Roster Thread (2023-2024 Season)

[Irie]

We keep decrying the Cozens deal as being premature or bad but almost everyone (on the whole of HFboards, not just out forum) saw this as an excellent deal for a 21 year old coming off the campaign he had. Hind sight is 20/20. The deal looks meh right now but i liked it when it was signed and still think it was the right move at the time. Power, they could have waited.

While I didn't have an issue with the AAV going forward given all the comps around the league, I absolutely would have preferred taking a little risk with a bridge.

It was obvious the team was going to have major cap trouble in 2025 (it is really going to hurt), and the chances of Cozens becoming a 9M+ dollar center was not huge (and if he did, who cares, you have an allstar center so you should be happy).... no, the biggest issue is that these deals walk players to UFA at 29. If he had a two to three year bridge then signed longterm, he would be UFA at 31 or 32.

At 29, if he is core and playing well, the player has all the leverage and will force a longterm deal that will absolutely age poorly. At 31 or 32, the team has most of the leverage and can typically get players to sign 2-3 year extensions if they are still playing well.

Probably not going to be Adams' problem way down the road, but shrewd planning like this can keep a team in a competitive cycle, where as bad timing on contracts will eventually have enough cap constraints to prevent teams from remaining competitive.

 

[Irie]

True bargain? Steal? Really? Greenway is a fine player, but he's hardly a steal or a bargain.

Both of these players were acquired at last seasons trade deadline.

Greenway 2nd + 5th + $3m aav

Lazar 4th + $1m aav

View attachment 797289

View attachment 797291

You can't compare player stat cards on different teams in different systems. It's always apples to oranges. Why don't you post Lazar's card under Granato in 2021?

And while you are at it. post both of Hall's cards that year, the one from buffalo AND the one from Boston to show how reliable they are.

Posting these silly stat cards out of context is arguing in bad faith.

 

[sabremike]

It really strikes me as bizarre that people are fretting about theoretical cap issues years from now when we are 6th from bottom of the league and a virtual lock to extend the playoff drought to 13 seasons (extending a record that's as untouchable as the Islanders 19 straight playoff series wins). It's just feels like worrying about paying taxes on a gigantic estate while living in a cardboard box under an overpass.

 

[Irie]

It really strikes me as bizarre that people are fretting about theoretical cap issues years from now when we are 6th from bottom of the league and a virtual lock to extend the playoff drought to 13 seasons (extending a record that's as untouchable as the Islanders 19 straight playoff series wins). It's just feels like worrying about paying taxes on a gigantic estate while living in a cardboard box under an overpass.

It is naive not to worry about it.

It should not be the sole focus, but it is a huge part of the equation going forward.

Adams' work in that area has not been terrible, but it also definitely has not been good. The reality that the team can not afford Mitts, Peterka and Quinn in three years should have everyone concerned.

People want to add top quality bottom six players, which typically are some of the most overpaid expenditures on team payrolls should take a long hard look at the teams cap roadmap.

There will be sacrifices soon and this team is going to lose players that we probably don't want to see go. It will be a real test for Adams to see if he is cap competent - I have concerns.

 

[KrakenSabresMike]

It is naive not to worry about it.

It should not be the sole focus, but it is a huge part of the equation going forward.

Adams' work in that area has not been terrible, but it also definitely has not been good. The reality that the team can not afford Mitts, Peterka and Quinn in three years should have everyone concerned.

People want to add top quality bottom six players, which typically are some of the most overpaid expenditures on team payrolls should take a long hard look at the teams cap roadmap.

There will be sacrifices soon and this team is going to lose players that we probably don't want to see go. It will be a real test for Adams to see if he is cap competent - I have concerns.

We will have to trade away moderate to good quality offensive pieces - possibly as soon as next year with Casey - and they will be replaced by prime pieces in the system or the pieces we get back can be used to get quality bottom six. If we make the right trades there actually is no reason to fret as we are overloaded with pieces to replace or trade as it is

 

[toddkaz]

I think this is off. Greenway is a league average 3rd liner, an elite individual PKer, and a rare size/skill combo as one of the largest guys in the NHL. $3M AAV for a guy doing that in his prime is a true bargain if not an outright steal in 2024.

We all would have preferred to pay a 3rd instead of a 2nd. But we also clamor for Adams to spend from our overflowing warchest of futures to acquire pieces that fit the build mid- to long-term. Greenway was an obvious on-ice and culture fit, and I imagine it was and remains a slam dunk in Adams' eyes. The fact that it ended up being the last pick of the 2nd makes it a 360° tomahawk.

