Speculation: Sabres Roster Speculation - Pre-season 2023 Edition

[Zman5778]

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.

Tuch is going nowhere. At all. After Adams traded Sam and Jack.....he stressed that he wants guys that want to be here.....guys that want to be Sabres. Alex Tuch is the embodiment of that. He's more than likely a Sabre for the rest of his career.

 

[Dominance]

Tuch is going nowhere. At all. After Adams traded Sam and Jack.....he stressed that he wants guys that want to be here.....guys that want to be Sabres. Alex Tuch is the embodiment of that. He's more than likely a Sabre for the rest of his career.

He definitely also brings a unique game among all the skilled players. Assuming Tuch is a mainstay in the top 6/9, then, you have the other five wings most likely filled by Quinn and Peterka, Benson and Savoie, and Krebs as a relatively older and more defensively responsible player that fits the timeline better than another teen. That leaves Kulich, Ostlund and Rosen as three young guys brimming with top-6 potential but nowhere to really go. I think you could pick up almost anyone for that package, it’s just a matter of finding a team willing to deal a defenseman with elite potential.

Perhaps Dobson from NYI?

Power-Dobson
Samuelsson-Dahlin

would be immorally good behind those forwards.

 

[MOGlLNY]

He definitely also brings a unique game among all the skilled players. Assuming Tuch is a mainstay in the top 6/9, then, you have the other five wings most likely filled by Quinn and Peterka, Benson and Savoie, and Krebs as a relatively older and more defensively responsible player that fits the timeline better than another teen. That leaves Kulich, Ostlund and Rosen as three young guys brimming with top-6 potential but nowhere to really go. I think you could pick up almost anyone for that package, it’s just a matter of finding a team willing to deal a defenseman with elite potential.

Perhaps Dobson from NYI?

Power-Dobson
Samuelsson-Dahlin

would be immorally good behind those forwards.

Most fans here don't like the idea but I could see one of Kulich or Savoie being on the block with one of Rosén and Ostlund going into next off-season to land an exponentially large fish on defense.

Think a lot of it depends on what happens this year as to who it will be.

 

[Fjordsen]

I don't believe Adams will be looking for D, he already signed Clifton to do it. Then he will just wait for guys like Johnson, Strbak, McCarthy, Novikov and Komarov to contribute and one of them will take a place next to Power in the second pair. Yet Dahlin is obviously our number one and will play a lot in the first pair as well. So the load for Power's partner will be less.

 

[MOGlLNY]

I don't believe Adams will be looking for D, he already signed Clifton to do it. Then he will just wait for guys like Johnson, Strbak, McCarthy, Novikov and Komarov to contribute and one of them will take a place next to Power in the second pair. Yet Dahlin is obviously our number one and will play a lot in the first pair as well. So the load for Power's partner will be less.

None of those guys will be ready to play second pair. I personally believe Clifton is destined for the 3rd pairing after next year. **Me assuming Jokiharju is moved** my assumption for going into 24-25 is probably:

Sammy-Dahls
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifton

 

[Chainshot]

None of those guys will be ready to play second pair. I personally believe Clifton is destined for the 3rd pairing after next year. **Me assuming Jokiharju is moved** my assumption for going into 24-25 is probably:

Sammy-Dahls
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifton

I still lean toward it being Power-Clifton since he's a lot more like Blankenburg than anyone else on the roster - combativeness is needed there. Johnson may get some time on that pair as well, we'll have to see but in terms of skill/style compliments? Power-Clifton keeps coming back for me.

 

[MOGlLNY]

I still lean toward it being Power-Clifton since he's a lot more like Blankenburg than anyone else on the roster - combativeness is needed there. Johnson may get some time on that pair as well, we'll have to see but in terms of skill/style compliments? Power-Clifton keeps coming back for me.

Wouldn't mind that one bit if it's a great fit between those two. Still, definitely think another big fish will be acquired on defense one way or the other.

 

[Matt Ress]

None of those guys will be ready to play second pair. I personally believe Clifton is destined for the 3rd pairing after next year. **Me assuming Jokiharju is moved** my assumption for going into 24-25 is probably:

Sammy-Dahls
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifton

We all love Sammy but if Adams somehow acquired a Toews like or lite edition #2, Sammy would fit in beautifully with Power and we'd have one of the top defensive corps in the league. Let's get the 2 1OAs signed first and move forward.

 

[Chainshot]

Wouldn't mind that one bit if it's a great fit between those two. Still, definitely think another big fish will be acquired on defense one way or the other.

I think they would like to do that but their timeline and ours may not be the same.

 

[5 Minute Major]

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’m in that group. My wife and I will be leaving for the west coast of Florida within the next 3 years.

