The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Fjordy]

I would trade any young player at or below Byram and Cozens level. Keep Quinn and Peterka since they are due to resign and shouldn't be expensive contracts.

Will we care about contracts or how to win and get to the playoffs? And Benson and Kulich are in the ELC, then it would be even more profitable to keep them. We lack quality and vets in the team. Difficult decisions will have to be made, but they are necessary.

 

[Fjordy]

All those videos of Miller on the main board just scream stay away from him to me, even if we don't get Pettersson. This guy is clearly out of his mind and I didn't see any leadership there, rather the opposite, bad leadership and attitude towards his teammates. Although at some points in the game he himself sulks and simply deliberately does not make an effort.

 

[ValJamesDuex]

 

[MagnumForce2]

We are going to have give up 2 good active players at a minimum most likely to get Petersson. I feel we are stronger prospect wise offensively than defensively. Also I am looking beyond this trade at player value organization wise and in trade.
So starting lineup wise
The trade would be
Cozens and Quinn
For
Petersson and Rosen (possibly Kosak)

 

[Fjordy]

I already have the feeling that Pettersson is not going anywhere.

 

[LokiDog]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, I thought that Peterka is the keeper out of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. It seems like most here prefer Benson, and as an outsider, I am happy to concede the point. But you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds and can’t keep them all. I think 2/3 should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - ahem - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

 

[Sabreality]

I already have the feeling that Pettersson is not going anywhere.

Gee, ya think? Not sure why people run wild with Friedman 'speculation'. Guy hasn't been a reliable insider for years now and throws nonsense out there more often than not for 'discussion' and clicks.

 

[SundherDome]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, it’s pretty plain that Peterka is the keeper of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. Because you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds you can’t keep them all and I think both Quinn and Benson should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - excuse me - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

I'm currently working on a cannon that will shoot Peterka into the sun, so this was a bummer of a read lol

 

[Fjordy]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, it’s pretty plain that Peterka is the keeper of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. Because you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds you can’t keep them all and I think both Quinn and Benson should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - excuse me - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

Hello, but I think you are not including a player like Benson in the potential trade, in fact Peterka seems like a possible trade option here. Benson is almost as untouchable to me as Dahlin, he has a very high IQ and plays in that style and shows some leadership, even though he is the youngest. He is our future Marchand.

The problem with Byram is that he is an RFA, we don't know if he wants to stay in Buffalo or not, and rumors say he is looking for a 1D and PP1 role, he will not get that in Buffalo. Until we know Byram's plans or he renews his contract we cannot trade Power, who I think can still be fixed.

 

[LokiDog]

I'm currently working on a cannon that will shoot Peterka into the sun, so this was a bummer of a read lol

Ah, poor first impression on my behalf. But JJ isn’t the focus, for me at least. I just felt he’s been acclimating himself better than any other young forward the past two years and I like parts of his young game.

 

[Fjordy]

Gee, ya think? Not sure why people run wild with Friedman 'speculation'. Guy hasn't been a reliable insider for years now and throws nonsense out there more often than not for 'discussion' and clicks.

What does Friedman have to do with it, if there really are problems in the locker room, I just think Miller will leave, not Pettersson.

 

[LokiDog]

Hello, but I think you are not including a player like Benson in the potential trade, in fact Peterka seems like a possible trade option here. Benson is almost as untouchable to me as Dahlin, he has a very high IQ and plays in that style and shows some leadership, even though he is the youngest. He is our future Marchand.

The problem with Byram is that he is an RFA, we don't know if he wants to stay in Buffalo or not, and rumors say he is looking for a 1D and PP1 role, he will not get that in Buffalo. Until we know Byram's plans or he renews his contract we cannot trade Power, who I think can still be fixed.

Fair enough re: Benson/Peterka - for all intents you can switch the two wherever they appear in my post and the end result is the same. With Byram/Power, of course you are correct, and my entire premise is rooted on extending Byram first. Which Adams is free to be discussing/pursuing already. Get Byram locked in, maybe for less than Power, and I stand by most of my thoughts - swapping Peterka and Benson per the expertise of you guys who watch so much more than I do.

 

[Sabreality]

What does Friedman have to do with it, if there really are problems in the locker room, I just think Miller will leave, not Pettersson.

My bad, you literally brought up the EF Van/Buf 'chatter'. And yes I agree, EP probably doesnt go anywhere, and wouldn't be surprised if its all overblown and neither he nor Miller get moved.

 

[My Cozen Dylan]

Trade targets for me, beyond Pettersson:

- Lawson Crouse
- Michael Rasmussen as a Greenway replacement if he doesn’t re-sign
- Zach Whitecloud

None of these players should cost anything crazy, and all would raise our floor.

