Roster Thread (2023-2024 Season)

[OkimLom]

Oof. Big, big oof.

“Our goals and vision for the future are unchanged and we remain steadfast in our belief that this team will turn things around” -TPegs

Translation: We’re running it back with minimal changes again next year. Please don’t cancel your seasons! *Jangles keys* look a new scoreboard and roof!
View attachment 825754

They are so going to use the reasoning that Tage was hurt, Skinner was hurt, and the other injuries as reasons why they feel the need to do less than the minimal work with the roster, and with the UPL improved play this season why they are confident going forward with Levi and UPL as your starters. And it will bite them in the ***.

 

[SundherDome]

Where is the rendering?

 

[Mattilaus]

Let's look on the bright side. We were all chastising Pegs for not communicating with the fans. Well.....now he has.

 

[dortt]

Clague had a couple of good games last year when being forced to play with Dahlin or Power.

But there is no universe where:
A.) Clague is part of our "most talented" 6-man defensive unit
ii.) Clauge can repeat said good games for an extended period of time
3.) Clague actually deserves to play over anyone currently in the lineup. And I'm including Erik Johnson in that, who is so cooked that he's damned near a charcoal briquette 5v5.

And frankly, if one of our current top 7 get hurt.....I want Stillman up here instead of Clague.

you proved my point exactly with your post

You are wanting the most talented. I clearly said Clague is not the most talented. However, the most talented team does not equate to the best team. Instead of putting together a fantasy team, which we have been doing since 2015, we need to put together the best team that works.

If a less talented player proves to be a better compliment to one of the best players, that player should play over a more talented player who does not mesh as well

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

Oof. Big, big oof.

“Our goals and vision for the future are unchanged and we remain steadfast in our belief that this team will turn things around” -TPegs

Translation: We’re running it back with minimal changes again next year. Please don’t cancel your seasons! *Jangles keys* look a new scoreboard and roof!
View attachment 825754

We should judge on actions, not words, but this strikes me as "stay the course" foolishness.

I'll be quite discouraged if all we see is more Comrie/Clifton level tweaks and a stubborn reliance on "internal growth".

 

[Chainshot]

They are so going to use the reasoning that Tage was hurt, Skinner was hurt, and the other injuries as reasons why they feel the need to do less than the minimal work with the roster, and with the UPL improved play this season why they are confident going forward with Levi and UPL as your starters. And it will bite them in the ***.

The volatile nature of goaltending alone could bite them, let alone Skinner being way into the aging curve and any other injuries that might come along. It's not like Thompson hasn't had a bunch so even just banking on him to be peak is folly.

 

[Jim Bob]

Pronman: Top college, CHL and European free agents for NHL teams

Ranking this year’s class of free agents coming out of the CHL, NCAA and major European leagues.

theathletic.com

Projected to play NHL games​

2. Maxim Tsyplakov, RW, Spartak-KHL

Tsyplakov is the main European free agent out there this season. The 25-year-old winger has been one of the better forwards in the KHL this season. He’s a big, powerful wing who plays a highly physical brand of hockey. He also has strong puck skills, offensive hockey sense and shooting ability. Inside the offensive zone, he is quite dangerous and can challenge goaltenders in several ways. Tsyplakov’s main issue comes down to his skating. He has a heavy stride that lacks NHL footspeed so the question will be: Is he just like a ton of other successful KHL players whose games can’t translate to the NHL, or does he have that something extra in him? I think because of how big and physical he is, he has a good chance to be an NHL player as a bottom-six wing.

3. Oscar Eklind, LW, Lulea-SHL

Eklind has developed well this season, becoming a top scorer for Lulea. He has an athletic toolkit of an NHL forward. He’s a 6-foot-4 winger who skates quite well for his size. He has a powerful frame, plays physically, and can bully his way to the net due to his strength and speed. Eklind has good hands and can finish plays. I don’t think he sees the ice at a super high level though. He has the makings of a potential bottom-six wing in the NHL.

9. Drew Bavaro, RHD, Notre Dame-Big Ten

Bavaro has looked quite impressive in the Big Ten in the last two seasons. He’s a good-sized right-shot defenseman who unlike a lot of top free agents with size also skates quite well. He has the athleticism to play versus pros. His offensive touch is also decent. He has a strong point shot, it will just be about whether he can move pucks at higher levels. I think there’s just enough puck-moving skill to have a real shot to play NHL games.

