Roster thread: Get To Work (2022-2023 Season)

[Chainshot]

Would love to add Weegar. I know the contract sucks but he is a perfect fit to what we need on the back end. I would try to make an offer that includes VO and Joki for him.

Sammy-Dahls
Power-Weegar
Stillman/Johnson-Boosh

His extension hasn't even kicked in yet - first four years, full NTC then four more with a 10-team no-trade list, taking him up to age 37.

 

[Bendium]

Lyubushkin, when healthy, is a good penalty killer. He's the one willing to get dirty in front of the net and wipe players out.

I agree that he is a servicable bottom pairing, so he is not the first of the group to go, but he is still on my list.

I prefer to upgrade the D via trade more so than UFA ... tend to get better contracts.

I agree, but the board will blow up when you give up assets.

 

[Fezzy126]

Focus on finding one distinct upgrade to the top 4 defense via trade and one additional body of NHL caliber defenseman for depth in the 6/7 role. They aren't going to churn two or three UFA signings on the blueline who are NHL level players.

Just gonna use your post as a gateway to word vomit on the top 4 defense. Overall, I think the improvement to the top 4 comes from Power's and Samuelsson's continued development. When speaking about Power, the biggest improvement needs to come in his own end as his offense has been fine outside of his shot.

I find myself waffling on Jokiharju quite a bit. Am I frustrated because he can't carry Power in the defensive zone right now? I'm not sure anyone could with the way he plays on some nights. When I closely watch Joki's game, I'm thoroughly unimpressed, I mean he's not terrible, but there is nothing remarkable there. His stick work is fine, his positioning is mostly fine, his gaps are good, his passes are always flat on the ice and on target.

He definitely doesn't move anyone in the crease, he's not the greatest along the boards, and he definitely doesn't have the temperament (i.e. nastiness, mean streak) that I'd prefer in a top 4 dman. There's nothing dynamic in his game offensively or physically.

If I had to make a comparable, he reminds me a bit of Cory Sarich. I thought Cory was unremarkable as well, and somehow he carved out a decade+ long career as a steady top 4 dman. Maybe once Power develops closer to a final product, a steady, unremarkable partner that won't command too much salary is exactly what he needs.

Or maybe we just say f*** it and try like hell to get a guy like Weegar so that there no questions. At the end of the day, I think we all know which way KA is leaning on this one.

 

[Jim Bob]

Just gonna use your post as a gateway to word vomit on the top 4 defense. Overall, I think the improvement to the top 4 comes from Power's and Samuelsson's continued development. When speaking about Power, the biggest improvement needs to come in his own end as his offense has been fine outside of his shot.

I find myself waffling on Jokiharju quite a bit. Am I frustrated because he can't carry Power in the defensive zone right now? I'm not sure anyone could with the way he plays on some nights. When I closely watch Joki's game, I'm thoroughly unimpressed, I mean he's not terrible, but there is nothing remarkable there. His stick work is fine, his positioning is mostly fine, his gaps are good, his passes are always flat on the ice and on target.

He definitely doesn't move anyone in the crease, he's not the greatest along the boards, and he definitely doesn't have the temperament (i.e. nastiness, mean streak) that I'd prefer in a top 4 dman. There's nothing dynamic in his game offensively or physically.

If I had to make a comparable, he reminds me a bit of Cory Sarich. I thought Cory was unremarkable as well, and somehow he carved out a decade+ long career as a steady top 4 dman. Maybe once Power develops closer to a final product, a steady, unremarkable partner that won't command too much salary is exactly what he needs.

Or maybe we just say f*** it and try like hell to get a guy like Weegar so that there no questions. At the end of the day, I think we all know which way KA is leaning on this one.

I think people view Adams trying to get Chychrun as a sign that he will make a meaningful move for a 4th top 4 D this off season.

Hopefully he gets a guy that most fans are happy with.

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

His extension hasn't even kicked in yet - first four years, full NTC then four more with a 10-team no-trade list, taking him up to age 37.

IMO I feel he will be worth the contract and a serviceable top 4 d man for the next 4 years. 10 team no -trade list doesn't scare me and if production goes down, move him or give him bottom pairing minutes. 6.25 mil against the cap wouldn't be as detrimental in 27-28. Especially with Skinners contract coming off the books

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I think people view Adams trying to get Chychrun as a sign that he will make a meaningful move for a 4th top 4 D this off season.