 

[Fjordsen]

None of those guys will be ready to play second pair. I personally believe Clifton is destined for the 3rd pairing after next year. **Me assuming Jokiharju is moved** my assumption for going into 24-25 is probably:

Sammy-Dahls
Power-XXX
Johnson-Clifton

Well, if Clifton is completely bad paired with Power, perhaps. But if he's good, then we don't need it, and Adams certainly won't do it. He has not shown that he is going to sign or trade such players, he is building from the inside.

 

[Djp]

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.

Tuch is not getting moved. No way no how


the core group are Thompson, Cozens, Tuch

the rest will be determined from the prospect pool. I think bridges are given out till skinners contract ends then they decide in 26 or 27 summer on who to keep and who to trade among.

I don’t see thrm signing Wuinnor Peterka to high contracts in 2025 because they are still waiting on other prospects to fully evaluate

Krebs, Benson, Savoie, Ostlund, Kulich, Poltapov, Rosen, Quinn, Peterka, and others

if Mitts is signed for say 5 yrs he could be around

they trade them it’s for picks/ELCs/ prospects or positions they feel they need.

I don't believe Adams will be looking for D, he already signed Clifton to do it. Then he will just wait for guys like Johnson, Strbak, McCarthy, Novikov and Komarov to contribute and one of them will take a place next to Power in the second pair. Yet Dahlin is obviously our number one and will play a lot in the first pair as well. So the load for Power's partner will be less.

i think KA wants a RD with 3-4 yrs of term under a reasonable cap hit under $6M. This could be a 1 yr to UFA then 3 yr ext done. This player fits with Power in a mid pair role.

Power signs a 2-3 yr bridge to match that term Of around 5-6M

turn the future D is from 24/25 for 2 more years

Sam-Dahlin
Power- new guy
RyJohnson-Clifton

if Johnson isn’t ready you can easily get a short term LD to sign.

 

[elchud]

If Clifton isn't the 2nd pair then sign DeMelo for 4 years. If he is the 2nd pair guy then sign Tanev for 2 years.

Not surprised that they didn't trade for a Dman this offseason. UFAs always seemed the way to go. There will be a trade (or 2 or 3) next offseason.

If the Bruins slip in the standings big time and they go rebuild mode, Carlo is the guy to target. He has 4 years left so you'd be trading for 3 years. And maybe Nashville will decide to go in a very different direction if they don't see themselves competitive in the next several years. Next offseason would be the time to make a play for Fabbro.

I don't see why any team would want to trade true blue-chip D talent like Byram Sanderson Jiricek or Drysdale. With these trades, you can bet your dog that they arent going to be targeting a guy like Pesce who will want 7 or 8 years. It's gonna be someone like Carlo or Fabbro, someone with a few years of term, or an RFA who would sign for a few years.

They are going to be tied to the Big 3 defenseman for a very long time. The smart thing to do is to have some contract flexibility outside of them, and leave the possibility for a couple of our prospects to get a spot.

 

[Perry Tegula]

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.

Good analysis - take into account:

1) Clifton and IMO EJohnson will both get time with Power so a deadline trade is the earliest it's considered, if both prove unsatisfactory.

2) Those prospects have only increased in value individually (possibly save Ostlund due to circumstance) and all will play major roles/minutes this upcoming season.

Rosén for example - him plus BUF '24 1st at the deadline reels in a big fish, if he continues his play. By the 2025 deadline, that could land an absolute whale.

 

[Djp]

If Clifton isn't the 2nd pair then sign DeMelo for 4 years. If he is the 2nd pair guy then sign Tanev for 2 years.

Not surprised that they didn't trade for a Dman this offseason. UFAs always seemed the way to go. There will be a trade (or 2 or 3) next offseason.

If the Bruins slip in the standings big time and they go rebuild mode, Carlo is the guy to target. He has 4 years left so you'd be trading for 3 years. And maybe Nashville will decide to go in a very different direction if they don't see themselves competitive in the next several years. Next offseason would be the time to make a play for Fabbro.

I don't see why any team would want to trade true blue-chip D talent like Byram Sanderson Jiricek or Drysdale. With these trades, you can bet your dog that they arent going to be targeting a guy like Pesce who will want 7 or 8 years. It's gonna be someone like Carlo or Fabbro, someone with a few years of term, or an RFA who would sign for a few years.

They are going to be tied to the Big 3 defenseman for a very long time. The smart thing to do is to have some contract flexibility outside of them, and leave the possibility for a couple of our prospects to get a spot.

As I said…

I think he targets a mid pair RD
i think Jokiharju us traded away
I think he wants a player eho fits closer in thrir mid 20s

they don’t need to target thr top pair RD. They can go after a decent young RD who appears blocked by cap space or players above them.

an example was with thr Kings who had a bunch of RD who they recently traded a couple of thrm. I think a situation will occur where a team has some depth and needs to trade a D who is an RFA at around 23-25 or so who has established players ahead and ELC youth behind.

