The 2024-2025 Roster Thread

[Der Jaeger]

So let me get this straight. You're be willing to trade premium assets for 3 years (effectively only 2) of Brady Tkachuk and then when it's been painfully obvious that he was never going to re-sign have to trade him in the last year of his contract when his NTC has kicked in for a fraction of what you originally traded for him?

That's incredibly f***ing stupid.

The best outcome for the Sabres when it comes to Brady is that he gets delt to the West and re-signs there so there's no chance of joining his brother in Florida.

This conversation is so dumb. It's never happening.

The Sabres also have a pretty good trade asset in Peterka who seems to be not happy as well. What are the Sabres going to do? Sit on their hands? Kevyn's been doing that for 4 years now. Yes, I'd rather have 3 years of Tkachuk going to the net and changing the way the Sabres play than Peterka and some picks.

I'd gladly take 3 years of Tkachuk playing the way he does in Buffalo, and then signing somewhere else.

Remember when fans thought it was incredibly f*cking stupid to back the Brinks truck up to try to get an aging Shane Doan to Buffalo just prior to the Sabres tank? Doesn't seem so incredibly f*cking stupid now.

 

[Der Jaeger]

It doesn't make any logical sense.

He is available because he is really, really, really unhappy. So, a team that he probably would be less happy with playing for should trade a huge package to acquire him and hope they can change his mind.

So, what happens for the Sabres if he is even more unhappy in Buffalo than Ottawa, has a horrible attitude, and is basically "Trade me right ****ing now!" from day 1 onward?

I'm willing to take that chance. It's a far better idea that what has been going on.

My bet is that he laces them up and plays hard to try to get to the playoffs.

And you'd energize the roster. Remember the oodles of reporters saying that Buffalo's roster is down from the constant losing? How do you think you shake that up? Trading for Crouse and Kesseling?

I'd bet your worst fears of that type of trade never take place. If I'm on the roster after a Tkachuk trade, I'm a far more motivated player than before.

 

[Chainshot]

Posters can say what they want. There is logic behind a move like that, which I've laid out. Whether you or anyone think it's possible is completely another thing.

I'm not alone. Marty Biron mentioned Tkachuk right after the Norris trade. I imagine someone as thoughtful as Biron with the hockey knowledge and understanding he possesses isn't making that comment based on the same strawman argument thrown back at me about Norris.

Delusion would be "hey let's trade for McDavid." There's legitimately almost no basis for Edmonton to make a trade or McDavid to veto the trade (though he did want to come to Buffalo in the draft, but that ship has long sailed).

It would also cover reasoning behind Ottawa deciding to trade him and then to trade him within in the division.

 

[Jim Bob]

I'm willing to take that chance. It's a far better idea that what has been going on.

My bet is that he laces them up and plays hard to try to get to the playoffs.

And you'd energize the roster. Remember the oodles of reporters saying that Buffalo's roster is down from the constant losing? How do you think you shake that up? Trading for Crouse and Kesseling?

I'd bet your worst fears of that type of trade never take place. If I'm on the roster after a Tkachuk trade, I'm a far more motivated player than before.

That is such an indictment of this roster, it's not even funny.

 

[Der Jaeger]

It would also cover reasoning behind Ottawa deciding to trade him and then to trade him within in the division.

I googled "big NHL trades." It took me to the Athletic, where they covered the biggest trades every year since 2000. Plenty of in division trades going on.

The Athletic Biggest Trades Last 25 Years

 

[Der Jaeger]

That is such an indictment of this roster, it's not even funny.

Some of these guys have played here their whole career and only once been in a playoff race. It sucks. Sometimes you need a kick start on energy.

 

[Jim Bob]

Some of these guys have played here their whole career and only once been in a playoff race. It sucks. Sometimes you need a kick start on energy.

I don't think trading a massive amount for Brady Tkachuk somehow completely transforms this roster and solves all that ills this team.

