Roster Thread (2023-2024 Season)

[sabremike]

Reading the Athletic's trade deadline article from two days ago:

NHL trade deadline 2024: Which player (or pick) each team is most likely to deal

Some players I'd take a look at:

John Beecher, Boston. I think he cold be a really effective 4C type that grinds. He might not reach his draft potential but he could be a better version of Colton Sissons. The Sabres need that type of player.

Philip Broberg, Edmonton. Maybe Edmonton looks for NHL roster upgrades and moves on from Broberg. I think Broberg is a big, mobile defender who isn't going to be amazing offensively. Change of scenery type of trade?

Oliver Wahlstrom, Islanders. Big, strong winger with a great shot and good a net front play. Not the same player since getting hurt so maybe he just needs a different opportunity.

Wahlstrom is really REALLY bad. Only way you consider him is if you give up nothing of value and treat it like being given a free scratch off lottery ticket, and even then I'd be wary. There's a reason why a team whose average roster age is almost old enough to collect Social Security and has absolutely no prospect base at all wants to move him.

 

[debaser66]

I wasn’t commenting on why he wasn’t signed yet. Just that there is no issue with them giving him a 7x7+deal.

But since you’re bringing it up. The most likely reason is Mitts chose to bet on himself. He wasn’t in a position to get a 7x7+ deal last summer. But he will be next offseason with his play this year and arbitration eligibility.

I think sometimes we get too focused on the GM and forget the players always have a say in these things.

he said in a statement that he wasn't approached for a new contract by the GM

 

[joshjull]

he said in a statement that he wasn't approached for a new contract by the GM

Yes, if i recall that was in reference to during this season. I‘m talking about this past offseason.

But for the sake of discussion let’s assume it was last offseason as well. That would be disappointing but not that surprising. It wasn‘t a situation where a deal likely comes about. Mitts didn‘t have leverage to get a big extension and I doubt he settles.

Getting back to the larger discussion about extending Mitts. There is no cap or roster reason not to. If they decide to move on, they better have some incredible trade in mind. Otherwise, what are we even doing?

 

[Dubi Doo]

Any interest in Kakko? Watching him in the playoffs a bit last year, and it seemed like he could be a solid top-9 option with potential for more.

 

[Jim Bob]

Any interest in Kakko? Watching him in the playoffs a bit last year, and it seemed like he could be a solid top-9 option with potential for more.

I do not have any interest in younger guys who might work out. The Sabres have all the potential they need. They need vets that they can rely on bringing what the team is missing and not a guy that hasn't fulfilled his potential and MIGHT be better with a change in scenery.

 

[Chainshot]

Reading the Athletic's trade deadline article from two days ago:

NHL trade deadline 2024: Which player (or pick) each team is most likely to deal

Some players I'd take a look at:

John Beecher, Boston. I think he cold be a really effective 4C type that grinds. He might not reach his draft potential but he could be a better version of Colton Sissons. The Sabres need that type of player.

Philip Broberg, Edmonton. Maybe Edmonton looks for NHL roster upgrades and moves on from Broberg. I think Broberg is a big, mobile defender who isn't going to be amazing offensively. Change of scenery type of trade?

Oliver Wahlstrom, Islanders. Big, strong winger with a great shot and good a net front play. Not the same player since getting hurt so maybe he just needs a different opportunity.

They seem like they should be focusing in on finding surer things or trying to see if their fringe guys have someone to break through to being an NHL regular IMO. I wish they had a scratch-and-dent option but they've got to sort out their deficiencies with more surety.

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[Jim Bob]

The five best value signings from the NHL’s 2023 UFA class

Whether it be a backup goaltender with starter-like numbers, or depth pieces finding ways to step up, these five have...

www.dailyfaceoff.com

This is another example of how the best UFA signings are rarely the big, splashy signings that are for big AAVs and 5+ years and the 1 or 2 year deals for $2M AAV and under that hit.

 

[Dubi Doo]

I do not have any interest in younger guys who might work out. The Sabres have all the potential they need. They need vets that they can rely on bringing what the team is missing and not a guy that hasn't fulfilled his potential and MIGHT be better with a change in scenery.

Definitely agree with the sentiment, but I think a young player for young player swap could help the team (Krebs +?)

Kakko is an interesting piece to me, though, as I think his floor is a good bottom-6 forward with defensive prowl with the potential of more. Perhaps I'm misremembering his usage in the playoffs, but from what I recall- that was a player this team could use. The cost is my concern.

Looking at the roster- Adams needs to be more aggressive and make some tough moves, which I don't think he'll do, but that's for a different convo.

Skinner-Thompson-Tuch
Peterka*-Cozens-Quinn
Greenway-Mitts-Benson
XXX-Krebs*-XXX

Dahlin-Sammy
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifford

I'd throw the line out there to see if anyone bites on Peterka and pays handsomely for him. His name is one I'd dangle around for that top-4 defensive savvy defenseman we need. Krebs should be out of here. I'd also be keen on using some of our borderline blue chippers to obtain a top-9 forward with snarl and FA to fill out the rest of the roster if possible.