This is why the sabres are nothing but losers.

Paying a 4th line player 3m and thinking its a bargain.

Remember when our 3rd line was Roy, Vanek, Max

Now we are claiming Greenway is some sort of steal at 3m with his 3 goals.

How the mighty have fallen.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Now we are claiming Greenway is some sort of steal at 3m with his 3 goals.

Not weighing in on the cap thing, but judging Greenway by counting stats is missing the forest through the trees.

 

[Ehran]

We keep decrying the Cozens deal as being premature or bad but almost everyone (on the whole of HFboards, not just out forum) saw this as an excellent deal for a 21 year old coming off the campaign he had. Hind sight is 20/20. The deal looks meh right now but i liked it when it was signed and still think it was the right move at the time. Power, they could have waited.

Agreed.

People still complain about having bridged Reinhart and essentially driving him out of town.

Plus Cozens put up 31+37=68 last season.

He doesn't seem the type to simply take the money and run so IMO while this is a down season for sure, I expect him to bounce back. It's not like he suddenly turned into a sclub.

 

[toddkaz]

Not weighing in on the cap thing, but judging Greenway by counting stats is missing the forest through the trees.

judging Greenway as what though? I already said he is a great 4th line player.

You want him on the 1st line? He got demoted from there.

Not once have I ever said get rid of him.

 

[Djp]

It is interesting that you left out the Greenway trade that has been a positive addition and what the roster needed. Also a guy they went after at the behest of the head coach.

UFA is the worst path to building a quality roster. So, to look at three UFA additions (and you can make it 4 with Comrie) and say that is a sign he can't add quality players, then you aren't looking at it right, IMO.

Adams was in discussions to add Chychrun. If he had been willing to part with Savoie or Kulich to get him, I think people would have liked that move. The biggest thing standing in Adams' way is his slow build from within through drafting and developing is the major barrier to me.

If he changes that mindset, I think he has the right people in the building to make good decisions. The big challenge then becomes who other GMs are shopping.

Savoie alone or Savoie+2 other high end picks?

i wouldnt have given up Savoie for a player who was a UFA in 2025 or sooner

I'm not Doak, so I can't speak for him.

But I agree with you that Greenway is a positive addition. Although a minor one. The trade and Greenway's value aren't great though. $3mil aav is on the high end for a 3rd/4th line tweener. MIN was cap strapped and surely were looking to dump Greenway after demoting him to the 4th line. A 2nd + 5th under those circumstances seems like bad value. It's not a big deal, but it does kinda stink like a Murray or Botts trade where they just pissed value away. The difference is Adams has only made 1 trade so far, instead of 6+.

I think GMs need to be good at all paths to build a quality roster. UFA, Trades, Drafting and development. Adams has basically ignored UFA and trades to fill the holes on the roster. I'm not trying to short change Adams for the value he got for Eichel, Reinhart and Risto, he did well on those trades. I'm saying he hasn't made trades to fill the gaping holes on the roster.

Gavrikov and Ekholm were available too, it's not just Chychrun.

Gavrikov went for a pittance, considering the Kings were also dumping Quick's cap hit on CBJ and picking up Korpisalo.
[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]

Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire:

Jonathan Quick · $5,800,000
2023 1st round pick (LAK - #22 - Oliver Bonk) [Conditional]*
2024 3rd round pick (LAK)

*Conditions: If the Kings do not qualify for the 2023 playoffs, CBJ will instead receive: 2023 2nd round pick (LAK) & 2024 2nd round pick (LAK)

Result: Kings qualified for the 2023 playoffs. Columbus will receive the 2023 1st round pick
Sum: $5,800,000
Change: +$1,700,000[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

Los Angeles Kings Acquire:

Joonas Korpisalo · $1,300,000
Vladislav Gavrikov · $2,800,000

Sum: $4,100,000
Change: -$1,700,000[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

the 1st was in part taking on a contract. it was more like both players went for 2nds. both were UFAS and not with term. Gavrikov was not a RD

Ekholm cost quite a bit more. Barrie had a lot of value at the time of the trade, and the Sabres didn't have a Barrie equivalent.
[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]

Edmonton Oilers Acquire:

Mattias Ekholm ($250,000 retained - 4%) · $6,000,000
2024 6th round pick (NSH)

Sum: $6,000,000
Change: +$1,500,000[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

