The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Taro Tsujimoto]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1842990192753569915

 

[TehDoak]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1842990192753569915

If only they had a young player who wasn’t waiver eligible they could send down

Adams love of his young guys is going to be the death of the org. This is common sense. Send Levi down and let him get starts.

 

[Zman5778]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1842990192753569915

That's shocking. Hope he isn't claimed.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Chainshot]

I would assume Bussi gets taken before Reimer. Vancouver is probably going to reclaim Patera too.

 

[Fjordy]

This is a stupid situation. Levi really showed good performance, but then there was no point in signing Reimer if he was taken now. Then it was necessary to find a better goalie for Rochester #1, and who could rise to Buffalo in case of injury to UPL or Levi, Sandstrom does not seem like that.

Are there any teams that could use Reimer? Some may be injured or simply lack a decent number 2 or 3.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Rousek on waivers means he won't stick as a #13/14 type which is interesting, especially with the guys currently injured.

 

[Zman5778]

Rousek on waivers means he won't stick as a #13/14 type which is interesting, especially with the guys currently injured.

Also means that we're keeping 8 Dmen. And maybe that one of the injured top 6ers isn't long term?

 

[Chainshot]

Clague and Rousek also on the waiver wire.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1842995836411883802

 

[oldgoalie]

That's shocking. Hope he isn't claimed.

why the f*** did they even obtain him, then? This organization really needs its head(s) examined.

 

[Irie]

NJ didn’t have any trouble picking up a new coaching system, dealing with lots of new faces or opening in Europe.

May be that the Devils situation was not ideal either, new coach, some new players and opening in Europe, but luckily for them, they were playing a team that is younger, also with a new coach, and that is trying to learn a much more complex system with 40% more "new (or relatively new) players".

The Devils had two new forwards that had not played with their core.

They had 3 D, but that brings me to the second point, which is Keefe mostly runs a 1-3-1 trap system, where the D hang back and it is extremely simple to learn. and every player has played in that system at one point or another throughout their development if they were playing organized hockey in the last 20 years.

Ruffs system is complex, that is why I really didn't like the hire, but it is what it is. As I think this team (especially the D), really could have benefited from a simpler, more rigid system to help them learn how to D after the Granato fiasco. Ruffs system relies on skating and high hockey IQ, (especially for the D) - which ironically was sorta what Granato was asking of them. The Sabres D is young and it is hard for young players to work on improving their games when they are solely focused on "Where should I be" and "what are my teammates doing".

*Note* - please do not respond to my simplistic answer about the difference between Ruff's and Keefe's systems. To stay on topic and avoid a strawman debate I did not want to go into deep detail of the differences. If you want to have that conversation, feel free to PM me and I'd be glad to have a hockey system discussion with you there. Usually when you reply to one of my observations, it becomes 8 post deep back and forth about something unrelated taken out of context - let's try to avoid that here. We are already into strawman territory here, as my point is that "this team was always going to take a couple of months to gel". If you take issue with that statement, then please respond, anything else is offtopic and probably something we do not need to subject the rest of the board to have to read.

 

[HaNotsri]

May be that the Devils situation was not ideal either, new coach, some new players and opening in Europe, but luckily for them, they were playing a team that is younger, also with a new coach, and that is trying to learn a much more complex system with 40% more "new (or relatively new) players".

The Devils had two new forwards that had not played with their core.

They had 3 D, but that brings me to the second point, which is Keefe mostly runs a 1-3-1 trap system, where the D hang back and it is extremely simple to learn. and every player has played in that system at one point or another throughout their development if they were playing organized hockey in the last 20 years.

Ruffs system is complex, that is why I really didn't like the hire, but it is what it is. As I think this team (especially the D), really could have benefited from a simpler, more rigid system to help them learn how to D after the Granato fiasco. Ruffs system relies on skating and high hockey IQ, (especially for the D) - which ironically was sorta what Granato was asking of them. The Sabres D is young and it is hard for young players to work on improving their games when they are solely focused on "Where should I be" and "what are my teammates doing".

*Note* - please do not respond to my simplistic answer about the difference between Ruff's and Keefe's systems. To stay on topic and avoid a strawman debate I did not want to go into deep detail of the differences. If you want to have that conversation, feel free to PM me and I'd be glad to have a hockey system discussion with you there. Usually when you reply to one of my observations, it becomes 8 post deep back and forth about something unrelated taken out of context - let's try to avoid that here. We are already into strawman territory here, as my point is that "this team was always going to take a couple of months to gel". If you take issue with that statement, then please respond, anything else is offtopic and probably something we do not need to subject the rest of the board to have to read.

I didn't follow the Sabres during the first Ruff-years (I've only watched them regularly during the draught) but a demanding system with this roster seems naive at best. Especially considering the circumstances.