Hopefully he gets a guy that most fans are happy with.

I'm also a fan of Rasmus Andersson, I just have defeated myself into thinking he'll never be available (like Brett Pesce).

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

I'm also a fan of Rasmus Andersson, I just have defeated myself into thinking he'll never be available (like Brett Pesce).

I’m fairly convinced the Flames would trade most of their roster before they moved Andersson.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I’m fairly convinced the Flames would trade most of their roster before they moved Andersson.

Probably. I'm lowering my trade targets to (no order) Matt Roy, Will Borgen, or Andrew Peeke.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

I think we’re at a point where UFAs would be more open to signing. I’d sign two of:

- Connor Clifton (former Granato player)
- Trevor van Riemsdyk
- Carson Soucy

 

[Chainshot]

Just gonna use your post as a gateway to word vomit on the top 4 defense. Overall, I think the improvement to the top 4 comes from Power's and Samuelsson's continued development. When speaking about Power, the biggest improvement needs to come in his own end as his offense has been fine outside of his shot.

I find myself waffling on Jokiharju quite a bit. Am I frustrated because he can't carry Power in the defensive zone right now? I'm not sure anyone could with the way he plays on some nights. When I closely watch Joki's game, I'm thoroughly unimpressed, I mean he's not terrible, but there is nothing remarkable there. His stick work is fine, his positioning is mostly fine, his gaps are good, his passes are always flat on the ice and on target.

He definitely doesn't move anyone in the crease, he's not the greatest along the boards, and he definitely doesn't have the temperament (i.e. nastiness, mean streak) that I'd prefer in a top 4 dman. There's nothing dynamic in his game offensively or physically.

If I had to make a comparable, he reminds me a bit of Cory Sarich. I thought Cory was unremarkable as well, and somehow he carved out a decade+ long career as a steady top 4 dman. Maybe once Power develops closer to a final product, a steady, unremarkable partner that won't command too much salary is exactly what he needs.

Or maybe we just say f*** it and try like hell to get a guy like Weegar so that there no questions. At the end of the day, I think we all know which way KA is leaning on this one.

I've been thinking about having a thread specifically about the blueline... but here we are.

Improvement internally is going to be a thing for Power. That said, he is doing the same sort of stuff now that he did the last two years at Michigan in regards to play in his own zone. Getting stronger will help him a bit, but he doesn't use the size effectively or frequently let alone have the temperament to do it vigorously. Wall battles are still not going to be something he's looking for and not for nothing but he isn't going to start being mean out there. He's big, he's mobile for his size (though I think his skating has very much taken a hit as the minutes have added up and he looks fatigued in both how he pursues and in how he is slower on decisions). And he's not aggressive in the least. Gionta said "he might be 6'6" but he defends like he's 5'6"" the other day - it was apt. His conditioning and strength will improve so perhaps he's not late back to pucks that result in chances against because he's fresher, but his skills don't include the temperament in almost three years of viewing. It ain't there.

So that means finding him a defensive partner who is good at the combative parts of the game around the crease to minimize that weakness. I think they might have one but I haven't taken the time to look at his time with Samuelsson when Matty was playing the right there, but it makes up for a lot of what Power is lacking internally. That then opens up who to partner with Dahlin - it isn't Henri there either - but it might be a case of finding a LHD to play up with Dahlin and shuffle Sammy down to be Power's blanket. Thin slicing it, I thought 25-23 were good in a small sample. That could be complete bullshit and I'm off my head too.

Dahlin seems to be better when allowed to roam at RD and flex back and forth from one side to the other. That opens up the possibility of shopping for a LHD partner who has some of Samuelsson's stay-at-home tendencies and bite to his game without limiting it to right shot guys only for Power.

And that said, I think I would like to see what Connor Clifton wants from the Bruins this summer. He'd give them vet experience, a HARD RD in the physical part of the game. The only downside is he's under 6'/200 lbs.

One of the other "buy low" guys I really like was Okhotiuk who went to SJ in the Meier deal - he's a beast and smart and a good skater all at once and LHD who brings things they want out of Stillman or Fitz.

Kovacevic from Montreal is another buy-low RHD who despite playing on that defensive trainwreck in Montreal is good at some things defense. He's also a bit prone to turnovers but that could be a height thing. I watch him and wonder if there is more there. That said, I don't know if Buffalo is in the position to take on a defensive-defenseman version of Miller and have it fail. Any of these could be a mistake.

