Roster Thread (2023-2024 Season)

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

1. It’s not the lack of fighting on the Sabres, it’s that they’re a bunch of pu$$***.

2. This organization has been crap since they let Druy and Briere walk, or if you wanna point to Lucic running over Miller. This team has been completely gutless, and it seems the top end guys he’s drafting is not gonna change that anytime soon.

3. Girgensons got stood up at the blue line last night. Good, clean hit. I applauded that Canadian. He had the size, speed and right to really cream him. He didn’t. He took him out but not in a way that was going to hurt him. Playing tough doesn’t mean you have to hurt someone

 

[HOOats]

Would Sabres fans consider something along the lines of Byram+Colton+RyJo+2025 first for Thompson? Buffalo could then turn around and trade Byram+2025 first for a RHD or use him on his off-side (where he has been playing well lately).

This would provide Buffalo with a tenacious, defensively sound 3C who is the same age as Thompson and has experience winning in playoffs, as well as a good young top 4 defender who has both side utility and a first round pick.

I'm in the minority here (and on plenty), but I wouldn't hang up immediately. I don't know that I'd accept, but this is more than just quantity for quality imo. It's a better package than Meier went for and it's not futures heavy.

The rationale being:
-We feel like this group doesn't have "it" and needs a shake up, but everyone feels untouchable for various reasons. The roster is kind of paralyzed.
-I want to resign Mitts but our centers, while super skilled, aren't a traditional winning spine
-Tage's all-around game has not developed as hoped, he's often a liability
-Better coaching would help, but he's a bit of a one trick pony on the PP
-I do worry about his body, longevity and stamina. He's a player without precedent and there's some inherent risk in that.
-Colton is the type of player we need more of but can't seem to acquire. Relentless, influential, versatile, reliable. And a good player to boot. Ideal 3C to let 37 and 24 move up. Three more years at $4M is fine, he's only 27.
-Byram is up and down still but he's second pair already and still has tons of potential (only 17 mo older than Power). One more year at $3.85M and RFA.
-Retain on RyJo at $2M (NSH already retained him down from $8M) for one more year and get a nice asset from a contender desperate for centers. I'm a sucker for these double retention moves.
-I know people are sick of picks, but the 2025 1st is a nice chip to have
-I'd try to squeeze a future 2nd/3rd out of them too

I agree that this move only makes sense with additional moves to rebalance things. As long as we're making video game trades, I'd look at something like Samuelsson, Savoie, and a pick (COL 1st if pushed) for Rasmus Andersson. And then sell the UFAs for futures.

Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Quinn
Benson-Colton-xxx
Greenway-Krebs-xxx

Dahlin-Byram
Power-Andersson
R. Johnson-Jokiharju
Clifton

That's a better and more competitive team than we have now, still stocked with plenty of futures. And hey, you did tell Adams that the Robinson trade wasn't big enough.

 

[MOGlLNY]

I'm in the minority here (and on plenty), but I wouldn't hang up immediately. I don't know that I'd accept, but this is more than just quantity for quality imo. It's a better package than Meier went for and it's not futures heavy.

The rationale being:
-We feel like this group doesn't have "it" and needs a shake up, but everyone feels untouchable for various reasons. The roster is kind of paralyzed.
-I want to resign Mitts but our centers, while super skilled, aren't a traditional winning spine
-Tage's all-around game has not developed as hoped, he's often a liability
-Better coaching would help, but he's a bit of a one trick pony on the PP
-I do worry about his body, longevity and stamina. He's a player without precedent and there's some inherent risk in that.
-Colton is the type of player we need more of but can't seem to acquire. Relentless, influential, versatile, reliable. And a good player to boot. Ideal 3C to let 37 and 24 move up. Three more years at $4M is fine, he's only 27.
-Byram is up and down still but he's second pair already and still has tons of potential (only 17 mo older than Power). One more year at $3.85M and RFA.
-Retain on RyJo at $2M (NSH already retained him down from $8M) for one more year and get a nice asset from a contender desperate for centers. I'm a sucker for these double retention moves.
-I know people are sick of picks, but the 2025 1st is a nice chip to have
-I'd try to squeeze a future 2nd/3rd out of them too

I agree that this move only makes sense with additional moves to rebalance things. As long as we're making video game trades, I'd look at something like Samuelsson, Savoie, and a pick (COL 1st if pushed) for Rasmus Andersson. And then sell the UFAs for futures.

Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Quinn
Benson-Colton-xxx
Greenway-Krebs-xxx

Dahlin-Byram
Power-Andersson
R. Johnson-Jokiharju
Clifton

That's a better and more competitive team than we have now, still stocked with plenty of futures. And hey, you did tell Adams that the Robinson trade wasn't big enough.

You're taking on scraps for our best forward having a down year with a broken hand. Byram can't play the right side. Avs fans have already said as much. And the fact they're already looking to move on from Colton after half a season isn't a good sign either lol.

 

[Beerz]

I'm in the minority here (and on plenty), but I wouldn't hang up immediately. I don't know that I'd accept, but this is more than just quantity for quality imo. It's a better package than Meier went for and it's not futures heavy.

The rationale being:
-We feel like this group doesn't have "it" and needs a shake up, but everyone feels untouchable for various reasons. The roster is kind of paralyzed.
-I want to resign Mitts but our centers, while super skilled, aren't a traditional winning spine
-Tage's all-around game has not developed as hoped, he's often a liability
-Better coaching would help, but he's a bit of a one trick pony on the PP
-I do worry about his body, longevity and stamina. He's a player without precedent and there's some inherent risk in that.
-Colton is the type of player we need more of but can't seem to acquire. Relentless, influential, versatile, reliable. And a good player to boot. Ideal 3C to let 37 and 24 move up. Three more years at $4M is fine, he's only 27.
-Byram is up and down still but he's second pair already and still has tons of potential (only 17 mo older than Power). One more year at $3.85M and RFA.
-Retain on RyJo at $2M (NSH already retained him down from $8M) for one more year and get a nice asset from a contender desperate for centers. I'm a sucker for these double retention moves.
-I know people are sick of picks, but the 2025 1st is a nice chip to have
-I'd try to squeeze a future 2nd/3rd out of them too

I agree that this move only makes sense with additional moves to rebalance things. As long as we're making video game trades, I'd look at something like Samuelsson, Savoie, and a pick (COL 1st if pushed) for Rasmus Andersson. And then sell the UFAs for futures.

Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Quinn
Benson-Colton-xxx
Greenway-Krebs-xxx

Dahlin-Byram
Power-Andersson
R. Johnson-Jokiharju
Clifton

That's a better and more competitive team than we have now, still stocked with plenty of futures. And hey, you did tell Adams that the Robinson trade wasn't big enough.

You're comparing a UFA trade with a guy under contract for 6 more years

 

[HOOats]

You're taking on scraps for our best player having a down year with a broken hand. Byram can't play the right side. Avs fans have already said as much. And the fact they're already looking to move on from Colton after half a season isn't a good sign either lol.

He's absolutely not our best player, but points taken on the Avs guys, I don't follow them closely. Are Avs fans looking to move on from Colton or are they just including him in deals trying to get better players? Maybe these aren't the exact players we want, but I don't hate the idea of breaking one of our "stars" into a couple more competitive conventional players.

Our collection of weirdo young skill might require the perfect coach to succeed. That coach is harder to acquire than the players we can't seem to acquire.

 

[HOOats]

You're comparing a UFA trade with a guy under contract for 6 more years

*Meier was an RFA who NJ always intended on signing, so not that different than a long-term signed guy. That was a small sidebar comparison, not really a significant point in my long post.

 

[Beerz]

*Meier was an RFA who NJ always intended on signing, so not that different than a long-term signed guy. That was a small sidebar comparison, not really a significant point in my long post.

My bad.. forgot he was RFA

 

[Perratrooper]

You're taking on scraps for our best forward having a down year with a broken hand. Byram can't play the right side. Avs fans have already said as much. And the fact they're already looking to move on from Colton after half a season isn't a good sign either lol.

Again Byram has been one of our better defense the last 5 or so games since moving back to the right side.

Moving on from Colton is far from wanting to give him up. He’s been fantastic for the Avs and is a very difficult piece to give up, but ultimately if they were to land a good to great 2C a piece they might have to consider moving. The reason I included him is to help address a hole for Buffalo that even with Tage, Cozens and Mits down the middle the Sabres appear to be missing.

All in all, most Sabres fans have no interest in the move so no point in getting too into the weeds on this. I do appreciate all the feedback though!

 

[Club]

Loss of interest in the team this season, looking forward to the TDL/offseason & the draft. Like clockwork.

 

[Captain Holt]

Adams needs to be doing everything in his power to get Andersson out of Calgary. Some combination of Savoie, Rosen, Ostlund and top 3 protected firsts.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Again Byram has been one of our better defense the last 5 or so games since moving back to the right side.