For instance, him showing up wouldn't change the incompetence behind the bench when it comes to designing a PP.

And he's not going to make Byram a guy that can play with Owen Power or Norris and Samuelsson less injury prone.

 

[enthusiast]

If Peterka wants to go, send him off for futures and drop 14x7 on Mitch while he’s tied up at OBD

 

[Der Jaeger]

I don't think trading a massive amount for Brady Tkachuk somehow completely transforms this roster and solves all that ills this team.

For instance, him showing up wouldn't change the incompetence behind the bench when it comes to designing a PP.

And he's not going to make Byram a guy that can play with Owen Power or Norris and Samuelsson less injury prone.

I agree with your second and third lines completely. There's so much more to do. But it's a human endeavor, and people forget that sometimes. The Soldiers who won't take the hill sometime don't do it because they don't believe it'll succeed. And then "poof," they get a new First Sergeant, and the company is all gas and no brake.

There's so much for this team to fix. I've got a bunch of structural fix ideas, center spine fix ideas, defense fix ideas. Sometimes that's not the move that means the most.

The Diggs trade last season was removing an emotional drag on Allen, and freeing him mentally to become what he did. That's the effect I'm looking for, in reverse. Tkachuk is the kind of player who drags you into games emotionally and makes you care. Above all things, I'd rather fix that then anything else.

 

[Jim Bob]

I agree with your second and third lines completely. There's so much more to do. But it's a human endeavor, and people forget that sometimes. The Soldiers who won't take the hill sometime don't do it because they don't believe it'll succeed. And then "poof," they get a new First Sergeant, and the company is all gas and no brake.

There's so much for this team to fix. I've got a bunch of structural fix ideas, center spine fix ideas, defense fix ideas. Sometimes that's not the move that means the most.

The Diggs trade last season was removing an emotional drag on Allen, and freeing him mentally to become what he did. That's the effect I'm looking for, in reverse. Tkachuk is the kind of player who drags you into games emotionally and makes you care. Above all things, I'd rather fix that then anything else.

The Sens struggles for multiple years with Brady there and with the C last season has me really doubting that is the case.

Dahlin has the C and plays more minutes and is very similar. And yet, here we are.

It's not a want to thing. So, that's why the parallel falls flat for me.

 

[Der Jaeger]

The Sens struggles for multiple years with Brady there and with the C last season has me really doubting that is the case.

Dahlin has the C and plays more minutes and is very similar. And yet, here we are.

It's not a want to thing. So, that's why the parallel falls flat for me.

I think Brady is in the same boat. Look at him in the WJCs and 4 Nations. Then season after season of crap in Ottawa.
Yeah, Dahlin plays with an edge, but it's sort of different when your All-Star defenseman is the lead sled dog in dragging the team into a game. Florida got so much benefit from Tkachuk being that guy, so Barkov could remain a little cooler headed and play his game. I'd like somewhat of the same for Dahlin.

I'm not sold 100% on Tkachuk, and honestly, I don't think that trade happens. I'm just arguing it's feasibility, not probability. But the Sabres really need someone to come in and be the lead emotional guy who drags them into games when needed.

I think the Sabres are in a very similar spot with the roster as right before the tank. They desperately needed a leader for the waves of kids about to come onto the roster. That's why Pegula was willing to pay Shane Doan $7.5M a season, which was crazy money back then.

I think the Sabres really need an emotional leader who spearheads the team into games. Tkachuk is just the most visible and best of those players.

 

[toddkaz]

If Peterka wants to go, send him off for futures and drop 14x7 on Mitch while he’s tied up at OBD

You got a point. Even if its NHL ready prospects. Take the money and bring someone in.

If we only had a capable GM.

