The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Fjordy]

I don’t want Jiricik. Yes he’s a prospect right now but he should be up in the NHL at some point next year. Why are we trying to break in a prospect next year into our top 4 that is already made up of young players? He’s not a good partner for Power (why does Owen power need to be the vet on his pairing?). Or are wanting to have him be a third pairing guy with no power play time?

I don’t see how he fits in on this team the next few years. I don’t want a rookie in our top 4 next year. It’s the opposite of what should be done to the top 4. And frankly, I don’t want a rookie in the third pairing either—which should be getting defensive zone minutes.

Because he has top pair RD potential. He's big, shoots well, and physical. I actually see him being a top pair with Dahlin in the future. Because we have a logjam of attacking prospects because RD is a rare position. The priority is getting a more defensive top 4 RD right now to play with Power, but that doesn't mean you can't get both. I can totally see him playing next season on the third pair with a more defensive partner to start and getting PP2 time with his shot, he's also a physical guy.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

If Jiricek goes to one of the favorites Minnesota, I wonder if Rossi is part of the deal ? Some have suggested a Ostlund deal, but Chad has mentioned he is likely too far out for what Columbus is looking for.

 

[Fjordy]

If Jiricek goes to favorite Minnesota, I wonder if Rossi is part of the deal ? Some have suggested a Ostlund deal, but Chad has mentioned he is likely too far out for what Columbus is looking for.

If Guerin hates Rossi and doesn't want to give him a long-term deal, in theory he could. But it could be a deal with various other parts, including Columbus. But overall, the Wild could be one of the favorites for Jiricek with their prospects and young players.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

True, when Waddell says "something to get the fans excited" that is not answered by Peyton Krebs.

I like the way Krebs has been playing for Sabres of late (faceoffs, forecheck, occasional goal) so you would need to be really confident of any upgrade, perhaps more likely part of a deal for a Laughton type for ie which seems more of deadline add to me if they try something like that ?

Farabee would be very good add, but price high (Cozens + and KA will be reluctant to trade Coz to the East). Farabee could go as part of a Jiricek deal too (EF metioned them as another favorite for Jiricek) ?

ps Who was it in the media who mentioned Sabres prospects are not quite looked upon as high around the league. Was that in reference to Savoie or overall ? Something to keep in mind.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Because he has top pair RD potential. He's big, shoots well, and physical. I actually see him being a top pair with Dahlin in the future. Because we have a logjam of attacking prospects because RD is a rare position. The priority is getting a more defensive top 4 RD right now to play with Power, but that doesn't mean you can't get both. I can totally see him playing next season on the third pair with a more defensive partner to start and getting PP2 time with his shot, he's also a physical guy.

How would you compare him to Byram, who is already playing as the top pair RD? He’s only 2 and half years older, higher prospect pedigree, already a Stanley cup winner, and I believe is top 3 on the league in evenstrength scoring for defensmen.

I think we have that role filled with Byram?

Plus, I think we already have THREE players on the team with serious top pairing potential, which I already believe is more than any other team in the league. I don’t think we need four.

 

[jc17]

What does NYR even want to get out of this proposed shakeup?

Seen a lot about available players, not sure what they want though

 

[Fjordy]

How would you compare him to Byram, who is already playing as the top pair RD? He’s only 2 and half years older, higher prospect pedigree, already a Stanley cup winner, and I believe is top 3 on the league in evenstrength scoring for defensmen.

I think we have that role filled with Byram?

Plus, I think we already have THREE players on the team with serious top pairing potential, which I already believe is more than any other team in the league. I don’t think we need four.

Well, I'm not sure that Bayram will be in Buffalo next season. I also don't see any problems with Jiricek, as long as he gradually develops, you never know what will happen in a few years. It's just that usually, when such a player is available, why not try to get him, also Jiricek is right-handed, and our big three are all left-handed. Maybe Power will improve his defense so much in two years that there will be no problems playing with Jiricek, or vice versa Jiricek will be decent in defense.

 

[Fjordy]

What does NYR even want to get out of this proposed shakeup?

Seen a lot about available players, not sure what they want though

As I understand it, overthrow the veteran core that does not work.