Nashville Predators Acquire:

Tyson Barrie · $4,500,000
Reid Schaefer · $0 (AHL/JR)
2023 1st round pick (EDM - #24 - Tanner Molendyk)
2024 4th round pick (EDM)

Sum: $4,500,000
Change: -$1,500,000[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

The issue with Ekholm was his cap hot later on and the space problems it would cause in Buffalo if you gave Power bridges.

assuming $25M in space in 24/25 with 8/5/1 roster

RFAS are Mitts, Joker, UPL, Krebs....$14M to resign them all?
$11M in space with 10/6/2
factoring in that $6M for 24/25 and 25/26.

you have $5M with 10.7.2 so $5M for 4 roster spots doesnt give much room.

you could say they dont sign Clifton if they acquired Ekholm but they will sttuill need to sign a veteran for 7th Dman for around $2M so still that wiould be 4 F for $6M in space.

then in 2025/26 when Quinn, Peterka, RyJo, and Levi are RFAS. Greenway a UFA and not much other than greenway coming off in summer 2025 you would have what was unused in 24/25+ cap increase for their raises. that put them very tight against the cap. Sure they acquired Ekholm they might have bridged Power for 3 yrs at around $5M or so till Ekholm contract ended.

trading a pick around 12-18 vs Edmonton which would be expected around 24-32....that is a big difference.

I've heard all of the excuses that Arizona wanted all of our top prospects. But the final price for Chychrun is something we could have beaten without giving up Savoie, Kulich, etc. Why would the Coyotes be willing to settle for so much less from Ottawa than from Buffalo? Hint... they wouldn't. Adams wasn't willing to offer up more in draft picks than Ottawa and he used the excuse that he wouldn't part with our blue chippers to cover his ass.

[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]

Arizona Coyotes Acquire:

2023 1st round pick (OTT - #12 - Daniil But) [Conditional]*
2024 2nd round pick (WSH) [Conditional]**
2026 2nd round pick (OTT)

*Conditions: Top 5 protected. If the condition is met, the pick becomes an unprotected 2024 1st round.

Result: Arizona receives the 2023 pick
**Conditions: If OTT makes it to the 2023 Eastern Conference Final, the pick becomes a 2024 1st round top 10 protected. If the pick is top 10, the pick becomes OTT 2025 1st round (unprotected)

Result: Arizona receives the 2024 2nd round pick
Sum: $0
Change: -$4,600,000[/TD]

[TD]

[/TD]

[TD]

Ottawa Senators Acquire:

Jakob Chychrun · $4,600,000

Sum: $4,600,000
Change: +$4,600,000[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

It would have cost us Benson, Wahlberg and a 2nd this year. if we gave up a 1st in 2024 draft im sure this board would be bitching because the team wouldnt have been any better this year switching chychrun for EJ/Clifton

True bargain? Steal? Really? Greenway is a fine player, but he's hardly a steal or a bargain.

Both of these players were acquired at last seasons trade deadline.

Greenway 2nd + 5th + $3m aav

Lazar 4th + $1m aav

View attachment 797289

View attachment 797291

flawed---these players are different and different roles.

the 2nd they gave up was Vegas 2nd. It was expected to be in the 56-64 range--thus around a 3rd in value. that isnt much removed in value from BUF 3rd of around low 70s that Buffalo traded

 

[sabremike]

Fun and dismissive to say I'm sure, but last year's youngest team totally invalidates that dichotomy. Lottery was no consideration and they were the teeth-kickers more often than not.

Then Adams attempted to fortify the team with vets, getting rebuffed by Pesce and god knows who else. They fell back on one year of EJ and three of Clifton, with Greenway also counting as an 23-24 acquisition for me. It was a reasonable approach to injecting experience and grit while putting zero strain on the high-end youth build underway here in terms of cap or futures. Would I have liked one more piece like a Hathaway over a ZG? Sure, but that's wouldn't be moving the needle on this season imo.

It hasn't worked so far due to a combination of lousy coaching especially on the responsibilities of the ACs, shitty injury timing, and a handful of guys who summered too hard at the lake, came out fat/flat, and don't yet have the internal mettle to hold themselves accountable. Splurging assets for Meier or term for Graves wouldn't change any of that (despite the initial dopamine rush as fans) and we'd have new problems to worry about.

I'd really love to see what this group looks like with a competent PP (coach) buoying then through the inevitable ES slumps. It would do a ton of holistic good for all areas and cover plenty of the warts that come with being yes, the youngest team in hockey.