 

[Jim Bob]

I think Brady is in the same boat. Look at him in the WJCs and 4 Nations. Then season after season of crap in Ottawa.
Yeah, Dahlin plays with an edge, but it's sort of different when your All-Star defenseman is the lead sled dog in dragging the team into a game. Florida got so much benefit from Tkachuk being that guy, so Barkov could remain a little cooler headed and play his game. I'd like somewhat of the same for Dahlin.

I'm not sold 100% on Tkachuk, and honestly, I don't think that trade happens. I'm just arguing it's feasibility, not probability. But the Sabres really need someone to come in and be the lead emotional guy who drags them into games when needed.

I think the Sabres are in a very similar spot with the roster as right before the tank. They desperately needed a leader for the waves of kids about to come onto the roster. That's why Pegula was willing to pay Shane Doan $7.5M a season, which was crazy money back then.

I think the Sabres really need an emotional leader who spearheads the team into games. Tkachuk is just the most visible and best of those players.

If the last 14 years haven't proven that they aren't one magical leader away from being good, I don't know what to tell you.

One guy doesn't change it.

They need multiple adults that know how to play the right way and consistently over an 82 game season.

Brady Tkachuk has over 500 NHL regular season games played and 0 NHL playoff games played. Sorry, but I don't see how a guy who has never made the playoffs is a leader for the kids...

 

[Der Jaeger]

If the last 14 years haven't proven that they aren't one magical leader away from being good, I don't know what to tell you.

One guy doesn't change it.

They need multiple adults that know how to play the right way and consistently over an 82 game season.

Brady Tkachuk has over 500 NHL regular season games played and 0 NHL playoff games played. Sorry, but I don't see how a guy who has never made the playoffs is a leader for the kids...

Two different ideas:

Having vets who play the right way to help develop the kids: yes, totally agree.

Having an emotional leader who gets the team engaged: doesn't have to be a veteran necessarily. And yes, one player can change it. Chris Drury did it.

 

[Gras]

If the last 14 years haven't proven that they aren't one magical leader away from being good, I don't know what to tell you.

One guy doesn't change it.

They need multiple adults that know how to play the right way and consistently over an 82 game season.

Brady Tkachuk has over 500 NHL regular season games played and 0 NHL playoff games played. Sorry, but I don't see how a guy who has never made the playoffs is a leader for the kids...

No playoff games, but have you watched him in international games.

 

[Beerz]

If the last 14 years haven't proven that they aren't one magical leader away from being good, I don't know what to tell you.

One guy doesn't change it.

They need multiple adults that know how to play the right way and consistently over an 82 game season.

Brady Tkachuk has over 500 NHL regular season games played and 0 NHL playoff games played. Sorry, but I don't see how a guy who has never made the playoffs is a leader for the kids...

One player doesn't change anything so don't get one player.

This is a wild argument... nobody says you stop with Brady.

If you don't think BT would cure a lot of what ails this team .. idk what to tell you.

It's not happening but it would be a huge addition to this team

 

[Sabresbyswords104]

Tkachuk and Robert Thomas to us at draft ?

Thomas for Power+
Tkachuk for 1 round pick top 4,Benson + +

Tkachuk Thomas Thompson
Peterka Norris Tuch
Zucker McLeod Quinn
Greenway Kulich Lafferty

 

[TageGod]

Tkachuk and Robert Thomas to us at draft ?

Thomas for Power+
Tkachuk for 1 round pick top 4,Benson + +

Tkachuk Thomas Thompson
Peterka Norris Tuch
Zucker McLeod Quinn
Greenway Kulich Lafferty

I don't think people realize what Power's value is. #1 overall potential 1D who is only in his third season. Unless it is for a true 1D or 1C, you don't touch him for at least two/three years. Ottawa is making the playoffs and likely changes Tkachuck's tune.

 

[Beerz]

I don't think people realize what Power's value is. #1 overall potential 1D who is only in his third season. Unless it is for a true 1D or 1C, you don't touch him for at least two/three years. Ottawa is making the playoffs and likely changes Tkachuck's tune.