 

[Fjordy]

My bad, you literally brought up the EF Van/Buf 'chatter'. And yes I agree, EP probably doesnt go anywhere, and wouldn't be surprised if its all overblown and neither he nor Miller get moved.

We'll see, but I think Miller will gone.

Trade targets for me, beyond Pettersson:

- Lawson Crouse
- Michael Rasmussen as a Greenway replacement if he doesn’t re-sign
- Zach Whitecloud

None of these players should cost anything crazy, and all would raise our floor.

I would also look for the top 6 C, it's difficult, but we need it. Rasmussen is a pretty weird player based on the feedback from Detroit fans, I think we could find a better replacement for Greenway.

Crouse could be a good target at this point, he's had a tough year, had a baby, moved to Utah. But he's been very consistent the last two seasons, he's physical and defensively driven, he could even be a better version of Greenway for us and we could put him on the second line with more creative players, for example.

 

[BFLO]

The Sabres PP doesn't suck because we lack shooters... it sucks because we lack creators and possession players in the forward ranks and a lackluster coaching staff running the PP.

Picking up this guy is a waste of time and just gives the perception that they are doing something instead of actually fixing the roster.

Its more kicking the can down the road.

Came here to post this. We aren't lacking shooters. We're lacking play makers and possession guys. And the PP coaching... yeah. Oof

 

[Fjordy]

Came here to post this. We aren't lacking shooters. We're lacking play makers and possession guys. And the PP coaching... yeah. Oof

Sounds like Granlund. Seems like a good vet and playmaker, good on the PP. The problem is he'll be a rental, I doubt Adams will pay for him in that situation. Or maybe they can somehow re-sign Zucker and Granlund at once, they played together in the Wild before and seem like good guys.

 

[StrompTroller]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

View attachment 957158

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, I thought that Peterka is the keeper out of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. It seems like most here prefer Benson, and as an outsider, I am happy to concede the point. But you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds and can’t keep them all. I think 2/3 should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - ahem - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

Lafferty is barely here now, why would he be in the future?

 

[LokiDog]

Lafferty is barely here now, why would he be in the future?

I mean, who the 4RW in that scenario is is a pretty trivial piece of the puzzle I guess.

 

[zenthusiast]

Kaliyev wouldn’t be the answer to anyone’s prayers but he’d have been an asset-free no risk lotto ticket that a bad team can more than afford to try out. It’s the principle of the inaction as we saw in more consequential cases borne out here again that’s frustrating more than the specific lack of a claim

 

[Chainshot]

Kaliyev wouldn’t be the answer to anyone’s prayers but he’d have been an asset-free no risk lotto ticket that a bad team can more than afford to try out. It’s the principle of the inaction as we saw in more consequential cases borne out here again that’s frustrating more than the specific lack of a claim

Understandable. I'm still chapped about Fabbro. Like... why they couldn't go back to look at how he played with Josi three years ago and contrast it with how Jokihaju plays... STILL chapped about that one.

 

[zenthusiast]

Understandable. I'm still chapped about Fabbro. Like... why they couldn't go back to look at how he played with Josi three years ago and contrast it with how Jokihaju plays... STILL chapped about that one.

Yeah, that’s the most galling one for sure.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

View attachment 957158

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, I thought that Peterka is the keeper out of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. It seems like most here prefer Benson, and as an outsider, I am happy to concede the point. But you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds and can’t keep them all. I think 2/3 should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - ahem - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

Hey, I remember that username. I think I was just a lurker though, like the ESPN boards.

Benson stays for sure. He brings tenacity and spunk most guys here lack. He's the only guy I would consistently bet on to win a 1v1 board battle, and he gets to the crease.

 

[StrompTroller]

Howdy. Obviously, I am a Rangers fan first and foremost, but I very genuinely pride myself on being a hockey fan first and not really adhering to bias or rivalry rules, etc. For instance, I really like what the Devils are doing and am a fan of many of their players.

That said, I played my college puck at UB and was heavily active on the official Sabres message board back then - I may have even been a mod briefly. This would have been like 2005-2010. If the @Jim Bob at HF is the same one from those boards, I remember you and I think I even remember you and myself and another poster or two being quite friendly and exchanging pictures and stuff from real life, outside of the forums. Nothing in appropriate, we were just “core” posters back then for several years and got to know each other. I think my username was something like Welcome2Pominville.