And of course, is there any way to see if Arizona would be stupid with Valimaki because... who knows what that team does. LHD who knows how to play at both ends of the ice but not much of a PKer.

If Borgen is available from Seattle, that would be something else to explore - we know he fits in with a lot of the players from what they had to say about him and he plays a game that could plug in beside Power for the longer-term to cover Power's weaknesses.

And the first time Jokiharju checks a player in the manner Sarich regularly did with his body will be the first. Sarich was a hard player and used his size advantages.

 

[Chainshot]

I’m fairly convinced the Flames would trade most of their roster before they moved Andersson.

Most of the Calgary blueline is UFA after next season other than Andersson and Weegar but so are Backlund, Lindholm and Toffoli. They're going to be experiencing some pinch sooner rather than later. Maybe that's the way to find a way to get purchase on a deal for Weegar or Andersson - cap relief.

 

[sabresfan129103]

My patience with Jokiharju is wearing thin. I feel like he's the same player that they traded for 3 years ago. I've seen zero progression in his game. If anything he's gotten worse. It's too bad that they are so low on right shot d-men.

 

[Chainshot]

My patience with Jokiharju is wearing thin. I feel like he's the same player that they traded for 3 years ago. I've seen zero progression in his game. If anything he's gotten worse. It's too bad that they are so low on right shot d-men.

Mine has worn out. Things I thought would improve with reps have not. He is oblivious to his opponents' position far too often, resulting in odd-man breaks and breakaways as people go past and around him. That he doesn't engage physically in front of his own net is as troublesome as how often pucks go through him without being intercepted. He isn't big nor does he play a bigger game. He doesn't move the puck quickly or crisply in the offensive zone - watching him dust it off and think... and think... without just reacting to the open man and delivering the puck is driving me nuts.

I had a lot of patience for him but it's gone. He can go now.

 

[Irie]

I've been thinking about having a thread specifically about the blueline... but here we are.

Improvement internally is going to be a thing for Power. That said, he is doing the same sort of stuff now that he did the last two years at Michigan in regards to play in his own zone. Getting stronger will help him a bit, but he doesn't use the size effectively or frequently let alone have the temperament to do it vigorously. Wall battles are still not going to be something he's looking for and not for nothing but he isn't going to start being mean out there. He's big, he's mobile for his size (though I think his skating has very much taken a hit as the minutes have added up and he looks fatigued in both how he pursues and in how he is slower on decisions). And he's not aggressive in the least. Gionta said "he might be 6'6" but he defends like he's 5'6"" the other day - it was apt. His conditioning and strength will improve so perhaps he's not late back to pucks that result in chances against because he's fresher, but his skills don't include the temperament in almost three years of viewing. It ain't there.

So that means finding him a defensive partner who is good at the combative parts of the game around the crease to minimize that weakness. I think they might have one but I haven't taken the time to look at his time with Samuelsson when Matty was playing the right there, but it makes up for a lot of what Power is lacking internally. That then opens up who to partner with Dahlin - it isn't Henri there either - but it might be a case of finding a LHD to play up with Dahlin and shuffle Sammy down to be Power's blanket. Thin slicing it, I thought 25-23 were good in a small sample. That could be complete bullshit and I'm off my head too.

Dahlin seems to be better when allowed to roam at RD and flex back and forth from one side to the other. That opens up the possibility of shopping for a LHD partner who has some of Samuelsson's stay-at-home tendencies and bite to his game without limiting it to right shot guys only for Power.

And that said, I think I would like to see what Connor Clifton wants from the Bruins this summer. He'd give them vet experience, a HARD RD in the physical part of the game. The only downside is he's under 6'/200 lbs.

One of the other "buy low" guys I really like was Okhotiuk who went to SJ in the Meier deal - he's a beast and smart and a good skater all at once and LHD who brings things they want out of Stillman or Fitz.

Kovacevic from Montreal is another buy-low RHD who despite playing on that defensive trainwreck in Montreal is good at some things defense. He's also a bit prone to turnovers but that could be a height thing. I watch him and wonder if there is more there. That said, I don't know if Buffalo is in the position to take on a defensive-defenseman version of Miller and have it fail. Any of these could be a mistake.

And of course, is there any way to see if Arizona would be stupid with Valimaki because... who knows what that team does. LHD who knows how to play at both ends of the ice but not much of a PKer.