My guess is that a complex system with this team might lead to rebuild 4.0, our top six is the dumbest in the league even with Skinner gone.

Unrelared to hockey but research regarding business development shows that simple plans are the best since execution is the hardest part of any plan. Fancy and complex strategies often just leads to inaction.

A system that has our players in their heads all the time is probably a recipe for disaster.

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Wait… are you guys telling me that it’s possible for a GM to make the right offseason moves to address team needs and take a team from 81 points to cup contender in a single offseason?!?!

But I’ve been told “draft and develop” is the only and best way to build a team… even though no one has ever built a cup contender, much less cup winner that way.


I probably should have added the to my original question, but I wanted serious answers.


NJ didn’t have any trouble picking up a new coaching system, dealing with lots of new faces or opening in Europe.

A large part of their change is not having key injuries to key players for large stretches of the season.

 

[Steddy33]

The biggest roster improvement that can happen this season is Lindy Ruff getting through to Thompson and Cozens. I still don't believe Thompson is smart enough hockey wise to be a center in the NHL. Cozens could still maybe develop in a nice 2nd line center but this past weekend was not confidence inspiring.

The safer move was always keeping Mittlestadt. He was and is solid 2/3 two way center in this league. And something this team still sorely lacks.

This team still lacks NHL scoring talent. Maybe the prospects fill those roles sooner than later. I've never believed Tuch is top line talent in this league and still don't.

Lindy Ruff was the easy hire and I hated that but it's the Sabres and they really suck at everything management wise. That said, Lindy is an NHL level coach and I really hope he still has what it takes.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

The biggest roster improvement that can happen this season is Lindy Ruff getting through to Thompson and Cozens. I still don't believe Thompson is smart enough hockey wise to be a center in the NHL. Cozens could still maybe develop in a nice 2nd line center but this past weekend was not confidence inspiring.

The safer move was always keeping Mittlestadt. He was and is solid 2/3 two way center in this league. And something this team still sorely lacks.

This team still lacks NHL scoring talent. Maybe the prospects fill those roles sooner than later. I've never believed Tuch is top line talent in this league and still don't.

Lindy Ruff was the easy hire and I hated that but it's the Sabres and they really suck at everything management wise. That said, Lindy is an NHL level coach and I really hope he still has what it takes.

Maybe Cozens and Tage should’ve been at wing all along. With Mitts being the 2C. Need a 1C in that scenario.

t’s probably how Adams should’ve been looking at it all along, though the fact that fate had him building around two #1 Dmen made getting a true elite 1C difficult after the Eichel thing.

I think they should’ve found a way to keep Eichel. I know it’s probably impossible but that really killed us.

 

[Steddy33]

Maybe Cozens and Tage should’ve been at wing all along. With Mitts being the 2C. Need a 1C in that scenario.

t’s probably how Adams should’ve been looking at it all along, though the fact that fate had him building around two #1 Dmen made getting a true elite 1C difficult after the Eichel thing.

I think they should’ve found a way to keep Eichel. I know it’s probably impossible but that really killed us.

It'll go over like a fart in church but I was a big Matty Berniers guy.

Berniers and Mittlestadt top 2 centers. Then you have to trade someone else to address the defense.

 

[TehDoak]

There is probably a very small chance he’s actually claimed. That being said….completely unneeded risk by Adams. Why put your goaltending depth in jeopardy when you have zero reason to other than to give Levi the warm and fuzzies.

 

[zenthusiast]

I wonder if they have confidence that Reimer won't be claimed as a gentleman's agreement

 

[MarkusKetterer]

It'll go over like a fart in church but I was a big Matty Berniers guy.

Berniers and Mittlestadt top 2 centers. Then you have to trade someone else to address the defense.

I had my ranking of him, McTavish and then Power for that draft.

 

[BFLO]

May be that the Devils situation was not ideal either, new coach, some new players and opening in Europe, but luckily for them, they were playing a team that is younger, also with a new coach, and that is trying to learn a much more complex system with 40% more "new (or relatively new) players".

The Devils had two new forwards that had not played with their core.

They had 3 D, but that brings me to the second point, which is Keefe mostly runs a 1-3-1 trap system, where the D hang back and it is extremely simple to learn. and every player has played in that system at one point or another throughout their development if they were playing organized hockey in the last 20 years.

Ruffs system is complex, that is why I really didn't like the hire, but it is what it is. As I think this team (especially the D), really could have benefited from a simpler, more rigid system to help them learn how to D after the Granato fiasco. Ruffs system relies on skating and high hockey IQ, (especially for the D) - which ironically was sorta what Granato was asking of them. The Sabres D is young and it is hard for young players to work on improving their games when they are solely focused on "Where should I be" and "what are my teammates doing".

