The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Der Jaeger]

When was the last time he played center on a regular basis?

Under Eakins

I’ve not watched a non-Sabres Ducks game in a long time so I can’t say whether Zegras would fit but I find the conversation intriguing.

I love hearing these opinions…gonna sneak over to the ducks page when I get a chance to see what the hometown fans think

There's a lot going on in Anaheim with Zegras.

Eakins coached a possession game, which Zegras excelled at. He's best at F3 where he can see the ice better, and drop down into plays, instead of constantly trying to get into corners first against defenseman for loose pucks. Eakins didn't play F3 high, but mid-to-low in the offensive zone, so it was perfect for Zegras. His defensive metrics sucked, but he was also asked to be the face of the franchise at a young age, when everyone around him was being traded away. That pressure only increased after Getzlaf retired. So his teams was getting worse around him, and he wasn't able to pick up the slack.

Verbeek and Cronin took over and shifted Zegras to wing. The Ducks wanted to go back to playing a heavier game. Zegras wasn't going to withstand that type of pressure in his own zone, so they moved him to wing, and drafted big centers. Cronin changed the team to a dump and chase system. Zegras is never going to be good at flagging down dumps in the corners. He's not at odds with Cronin, but some fans think his confidence is low right now.

Seems like a really good buy low candidate. Stick him with a defensive minded winger.

 

[Gabrielor]

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Different is not guaranteed to be better.

And if you are talking about the kind of guy that Ruff would want for this team, I just do not see Zegras playing enough of a 200 foot game and being responsible enough.

He's way more sizzle than steak. That isn't what I would expect Ruff to want.

They need sizzle. They're heavy on steak.

 

[Fjordy]

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Different is not guaranteed to be better.

And if you are talking about the kind of guy that Ruff would want for this team, I just do not see Zegras playing enough of a 200 foot game and being responsible enough.

He's way more sizzle than steak. That isn't what I would expect Ruff to want.

I would still add such a player, we need a top 6 forward. In the long run, this could let us down and we won’t make it to the playoffs again; we need to take into account all the risks and competition, which Adams has never done in all these years of working as a GM.

 

[Djp]

Looking at cap wages I see a handful of trade options. Not sure how realistic or how well they perform these days but here are a few names I noticed. If anyone has insight on their game that would be appreciated.
Severson - Cbj
Weegar - Cal
Murphy - Chi
Pulock - NYI
Mayfield - NYI

Anchors away....

I'd be willing to move Quinn, Cozens, Krebs, and any non-roster propsect/pick in the org right now to get better.

You could talk me into Kulich and Benson too, but they wouldn't be my first suggestions.


Tage, supported by Peterka/Tuch, has re-captured his elite 1st line production.

McLeod and co. are winning their matchup while scoring the secondary scoring needed, for now.

The 4th line is still, imo, finding itself.

The 2nd line is the problem. It's giving nothing but GA right now.

I'm sure youd trade dollars for pennies.

I'm not trading Wahlberg, Helenius, or Ostlund at all.

Others I'm not moving for a 29+ yr old player

 

[old kummelweck]

Not quite ready to give up on Cozens as that number 2C. If he gets that consistent offense going, there really is no one available that brings that skill set. Ruff needs a little more time with him.

 

[Fearnot]

Not quite ready to give up on Cozens as that number 2C. If he gets that consistent offense going, there really is no one available that brings that skill set. Ruff needs a little more time with him.

It sucks he hasn't shown the ability to go back to the kid who went toe to toe with Matthews and McDavid and came out on top. I think that fight with Hathaway humbled him hard emotionally and physically.

 

[rylt]

It sucks he hasn't shown the ability to go back to the kid who went toe to toe with Matthews and McDavid and came out on top. I think that fight with Hathaway humbled him hard emotionally and physically.

He needs another fight to break the curse. He should try to beat Krebs in practice maybe

 

[Chainshot]

Funny to think they made the decision to make sure they didn't have a line of misfit pieces that drags everyone else down by acquiring four players to round out the bottom 6 and yet here we are again, with a line that is just killing them every night. But this time, it's the Cozens-Quinn tandem.

 

[Fezzy126]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1851296195261444365

 

[Dubi Doo]

Funny to think they made the decision to make sure they didn't have a line of misfit pieces that drags everyone else down by acquiring four players to round out the bottom 6 and yet here we are again, with a line that is just killing them every night. But this time, it's the Cozens-Quinn tandem.

I feel like Cozens line consistently gets killed, especially the past two seasons. I honestly am ready to put top-6 C on the list of needs. Thankfully, Tage is looking the part of a top-line guy. McLeod is looking the part of a great 3C. Krebs looks like a ratty 4C. Get me that good 2C, and I'll be happy.

