Speculation: Sabres Roster Speculation - Pre-season 2023 Edition

[Jim Bob]

I think a team with cap space would gladly take Olofsson for $2.4M for 1 season, give him PP time and the majority of his ES time with a defensively responsible vet center. Victor averages 25 goals for a full 82-game season. He scored 28 goals for 56th place last season. So assuming 25 +/- 3 goals, then 25 goals would have been 80th. 22 goals ~105th. Divide by 32 teams and that's an average of ~3 such players equal or higher goal-scorers on each team. I'm intentionally ignoring TOI and deployments and +/- and his knack for both scoring and being responsible for a HDSC against and/or GA in the same game. 25-goal scorers don't grow on trees.

If I'm Kevyn, I dangle #71, and tell any team who calls / talks seriously that the Sabres retention - whatever the percentage is, because it should vary with each potential trade partner team's cap space and what they are offering in return - will decrease as the season progresses.

There are 12 teams that have $2.4M or more in cap space today, excluding the Sabres.

Montreal
Florida
Winnipeg
Philadelphia
Edmonton
Columbus
San Jose
Arizona
Detroit
Nashville
Chicago
Anaheim

And it is the 7 teams from Columbus down to Anaheim that could add VO's full cap hit without the Sabres taking salary back.

I wonder who might be interested?

 

[old kummelweck]

And it is the 7 teams from Columbus down to Anaheim that could add VO's full cap hit without the Sabres taking salary back.

I think the longer Adam's thinks about it, the more he'll convince himself that keeping VO until Quinn comes back is the most rational move. He won't introduce any more forwards into the lineup because the plan all along is for one of the kids to take VO's spot.

 

[brian_griffin]

There are 12 teams that have $2.4M or more in cap space today, excluding the Sabres.

Montreal
Florida
Winnipeg
Philadelphia
Edmonton
Columbus
San Jose
Arizona
Detroit
Nashville
Chicago
Anaheim

And it is the 7 teams from Columbus down to Anaheim that could add VO's full cap hit without the Sabres taking salary back.

I wonder who might be interested?

Thanks for the legwork. While probably half or more of those teams may not want a VO rental given they'll be on outside looking in at playoffs, the smaller-market teams may want the goals just to put butts in seats.

I think the longer Adam's thinks about it, the more he'll convince himself that keeping VO until Quinn comes back is the most rational move. He won't introduce any more forwards into the lineup because the plan all along is for one of the kids to take VO's spot.

Agreed.
My point was I don't see VO's contract as a problem in moving him. He has no rights to restrict movement, the money isn't a big deal as Jim Bob noted, and less of a problem as the season progresses.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

 

[AaronPines]

...give him PP time and the majority of his ES time with a defensively responsible vet center.

This is pretty much where I see him fitting in on the Sabres this season. He's already been up and down the lineup. Even 4th line minutes are a step up from where he was last year.

I think he's given every chance until we get Quinn back. Then as y'all said then we shop him. With a half yr. eaten on this contract he'll be more palatable to someone in need of *just* scoring, and maybe then we don't even need to retain— hopefully at that point we can bring up a young guy, or if we're in serious contention, use that cap space on a higher profile acquisition up front.

But #71 around doesn't bother me. If he can get some of that PP magic and be sheltered 5 on 5, he can still be a valuable contributor on a team with an improved backend (not everyone's in agreement there, I know) and better goaltending.

And I suppose if a kid significantly outplays him in camp— he's used to sitting in the pressbox. So at the very least it also makes it look like a major roster spot is up for grabs at camp.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

Because players arent capable of improving aspects of their game from season to season

Agreed, however, I’m not expecting their faceoff prowess to improve. Would have liked to see them go a different direction at 3c or at the minimum at 4c to bring a player in that fills more needs.

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

Can't believe we are rolling our season with these goalies. It's incredible

 

[stokes84]

Can't believe we are rolling our season with these goalies. It's incredible

Huge, huge risk. Adams has done a great job building up the assets, but the next phase matters just as much. If the goaltending falters, Adams needs to be in the crosshairs.

 

[Chainshot]

Agreed, however, I’m not expecting their faceoff prowess to improve. Would have liked to see them go a different direction at 3c or at the minimum at 4c to bring a player in that fills more needs.

I would like to see a coaching emphasis on individual technique and proper winger support even more than trying to find "a guy".

 

[old kummelweck]

Huge, huge risk. Adams has done a great job building up the assets, but the next phase matters just as much. If the goaltending falters, Adams needs to be in the crosshairs.

Can't believe we are rolling our season with these goalies. It's incredible

Goaltending hasn't seemed to go as planned at all. Comrie was supposed to be the gap goalie between Anderson and UPL, and UPL was supposed to get the reps in Roch last year and push himself up and displace Anderson. Then this year, it was supposed to be UPL/Comrie, with Levi pushing up from Roch.