A key to long stern stability is having a decent youth pool and be willing to replace the older vets.

 

[KiwiGriff]

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.

I don’t use this word pretty much ever.

Tuch is the only untouchable on the team for me. What he brings is rarer than the most skilful hockey player.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

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.

Most good defensemen have control over where they go and Buffalo still isn’t a place they want to go…yet. So I think Buffalo needs to make the playoffs before they can even have a chance at making a trade like this.

 

[Dominance]

Good analysis - take into account:

1) Clifton and IMO EJohnson will both get time with Power so a deadline trade is the earliest it's considered, if both prove unsatisfactory.

2) Those prospects have only increased in value individually (possibly save Ostlund due to circumstance) and all will play major roles/minutes this upcoming season.

Rosén for example - him plus BUF '24 1st at the deadline reels in a big fish, if he continues his play. By the 2025 deadline, that could land an absolute whale.

Exactly. And I’d say Kulich has more value than Rosen. But who do they go for other than an elite young defenseman, when the entire point of trading one or both of them is that there are even better young forwards in the way? That’s why I’m curious. All of Rosen, Kulich, and Ostlund look blocked IMO, and the only way they’re not blocked is if they make a Savoie or Peterka be on the outside looking in. Looking at the Sabres roster and the emerging contention window, I don’t see any point in trading those incredible assets for anything other than a Byram, Drysdale or Dobson. And at some point, you’re going to reach the apex of their value, and either use them in a trade for a top-4 RD (the only hole I can see) or picks and less ready prospects that you hope come in on ELCs a few years down the line and prolong the window.

Either way, it’s a phenomenal “problem” to have, one that every team wishes they had. But as an outsider looking in, I think Buffalo is ready to contend and there is no point in delaying the process of filling that last hole beside Power with a guy who can create an elite pairing for the next decade.

 

[MOGlLNY]

Exactly. And I’d say Kulich has more value than Rosen. But who do they go for other than an elite young defenseman, when the entire point of trading one or both of them is that there are even better young forwards in the way? That’s why I’m curious. All of Rosen, Kulich, and Ostlund look blocked IMO, and the only way they’re not blocked is if they make a Savoie or Peterka be on the outside looking in. Looking at the Sabres roster and the emerging contention window, I don’t see any point in trading those incredible assets for anything other than a Byram, Drysdale or Dobson. And at some point, you’re going to reach the apex of their value, and either use them in a trade for a top-4 RD (the only hole I can see) or picks and less ready prospects that you hope come in on ELCs a few years down the line and prolong the window.

Either way, it’s a phenomenal “problem” to have, one that every team wishes they had. But as an outsider looking in, I think Buffalo is ready to contend and there is no point in delaying the process of filling that last hole beside Power with a guy who can create an elite pairing for the next decade.

Feel free to stop in our GDTs this year

 

[elchud]

As I said…

I think he targets a mid pair RD
i think Jokiharju us traded away
I think he wants a player eho fits closer in thrir mid 20s

they don’t need to target thr top pair RD. They can go after a decent young RD who appears blocked by cap space or players above them.

an example was with thr Kings who had a bunch of RD who they recently traded a couple of thrm. I think a situation will occur where a team has some depth and needs to trade a D who is an RFA at around 23-25 or so who has established players ahead and ELC youth behind.

A key to long stern stability is having a decent youth pool and be willing to replace the older vets.

What players are you thinking (RFA 23-25). Fabbro is the one I'm thinking.

There wont be any defense trades until next offseason (except Joker being moved), unless there is an injury

 

[Matt Ress]

Most good defensemen have control over where they go and Buffalo still isn’t a place they want to go…yet. So I think Buffalo needs to make the playoffs before they can even have a chance at making a trade like this.

Yes and no. If they're younger with plenty of control left, they won't have much say. If they're older or going into a 3rd contract they may have a seat at the table but generally teams are looking for top value and could block extension talks.

Also, I think it's becoming known that there's a future here in Buffalo especially when Dahlin gets locked in.

 

[La Cosa Nostra]

I would like to see Power-Dahlin together to see how they mesh. Imagine they click and you can roll out those 2 for 26 minutes a game each.

 

[Old Navy Goat]

Much better off having either Dahlin or Power on the Ice for 45+ minutes. If needing offense in the 3rd roll them together

 

[Matt Ress]

I don't think Adams is completely averse to acquiring a big name, especially on defense but he doesn't seem to want to pry that player. He has and will put fair offers towards useful players.

 

[Club]

I think (maybe) with the possibility of being in a playoff spot by the deadline that'll be when we'll (maybe) land a key piece on D.

Speaking of D most of the last few pages because I've been away from social media a bit... When & where are the Dahlin & Power contracts?