Roster Thread (2023-2024 Season)

[thewookie1]

I'd take Manson for a 3rd to help strengthen our D group but otherwise no.

 

[Djp]

Personally, and I was a Mittelstadt guy for a long time, I think it's a bad idea to reward a guy with a big, long term contract after only one good year. Don't repeat the mistake made with Skinner... hopefully not with Thompson and Cozens.

Mittlestadt isnt a one yr wonder.

21/22 he closed at 5-11-16 over final 28 games (march/apr). He missed a good chunk of the season due to injury returning in feb iirc.
last year 59 in 82 g
this year 42 in 49.
117/159 is about 60pts per 82 player over 2 years of playing. during this time he has top 25 in ES production. players on other teams are their top line forwards.

 

[Chainshot]

This makes a lot of sense and puts together a lot of details to tell a fuller, more complete story than I had in my head. Your paragraph about the offensive zone issues should really be pinned since it's basically what happens every time you watch a Sabres game, and I suspected that the coach was asking them to do that too.

Remember when we all complained about how Kruger did the opposite? That didn't work either, which makes me think it's the personnel. They give away the puck when they try to make a play because they can't provide adequate support, and they give the puck away when they dump it in because they can't win the battle.

(You really should have a podcast or youtube show or something...you're better than most of them and the main reason I come here.)

I think you're right about the blame distribution here. I really don't think a new coach changes a whole lot, except a new one might not tolerate the lazy play as much (I'm not sure Granato actually "tolerates" it, but that's the popular narrative).

Offensive zone blame: Mostly forwards (can't win dump in battles, can't make a play under pressure, can't maintain possession, can't cover for pinching dmen), some coaching, some roster construction (we're allowed tough guys)

Defensive zone blame: Mostly both forwards (blowing the zone, slow to come back) and defensemen (bad/lazy passes). Significant roster issues (need more Dmen who are willing to punish guys whacking at pucks in front of the net). Some coaching.

Special teams: Granato has always been very slow to make adjustments when things aren't working, but I've heard reasonable reasons for why he doesn't like to make changes often. Not sure I disagree with his logic, but the results are unacceptable. I'll blame him, but the forward, for instance, sure look like they're trying to blow the zone while on a damn PK sometimes, which is confusing.

Goaltending: players are all fine, the only problem is the GM and his inability to asses, and inability to make a decision until it's way too late. I don't blame the coaches either.

Compete: Players. Maybe you can blame the coach for not yelling enough but that stops working pretty quick anyway, if it ever works to begin with.


It's mostly on the forwards imo.

I wonder what a different coach gets out of them. I look at the buy-in Tocchet gets from the Canucks and how some of their defensive blunders went away when they started getting people to come back and support. Same thing in Edmonton with Knoblauch taking over and now they have better support out of forwards who should have been shot into the sun for their level of care at coming back has lead to them being one of the better teams in the league defensively since the change. That's not to say the forwards don't need any moves, just that my opinion is they would get a bounce from a new coach.

Some of what they are doing strikes me as trying to satisfy the constant requests to try to be creative or generate offense. And then there is the personnel issue of having players who are willing to drive the middle lane or establish position inside around the crease and that does seem to be lacking. I know Meier has been a struggle in NJ, yet the offense he generates with going to the net, with taking the puck from below the net to the goal mouth, is something this team just does not have. (Also, not an endorsement of trying to get Meier or that contract now after the fact, just looking for style and fit.)

And thanks for the complement. I had someone once ask me why I was still spending my time here instead of doing something else but I didn't have a good answer and now that someone does a pretty good vlog about prospects and the team.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I wonder what a different coach gets out of them. I look at the buy-in Tocchet gets from the Canucks and how some of their defensive blunders went away when they started getting people to come back and support. Same thing in Edmonton with Knoblauch taking over and now they have better support out of forwards who should have been shot into the sun for their level of care at coming back has lead to them being one of the better teams in the league defensively since the change. That's not to say the forwards don't need any moves, just that my opinion is they would get a bounce from a new coach.

Some of what they are doing strikes me as trying to satisfy the constant requests to try to be creative or generate offense. And then there is the personnel issue of having players who are willing to drive the middle lane or establish position inside around the crease and that does seem to be lacking. I know Meier has been a struggle in NJ, yet the offense he generates with going to the net, with taking the puck from below the net to the goal mouth, is something this team just does not have. (Also, not an endorsement of trying to get Meier or that contract now after the fact, just looking for style and fit.)

And thanks for the complement. I had someone once ask me why I was still spending my time here instead of doing something else but I didn't have a good answer and now that someone does a pretty good vlog about prospects and the team.

We already know the forwards in buffalo can support -- they did it under Granato. They just can't walk and talk at the same time. So a new coach might be able to get them to hustle and support more, but that could easily neuter the offense that they do have, like it did last time. That's my worry, at least. The problem seems to be that the most skilled important forwards are all low-IQ and take way too long to absorb the coach's message. That's my theory, at least.

Re: Meier, a lot of fans say he brings a lot to their offense, without putting up big numbers. He may not be living up to the contract, but he's exactly the type of player we need. I 100% agree. We don't need the player he's supposed to be (too expensive) -- we need the player he is, as a lesser cost, of course, haha.

 

[Jimmybarndoor2]

The coaching and the vets on this team are the issue
If they are not going to play Krebs correctly then trade him so he can succeed somewhere else

Play some of the boys from Rochester rather than the vets

Trade deadline deals may not work for the Sabres expect offseason moves.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

And thanks for the complement. I had someone once ask me why I was still spending my time here instead of doing something else but I didn't have a good answer and now that someone does a pretty good vlog about prospects and the team.

