Speculation: Sabres Roster Speculation - Pre-season 2023 Edition

[HOOats]

Miller had a nice place on the parkways I think. It just depends on the type, and the places that the team liaisons send them

E: iirc Myers built a house on Lincoln that ROR ended up living in

Yep, Miller lived at the end of the street I grew up on. He was pretty private but friendly. As nice a neighborhood as you'll find in any city in the country (with a fraction of the pretentiousness of some of our never-beens and ex-pats).

 

[TommyDangles]

This board has become wildly exhausting to read.

The funniest thing about these boards are people flipping out over not signing 4th liners or bottom pair d men. The comments on here when we passed on claiming Mike Reilly were great.

 

[Djp]

Some good points in here but there's also a lot of generalizations.

I lived in Europe for 5 years, and travelled most of it. Buffalo isn't that bad of a place to play for Europeans. They mostly do not live in giant cities. And because of the cultural vestiges of centuries past, their towns and cities have houses built very close together. Driving around Buffalo, with the small houses built close together, and the older downtown with the architecture, it's not much different than European life.

And there do exist people who do not want to go to big cities. I know plenty of people who would never live in NYC or Chicago, or anywhere in LA, but would consider a place like Buffalo. I've also lived in 10 different States in the US over the years, and interacted with a lot of different people.

I do agree that many players and their families wouldn't consider Buffalo, but I don't think it's as overwhelming as you presented it.

I think many know nothing about buffalo. Is an afterthought.

I’ve live all over the country. People just don’t know much about anywhere else.

I'm presenting this idea in hopes of derailing the "live in Buffalo" talk that we devolve into every summer. I thought of this idea but do not know if I even support it, or if it's realistic in any way.

3-way trade between San Jose, Carolina, and Buffalo

Trade 1: San Jose and Buffalo

Karlsson (20% retained) to Buffalo for 2024 1st, Isak Rosen, Jokiharju, Lyubushkin, and Olofsson (50% retained).

in a vacuum the deal is fair but this will handcuff buffalo in summer 2026

Why San Jose does this: they need to move on from Karlsson and hopefully get futures. They get 2x 1st round picks in the 2024 1st and Rosen. Jokiharju could be a good fit for the Sharks, as they have plenty of defense-first types on the back end. He might be able to blossom the way Montour did once he left. Lyubushkin and Olofsson are future trade chips to pass to a contender at the deadline. Lyubushkin is the exact type of defender teams will be looking for at the TDL, and Olofsson coming in at a bargain price, especially if the Sharks retain even more, would be another good trade piece. Lyubushkin could bring in a 4th and Olofsson a 2nd, making the eventually futures haul for the Sharks pretty significant.

Why Buffalo does this: They don't need Karlsson, but they could really use Pesce. Carolina wants Karlsson but need some price reductions to make it happen. Buffalo facilitates as the middle man. The trade for Karlsson means Buffalo will retain some money. Their has to be some indication that the cap will go up next season, and with Okposo, Girgensons, Johnson, and Comrie coming off the books (combined $10M), Buffalo can absorb some retained salary.

Trade 2: Buffalo and Carolina

Karlsson (25% retained) to Carolina for Pesce (with an already agreed upon extension) and Jack Drury

this is awful. Retaining 25% is around $4M for 4 years. And resign Pesce. I would be asking for a lot more from Carolina. Carolina can get another team to retain.

Why Carolina does this: Carolina has a lot of expiring contracts: Aho, Teravainen, Martinook, Skjei, Pesce, Chatfield, and Raanta. Having effective players like Martinook coming in at $1.8M per season is going to go away soon. Plus, Necas, Drury, Jarvis, and Coghlan will need new contracts as RFAs. The future is very much now in Raleigh. They've been really close for years, and they take the leap that Karlsson gets them over the top. He also comes in under the $11.5M cost.

Why Buffalo does this: Dahlin and Power are the future of the Buffalo defense, which could be similar to the blueline that drove the Preds to the Cup finals sveral years back. Dahlin is enabled by Samuelsson. Having Pesce next to Power for his formative years could help him develop in the same way Dahlin did. This move also pushes Clifton to a 3rd pairing role, and with Johnson coming in the future, would give Buffalo the league's best blueline. It does come with retained salary of $2.3M for 4 seasons, but that would be offset by veterans leaving and a rising cap.