The Sabres have the two goalies they want long-term on the roster now, plus Comrie. The problem is one has managed to accelerate his journey to the roster (Levi), and one is trending a little behind on their development where the sabres would have wanted him (UPL). So is either of them ready? They are closer in their development than I think the Sabres should be comfortable with. One took a little longer, and one got here a little faster.

The right thing to do is probably to get a veteran to share time with Levi/UPL, and either move UPL out if Levi shows he's ready to play in the NHL, or keep UPL and send Levi down to Roch. I honestly think at this point, the Sabres are sitting on Comrie because they do not see anything else that compelling in the trade market, so the three goalies are here until they get a handle on Levi. After that, the goalie picture falls into place, but it is going to be at least through preseason, if not 5 to 10 games into the regular season.

I do think UPL is just about ready, but I also think Levi may be just as good right now. That would be the ideal situation. If both UPL and Levi falter, this is a huge clusterf***.

 

[elchud]

If Detroit goes with Reimer over Lyon, I'd go with Lyon as the 3rd goalie over Comrie.

Re: VO, it's definitely a good plan to hold him unless Savoie or Kulich make the roster

 

[Gras]

Goaltending hasn't seemed to go as planned at all. Comrie was supposed to be the gap goalie between Anderson and UPL, and UPL was supposed to get the reps in Roch last year and push himself up and displace Anderson. Then this year, it was supposed to be UPL/Comrie, with Levi pushing up from Roch.

The Sabres have the two goalies they want long-term on the roster now, plus Comrie. The problem is one has managed to accelerate his journey to the roster (Levi), and one is trending a little behind on their development where the sabres would have wanted him (UPL). So is either of them ready? They are closer in their development than I think the Sabres should be comfortable with. One took a little longer, and one got here a little faster.

The right thing to do is probably to get a veteran to share time with Levi/UPL, and either move UPL out if Levi shows he's ready to play in the NHL, or keep UPL and send Levi down to Roch. I honestly think at this point, the Sabres are sitting on Comrie because they do not see anything else that compelling in the trade market, so the three goalies are here until they get a handle on Levi. After that, the goalie picture falls into place, but it is going to be at least through preseason, if not 5 to 10 games into the regular season.

I do think UPL is just about ready, but I also think Levi may be just as good right now. That would be the ideal situation. If both UPL and Levi falter, this is a huge clusterf***.

Comrie may have been a 905 goalie last year if he didnt get hurt and was able to have a consistent schedule and not the 3-4 man rotation.

 

[old kummelweck]

Comrie may have been a 905 goalie last year if he didnt get hurt and was able to have a consistent schedule and not the 3-4 man rotation.

Coulda woulda shoulda. He didn't and injuries and opportunities are all part of the equation.

Do you feel so strongly about his abilities that you want him next year as your starter, or part of a tandem with UPL?

 

[Gras]

Coulda woulda shoulda. He didn't and injuries and opportunities are all part of the equation.

Do you feel so strongly about his abilities that you want him next year as your starter, or part of a tandem with UPL?

I give him the opportunity to earn it in camp, not just gonna throw him in the trash heap during the offseason.

 

[old kummelweck]

I give him the opportunity to earn it in camp, not just gonna throw him in the trash heap during the offseason.

He's going to have to be more than average. If Levi and UPL look good, Comrie will need to look exceptional. I don't see that happening. They would need to move on from him, either trade or waiver. If he really has something to offer, he'll find a landing place.

 

[Chainshot]

He's going to have to be more than average. If Levi and UPL look good, Comrie will need to look exceptional. I don't see that happening. They would need to move on from him, either trade or waiver. If he really has something to offer, he'll find a landing place.

There are a number of teams who look like they're either carrying three netminders going into the season or fully expecting their third to make it through waivers when there are a glut of 'em on the wire when camps break. I am suspecting Comrie, with last year's struggles, could be one who makes it through.

 

[Matt Ress]

Regarding Olofsson:
He won't be the first casualty if one of the kids plays their way into a full time spot. I think you want to wave a Jost first or let dad sit for a few games until an injury pops up. Great deadline sale though. Maybe LAK if they're making some noise. Retaining just increases the price. You'll get the best value at the deadline and perhaps a ROC player banging down the door as well as a healthy Quinn showing he isn't rusty. The rare playoff team sellabration.

I've disliked VO quite a bit but then he scores an OT winner or a clutch goal. Very polarizing but in 6 months we should have some guys that could bring more consistency. Waiting for the deadline isn't a bad thing though.

 

[old kummelweck]

Regarding Olofsson:
He won't be the first casualty if one of the kids plays their way into a full time spot. I think you want to wave a Jost first or let dad sit for a few games until an injury pops up. Great deadline sale though. Maybe LAK if they're making some noise. Retaining just increases the price. You'll get the best value at the deadline and perhaps a ROC player banging down the door as well as a healthy Quinn showing he isn't rusty. The rare playoff team sellabration.