But I definitely agree with you. I want to move on from some offensively minded players and replace them with defensive players and snarl. The team needs to be tougher to play against. I just believe Kakko is one of those defensive minded players who can play in the bottom-6 but move up in a pinch if need be but, again, may be that's not the player he is most nights. I've only had a few glimpses of him over the years.

 

[toddkaz]

Whats with the 10 day break with the sabres? Even with the All-Star game it seems excessive. Even the NHL schedule seems very thin.

I guess it gives the Sabres players time to heal so there is that.

 

[TageGod]

Any interest in Jiricheck? not the ideal trade but if this team doesn't get much closer to the bubble by deadline may as well look to next year. I would do something like Rosen+krebs or a pick. Closer to a 1 for 1 if it is Kulich or Savoie. Need some RD prospects.

 

[HaNotsri]

Any interest in Jiricheck? not the ideal trade but if this team doesn't get much closer to the bubble by deadline may as well look to next year. I would do something like Rosen+krebs or a pick. Closer to a 1 for 1 if it is Kulich or Savoie. Need some RD prospects.

Price should start with at least Savoie but their needs are d.
We are a pretty bad trading partner for Columbus unless we overpay on value to compensate for the bad fit.

 

[TageGod]

Price should start with at least Savoie but their needs are d.
We are a pretty bad trading partner for Columbus unless we overpay on value to compensate for the bad fit.

3 way prospect trade! Savoie to X, X team and player to Col, and Jir to us. Seems silly to trade him for another player like him though. Just keep him.

 

[Jim Bob]

Definitely agree with the sentiment, but I think a young player for young player swap could help the team (Krebs +?)

Kakko is an interesting piece to me, though, as I think his floor is a good bottom-6 forward with defensive prowl with the potential of more. Perhaps I'm misremembering his usage in the playoffs, but from what I recall- that was a player this team could use. The cost is my concern.

Looking at the roster- Adams needs to be more aggressive and make some tough moves, which I don't think he'll do, but that's for a different convo.

Skinner-Thompson-Tuch
Peterka*-Cozens-Quinn
Greenway-Mitts-Benson
XXX-Krebs*-XXX

Dahlin-Sammy
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifford

I'd throw the line out there to see if anyone bites on Peterka and pays handsomely for him. His name is one I'd dangle around for that top-4 defensive savvy defenseman we need. Krebs should be out of here. I'd also be keen on using some of our borderline blue chippers to obtain a top-9 forward with snarl and FA to fill out the rest of the roster if possible.

But I definitely agree with you. I want to move on from some offensively minded players and replace them with defensive players and snarl. The team needs to be tougher to play against. I just believe Kakko is one of those defensive minded players who can play in the bottom-6 but move up in a pinch if need be but, again, may be that's not the player he is most nights. I've only had a few glimpses of him over the years.

I just noticed a cool new feature over at CapFriendly:

Kaapo Kakko Scouting Reports - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

Kaapo Kakko scouting reports powered by The Pro Hockey Group

www.capfriendly.com

Peyton Krebs Scouting Reports - CapFriendly - NHL Salary Caps

Peyton Krebs scouting reports powered by The Pro Hockey Group

www.capfriendly.com

It is interesting that they have Kakko as a 72 L3 and Krebs as a 76 L4.

If you add in Krebs's ability play center and his lower QO as an RFA this summer, and I wonder why the Sabres would have to add the sweetener to the deal outside of some residual overestimation of Kakko's value since he went 2OV in the same draft that Krebs went 17th.

And if the cost were Krebs + 3rd or 4th round pick, I would try and see if there were a better option out there for the same package that gives the Sabres a more proven NHLer than Kakko.

 

[HaNotsri]

3 way prospect trade! Savoie to X, X team and player to Col, and Jir to us. Seems silly to trade him for another player like him though. Just keep him.

He has an attitude and Columbus have jerked him around s lot - look at his recalls. I would be pissed as well. He needs the Leo Carlsson treatment rather than the run around they give him.
If they can get really good value back for their rebuild I suspect they'll go for it since the relationship has soured a bit.

 

[Ehran]

Whats with the 10 day break with the sabres? Even with the All-Star game it seems excessive. Even the NHL schedule seems very thin.

I guess it gives the Sabres players time to heal so there is that.

3 day all star break combined with CBA mandated mid season week off = 10 day break.

Everyone deserves a vacation once in a while. Even us office types.

 

[tsujimoto74]

Any interest in Jiricheck? not the ideal trade but if this team doesn't get much closer to the bubble by deadline may as well look to next year. I would do something like Rosen+krebs or a pick. Closer to a 1 for 1 if it is Kulich or Savoie. Need some RD prospects.

Personally, I don’t think he’s the right kind of defenseman for what we need, and I also would be concerned about his attitude (re: his apparent unwillingness to play/learn in the AHL), especially with all of the high end prospects we have cooking down there.