14. Joshua Eernisse, RW, Michigan-Big Ten

Eernisse’s pure numbers won’t get you overly excited, and this is not a forward who gets power play time at Michigan. But he is a big, fast, and highly competitive winger. He is very physical and brings it every night. Eernisse uses his feet and good enough skill to take pucks to the net and creates enough offense in a highly translatable way to the pro game.

This could be a way to add some size and physicality to the pipeline...

 

[HaNotsri]

What made me laugh was the goal now is to assemble a playoff team as opposed to the sole reason of existence is to win a Stanley Cup

In two years time we'll have the stretch goal of reaching 41 wins.

 

[TageGod]

If Mitts is moved, it is for a top D or else it is redundant just resign him. Then use assets to replace him.

 

[Chainshot]

you proved my point exactly with your post

You are wanting the most talented. I clearly said Clague is not the most talented. However, the most talented team does not equate to the best team. Instead of putting together a fantasy team, which we have been doing since 2015, we need to put together the best team that works.

If a less talented player proves to be a better compliment to one of the best players, that player should play over a more talented player who does not mesh as well

Who is it that you want Clague, currently their #9, to make the roster better?

 

[Chainshot]

I think Joker gets traded as an RFA this summer

I could see that. Hell, if this stretch upcoming kicks sand in their faces, I could see teams sniff around since he's got the right hand shot thing and being a complimentary piece to other, better defensemen thing in his recent history.

The issue is then, having a plan to actually fill that spot or even the more shocking - upgrade a RD in the top 4.

On a team who has too much takeout and not enough breakout, he could be an interesting fit in a 2nd pairing manner. Buffalo's d-corps being too much breakout and not enough takeout makes him part of the fit issue.

 

[TageGod]

Agreed that Peterka and Quinn likely won't come in under 6 total.

And you can have a decent defense if you sign Mitts and Peterka and Quinn.

THEN, you'd have to go cheap at goalie. Like Levi and some vet min guy.


I totally agree with you that we've gotta shed a couple of the forwards.......but I'd like to find a hockey deal for them. Deal Peterka for a simlarly-aged RHD with a couple of RFA years left. One we can bridge. That type of thing.

Peterka will be something along the lines of 5.5/3. Quinn, if he stays healthy will be similar. If he gets even better next year.....who knows.

 

[Der Jaeger]

If Tkachuk and Petterson are truly available, Buffalo is one of the only teams with the ammunition to get both deals done. And it wouldn't gut the team or organization.

Not saying they should, but the options are there.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

If Tkachuk and Petterson are truly available, Buffalo is one of the only teams with the ammunition to get both deals done. And it wouldn't gut the team or organization.

Not saying they should, but the options are there.

I don't necessarily disagree, but that will require big salary in, big salary out. Who goes? I wish it could be Skinner, but would probably have to be Power.

 

[Jim Bob]

If Tkachuk and Petterson are truly available, Buffalo is one of the only teams with the ammunition to get both deals done. And it wouldn't gut the team or organization.

Not saying they should, but the options are there.

I cannot imagine EPete wanting to commit to the Sabres long term if he isn't interested in committing to the Nucks long term.

And while I would love Tkachuk, I can't imagine that he is available. Especially not to a division rival.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

If Tkachuk and Petterson are truly available, Buffalo is one of the only teams with the ammunition to get both deals done. And it wouldn't gut the team or organization.

Not saying they should, but the options are there.

What do they need? A big package like the Eichel or O’Reilly returns, or something closer to a 1-for-1 around Power or UPL?

 

[Der Jaeger]

I don't necessarily disagree, but that will require big salary in, big salary out. Who goes? I wish it could be Skinner, but would probably have to be Power.

Just for the mental exercise, play it out. I'm using the "4 1sts model," which basically downgrades to 3 1st round equivalents and then something around 2nd round value in the actual trade.

Power, Kulich, Rosen, 2024 2nd for Pettersson.

Thompson, Peterka, 2024 1st, Jokiharju for Tkachuk

Tkachuk - Pettersson - Tuch
Quinn - Mittelstadt - Cozens
Greenway - Krebs - Benson
Skinner - xxx - xxx

Samuelsson - Dahlin
E. Johnson - Clifton
xxx - xxx

UPL, Levi

Mix those lines and pairs up however you want. But it's just to show that it's doable and wouldn't kill the team.

I cannot imagine EPete wanting to commit to the Sabres long term if he isn't interested in committing to the Nucks long term.

And while I would love Tkachuk, I can't imagine that he is available. Especially not to a division rival.

I get it, just a hypothetical. Buffalo is probably the only team that work both trades and still make them happen.

What do they need? A big package like the Eichel or O’Reilly returns, or something closer to a 1-for-1 around Power or UPL?