Moving on from Colton is far from wanting to give him up. He’s been fantastic for the Avs and is a very difficult piece to give up, but ultimately if they were to land a good to great 2C a piece they might have to consider moving. The reason I included him is to help address a hole for Buffalo that even with Tage, Cozens and Mits down the middle the Sabres appear to be missing.

All in all, most Sabres fans have no interest in the move so no point in getting too into the weeds on this. I do appreciate all the feedback though!

I will say this - Mitts for Byram+ seems like it could be in the cards based on our AGM being at three COL games in a row recently.

 

[Perratrooper]

I will say this - Mitts for Byram+ seems like it could be in the cards based on our AGM being at three COL games in a row recently.

Definitely possible, although knowing CMac it’ll be EJ+Girgensons allowing for the Avs to have another lovely first round exit

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Definitely possible, although knowing CMac it’ll be EJ+Girgensons allowing for the Avs to have another lovely first round exit

If that's the case, I can't imagine why our AGM would be scouting you guys, when that screams draft picks coming back.

 

[Perratrooper]

If that's the case, I can't imagine why our AGM would be scouting you guys, when that screams draft picks coming back.

More of a joke of the Avs GM notoriously not making big deadline moves and Avs fans constantly expecting a Soderbwrg, Eller, Nieto type deadline.

Typically it starts with an AGM or GM scouting out team and then any potentially larger trade breaks down and the Avs settle for lesser pieces.

Would be awesome if it was a blockbuster though!

 

[Gras]

My bad.. forgot he was RFA

RFA with like a 10m QO

 

[sabres4ever]

We must be nearing the "mathematically eliminated from the playoffs" date, no?

GMKA's dream of building the first NHL team of 5'9" or less 18 year olds is nearing completion.

"We've got mad skillz"

 

[Misko]

I'm in the minority here (and on plenty), but I wouldn't hang up immediately. I don't know that I'd accept, but this is more than just quantity for quality imo. It's a better package than Meier went for and it's not futures heavy.

The rationale being:
-We feel like this group doesn't have "it" and needs a shake up, but everyone feels untouchable for various reasons. The roster is kind of paralyzed.
-I want to resign Mitts but our centers, while super skilled, aren't a traditional winning spine
-Tage's all-around game has not developed as hoped, he's often a liability
-Better coaching would help, but he's a bit of a one trick pony on the PP
-I do worry about his body, longevity and stamina. He's a player without precedent and there's some inherent risk in that.
-Colton is the type of player we need more of but can't seem to acquire. Relentless, influential, versatile, reliable. And a good player to boot. Ideal 3C to let 37 and 24 move up. Three more years at $4M is fine, he's only 27.
-Byram is up and down still but he's second pair already and still has tons of potential (only 17 mo older than Power). One more year at $3.85M and RFA.
-Retain on RyJo at $2M (NSH already retained him down from $8M) for one more year and get a nice asset from a contender desperate for centers. I'm a sucker for these double retention moves.
-I know people are sick of picks, but the 2025 1st is a nice chip to have
-I'd try to squeeze a future 2nd/3rd out of them too

I agree that this move only makes sense with additional moves to rebalance things. As long as we're making video game trades, I'd look at something like Samuelsson, Savoie, and a pick (COL 1st if pushed) for Rasmus Andersson. And then sell the UFAs for futures.

Skinner-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Peterka-Cozens-Quinn
Benson-Colton-xxx
Greenway-Krebs-xxx

Dahlin-Byram
Power-Andersson
R. Johnson-Jokiharju
Clifton

That's a better and more competitive team than we have now, still stocked with plenty of futures. And hey, you did tell Adams that the Robinson trade wasn't big enough.

I don't think trading Thompson makes much sense unless you're getting an earth-shattering offer, honestly, and I don't think that offer is really that. Thompson has arguably the best contract in the league assuming he is playing like he was the previous two years. At this point in time, I think you hang up on calls about him and just try to get him back onto his game.

Honestly, the Sabres took a step back across the whole board; with the exceptions of Peterka, Mittelstadt and an injured Quinn, virtually every player who was on the roster last season took a step back this year in terms of performance and productio. Universal regression across the roster, especially for players like Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Skinner, etc, is concerning and I don't know why they took a step back this year, it's something that needs to be diagnosed ASAP if Buffalo wants to snap their playoff drought. I suspect the team needs a jumpstart, likely in the form of a leader who can actually focus the team to play the way they know they can. Whether that means a new coach, a new captain(s) who can motivate and lead, or a trade to shake it up, is outside of my expertise and pay grade, but I'd lean towards one of the former two at this point in time. I really like Granato as a person and coach, he's very likeable and seems knowledgeable, but perhaps he isn't the guy to motivate the best out of this group, because when so many players regress at once, I usually look at the coach or locker room dynamic first.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Adams needs to be doing everything in his power to get Andersson out of Calgary. Some combination of Savoie, Rosen, Ostlund and top 3 protected firsts.