Idk if you know who Robert Thomas is .... he is a true 1C.


Having said that.. noway do Blues touch that with a 10 ft pole

 

[Jim Bob]

One player doesn't change anything so don't get one player.

This is a wild argument... nobody says you stop with Brady.

If you don't think BT would cure a lot of what ails this team .. idk what to tell you.

It's not happening but it would be a huge addition to this team

If I could reasonably assume that Brady Tkachuk wanted to be a Sabre and would be bought in, I would love a player like him on the Sabres.

But, if he is so unhappy in Ottawa as to force a trade out of town because of a lack of on-ice success, I think he would be less happy in Buffalo than in Ottawa. And I do not want the Sabres trading a huge package for a guy that will show up and want out of town ASAP.

If they add Tkachuk, Marchand, and Weegar this offseason to add character, grit, and talent where they need it and they are all bought in, I would love it.

But, I don't see the legend of Brady Tkachuk being anything close to reality if the hopium fueled JJ++++++ for Tkachuk trade were to happen.

 

[Jim Bob]

No playoff games, but have you watched him in international games.

Short term tournaments and 82 game NHL regular seasons are two completely different beasts.

And if Brady is this amazing leader that can change everything, why have the Sens never made the playoffs in the first 6 seasons of his career?

I like Brady as a player. I do not buy into the hype that he is this huge leader and culture changer given how his career in Ottawa has played out.

And if he wants out of Ottawa, it won't be to come to a team that is markedly worse than the Senators this season and hasn't made the playoffs in over a decade.

He will want to go to a legit contender and would likely be more unhappy in Buffalo than in Ottawa.

 

[Jim Bob]

Two different ideas:

Having vets who play the right way to help develop the kids: yes, totally agree.

Having an emotional leader who gets the team engaged: doesn't have to be a veteran necessarily. And yes, one player can change it. Chris Drury did it.

That is vastly understating the impact that Daniel Briere had on the Sabres.

2003-04 was also Briere's first full season in Buffalo.

Then you had Ryan Miller taking over as the #1 goalie coming out of the lockout season, along with the Roch boys like Vanek, Roy, etc.

It wasn't just one guy that changed things for those 2 or 3 seasons.

 

[Archie Lee]

Tkachuk and Robert Thomas to us at draft ?

Thomas for Power+
Tkachuk for 1 round pick top 4,Benson + +

Tkachuk Thomas Thompson
Peterka Norris Tuch
Zucker McLeod Quinn
Greenway Kulich Lafferty

Conservatively, that comes in around $6 million over the cap. You can almost get there if you swap Peterka in for Benson in the Tkachuk trade. The D corps is going to be sketchy though.

 

[GrierIsGod123]

If the last 14 years haven't proven that they aren't one magical leader away from being good, I don't know what to tell you.

One guy doesn't change it.

They need multiple adults that know how to play the right way and consistently over an 82 game season.

Brady Tkachuk has over 500 NHL regular season games played and 0 NHL playoff games played. Sorry, but I don't see how a guy who has never made the playoffs is a leader for the kids...

I'd agree...we need the right type of veteran on the top two lines especially. Let Zucker McLeod and Greenway continue to be a dominant third line. They need some saavy playmaking veterans for the top 6. The Zucker and Greenway signings were key, as you can now focus on adding veterans elsewhere in the lineup. They're great middle 6/bottom 6 guys to have around though. If they had traded one or both, we're back where we started needing veterans throughout the forward ranks.

I'd be pretty happy if Adams (or insert GM here) could sign two more veteran forwards and find one veteran d-man for this lineup. My guess is they need to trade one or both of Peterka and Quinn to enable to roster spots and to allow for the change in mentality that is needed.

 

[toddkaz]

Some of these guys have played here their whole career and only once been in a playoff race. It sucks. Sometimes you need a kick start on energy.

You know there is a flip side...Tkachuk gets swallowed up by the blob and loses his love for hockey.