How about splurging money on Boudreau, Julien, Galant, Berube ect? Maybe if we weren't coached by unacomplished novices last season we wouldn't have choked away a playoff spot all the other teams we were competing against were trying to hand us. Maybe we wouldn't have choked like complete dogs and squandered an opportunity we hadn't had in over a decade.

 

[Djp]

UFA is the worst path to building a quality roster. So, to look at three UFA additions (and you can make it 4 with Comrie) and say that is a sign he can't add quality players, then you aren't looking at it right, IMO.

hthey want buffalo to sign more players for longer trms without seeing what happens in summers 2025 and 2026

Adams was in discussions to add Chychrun. If he had been willing to part with Savoie or Kulich to get him, I think people would have liked that move. The biggest thing standing in Adams' way is his slow build from within through drafting and developing is the major barrier to me.

If he changes that mindset, I think he has the right people in the building to make good decisions. The big challenge then becomes who other GMs are shopping.

having Chychrun would have made 2025 summer much harder to work around. they likely sign power to a bridge till 2026.

We often hear,
"The Sabres are the youngest team in the NHL," but I thought I'd put some context to it. The Winnipeg Jets, on a heater and sitting no 1 in the NHL, have exactly one regular player on the team as young or younger than Rasmus Dahlin. The Sabres have 9 (not including RJ), or 45% of the on ice roster. Of you make the cutoff Alex Tuch, a veteran at this point, the Sabres add 6 more for 75% of the on ice roster. For the Jets it's just 4, for 25%. Being that young is certainly going to effect consistency. Not an excuse, just an observation.

I agree. They are still larning. people forget that.

While I didn't have an issue with the AAV going forward given all the comps around the league, I absolutely would have preferred taking a little risk with a bridge.

It was obvious the team was going to have major cap trouble in 2025 (it is really going to hurt), and the chances of Cozens becoming a 9M+ dollar center was not huge (and if he did, who cares, you have an allstar center so you should be happy).... no, the biggest issue is that these deals walk players to UFA at 29. If he had a two to three year bridge then signed longterm, he would be UFA at 31 or 32.

If they were giving bridges Id expect them to go till 2027when skinner comes off. Cozens would be a UFA then. having it end sooner would likely be higher and cause cap problems.

Power you could have done a bridge to 2027 because he would have 2 yr left till UFA then.

At 29, if he is core and playing well, the player has all the leverage and will force a longterm deal that will absolutely age poorly. At 31 or 32, the team has most of the leverage and can typically get players to sign 2-3 year extensions if they are still playing well.

Probably not going to be Adams' problem way down the road, but shrewd planning like this can keep a team in a competitive cycle, where as bad timing on contracts will eventually have enough cap constraints to prevent teams from remaining competitive.

thats why I see them doing bridges on Quinn and Peterka till 2027 when Skinner ends and you have time to see how all young prospects become and decide on who to keep and who to trade in summer 2027.

It really strikes me as bizarre that people are fretting about theoretical cap issues years from now when we are 6th from bottom of the league and a virtual lock to extend the playoff drought to 13 seasons (extending a record that's as untouchable as the Islanders 19 straight playoff series wins). It's just feels like worrying about paying taxes on a gigantic estate while living in a cardboard box under an overpass.

its crazy not to factor in what is going on in summer 2025 and 2026 with the cap when you have ELCs and bridges ending possibly.

yes Buffalo has about $25M in the summer but you have

2024 RFAs Mitts, Joker, Krebs, UPL
2025* RFAs Quinn, Peterka, RyJo, Levi UFA-Greenway, Joker, Mitts
2026* RFAA Rosen, Benson (possibly Krebs) UFA Tuch, UPL
2027* RFAA Kulich, Savoie, Ostlund UFA-Skinner
* there are others who end their ELCs

We will have to trade away moderate to good quality offensive pieces - possibly as soon as next year with Casey - and they will be replaced by prime pieces in the system or the pieces we get back can be used to get quality bottom six. If we make the right trades there actually is no reason to fret as we are overloaded with pieces to replace or trade as it is

that is the issue. Do they trade Mitts and/or Joker. They could resign both and still trade them before July 1 2025. If they were to keep Mitts, does that mean trading a different player (Peterka??, Cozens??, Quinn ??, Johnson/Samuelsson??)

summer 2026 would be far easier if Skinner said he'd retire rather than a buy out. A 2026 buy out would create space. a buy out in 2026 draft time creates $3.33M in space which could go to resigning Tuch. to say a $7.5M contract extension

 

[debaser66]

The guy on pace for 50 goals had a tendency to not show up until December... and is now playing for his last real contract

When he got Granato as a coach and was used as a center you could already see what he is doing now, it was probably too late to lock him up at that point, but he was very much looking like 1 center

 

[Tatanka]

It is naive not to worry about it.