I took a swing at it above. Very uninformed from an Ottawa or Vancouver perspective, just looking at value.

 

[TehDoak]

Just for the mental exercise, play it out. I'm using the "4 1sts model," which basically downgrades to 3 1st round equivalents and then something around 2nd round value in the actual trade.

Power, Kulich, Rosen, 2024 2nd for Pettersson.

Thompson, Peterka, 2024 1st, Jokiharju for Tkachuk

Tkachuk - Pettersson - Tuch
Quinn - Mittelstadt - Cozens
Greenway - Krebs - Benson
Skinner - xxx - xxx

Samuelsson - Dahlin
E. Johnson - Clifton
xxx - xxx

UPL, Levi

Mix those lines and pairs up however you want. But it's just to show that it's doable and wouldn't kill the team.


I get it, just a hypothetical. Buffalo is probably the only team that work both trades and still make them happen.


I took a swing at it above. Very uninformed from an Ottawa or Vancouver perspective, just looking at value.

If I am Ottawa I am signing Keith Tkachuck and coughing a lot on the trade call and hope they don't notice.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Just for the mental exercise, play it out. I'm using the "4 1sts model," which basically downgrades to 3 1st round equivalents and then something around 2nd round value in the actual trade.

Power, Kulich, Rosen, 2024 2nd for Pettersson.

Thompson, Peterka, 2024 1st, Jokiharju for Tkachuk

Tkachuk - Pettersson - Tuch
Quinn - Mittelstadt - Cozens
Greenway - Krebs - Benson
Skinner - xxx - xxx

Samuelsson - Dahlin
E. Johnson - Clifton
xxx - xxx

UPL, Levi

Mix those lines and pairs up however you want. But it's just to show that it's doable and wouldn't kill the team.


I get it, just a hypothetical. Buffalo is probably the only team that work both trades and still make them happen.


I took a swing at it above. Very uninformed from an Ottawa or Vancouver perspective, just looking at value.

You ain't f***ing around this time! Those are actually pretty impressive offers. I'd like what it does for the team too, we just need to go out and find half of a new top 4 defensive core, which as we've seen with this team can literally take a decade.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

What do they need? A big package like the Eichel or O’Reilly returns, or something closer to a 1-for-1 around Power or UPL?

I would think any trade for Pettersson would require Thompson or Cozens as part of the return.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

If Tkachuk and Petterson are truly available, Buffalo is one of the only teams with the ammunition to get both deals done. And it wouldn't gut the team or organization.

Not saying they should, but the options are there.

Rantanen is also an interesting trade target.

Something like Mitts+Power for Rantanen+Byram as a base. Adds as need be.

 

[Beerz]

I would think any trade for Pettersson would require Thompson or Cozens as part of the return.

I would say Thompson in the EP deal.

Power, 1st savoie for Brady

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

I would say Thompson in the EP deal.

Power, 1st savoie for Brady

Something like Thompson, Kulich, a 1st, and a 2nd for Pettersson is probably what we’re looking at.

 

[Jim Bob]

Just for the mental exercise, play it out. I'm using the "4 1sts model," which basically downgrades to 3 1st round equivalents and then something around 2nd round value in the actual trade.

Power, Kulich, Rosen, 2024 2nd for Pettersson.

Thompson, Peterka, 2024 1st, Jokiharju for Tkachuk

Tkachuk - Pettersson - Tuch
Quinn - Mittelstadt - Cozens
Greenway - Krebs - Benson
Skinner - xxx - xxx

Samuelsson - Dahlin
E. Johnson - Clifton
xxx - xxx

UPL, Levi

Mix those lines and pairs up however you want. But it's just to show that it's doable and wouldn't kill the team.


I get it, just a hypothetical. Buffalo is probably the only team that work both trades and still make them happen.


I took a swing at it above. Very uninformed from an Ottawa or Vancouver perspective, just looking at value.

While not killing the team, I could see those two deals making the team worse by looking at that blueline and seeing that a bunch of the high end trade pieces are out the door and there is less cap flexibility than before.

Something like Thompson, Kulich, a 1st, and a 2nd for Pettersson is probably what we’re looking at.

With EPete maybe needing $4-6M more AAV than TNT to sign an extension, that is a rough deal to me.

 

[joshjull]

The issue is then, having a plan to actually fill that spot or even the more shocking - upgrade a RD in the top 4.

On a team who has too much takeout and not enough breakout, he could be an interesting fit in a 2nd pairing manner. Buffalo's d-corps being too much breakout and not enough takeout makes him part of the fit issue.

MC Chain on the mike!