If Borgen is available from Seattle, that would be something else to explore - we know he fits in with a lot of the players from what they had to say about him and he plays a game that could plug in beside Power for the longer-term to cover Power's weaknesses.

And the first time Jokiharju checks a player in the manner Sarich regularly did with his body will be the first. Sarich was a hard player and used his size advantages.

I would love to see a Sameulsson-power experiment for a couple of games.

Sameulsson and Bryson were actually good when Sameulsson was on the right side and he was first brought up.

Power is so good with puck possession, keeping plays alive, and controlling the flow of games at 20 years old that so many don't see how bad his defensive coverage decisions often are. That will improve, kid is only 20, but Jokiharju is a defensive project himself, and not up for the challenge of being Power's partner in his own end.

I think finding a partner for Dahlin via UFA would be easier than finding a great RHD fit to help Power out, so I think exploring a Power-Sameulsaon pairing should looked into, and bump Joker down to the third pair.

 

[Gabrielor]

Just gonna use your post as a gateway to word vomit on the top 4 defense. Overall, I think the improvement to the top 4 comes from Power's and Samuelsson's continued development. When speaking about Power, the biggest improvement needs to come in his own end as his offense has been fine outside of his shot.

I find myself waffling on Jokiharju quite a bit. Am I frustrated because he can't carry Power in the defensive zone right now? I'm not sure anyone could with the way he plays on some nights. When I closely watch Joki's game, I'm thoroughly unimpressed, I mean he's not terrible, but there is nothing remarkable there. His stick work is fine, his positioning is mostly fine, his gaps are good, his passes are always flat on the ice and on target.

He definitely doesn't move anyone in the crease, he's not the greatest along the boards, and he definitely doesn't have the temperament (i.e. nastiness, mean streak) that I'd prefer in a top 4 dman. There's nothing dynamic in his game offensively or physically.

If I had to make a comparable, he reminds me a bit of Cory Sarich. I thought Cory was unremarkable as well, and somehow he carved out a decade+ long career as a steady top 4 dman. Maybe once Power develops closer to a final product, a steady, unremarkable partner that won't command too much salary is exactly what he needs.

Or maybe we just say f*** it and try like hell to get a guy like Weegar so that there no questions. At the end of the day, I think we all know which way KA is leaning on this one.

I keep using the 07-08 blackhawks as a template for this team (nothing's 100%, but there are similarities); summer 08 is when they added soupy to their top 4.

That's what this summer should be all about. Adding a no-questions-asked top 4 d, preferably right shot.

Building a new 4th line is contingent on 28/21 and what they do. Top 9 I think is set up to be enhanced internally (today, its 71 out, kulich/savoie in). Goaltending I'd love to do something about, but it has to be on a Levi-friendly timeline, because this management is all in on him (I love him too).

 

[BFLO]

I think we’re at a point where UFAs would be more open to signing. I’d sign two of:

- Connor Clifton (former Granato player)
- Trevor van Riemsdyk
- Carson Soucy

I like all 3 players on your list. A name I'd add to it is Scott Mayfield.
These are the kind of guys who you should be able to get on 2-4 year deals for $2.5-$4.5mm aav. Ideally they'd be bottom pairing guys but they are all upgrades on joker for #4.

I'd still hope they consider some of the more premium UFA D-men this off season, price/term dependent of course.

Orlov, Severson, Graves, Dumba(? not sure he deserves to be considered premium, but his aav likely will be)

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

Mine has worn out. Things I thought would improve with reps have not. He is oblivious to his opponents' position far too often, resulting in odd-man breaks and breakaways as people go past and around him. That he doesn't engage physically in front of his own net is as troublesome as how often pucks go through him without being intercepted. He isn't big nor does he play a bigger game. He doesn't move the puck quickly or crisply in the offensive zone - watching him dust it off and think... and think... without just reacting to the open man and delivering the puck is driving me nuts.

I had a lot of patience for him but it's gone. He can go now.

he's hit that point were I'm no longer looking at his mental errors as things that you learn with time and started to just say thats the player he is and if you are rostering him you need to be ok with them

not ok with them on a second pair or as the guy who has to step up when the top pair is injured

think hes a depth defenseman with some ability to jump onto the second pair in emergency situations, not someone you rely on night to night

 

[TehDoak]

I keep using the 07-08 blackhawks as a template for this team (nothing's 100%, but there are similarities); summer 08 is when they added soupy to their top 4.