It should not be the sole focus, but it is a huge part of the equation going forward.

Adams' work in that area has not been terrible, but it also definitely has not been good. The reality that the team can not afford Mitts, Peterka and Quinn in three years should have everyone concerned.

People want to add top quality bottom six players, which typically are some of the most overpaid expenditures on team payrolls should take a long hard look at the teams cap roadmap.

There will be sacrifices soon and this team is going to lose players that we probably don't want to see go. It will be a real test for Adams to see if he is cap competent - I have concerns.

Who freaking cares. Until the players show they can win, they are all expendable. Locking anyone up or worrying aboit cap management on a bunch of losers is asinine. There should be no cap concerns until they prove they can win. The ones that can’t should be gone.

 

[BFLO]

Why are you comparing their metrics on their new teams and not before they were traded?

The player cards are by season, can't separate it by team. But the majority of the stats making up these cards are from before being traded.

 

[BFLO]

You can't compare player stat cards on different teams in different systems. It's always apples to oranges. Why don't you post Lazar's card under Granato in 2021?

And while you are at it. post both of Hall's cards that year, the one from buffalo AND the one from Boston to show how reliable they are.

Posting these silly stat cards out of context is arguing in bad faith.

Hockey isn't a 1v1 sport, It's a team sport. So it goes without saying that the team around the player impacts their play and performance. It doesn't mean that you can't compare player results across teams, you just need to keep in mind how you think the team around them is impacting those results. Extrapolating how we feel players will perform on one team versus how they will do on another team, based on how they've performed on their current team, is like the entire point of this website.

Taylor Hall is a terrible example to use to try to de-bunk comparing players across different teams. Anyone that watched Hall in 2021 could see that his effort level while playing for the Sabres/Boston was night and day different. Dude was phoning it in while playing for the Sabres, and then tried his ass off for Boston.

Line 1 is Boston, Line 2 is Buffalo.

Clifton would be a better example. Can't argue with his effort level, the dude tries hard regardless of the situation, he just sucks. Replacement level player propped up by the strong team around him in Boston. Exposed in Buffalo's lack of system.

It doesn't de-bunk player stat cards. Good teams making middling or replacement level players appear better than they are has existed for far longer than player stat cards.

 

[BFLO]

This "pittance" you mention or "we could have beaten without giving up Savoie/Kulich" would have cost Benson. I'm not sure why you don't mention that. We would have lost one of the most promising young guys in the league for a vet d man who would have made a minimal impact in the short term.

I'd have absolutely traded our 2023 1st (Benson) for a #2 d-man.

Pick #22 and a 3rd rounder was enough to get Gavrikov, Korpisalo and dump Quick's $5.8m cap. You don't think our 2023 1st would have been worth Gavrikov +++ from CBJ?

If we had added Gavrikov we would have made the playoffs.

 

[OkimLom]

This "pittance" you mention or "we could have beaten without giving up Savoie/Kulich" would have cost Benson. I'm not sure why you don't mention that. We would have lost one of the most promising young guys in the league for a vet d man who would have made a minimal impact in the short term.

Just a reminder Benson fell to Buffalo on sheer luck. He was rated as one of the best draft eligible prospects. If we’re moving our 1st back then, we’re looking at the prospects rated where we would be drafting, and seeing we were still in a fight for a starting playoff spot we probably arent factoring the Benson value there.

 

[Irie]

I'd have absolutely traded our 2023 1st (Benson) for a #2 d-man.

Pick #22 and a 3rd rounder was enough to get Gavrikov, Korpisalo and dump Quick's $5.8m cap. You don't think our 2023 1st would have been worth Gavrikov +++ from CBJ?

If we had added Gavrikov we would have made the playoffs.

Pretending Quick was some huge cap dump is also extremely disingenuous. Being traded to a last place team who immediately flips him for positive value while only retaining 300k of actual salary is quite a bit different than pretending he was a 5.8M dollar cap dump.

Once again, context is everything.