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but boy does it suck we chose Mitts over Cozens. Don't get me wrong, Cozens can still figure it out. But the team has playoff aspirations this year, and having your 2C get cratered in every game does not bode for their playoff odds.

 

[Chainshot]

I feel like Cozens line consistently gets killed, especially the past two seasons. I honestly am ready to put top-6 C on the list of needs. Thankfully, Tage is looking the part of a top-line guy. McLeod is looking the part of a great 3C. Krebs looks like a ratty 4C. Get me that good 2C, and I'll be happy.

I know I'm beating a dead horse, but boy does it suck we chose Mitts over Cozens. Don't get me wrong, Cozens can still figure it out. But the team has playoff aspirations this year, and having your 2C get cratered in every game does not bode for their playoff odds.

It's been since Peterka and Quinn were rookies though - they would have nights where it was "oh, they're just all kids". It's time for them to stop being the kiddie table. I think Cozens could be a good 2RW for them but the Byram move really sticks out as stupid given productivity at the position thus far.

 

[WhereAreTheCookies]

It's been since Peterka and Quinn were rookies though - they would have nights where it was "oh, they're just all kids". It's time for them to stop being the kiddie table. I think Cozens could be a good 2RW for them but the Byram move really sticks out as stupid given productivity at the position thus far.

I could see Cozens still working as a 2C, BUT it would mean having a play driving winger on that line which obviously there are very few of in the league and no one is trading them. Rantanen or Marner can still be pipe dreams though.

 

[Tijuana Donkey Show]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1851296195261444365

This seems so strange to me. Like why not let the guy get to work on the ice without distraction?

Also a little odd Appert was the only coach to meet with the media today?

 

[Uberpecker]

Someone's offering Granlund on the trade board.

Veteran: check.
Top 6: check.
Ability to play C: check, I guess.
Contract: 5 mil for the rest of the season.
Pointzz: >PPG as of now, on a bad team.
Fit for a Lindy coached Team: unknown, smallish, not the fastest.
Cost: probably around a low 1st.
Any interest?

EDIT: Good on both special teams, apparently, thrives on bad to mediocre teams, does a lot of his scoring on the PP.
While in a different situation for a different team that could be a bit of a red flag, for the 24/25 Sabres it might be just what the doctor ordered.

 

[joshjull]

Good

 

[Tijuana Donkey Show]

It's been since Peterka and Quinn were rookies though - they would have nights where it was "oh, they're just all kids". It's time for them to stop being the kiddie table. I think Cozens could be a good 2RW for them but the Byram move really sticks out as stupid given productivity at the position thus far.

I don’t want to go too far into the weeds on the past but this is spot on. Even at the time the trade I would have preferred the same deal but swap Cozens. Just from a mid/long term roster construction view it never made sense with Power and Dahlin.

I think Cozens propensity for gaffes, his constant shooting at a totally squared up goalie, plus just flat out not managing the pressure of being an adult in this league is holding him back. The GM has cleared the path for him to just be the second line center. That’s it. He isn’t asked to be Tage, or Eichel, or Reinhardt, or Dahlin. He’s the 2nd line center on a mid level contract.

Unfortunately Dylan has been my whipping boy the last two seasons. I have not been a fan. He’s just so lost out there.

 

[Sabre the Win]

So I cant stop imagining what we would look like with a top 6 winger and 2C added to this roster, moving out some other players. Looking for a hockey type trade or a team looking to rebuild that will take prospects. I think we missed out big time not trying to get Tomas Hertl to come here as 2C but thats the type of move we need to make. Someone who's been around for awhile, 26-28 years of age who is the calibre of a Hertl.

We need an O'Reilly like hockey trade now more than ever.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Someone's offering Granlund on the trade board.

Veteran: check.
Top 6: check.
Ability to play C: check, I guess.
Contract: 5 mil for the rest of the season.
Pointzz: >PPG as of now, on a bad team.
Fit for a Lindy coached Team: unknown, smallish, not the fastest.
Cost: probably around a low 1st.
Any interest?

EDIT: Good on both special teams, apparently, thrives on bad to mediocre teams, does a lot of his scoring on the PP.
While in a different situation for a different team that could be a bit of a red flag, for the 24/25 Sabres it might be just what the doctor ordered.

I think they'd want a 1st or equivalent. There'll be a lot of bidders for a serviceable 2C. Rosen?

 

[Tatanka]

Still would love Brock Nelson. I think he fixes line 2 and is insurance for line 1.