It's an okay vlog, I honestly think you'd have a different angle. You're talent is being wasted, you should get something going while you have free time. You have a lot of connections from this board who haven't been on forever who would make interesting guests. You've been around the rinks, have been watching these prospects for years. Most importantly, it costs next to nothing and could eventually entertain a lot of people.

 

[Tatanka]

It's an okay vlog, I honestly think you'd have a different angle. You're talent is being wasted, you should get something going while you have free time. You have a lot of connections from this board who haven't been on forever who would make interesting guests. You've been around the rinks, have been watching these prospects for years. Most importantly, it costs next to nothing and could eventually entertain a lot of people.

Agreed. @Chainshot you should do one on how to scout a game, team, player etc. Not this guy is good or bad, but rather the things he does or they do and the results. You watch enough tape to be truly valuable must stream. Jmho.

 

[Chainshot]

I would also venture that if the PP wasn't such a complete desert, this team would be flirting with or in the playoffs. That very much is on the coaching staff in my opinion - trying nothing but the same thing over and over again because it used to work isn't coaching, it's not adapting. Holy crap, I'm doing the R. Lee Ermey thing again just thinking about Ellis and that powerplay.

 

[Chainshot]

Agreed. @Chainshot you should do one on how to scout a game, team, player etc. Not this guy is good or bad, but rather the things he does or they do and the results. You watch enough tape to be truly valuable must stream. Jmho.

My son asked me about quantifying how I like guys who I like and man did that make me think and struggle to get an answer out. Not that I'm necessarily right - I once recommended Szydlowski and Varone as UDFA options to someone who could do things about it (and did). And Szyd didn't score for his entire first season in the AHL.

 

[Tatanka]

My son asked me about quantifying how I like guys who I like and man did that make me think and struggle to get an answer out. Not that I'm necessarily right - I once recommended Szydlowski and Varone as UDFA options to someone who could do things about it (and did). And Szyd didn't score for his entire first season in the AHL.

Lol! Start with a breakdown of special teams....it will give positive and not so positive things to discuss. The rest will come together as you refine your methodology. The advantage you have is you watch much more of the various leagues so play style can be factored in. I would tune in. Not saying I would agree with you, but that is how the algo is fed.

 

[HaNotsri]

I would also venture that if the PP wasn't such a complete desert, this team would be flirting with or in the playoffs. That very much is on the coaching staff in my opinion - trying nothing but the same thing over and over again because it used to work isn't coaching, it's not adapting. Holy crap, I'm doing the R. Lee Ermey thing again just thinking about Ellis and that powerplay.

When Sabres management notices a warning light on the instrument panel they just keep driving "sonetimes they just go away by themselves."

 

[Chainshot]

When Sabres management notices a warning light on the instrument panel they just keep driving "sonetimes they just go away by themselves."

Tap the panel until it goes out?



There just aren't any surprises.

 

[Sabresbyswords104]

Trade Skinner ? Any chance?

 

[Zman5778]

Trade Skinner ? Any chance?

He has a NTC and only approved a trade here because it's closer to his family.

Pretty little chance he waives.

 

[Chainshot]

Trade Skinner ? Any chance?

He has a NMC so he would have to have say in moving on. I don't see how they can retain for three more years, but 1.5 million off the top of his cap hit would be a decent 2nd line value for a couple years.

I doubt they would get much of anything back and would have to retain to get him somewhere. If only he were to go on some sort of heater and generate interest but it seems likely those days are over.

 

[HOOats]

He has a NTC and only approved a trade here because it's closer to his family.

Pretty little chance he waives.

Family in this case means women in Toronto*, from experience.

 

[TehDoak]

Trade Skinner ? Any chance?

It would take a good bit of retention and him being willing to move.

Buyout is probably the safest way to get him gone.

 

[Fearnot]

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Ok, I assume this post was made in jest, but let's make sure nobody actually takes this seriously...

There are all sorts of foot, ankle, or hamstring injuries that would keep you off skates, but wouldn't slow your bedroom game in the slightest.

And even if he had two broken ankles, two ruptured achilles, two torn hamstrings, and two knee replacement surgeries...it could still work if she's on top and taking initiative.

Congratulations, Kyle.

Only injuries totally taking you out of 'the game' are broken ribs and / or a back

 

[Irie]

It would take a good bit of retention and him being willing to move.

Buyout is probably the safest way to get him gone.

Do you honestly think Pegula is going to ok spending almost 15M to buy out Skinner?

Maybe, MAYBE....he could be convinced next year when the cost would be down to 8M, but I think the realistic year for the buyout is 2026 when it will be down to 3M.

 

[debaser66]

View attachment 815768

This one should be buried not shared.

 

[Jim Bob]

Do you honestly think Pegula is going to ok spending almost 15M to buy out Skinner?

Maybe, MAYBE....he could be convinced next year when the cost would be down to 8M, but I think the realistic year for the buyout is 2026 when it will be down to 3M.

I also do not see the Sabres seeing Skinner as a problem. So, forget getting Pegula to OK a buyout, I do not see it being something that Adams feels is a positive move for the team.

 

[Dirty Dog]

View attachment 815768

This is the content I need more of

 

[truthbluth]

Unpopular opinion: the roster is fine. Maybe a little tweak to the bottom six. The team plays with virtually no system. They try to get into a track meet every night and when they run into a disciplined team they get dismantled. They need an xs and os coach more than they need a goalie or a defenseman. Flame away.

 

[MOGlLNY]

Unpopular opinion: the roster is fine. Maybe a little tweak to the bottom six. The team plays with virtually no system. They try to get into a track meet every night and when they run into a disciplined team they get dismantled. They need an xs and os coach more than they need a goalie or a defenseman. Flame away.

Last year, yeah. This year? Not really. I'd love for them to be playing the way they did last year. If they had this edition of UPL in net last year they would've comfortably made the playoffs.