Opening night line-up
Skinner - Thompson - Tuch
Mittelstadt - Cozens - Peterka
Greenway - Krebs - Drury
Girgensons - Jost - Okposo

Samuelsson - Dahlin
Power - Pesce
Stillman - Clifton
Bryson - Johnson

Levi, UPL, Comrie

$77,248,570

 

[Gras]

I think many know nothing about buffalo. Is an afterthought.

I’ve live all over the country. People just don’t know much about anywhere else.


in a vacuum the deal is fair but this will handcuff buffalo in summer 2026


this is awful. Retaining 25% is around $4M for 4 years. And resign Pesce. I would be asking for a lot more from Carolina. Carolina can get another team to retain.

SJ would be retaining 2.3 mil, we would be retaining 2.3 mil. But at that point youd have to hope that Pesce signs for 6.5-7mil per.

 

[Fezzy126]

Every place in the world has pluses and minuses. The fact is, more people leave buffalo than stay, and that has been the case for decades, which speaks volumes.

But everyone values different things - it’s basically mostly up to players wives and kids, and they all have different priorities. For young families, it’s arguably a really great place to park your family for 8 years or so, while dad makes millions and the kids are in school.

If I’m making a few million per year, I honestly don’t care which city I’m in - they all have enough nice spots to make it livable.

I travel quite a bit for work and I agree with most of DJs points. I grew up here, left for a while, and then eventually came back. When is the last time you visited?
Much like other cities in the rust belt, many older run down areas have been completed renovated and cleaned up:

• The Canalside/Riverworks area has been completely transformed, it's really an amazing area in the city.
• The Elmwood and Allentown districts look completely different than the cesspool I grew up with, extremely artsy and always very active.
• The Williamsville Village, particularly the Glen Falls Park area with Sweet Jennys, Britesmith, and the Island Park area are really great areas for both families and the younger generation. Music on Main St in the Village? Wish the younger party version of me was around to enjoy it haha.
• There's also several other underrated parks and golf courses in the area.
• The theatre district downtown is pretty mediocre, but Shea's is still a beautiful, historic theatre that hosts half a dozen good shows a year.
• The Summer and Fall festival season in western NY, along with local farms that offer picking is also amazing.
• The restaurant scene here is as good as anywhere in the country, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

The general tempo of the City is very enjoyable compared to Tier 1 cities. People are more laid back, not in a rush, and the general atmosphere is calmer. I was just in Miami a few weeks ago and there were times that the city just wouldn't shut up (is it so much to ask for people not to drag race right outside my hotel window at 1am?)
The Buffalo airport is amazing, I can leave my house and be through security and sitting at my gate within 20 minutes.
I'll just double down on the traffic comment by DJ, I spent 3 months in LA for a work contract and all I can say is - f*** that shit.

There's a reason that so many former players retire to this region once they've been played here, it's seriously underrated and a great place to raise a family (at least for 6 months of the year )

 

[Diaspora]

I travel quite a bit for work and I agree with most of DJs points. I grew up here, left for a while, and then eventually came back. When is the last time you visited?
Much like other cities in the rust belt, many older run down areas have been completed renovated and cleaned up:

• The Canalside/Riverworks area has been completely transformed, it's really an amazing area in the city.
• The Elmwood and Allentown districts look completely different than the cesspool I grew up with, extremely artsy and always very active.
• The Williamsville Village, particularly the Glen Falls Park area with Sweet Jennys, Britesmith, and the Island Park area are really great areas for both families and the younger generation. Music on Main St in the Village? Wish the younger party version of me was around to enjoy it haha.
• There's also several other underrated parks and golf courses in the area.
• The theatre district downtown is pretty mediocre, but Shea's is still a beautiful, historic theatre that hosts half a dozen good shows a year.
• The Summer and Fall festival season in western NY, along with local farms that offer picking is also amazing.
• The restaurant scene here is as good as anywhere in the country, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

The general tempo of the City is very enjoyable compared to Tier 1 cities. People are more laid back, not in a rush, and the general atmosphere is calmer. I was just in Miami a few weeks ago and there were times that the city just wouldn't shut up (is it so much to ask for people not to drag race right outside my hotel window at 1am?)
The Buffalo airport is amazing, I can leave my house and be through security and sitting at my gate within 20 minutes.
I'll just double down on the traffic comment by DJ, I spent 3 months in LA for a work contract and all I can say is - f*** that shit.

There's a reason that so many former players retire to this region once they've been played here, it's seriously underrated and a great place to raise a family (at least for 6 months of the year )

Spent the last week with a real estate agent looking at places in the city. Getting closer to making the jump. The hunt gets serious in 2024.