He needs a new contract soon, and Buffalo can't afford what he'll be asking for. So this makes no sense to me unless we're trading away Power, or another big name.

That's in addition to completely losing your ability to re-sign Tuch. It just doesn't make sense. I'd give up what you're talking about for Weegar, however. He's on a longer term contract for a low AAV, which has a TON of value itself.

 

[littletonhockeycoach]

You're taking on scraps for our best forward having a down year with a broken hand. Byram can't play the right side. Avs fans have already said as much. And the fact they're already looking to move on from Colton after half a season isn't a good sign either lol.

Move on from Colton?

I think you have Colton mixed up with Johansen. Nearly everyone want RyJO gone.

Colton is a keeper. He's just been asked to play a 2C role that he's not equipped or talented enough to do.

Bednar has no choice because Colorado hasn't had a 2C since Kadri left.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Move on from Colton?

I think you have Colton mixed up with Johansen. Nearly everyone want RyJO gone.

Colton is a keeper. He's just been asked to play a 2C role that he's not equipped or talented enough to do.

Bednar has no choice because Colorado hasn't had a 2C since Kadri left.

Realistically, they should (and very well may) be looking at Mitts for 2C. Mtts for Byram is something people have been talking about all season.

 

[littletonhockeycoach]

He's absolutely not our best player, but points taken on the Avs guys, I don't follow them closely. Are Avs fans looking to move on from Colton or are they just including him in deals trying to get better players? Maybe these aren't the exact players we want, but I don't hate the idea of breaking one of our "stars" into a couple more competitive conventional players.

Our collection of weirdo young skill might require the perfect coach to succeed. That coach is harder to acquire than the players we can't seem to acquire.

I'll be blunt. The Avs are so desperate for a # 2C (which I don't think Mitts really capable of in the Bednar system - big fan of Mitts however) that they are willing to offer Colton - a quality 3C - in return.

No one is really disappointed in Colton. He's been asked to play a 2C role because of Johansen's fail.

A lot of people here are reading the tea leaves incorrectly vis a vis Colton.

 

[littletonhockeycoach]

Realistically, they should (and very well may) be looking at Mitts for 2C. Mtts for Byram is something people have been talking about all season.

Yes, Cmac is looking at Mitts as a #2C. I don't think he'll make the grade under Bednar's system unless NIchuskin returns.

Byram is talked about as a possible trade because he's not a defensive mainstay on the team currently. He makes stupid decisions on the ice, is a concussion risk and frankly offers the Sabres what they already have in Dahlin (who is far, far better) vis a vis offensive abilities.

Sabres need size and toughness. Byram does not offer that.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

I will say this - Mitts for Byram+ seems like it could be in the cards based on our AGM being at three COL games in a row recently.

That would be a trade to set back the Sabres for years.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Yes, Cmac is looking at Mitts as a #2C. I don't think he'll make the grade under Bednar's system unless NIchuskin returns.

Byram is talked about as a possible trade because he's not a defensive mainstay on the team currently. He makes stupid decisions on the ice, is a concussion risk and frankly offers the Sabres what they already have in Dahlin (who is far, far better) vis a vis offensive abilities.

Sabres need size and toughness. Byram does not offer that.

Agreed on all points. Just seems like something that's been in the air, and 1000% more likely than trading them Tage as a 2C. That was my only point. I don't like it .

That would be a trade to set back the Sabres for years.

Not sure about that, but it does seem like a dumb move that changes nothing except the locker room.

 

[dickiedunnwrotethis]

Agreed on all points. Just seems like something that's been in the air, and 1000% more likely than trading them Tage as a 2C. That was my only point. I don't like it .


Not sure about that, but it does seem like a dumb move that changes nothing except the locker room.

It's the context that leads me to take that position, Mitts currently is the only center for the Sabres that plays a semblance of a complete game. I think Cozens is a better winger than center and Thompson is likely what he will be, good on offense and bad on defense. Ostlund is the only one in the pipeline that I have confidence will eventually be capable of playing a top 6 center role. Trading from a position of weakness for a LD with a very concerning concussion history is something that I believe could haunt them for years.