I've disliked VO quite a bit but then he scores an OT winner or a clutch goal. Very polarizing but in 6 months we should have some guys that could bring more consistency. Waiting for the deadline isn't a bad thing though.

Jost and VO are different animals.

 

[Uberpecker]

I think the question was not gossip related, but asking if Dahlin was back in Buffalo and then why haven't they announced an extension yet.

So, I tried to use the available resources on the internet to come up with an answer. Neither Dahlin nor his GF have posted anything over the past few weeks and that was the latest info I could find.

If answering that question was a problem for you, you could just scroll on by...

Ok, fine, in that case I'll allow it.

Seriously though, I may have a bit of an allergy against anything gossip-resembling. What is peanuts or bee stings for others, Instagram is for me. Wasn't meant to be personal.

 

[Jim Bob]

There are a number of teams who look like they're either carrying three netminders going into the season or fully expecting their third to make it through waivers when there are a glut of 'em on the wire when camps break. I am suspecting Comrie, with last year's struggles, could be one who makes it through.

Comrie's age and salary are two more reasons why I think he is much more likely to clear waivers as opposed to UPL.

Unless UPL absolutely stinks the joint out in preseason...

Thanks for the legwork. While probably half or more of those teams may not want a VO rental given they'll be on outside looking in at playoffs, the smaller-market teams may want the goals just to put butts in seats.


Agreed.
My point was I don't see VO's contract as a problem in moving him. He has no rights to restrict movement, the money isn't a big deal as Jim Bob noted, and less of a problem as the season progresses.

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Not exactly as it does take two to tango.

You need to have another GM that wants to add VO and I do think that is going to be a lot harder than a lot of fans want to admit.

 

[Jim Bob]

Speaking of video work for defensive improvements...

 

[Jim Bob]

 

[HogtownSabresfan]

Goaltending hasn't seemed to go as planned at all. Comrie was supposed to be the gap goalie between Anderson and UPL, and UPL was supposed to get the reps in Roch last year and push himself up and displace Anderson. Then this year, it was supposed to be UPL/Comrie, with Levi pushing up from Roch.

As good as management has been under GMKA, the goaltending plans are not at all realistic. The Comrie stopgap was based on a guy with less than 30 games of experience. That's a joke. They actually got far than could have been expected from Craig Anderson at 41. UPL goals above expected were atrocious last year. He was worst than Comrie. UPL's AHL stats are middling at best. I know he is 24 but the logic that he can be even a good backup is not a good bet. For sure, Levi looks like the real deal but how many goalies at 21 have started in the NHL?

The Sabre's goalie plan MAY work, but the odds are low, and they have set themselves up in the net for failure — as they have done for too many years during this playoff drought.

If the Sabres don't make the playoffs yet again, they can look squarely in the mirror for why. They added some defensive depth (you still wanted a top 4 guy) but the gap in net is a canyon right now and I say only Levi playing above his head as 21-year-old will save them.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I expect Olofsson to be better defensively. Yes he will have a change in coaching priorities from taking chances to defensive structure, but more importantly I think by now he realizes that his next contract greatly depends on how much he can balance out his on-ice value in all three zones. Unless Kulich/Savoie undeniably win a roster spot, he may even be worth keeping past the TDL. At the least, I expect him to be a better two-way player and a good sell by March 1st.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

As good as management has been under GMKA, the goaltending plans are not at all realistic. The Comrie stopgap was based on a guy with less than 30 games of experience. That's a joke. They actually got far than could have been expected from Craig Anderson at 41. UPL goals above expected were atrocious last year. He was worst than Comrie. UPL's AHL stats are middling at best. I know he is 24 but the logic that he can be even a good backup is not a good bet. For sure, Levi looks like the real deal but how many goalies at 21 have started in the NHL?

The Sabre's goalie plan MAY work, but the odds are low, and they have set themselves up in the net for failure — as they have done for too many years during this playoff drought.

If the Sabres don't make the playoffs yet again, they can look squarely in the mirror for why. They added some defensive depth (you still wanted a top 4 guy) but the gap in net is a canyon right now and I say only Levi playing above his head as 21-year-old will save them.

There was still a significant difference between the team defensive train wreck of the 1st half (leading the league in odd-mans against) versus the 2nd half of mostly just D-zone ineptness. At the least the team will be better than they were from last Oct-Dec, just by playing the way they did for most of Jan-April. Add in the much improved D-corps depth and the goalies will be better off. It's not great, but the whole scenario is not THAT dire. They're a playoff team...that is happening this season...but we're not expecting a SC team so I don't feel a great deal of "success vs failure" is going to fall on the three tenders.

 

[TageGod]

I fully expect Levi to run with it.