Either way, the point is I’ve harbored a soft spot and interest in the Sabres for the past 20 years (I’m 38) which makes them one of my favorite and most followed non-NYR teams by far. I’ve got Pominville and Stafford jerseys from back in the day, a Dahlin from his draft year and a Dahlin goat head. Not posting here, I know that my opinions are that of an outsider unfamiliar with the inner opinions you guys have formed on your team, but given that the Rangers have literally frayed my very last nerves and I need a break from whatever the excuse for hockey we’re playing currently is, I figured I’d come hang with you guys.

View attachment 957158

Personally, I don’t think you guys are as far off as it may feel. I know the drought, low faith in Kevyn and Lindy and being stuck with Terry all probably feel pretty crappy, but I think Buffalo is close to being pretty dang good. Here’s some thoughts I’ve been mulling over.

Keep and be patient with Cozens. He has the versatility to play C or W, has already shown he can really produce at this level, is going to continue maturing into a very well rounded player, has a high internal motor and is a work horse. Give him a couple more years and he is a leader, producing as he should be, bringing a solid and reliable two way game and very competitive.

There’s three smallish, non-physical young forwards on the roster today with (lots) more on their way. Peterka, Quinn and Benson. To me, I thought that Peterka is the keeper out of this trio. Has good feisty competitiveness and a high rate of work. It seems like most here prefer Benson, and as an outsider, I am happy to concede the point. But you likely can’t get where you need to go with too many forwards cut from similar moulds and can’t keep them all. I think 2/3 should be considered movable pieces. In the right deal.

Dahlin, Power, Byram is a similar problem. All more established but three defenders who are left handed and gifted puck movers but not a real staunch, stay at home type among them. I think all 3 are great. Dahlin is obviously untouchable. In fact, I think he’s still quite underrated and one day he’ll have a proper partner on a more balanced team and he’ll be firmly considered a top 5 D. Unpopular opinion, but on age, athleticism and raw talent, I take him over Fox 10/10 times. With that said, I actually keep Byram over Power. I wish he didn’t have the injury concerns always hanging over him, as that would make this statement a lot easier to swallow, but I think Byram plays bigger and with more fire than Power and Byram, though young, has at least been part of a Cup winner and been in the room with successful vets, learning what it takes to win in June. I also think you can probably re-sign him to a cheaper than deal than the one you gave Power. Finally, I think Power has a lot more value as a trade chip and given you have Dahlin and then another bonafide top-4 talent in Byram, Power is probably - ahem - your most powerful trade chip to address the biggest and most serious needs of the team.

I’d also consider re-signing Greenway, depending on contract demands. He’s not too old to fit the window and he and McLeod give a solid 2/3 of a third line that you can rely on. Which makes me look at Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius (plus Quinn and Benson) and think, it’s time to start putting together some enticing packages - maybe even overpaying on potential and youth - to address specific needs. It isn’t about “winning” a trade at this point. You have so much high end young talent. Lose a trade to make the team better. I see no issue there. Especially if you think Buffalo has to pay a premium to attract talent until they start winning. Then lose a trade or two on paper to start winning more games and get players more open to signing here. But with Kulich, Ostlund, Wahlberg, Rosen, Helenius, Quinn and Benson - plus Thompson, Cozens, Tuch, Peterka in the top six and McLeod plus maybe Greenway on the third line, you only have 3 openings in the top-nine and they need to be the right types of players.

Personally I’d do something like:

Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
??? - ??? - Cozens
Greenway - McLeod - ???
Malenstyn - Krebs - Lafferty
Dahlin - ???
Byram - ???
Samuelsson - Clifton
UPL
Levi

You’ve got Power, Quinn, Benson, Rosen, Ostlund, etc. plus picks, plus whatever you can get back for Zucker, Joker, etc. to go shopping with. Some of those guys have amazing value and most have pretty solid value. You’re two top six forwards and two top four D away, realistically. UPL is more than good enough behind a more balanced team and Levi will also be a good goalie with more time. Saying you need two top four D while advocating moving Power may seem counterintuitive but Ras and Byram are more than enough for top four puck moving LHD and Samuelsson/Clifton is a perfectly fine third pair. You need (age appropriate versions of) Tanev, Parayko, Manson, Pulock, Carlo, etc. Less valuable than Power in a vacuum, but more of what you need. I personally think it’s time to start dealing for targeted players/player types and stop strictly collecting as much high end draft talent as possible. Overpay to get the pieces that take all of the raw talent and convert it into a hockey team now.

I really, genuinely, hope to see it and enjoy it as a casual observer. Cheers.

my apologies I wanted to like your post but the powers that may be have taken away that ability from me. You are quite welcome here. Cheers

 

[ValJamesDuex]