I like a few things about that offseason.....

SIGNED: Cristobal Huet (Capitals), Brian Campbell (Sharks), Matt Walker (Blues), Aaron Johnson (Islanders), Colin Fraser (Blackhawks), Doug Janik (Lightning), Corey Crawford(Blackhawks), Pascal Pelletier (Bruins, trade), Tim Brent (Penguins)

LOST: Rene Bourque(trade, Flames), Patrick Lalime (Sabres), David Koci (Lightning), Martin St. Pierre (traded to Bruins)

Remaining

UNRESTRICTED: F Kevyn Adams, G Wade Flaherty, F Yanic Perreault, D Andrei Zyuzin

That's what this summer should be all about. Adding a no-questions-asked top 4 d, preferably right shot.

Building a new 4th line is contingent on 28/21 and what they do. Top 9 I think is set up to be enhanced internally (today, its 71 out, kulich/savoie in). Goaltending I'd love to do something about, but it has to be on a Levi-friendly timeline, because this management is all in on him (I love him too).

No? No. You improve your goaltending. Levi's timeline isn't a factor here. This is becoming some 'waiting for Godot' type stuff. Levi hasn't done anything at any professional level.

Levi is a great prospect. He could be a year away he could be 4 years away. You can't simply go with mediocre goalies because you have a great prospect. That's shooting yourself in the foot now because they might invent cool cybernetic feet later.

 

[Gabrielor]

I like a few things about that offseason.....










No? No. You improve your goaltending. Levi's timeline isn't a factor here. This is becoming some 'waiting for Godot' type stuff. Levi hasn't done anything at any professional level.

Levi is a great prospect. He could be a year away he could be 4 years away. You can't simply go with mediocre goalies because you have a great prospect. That's shooting yourself in the foot now because they might invent cool cybernetic feet later.

Who do you like in UFA? Rough group.


Trade for Saros? Would love to.
Gibson? Pass, I'm over that.


They cannot run it back with UPL/Comrie. No way.

I also don't have my hopes up for a big swing.

 

[Sabresbyswords104]

Yes trade for Saros for comrie and something good That preds wants.

 

[Sabresbyswords104]

Saros and sissons from preds ?
Erik Karlsson 50 % from sharks @ 5.75 ?

Skinner Thompson Quinn
Peterka Cozens Tuch
Mittlestadt Krebs Olofsson
Greenway Sissons Girgensons

Samuelsson Karlsson
Power Dahlin
Jokiharju Lyubuskhin

Saros
UPL

 

[Mattilaus]

Saros and sissons from preds ?
Erik Karlsson 50 % from sharks @ 5.75 ?

Skinner Thompson Quinn
Peterka Cozens Tuch
Mittlestadt Krebs Olofsson
Greenway Sissons Girgensons

Samuelsson Karlsson
Power Dahlin
Jokiharju Lyubuskhin

Saros
UPL

We don't need Karlsson, we have more than enough firepower from the back end. We need defensive stability and Karlsson is the opposite of that.

 

[Sabre the Win]

I'm not sure why Joki is the whipping boy when there is Bryson and Clague out here that should go waaaaaay before Joki.

 

[Mattilaus]

I'm not sure why Joki is the whipping boy when there is Bryson and Clague out here that should go waaaaaay before Joki.

It's likely because joki generally Plays higher in the line up, gets tougher match ups, and therefore looks worse. If he was playing as a 5-6 it wouldn't be as bad. Clague may be worse but he isn't killing the team right now because he isn't being relied upon to shut down top opposition or keep up with our top end talent.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I'm not sure why Joki is the whipping boy when there is Bryson and Clague out here that should go waaaaaay before Joki.

It's likely because joki generally Plays higher in the line up, gets tougher match ups, and therefore looks worse. If he was playing as a 5-6 it wouldn't be as bad. Clague may be worse but he isn't killing the team right now because he isn't being relied upon to shut down top opposition or keep up with our top end talent.

Yep. Defense should (eventually) be -

Samuelsson - Dahlin
Power - (top 4 RHD)
Johnson (hopefully, or UFA like Ryan Graves) - Jokiharju
Lyubushkin, (some other slug if they carry 8 Dmen, since I'm tired of watching our slugs)

No Bryson, no Clague, no Stillman.