 

[PatLaFontaineASMR]

Just a reminder Benson fell to Buffalo on sheer luck. He was rated as one of the best draft eligible prospects. If we’re moving our 1st back then, we’re looking at the prospects rated where we would be drafting, and seeing we were still in a fight for a starting playoff spot we probably arent factoring the Benson value there.

It's not really sheer luck. It's teams being lower on smaller prospects. Most draft guys predicted Benson falling a bit because of his size. Quite a few mocks had us landing him. McKenzie had him at 9 in his rankings.

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Your ideal roster construction is essentially the Sens. They've made the moves you wanted the Sabres to make. Trading for Chychrun. Going after those veteran goalies in Korpisalo/Talbot. Going after top 6 scoring talent like DeBrincat/Tarasenko. Acquiring a top 6 vet who is excellent at faceoffs with experience in Giroux. Also getting tough middle 6 talent like Mathieu Joseph.

They just happen to be below us in the standings with all those moves.

You don't need to throw around money & trade away high picks or prospects to build a good team. I think majority of this roster is great. Just being held back by coaching. With an average PP this team is likely already in a playoff spot. I agree that some of the moves Adams made aren't aging well, but pretty much all the signings you were mad at Adams for not making aged even worse. We'd still be a bad team just with an abysmal prospect pool.

The Senators are 10 points behind the Sabres (with 5 games in hand) and with a lower point %age.

The Red Wings have been even more active, with the Yzerplan spinning off in all directions, acquiring a couple of stars, and loads of veteran depth and goalies during the past 2 seasons:

Summer 2022 - Chiarot, Copp, Husso, Maata, Perron
Summer 2023 - Compher, DeBrincat, Fischer, Gostisbehere, Holl, Kostin, Lyon, Petrey, Reimer, Sprong
In-Season 2023 - Kane

What has all that wheeling and dealing achieved for their widely respected GM? Detroit is 4 points up on the Sabres, with a game in hand. I'd take our roster, and its future, over theirs any day of the week.

Should Adams be doing more? Of course. But maybe there's value in stability and internal growth as well.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

In a perfect world you hope that KA has finished evaluating the roster and now knows how to shape it. Which vets to move out, which prospects and picks to use to acquire necessary pieces. He's built the foundation, now he needs to add the superstructure

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

In a perfect world you hope that KA has finished evaluating the roster and now knows how to shape it. Which vets to move out, which prospects and picks to use to acquire necessary pieces. He's built the foundation, now he needs to add the superstructure

I'm really...really hoping that KA wanted time to assess (to a lesser extent) which vets to keep/ditch and (to a larger extent) which prospects to keep/trade. It doesn't seem like a tough list of decisions to make to me.

Waive/trade/let walk -

Olofsson
Okposo
Girgensons OR Robinson (probably not both)
Krebs (for a heavier, tougher, veteran player)
Erik Johnson
Jost, Bryson, Stillman, Comrie (in case anyone still thinks about them)

Rosen and Savoie are my prime trade pieces, and maybe a 1st depending on the draft lottery.

Kulich is the only guy I hope to save a roster spot for next season. Rosen may be a fine player but he's just too redundant. Savoie needs a year in Rochester regardless.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

I'm really...really hoping that KA wanted time to assess (to a lesser extent) which vets to keep/ditch and (to a larger extent) which prospects to keep/trade. It doesn't seem like a tough list of decisions to make to me.

Waive/trade/let walk -

Olofsson
Okposo
Girgensons OR Robinson (probably not both)
Krebs (for a heavier, tougher, veteran player)
Erik Johnson
Jost, Bryson, Stillman, Comrie (in case anyone still thinks about them)

Rosen and Savoie are my prime trade pieces, and maybe a 1st depending on the draft lottery.

Kulich is the only guy I hope to save a roster spot for next season. Rosen may be a fine player but he's just too redundant. Savoie needs a year in Rochester regardless.

Girgs I would entertain bringing back. The only youth I'd be hesitant on moving are Benson and Quinn. Any of the prospects are movable albeit with different costs attached. I'm a Peterka fan but if he needs to move for a 24 / 25yo piece with term then so be it

 

[Tatanka]

Girgs I would entertain bringing back. The only youth I'd be hesitant on moving are Benson and Quinn. Any of the prospects are movable albeit with different costs attached. I'm a Peterka fan but if he needs to move for a 24 / 25yo piece with term then so be it

I would add that of the “core” I would keep Dahlin. Everyone else is movable for upgrades.