 

[Dingo44]

I travel quite a bit for work and I agree with most of DJs points. I grew up here, left for a while, and then eventually came back. When is the last time you visited?
Much like other cities in the rust belt, many older run down areas have been completed renovated and cleaned up:

• The Canalside/Riverworks area has been completely transformed, it's really an amazing area in the city.
• The Elmwood and Allentown districts look completely different than the cesspool I grew up with, extremely artsy and always very active.
• The Williamsville Village, particularly the Glen Falls Park area with Sweet Jennys, Britesmith, and the Island Park area are really great areas for both families and the younger generation. Music on Main St in the Village? Wish the younger party version of me was around to enjoy it haha.
• There's also several other underrated parks and golf courses in the area.
• The theatre district downtown is pretty mediocre, but Shea's is still a beautiful, historic theatre that hosts half a dozen good shows a year.
• The Summer and Fall festival season in western NY, along with local farms that offer picking is also amazing.
• The restaurant scene here is as good as anywhere in the country, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

The general tempo of the City is very enjoyable compared to Tier 1 cities. People are more laid back, not in a rush, and the general atmosphere is calmer. I was just in Miami a few weeks ago and there were times that the city just wouldn't shut up (is it so much to ask for people not to drag race right outside my hotel window at 1am?)
The Buffalo airport is amazing, I can leave my house and be through security and sitting at my gate within 20 minutes.
I'll just double down on the traffic comment by DJ, I spent 3 months in LA for a work contract and all I can say is - f*** that shit.

There's a reason that so many former players retire to this region once they've been played here, it's seriously underrated and a great place to raise a family (at least for 6 months of the year )

I adore and miss Buffalo. I'm actually here now for a week and make it up here from NC at least three times a year. Had my wedding here last year and was excited for people to see what Buffalo was all about - and we made sure to serve lots of Buffalo favorites including sponge candy for each guest, beef on Weck for the buffet, and then three hours later had Duff's bring in boxes of wings. I also represent Buffalo and when people ask me where I'm from I say well I live in NC, but I'm FROM Buffalo.

I still can't move back until they do something about the taxes and the politics. Just disgraceful. So many of my family and friends have left and so many more want to leave once their kids are grown or they retire. And it is all due to the taxes and the politicians. It's tragic.

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

I travel quite a bit for work and I agree with most of DJs points. I grew up here, left for a while, and then eventually came back. When is the last time you visited?
Much like other cities in the rust belt, many older run down areas have been completed renovated and cleaned up:

• The Canalside/Riverworks area has been completely transformed, it's really an amazing area in the city.
• The Elmwood and Allentown districts look completely different than the cesspool I grew up with, extremely artsy and always very active.
• The Williamsville Village, particularly the Glen Falls Park area with Sweet Jennys, Britesmith, and the Island Park area are really great areas for both families and the younger generation. Music on Main St in the Village? Wish the younger party version of me was around to enjoy it haha.
• There's also several other underrated parks and golf courses in the area.
• The theatre district downtown is pretty mediocre, but Shea's is still a beautiful, historic theatre that hosts half a dozen good shows a year.
• The Summer and Fall festival season in western NY, along with local farms that offer picking is also amazing.
• The restaurant scene here is as good as anywhere in the country, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

The general tempo of the City is very enjoyable compared to Tier 1 cities. People are more laid back, not in a rush, and the general atmosphere is calmer. I was just in Miami a few weeks ago and there were times that the city just wouldn't shut up (is it so much to ask for people not to drag race right outside my hotel window at 1am?)
The Buffalo airport is amazing, I can leave my house and be through security and sitting at my gate within 20 minutes.
I'll just double down on the traffic comment by DJ, I spent 3 months in LA for a work contract and all I can say is - f*** that shit.

There's a reason that so many former players retire to this region once they've been played here, it's seriously underrated and a great place to raise a family (at least for 6 months of the year )

Never been out to Buffalo but I really want to come visit. From what you all say on these boards, a few vlogs (specifically one from Melody Martins YT page) and the chiclets cup at riverworks, Buffalo looks like an awesome under the radar spot! Trying to plan a trip with my dad to where we can possibly catch a Bills and Sabres game.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I adore and miss Buffalo. I'm actually here now for a week and make it up here from NC at least three times a year. Had my wedding here last year and was excited for people to see what Buffalo was all about - and we made sure to serve lots of Buffalo favorites including sponge candy for each guest, beef on Weck for the buffet, and then three hours later had Duff's bring in boxes of wings. I also represent Buffalo and when people ask me where I'm from I say well I live in NC, but I'm FROM Buffalo.

