craig Patrick and lafontaine, but lafontaine didn't like consulting with and getting forced to hear Kim pegula's ideas. They butted heads through his short tenure, culminating with her going completely over his head on something which resulted in a blow up. Pegula at his next pc said his biggest regret was giving up control and that wouldn't happen ever again. Haunting words for a sabres fan

45 years here too. The fact that we're still finding new lows to reach is just beyond comprehension.

Anyway, I agree on everything 100%. It's never going to get fixed until Terry and Kim step aside.