*Note* - please do not respond to my simplistic answer about the difference between Ruff's and Keefe's systems. To stay on topic and avoid a strawman debate I did not want to go into deep detail of the differences. If you want to have that conversation, feel free to PM me and I'd be glad to have a hockey system discussion with you there. Usually when you reply to one of my observations, it becomes 8 post deep back and forth about something unrelated taken out of context - let's try to avoid that here. We are already into strawman territory here, as my point is that "this team was always going to take a couple of months to gel". If you take issue with that statement, then please respond, anything else is offtopic and probably something we do not need to subject the rest of the board to have to read.

The Sabres don't have 40% more new players than the Devils. We have 6 new skaters counting Kulich, the Devils have 7.

1. Zucker
2. McLeod
3, NAK
4. Malenstyn
5. Lafferty
6. Kulich

vs

1. Noesen
2. Tatar
3. Cotter
4. Pesce
5. Dillon
6. Casey
7. Kovacevic

The whole thing kinda feels like cope to me, but I guess it's just a wait and see at this point. Like you said, it'll take months for them to gel in Ruff's complex system, if ever.

A large part of their change is not having key injuries to key players for large stretches of the season.

They also added 2 new top 4 veteran d-men and a quality veteran starting goalie. 3 things that Adams hasn't managed in 5 off-seasons.

 

[Irie]

The Sabres don't have 40% more new players than the Devils. We have 6 new skaters counting Kulich, the Devils have 7.

1. Zucker
2. McLeod
3, NAK
4. Malenstyn
5. Lafferty
6. Kulich

vs

1. Noesen
2. Tatar
3. Cotter
4. Pesce
5. Dillon
6. Casey
7. Kovacevic

The whole thing kinda feels like cope to me, but I guess it's just a wait and see at this point. Like you said, it'll take months for them to gel in Ruff's complex system, if ever.

They also added 2 new top 4 veteran d-men and a quality veteran starting goalie. 3 things that Adams hasn't managed in 5 off-seasons.

Byram is absolutely new from a chemistry standpoint. 18 games at the end of a season with 4 different D partners is not enough to find the chemistry we are talking about here.

Tatar played two of the last three years with Hischier, Mercer, Haula, Bratt, and Hughes - all of whom who he is playing with mostly this season. Pesce didn't play, so not sure why he would even be mentioned when talking about these two games.

 

[MOGlLNY]

Byram and Power were very good in both games.

Honestly all of Adams’ “new” acquisitions were good. If only he had made a couple more in valuable positions maybe we wouldn’t have looked like a pile of dogshit.

It was everybody else around them that were f***ing brutal.

 

[start winnin]

This team plays like they have no confidence they look like they have no conviction when they are moving on the ice, everything is so lackadaisical and their actions seem like they don’t know or believe in what they are doing, they need to find that or we are in for another long year

 

[K8fool]

This team plays like they have no confidence they look like they have no conviction when they are moving on the ice, everything is so lackadaisical and their actions seem like they don’t know or believe in what they are doing, they need to find that or we are in for another long year

Agree w lackadaisical. I think this ends thru ten games as they'll truly listen after getting outskated and talented by nj.

Hopefully these beat downs gels the team and our 3rd and fourth line stays healthy. If not bring up another fighter like ty chevy. So our guys can focus and play quick like we know they absolutely can.

Can we give them six games before we nail them to a tree. I'd love to watch hockey but I won't if they lose Thursday and until they hit 500 or better. Sobriety blows.

 

[BFLO]

Byram is absolutely new from a chemistry standpoint. 18 games at the end of a season with 4 different D partners is not enough to find the chemistry we are talking about here.

Tatar played two of the last three years with Hischier, Mercer, Haula, Bratt, and Hughes - all of whom who he is playing with mostly this season. Pesce didn't play, so not sure why he would even be mentioned when talking about these two games.

If we go by your definition of new then it's 7 Sabres to 5 Devils right? That's a 33% difference, not 40%.

And NAK + Kulich only played 1 game each, so it was 6 new Sabres per game which is only an 18% difference to the Devils 5 per game.

Maybe Cozens and Tage should’ve been at wing all along. With Mitts being the 2C. Need a 1C in that scenario.

t’s probably how Adams should’ve been looking at it all along, though the fact that fate had him building around two #1 Dmen made getting a true elite 1C difficult after the Eichel thing.

I think they should’ve found a way to keep Eichel. I know it’s probably impossible but that really killed us.

Losing Eichel, Reinhart and Ullmark killed us.

And Tage emerging as a 30-47g talent, along with some career years from a few others bumped us out of the bottom 5 teams for the 3 years Adams probably had slated to be at the cap floor and tank to get an Eichel replacement.