I still can't move back until they do something about the taxes and the politics. Just disgraceful. So many of my family and friends have left and so many more want to leave once their kids are grown or they retire. And it is all due to the taxes and the politicians. It's tragic.

I didn't know a lot when I was 18, but I did know that I wanted to live in an area where I wasn't beat down by taxes the way my parents were. One or two less months of winter (snow/salt ruining my car, heating costs, etc) was a huge bonus too. So eventually I realized just how smart I was at around 18 when I decided I would finish college just to move away (like many friends). I miss the culture and values, and certainly the food, that I was surrounded and influenced by, but the taxes and politics will keep me from ever living there again. Just one little piece of a map is enough for me to remember where I came from. The rest stays with you anyway.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I adore and miss Buffalo. I'm actually here now for a week and make it up here from NC at least three times a year. Had my wedding here last year and was excited for people to see what Buffalo was all about - and we made sure to serve lots of Buffalo favorites including sponge candy for each guest, beef on Weck for the buffet, and then three hours later had Duff's bring in boxes of wings. I also represent Buffalo and when people ask me where I'm from I say well I live in NC, but I'm FROM Buffalo.

I still can't move back until they do something about the taxes and the politics. Just disgraceful. So many of my family and friends have left and so many more want to leave once their kids are grown or they retire. And it is all due to the taxes and the politicians. It's tragic.

If they did something about the taxes, I'd move back. I'm retired military and I don't want to see that huge chunk of what I worked hard for 22 years for going away.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

If they did something about the taxes, I'd move back. I'm retired military and I don't want to see that huge chunk of what I worked hard for 22 years for going away.

I don't care what the various complaints about Florida are. I'm going to take my no-state taxes and run, and be very happy in retirement, once I retire in a few years and move from NC.

 

[Diaspora]

I adore and miss Buffalo. I'm actually here now for a week and make it up here from NC at least three times a year. Had my wedding here last year and was excited for people to see what Buffalo was all about - and we made sure to serve lots of Buffalo favorites including sponge candy for each guest, beef on Weck for the buffet, and then three hours later had Duff's bring in boxes of wings. I also represent Buffalo and when people ask me where I'm from I say well I live in NC, but I'm FROM Buffalo.

I still can't move back until they do something about the taxes and the politics. Just disgraceful. So many of my family and friends have left and so many more want to leave once their kids are grown or they retire. And it is all due to the taxes and the politicians. It's tragic.

Taxes I can deal with, and they're about the same or less in Buffalo than where I am now.

Politics is like sex or religion -- do it behind closed doors. Turn off cable news and keep yer trap shut, and politics will never be a problem again.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I travel quite a bit for work and I agree with most of DJs points. I grew up here, left for a while, and then eventually came back. When is the last time you visited?
Much like other cities in the rust belt, many older run down areas have been completed renovated and cleaned up:

• The Canalside/Riverworks area has been completely transformed, it's really an amazing area in the city.
• The Elmwood and Allentown districts look completely different than the cesspool I grew up with, extremely artsy and always very active.
• The Williamsville Village, particularly the Glen Falls Park area with Sweet Jennys, Britesmith, and the Island Park area are really great areas for both families and the younger generation. Music on Main St in the Village? Wish the younger party version of me was around to enjoy it haha.
• There's also several other underrated parks and golf courses in the area.
• The theatre district downtown is pretty mediocre, but Shea's is still a beautiful, historic theatre that hosts half a dozen good shows a year.
• The Summer and Fall festival season in western NY, along with local farms that offer picking is also amazing.
• The restaurant scene here is as good as anywhere in the country, I'll fight anyone that says otherwise.

The general tempo of the City is very enjoyable compared to Tier 1 cities. People are more laid back, not in a rush, and the general atmosphere is calmer. I was just in Miami a few weeks ago and there were times that the city just wouldn't shut up (is it so much to ask for people not to drag race right outside my hotel window at 1am?)
The Buffalo airport is amazing, I can leave my house and be through security and sitting at my gate within 20 minutes.
I'll just double down on the traffic comment by DJ, I spent 3 months in LA for a work contract and all I can say is - f*** that shit.