 

[Dirty Dog]

Well, I'm not sure that Bayram will be in Buffalo next season. I also don't see any problems with Jiricek, as long as he gradually develops, you never know what will happen in a few years. It's just that usually, when such a player is available, why not try to get him, also Jiricek is right-handed, and our big three are all left-handed. Maybe Power will improve his defense so much in two years that there will be no problems playing with Jiricek, or vice versa Jiricek will be decent in defense.

If the price is fair then I agree. If you have a chance to get a top prospect on the low you do it. But that’s the only reason I’m getting him, and then you just see what happens.

But I’d much prefer we just keep Byram, who seems like a very similar player that is just further ahead in his development

 

[jc17]

As I understand it, overthrow the veteran core that does not work.

I'm just not sure I understand what they're trying to get.

Vet for vet "change of scenery" trades don't seem super common. Teams in contention probably won't want to give up whatever the cost of Kreider is, unless its prospects/picks which I assume NYR doesn't want. Teams out of contention won't need Kreider.

 

[stokes84]

Personally I’m more interested in trying to get Kreider because a big power forward that can drive the net and score goals is basically exactly what we are missing and I’m tired of being in “the future is bright” mode. That said, if you can swing Jiricek, that would still be pretty cool.

 

[Fjordy]

If the price is fair then I agree. If you have a chance to get a top prospect on the low you do it. But that’s the only reason I’m getting him, and then you just see what happens.

But I’d much prefer we just keep Byram, who seems like a very similar player that is just further ahead in his development

That's what I'm talking about, a player with that pedigree, who is available, at a position that is rare and we always have problems with it, at the very least you kick the tires. I would also prefer to keep Byram, but acquiring Jiricek does not affect this at this stage, in the future who knows what will happen, maybe you will sell one of them for a good price, maybe not. Also, you have to remember Byram's history of concussions, that is also a risk.

I wonder if Byram is in Adams' long-term plans, because he has done different things with his RFAs, what kind of contract Byram will be looking for, all of this is still question marks. I also wonder how Forton and Adams evaluated Jiricek in the draft.

 

[Djp]

Bakes and Fairburn talked about Kreider's game being a good fit with Thompson and Tuch.

That does intrigue me a bit more than when I first thought about it.

The challenges to a deal are not minimal. Obviously, there is the 15 team No-Trade list that Kreider has. Then there is the fact that they are a playoff team and will want NHL talent back in the deal.

With the Trouba rumors and the Rangers issues on D, I wonder if Jokiharju could be the base of a Sabres offer? Bakes and Fairburn also threw Krebs out there as a guy who might have some trade value.

I think Krebs or Jokiharju would be interesting starting points if Drury and Adams are talking.

Problem is he turns 34 during playoffs with 2 more yrs left. I fear he falls off s cliff and his contract is 6.5M

The other issue is sabres cap space next yr

Well, I'm not sure that Bayram will be in Buffalo next season. I also don't see any problems with Jiricek, as long as he gradually develops, you never know what will happen in a few years. It's just that usually, when such a player is available, why not try to get him, also Jiricek is right-handed, and our big three are all left-handed. Maybe Power will improve his defense so much in two years that there will be no problems playing with Jiricek, or vice versa Jiricek will be decent in defense.

Something nerds yo heroine with the D next yr. I don't know what they do with byram

Jiricek probably plays better just being out of columbus

 

[Fjordy]

I'm just not sure I understand what they're trying to get.

Vet for vet "change of scenery" trades don't seem super common. Teams in contention probably won't want to give up whatever the cost of Kreider is, unless its prospects/picks which I assume NYR doesn't want. Teams out of contention won't need Kreider.

Well, I don't know yet, maybe they want to shake up a bit, maybe change the veteran core or rejuvenate the team, but it won't be easy for them to do that, there's NTС/NMС there. Trouba sucks, Zibanejad is falling off a cliff with a contract like that, Miller doesn't seem to be living up to expectations, Lindgren is clearly gone.

Something nerds yo heroine with the D next yr. I don't know what they do with byram

I didn't quite understand the question. Byram is good now, but I wonder how Adams views his new contract. Mitts was good too, and now he's on another team.