 

[Uberpecker]

It's been since Peterka and Quinn were rookies though - they would have nights where it was "oh, they're just all kids". It's time for them to stop being the kiddie table. I think Cozens could be a good 2RW for them but the Byram move really sticks out as stupid given productivity at the position thus far.

Aren't the Sabres the kiddie table, though. And haven't they been for so long that for a talented player to graduate and move into an adult role, they had to go to a new team, at least until now.

This team is littered with former high draft-picks that are basically underperforming to varying degrees whereas winning teams tend to have key players that outperform their draft position.

 

[Mattilaus]

So I was speaking to a woman I work with today (new job). She noticed my Sabres mug and asked if i was a fan. I gave my usual "unfortunately, yes i am". She mentioned that her family is actually good friends with Cozens' family. They often visit each other back and forth between our two communities. Her family is heavily involved in youth hockey, they knew Cozens' really well when he was growing up and they are incredibly proud of him.

However, she doesn't really follow the sport at the NHL level. They'll watch Edmonton games from time to time and during the playoffs (closest team to me) but not really follow the NHL. When she asked me how he was doing this year, I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. So now I am a Dylan Cozens believer for 8 hours a day, but he could make this much easier by just being decent.

 

[Butt Ox]

So I was speaking to a woman I work with today (new job). She noticed my Sabres mug and asked if i was a fan. I gave my usual "unfortunately, yes i am". She mentioned that her family is actually good friends with Cozens' family. They often visit each other back and forth between our two communities. Her family is heavily involved in youth hockey, they knew Cozens' really well when he was growing up and they are incredibly proud of him.

However, she doesn't really follow the sport at the NHL level. They'll watch Edmonton games from time to time and during the playoffs (closest team to me) but not really follow the NHL. When she asked me how he was doing this year, I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. So now I am a Dylan Cozens believer for 8 hours a day, but he could make this much easier by just being decent.

You're a doing a great service taking one for the team.

I'd repeat a variation of, "It took CM some time to put it together, and he caught a lot of hate before he could hawkey properly. He'll be 26 before the end of the year. Cozens is still 23 into early 2025, not to mention that they both had to suffer through some shit tier coaching on the Sabres, along with Cozens getting Derek Morris'd. I still think DC has time", to myself until it becomes reality.

 

[Sabre the Win]

So I was speaking to a woman I work with today (new job). She noticed my Sabres mug and asked if i was a fan. I gave my usual "unfortunately, yes i am". She mentioned that her family is actually good friends with Cozens' family. They often visit each other back and forth between our two communities. Her family is heavily involved in youth hockey, they knew Cozens' really well when he was growing up and they are incredibly proud of him.

However, she doesn't really follow the sport at the NHL level. They'll watch Edmonton games from time to time and during the playoffs (closest team to me) but not really follow the NHL. When she asked me how he was doing this year, I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. So now I am a Dylan Cozens believer for 8 hours a day, but he could make this much easier by just being decent.

Sit down mam, how long do you have?

 

[HaNotsri]

So I was speaking to a woman I work with today (new job). She noticed my Sabres mug and asked if i was a fan. I gave my usual "unfortunately, yes i am". She mentioned that her family is actually good friends with Cozens' family. They often visit each other back and forth between our two communities. Her family is heavily involved in youth hockey, they knew Cozens' really well when he was growing up and they are incredibly proud of him.

However, she doesn't really follow the sport at the NHL level. They'll watch Edmonton games from time to time and during the playoffs (closest team to me) but not really follow the NHL. When she asked me how he was doing this year, I didn't have the heart to tell her the truth. So now I am a Dylan Cozens believer for 8 hours a day, but he could make this much easier by just being decent.

"We all wanted to send him to Denver but the boss picked up the wrong player on his way to the airport. Now we are stuck with the ghost of what was Dylan Cozens. He's like a small sheet at a cheap motel. Thin, crusty and won't cover the whole bed. Everytime he enter the ice he looks like his dog is about to die. He seems like a nice guy though."

 

[debaser66]

You're a doing a great service taking one for the team.

I'd repeat a variation of, "It took CM some time to put it together, and he caught a lot of hate before he could hawkey properly. He'll be 26 before the end of the year. Cozens is still 23 into early 2025, not to mention that they both had to suffer through some shit tier coaching on the Sabres, along with Cozens getting Derek Morris'd. I still think DC has time", to myself until it becomes reality.

We do not have the time or patience anymore for guys to figuring it out.
He is asked to be a 2C on a playoff aspiring team right now.
Its enough of Sabres Groundhog day, waking up to guys figuring it out for 13 years.