There's a reason that so many former players retire to this region once they've been played here, it's seriously underrated and a great place to raise a family (at least for 6 months of the year )

I got back from Buffalo 4 days before I wrote that post. You can spend a great vacation there, for a lot of the reasons you mentioned, but downtown was totally empty during a beautiful summer weekend, as was the Allentown and Elmwood village areas, which was creepy. My GF loved the food, though it's very difficult for me as a vegetarian to find anything good. And it's hard to find healthy (non-fried) options in general.

The businesses seemed to be struggling, lot of news of many of them closing, etc. Just doesn't seem like a healthy local economy.

Tift Nature Preserve was a new discovery and highlight that I really, really enjoyed. What a gem! Not sure how/why I passed that up all these years.

 

[Chainshot]

The conversation about the area has gone on long enough. Back on topic.

 

[GameMisconduct]

Tift Nature Preserve was a new discovery and highlight that I really, really enjoyed. What a gem! Not sure how/why I passed that up all these years.

It really is. I never went to Tifft until maybe 6-7 years ago and now go there with my kids 3-4 times a year. They love it. We pretty much always encounter deer up cost and have seen lots of other wildlife.

The trails on the hills that border route 5 are great for some really nice waterfront views.

Edit: Bad timing setting the message about area talk running it's course about the same time I hit post. Mods, feel free to move/remove.

 

[Chainshot]

It really is. I never went to Tifft until maybe 6-7 years ago and now go there with my kids 3-4 times a year. They love it. We pretty much always encounter deer up cost and have seen lots of other wildlife.

The trails on the hills that border route 5 are great for some really nice waterfront views.

Edit: Bad timing setting the message about area talk running it's course about the same time I hit post. Mods, feel free to move/remove.

There is an OT thread that if someone wants to continue the chat, is an excellent location. 'Tis over this way - OT: - THE OT Thread: The Bear is the best kind of food porn

 

[La Cosa Nostra]

Dahlin extension asap please. 10.5 x 8 get it done sooner then later. We do not want to go into the season with him 2 away from UFA

 

[MOGlLNY]

Please, for the love of god, take it to another thread

 

[Beerz]

 

[elchud]

I'd rather sign Dylan DeMelo as UFA next offseason, than trade for Pesce and give him an 8 year deal. I'd rather overpay DeMelo (4x5M for example) than commit to a guy deep into his 30s.

 

[MOGlLNY]

I'd rather sign Dylan DeMelo as UFA next offseason, than trade for Pesce and give him an 8 year deal. I'd rather overpay DeMelo (4x5M for example) than commit to a guy deep into his 30s.

Yeah, I wouldn’t hate this at all. Maybe if we are even making a run this year and could pick him up at the deadline.

 

[DeletedUser539]

We need a forward

 

[TheMistyStranger]

I'd rather sign Dylan DeMelo as UFA next offseason, than trade for Pesce and give him an 8 year deal. I'd rather overpay DeMelo (4x5M for example) than commit to a guy deep into his 30s.

Or get him now, if possible

 

[razor ray]

The Buffalo Sabres have culminated the best prospect pool in the NHL, especially after having an incredibly solid draft. They’ve built a premier young team that will contend for the playoffs soon and become a contender in no time. For a team featuring a masterclass of young talent with players like Dylan Cozens, Peyton Krebs, Owen Power, Jack Quinn, Rasmus Dahlin, JJ Peterka, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen already at the NHL level, to say they still have a top-five prospect pool should terrify opponents. Drafting Zach Benson outside the top ten in this year’s NHL draft was an absolute steal, adding him to their depth of first-round picks, including Jiri Kulich, Matthew Savoie, Isak Rosen, and Noah Ostlund up front, along with Anton Wahlberg. In net, Devon Levi is considered one of the best netminding prospects on the planet. The Sabres, through their drafting, have proven how committed they are to building and developing a team the proper way.

Ranking the Atlantic Division NHL Prospect Pools

With the 2023 Entry Draft in Nashville all said and done and with the offseason in full effect, it has become a perfect time to take a deep dive into the prospect pools of all 32 NHL teams. For thi…

twsn.net

 

[Dominance]

Sabres have the far-and-away best core in the league coming together IMO. My question is, who among the forwards goes to secure Power’s long-term partner and really make the team come together?

Benson-Thompson-Savoie
Peterka-Cozens-Quinn
Krebs-Mittelstadt-Tuch
Rosen, Ostlund, Kulich

Power - ?
Samuelsson - Dahlin

Levi

I have to imagine that a package of Tuch plus two of Rosen, Ostlund, and Kulich can acquire pretty much any asset in the league, even a promising top pair defenseman.