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Minnesota is going to trade their top center for a prospect, while they’re in the hunt for the conference title… right

 

[Fjordy]

Minnesota is going to trade their top center for a prospect, while they’re in the hunt for the conference title… right

Only if Guerin is an idiot. Well, they have Ohgren, Yurov and other options for trade.

 

[jc17]

Minnesota is going to trade their top center for a prospect, while they’re in the hunt for the conference title… right

He's too small for this league. You can put up points but you can't make a playoff run with that guy as a core piece. Need a bit of sandpaper and grit down the middle.

Bill I know you're reading this, and your answer is Sam Lafferty, I promise!

 

[TheBarnIsElectric]

His play has been falling since last season and continues to falling in third pair. I think we need something more reliable.

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I still think he'd be an upgrade for us from Joki and would be a better partner for Power.

Love the Whitecloud idea btw.

Kreider.... not so much. I doubt Drury would actually trade him anyway. Sure, he'd help us this year, but he's signed for 2 more years and showing signs of decline. It would be a gamble and not one I'd personally take.

 

[Chainshot]

What does NYR even want to get out of this proposed shakeup?

Seen a lot about available players, not sure what they want though

Perhaps it's to free up cap space to make other moves especially to improve the mobility and puck moving on the blueline?

 

[TheBarnIsElectric]

What does NYR even want to get out of this proposed shakeup?

Seen a lot about available players, not sure what they want though

They want to send a message to their team. That's it.

They're not trading Kreider or Trouba. I think they would trade Trouba, but only if they could replace him with something better, which i doubt is going to happen.

 

[Fjordy]

I still think he'd be an upgrade for us from Joki and would be a better partner for Power.

Love the Whitecloud idea btw.

Kreider.... not so much. I doubt Drury would actually trade him anyway. Sure, he'd help us this year, but he's signed for 2 more years and showing signs of decline. It would be a gamble and not one I'd personally take.

Well, I mean, you can certainly take the risk, but it could be even worse, that can't be ruled out either.

Yeap, me too.

I think Kreider is interesting, although I am a little confused by his contract and the drop in productivity, although he still scored 9 goals, he may just have been unlucky with assists, but he is not a playmaker.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Personally I’m more interested in trying to get Kreider because a big power forward that can drive the net and score goals is basically exactly what we are missing and I’m tired of being in “the future is bright” mode. That said, if you can swing Jiricek, that would still be pretty cool.

I'd try to get Kreider as well. Sure, he's way past his prime. But he's great in front of the net, and that's 1 of the 3 things this team really could use.

 

[Fjordy]

I'd try to get Kreider as well. Sure, he's way past his prime. But he's great in front of the net, and that's 1 of the 3 things this team really could use.

He also has experience and leadership qualities, a kind of powerful version of Zucker. I think it would be an interesting move.

 

[Chainshot]

As a tangent, I would love it if Rosen lights it up over the next few games because A) Rochester's scoring has evaporated without him and B) it could push his value more if the scoresheet production matches the eye test. And that pumps his value to land someone else.

 

[Dubi Doo]

As a tangent, I would love it if Rosen lights it up over the next few games because A) Rochester's scoring has evaporated without him and B) it could push his value more if the scoresheet production matches the eye test. And that pumps his value to land someone else.

Also, let's hope the team keeps winning so Buffalo is viewed as a solid team on the up and up. Players may be more inclined to waived their NMCs. I'm assuming there's bit more respect around the league for the vibes in their locker-room now. Ruff probably brought some much-needed respect. I also wonder if Zucker, a veteran player who is buying into Lindy's system and having a blast being a leader on a young team, may make the team a bit more enticing for a veteran player to come here. I'm sure there are players who would love that role so long as the team can be a playoff team.

I mean- if I were a top-4 RD on a team free falling, and had the opportunity to play alongside Power helping him with the nuances of the game and watching him grow- I'd be down for that role. It's got to be a ton of fun joining a young squad on the up and up. The vibes would be incredible if this team can start taking steps toward becoming a contender. That'd be a fun journey to be part of.

Of course, as I said two times already, the team needs to keep winning.