 

[Dingo44]

Reading the Athletic's trade deadline article from two days ago:

NHL trade deadline 2024: Which player (or pick) each team is most likely to deal

Some players I'd take a look at:

John Beecher, Boston. I think he cold be a really effective 4C type that grinds. He might not reach his draft potential but he could be a better version of Colton Sissons. The Sabres need that type of player.

Philip Broberg, Edmonton. Maybe Edmonton looks for NHL roster upgrades and moves on from Broberg. I think Broberg is a big, mobile defender who isn't going to be amazing offensively. Change of scenery type of trade?

Oliver Wahlstrom, Islanders. Big, strong winger with a great shot and good a net front play. Not the same player since getting hurt so maybe he just needs a different opportunity.

I'll just say having watched both a lot on the NTDP that Beecher brings a lot to a team that has a lot of other guys who can score, and Wahlstom and Jack Hughes were almost unstoppable on the same line.

 

[Dingo44]

I'd throw the line out there to see if anyone bites on Peterka and pays handsomely for him. His name is one I'd dangle around for that top-4 defensive savvy defenseman we need. Krebs should be out of here. I'd also be keen on using some of our borderline blue chippers to obtain a top-9 forward with snarl and FA to fill out the rest of the roster if possible.

Is moving JJ for a defensive savvy defenseman really a good move? Kid is our leading goal scorer and keeps getting better by the game in his second NHL season. Peca called him a unicorn. There are plenty of cheaper ways to get a top 4 defenseman - and that's not as critical a need on a team with Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, and Ryan Johnson - if they can get their acts together and play the way we know they can play.

 

[TageGod]

Definitely agree with the sentiment, but I think a young player for young player swap could help the team (Krebs +?)

Kakko is an interesting piece to me, though, as I think his floor is a good bottom-6 forward with defensive prowl with the potential of more. Perhaps I'm misremembering his usage in the playoffs, but from what I recall- that was a player this team could use. The cost is my concern.

Looking at the roster- Adams needs to be more aggressive and make some tough moves, which I don't think he'll do, but that's for a different convo.

Skinner-Thompson-Tuch
Peterka*-Cozens-Quinn
Greenway-Mitts-Benson
XXX-Krebs*-XXX

Dahlin-Sammy
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifford

I'd throw the line out there to see if anyone bites on Peterka and pays handsomely for him. His name is one I'd dangle around for that top-4 defensive savvy defenseman we need. Krebs should be out of here. I'd also be keen on using some of our borderline blue chippers to obtain a top-9 forward with snarl and FA to fill out the rest of the roster if possible.

But I definitely agree with you. I want to move on from some offensively minded players and replace them with defensive players and snarl. The team needs to be tougher to play against. I just believe Kakko is one of those defensive minded players who can play in the bottom-6 but move up in a pinch if need be but, again, may be that's not the player he is most nights. I've only had a few glimpses of him over the years.

If you mean a top 2 defensemen maybe, but we have those invested in. The price for Peterka is nothing less than 3 first round picks right now. Really any thought of moving him is absurd.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Is moving JJ for a defensive savvy defenseman really a good move? Kid is our leading goal scorer and keeps getting better by the game in his second NHL season. Peca called him a unicorn. There are plenty of cheaper ways to get a top 4 defenseman - and that's not as critical a need on a team with Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, and Ryan Johnson - if they can get their acts together and play the way we know they can play.

Agreed. Let's focus on experience at forward, and let's focus on trading our prospects for their NHL players.

I'm actually seeing Nashville as a potential good trade fit. Same with the Isles. Seems like they both need speed and skill, and we need forward grit, which they both have in spades.

 

[Chainshot]

Any interest in Jiricheck? not the ideal trade but if this team doesn't get much closer to the bubble by deadline may as well look to next year. I would do something like Rosen+krebs or a pick. Closer to a 1 for 1 if it is Kulich or Savoie. Need some RD prospects.

Go back a few pages, there is some chatter on it.

 

[Dubi Doo]

Interesting takes on Peterka. I thought he had hit a wall. I honestly haven't been following the team enough this season. Glad he's doing well, and I'll take your guys opinions over mine as I'm not as in tuned as most of you.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I'll just say having watched both a lot on the NTDP that Beecher brings a lot to a team that has a lot of other guys who can score, and Wahlstom and Jack Hughes were almost unstoppable on the same line.

Of the names in that article, I’d be willing to take fliers on Beecher and Broberg.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I just noticed that Trenin is a UFA after this season. He'd be the perfect Girgs replacement imo. He can take draws and play center if necessary. I feel he deserves to be in the top 9 more than Greenway since he's noticeably better offensively.

I like the idea of Wahlstrom as an Okposo replacement, and Luke Kunin too, as a Krebs upgrade. Both RFAs who we should be able to easily trade for.

Skinner Tage Benson
Peterka Cozens Tuch
Trenin Mitts Quinn
Greenway Kunin Wahlstrom
x-Krebs

That gives us a 4th line with more identity, and a touch more physicality throughout.