Speculation: The New and Improved Sabres Summer Roster Thread, 2026-27: Now With More Fiber

[Jetskiis]

Montreal “ not giving up” sure doesn’t sound like they are the team negotiating on marchenko - that’s optimistic posting from the Montreal fans based on what that says

well reading the article, it says it is between two teams, and Montreal is one of them. It doesn't name the 2nd team. the wording in the tweet is strange but it could just be a translation thing.

So it sounds like two teams have offers in for Marchenko and CBJ is now allowing both teams to negotiate with Marchenko.



but this makes it sound like maybe CBJ has rebuffed Montreal, and Montreal would still want to trade for Marchenko if he was traded to a different team? very confusing.

 

[Chainshot]

I cannot imagine Marchenko choosing to sign here long-term.

I would only imagine if there is a strong relationship already there. I don’t think that’s the case. Seems like Montreal wants to beef up their second line so I could see that being the destination.

 

[Jetskiis]

I would only imagine if there is a strong relationship already there. I don’t think that’s the case. Seems like Montreal wants to beef up their second line so I could see that being the destination.

at this point im just praying it's anyone but Montreal.

 

[KrakenSabresMike]

Here is the text from the actual RG article - which is in English. The repost was from a French X account but that is not the source - it doesn’t super connect Montreal - says they took a run earlier and could still be in talks - not really a strong sentiment that they are still - as the team if you read what is actually posted in the article- I would bet Buf is in this given jarmo loved this player

Montreal Remains In The Mix​

The Montreal Canadiens are among the clubs that have pursued Marchenko, having made a run at the winger earlier in the offseason, and they could factor into the current talks.

Speaking on The Starr & D'Amico Show, RG.org's Marco D'Amico said Montreal is still looking for a scoring top-six forward and that Marchenko remains one of the more attractive options on the market, though any move would likely depend on progress in contract talks between his representatives and an acquiring team. Bettors tracking the saga on hockey betting sites have watched his market odds shift alongside the negotiations.

Marchenko is spending the offseason training in Russia. On July 25, he played in the Match of the Year, a charity game organized for a third consecutive year by Alex Ovechkin, Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev.

 

[Zman5778]

well reading the article, it says it is between two teams, and Montreal is one of them. It doesn't name the 2nd team. the wording in the tweet is strange but it could just be a translation thing.

So it sounds like two teams have offers in for Marchenko and CBJ is now allowing both teams to negotiate with Marchenko.



but this makes it sound like maybe CBJ has rebuffed Montreal, and Montreal would still want to trade for Marchenko if he was traded to a different team? very confusing.

"Not giving up" could also translate to "has been persistent". So in that vein, maybe Montreal hasn't offered a good enough package to CBJ yet.....but dialogue remains ongoing.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Crevier was a top four guy for the Hawks last year (third in TOI on their defense and at five on five), started 69% of his starts in the d-zone at even strength and played over 1000 minutes at five on five. How is that not ready to be in the NHL?

How did you take my argument from having an insurance defenseman to Crevier not being ready to be in the NHL?

I never wrote that. Never even implied it.

 

[Chainshot]

How did you take my argument from having an insurance defenseman to Crevier not being ready to be in the NHL?

I never wrote that. Never even implied it.

I took this:

I’d like to see them acquire someone who fits between Zellweger and Crevier on your list. Role player who can play meaningful third pairing time if Timmins gets hurt or
Crevier is not quite as ready as anyone thinks.

Ideally, this player could pair with Power in a pinch if Zellweger gets hurt.

… as indication you don’t think Crevier is ready for the Sabres. What did I miss?

 

[Der Jaeger]

I took this:



… as indication you don’t think Crevier is ready for the Sabres. What did I miss?

I was talking about Crevier being ready for a full run too 4 role, even if it’s splitting time with Zellweger, since we don’t really know how Ruff is going to play the bottom three defenders.

I should have slotted that player idea below Crevier and I can see now why you took that from what I wrote.

Better said: I’m not excited about Timmins as a locked in top 6 players, and Crevier/Zellweger as the 4/5, without having a better 7 than Gilbert.

For me in that set up, Buffalo is an injury away from trouble. Or a new player not quite fitting into what Ruff wants.

It’s the Kesselring situation. Looks great in July but never materializes. I’d like to buffer against that situation.

 

[Chainshot]

I was talking about Crevier being ready for a full run too 4 role, even if it’s splitting time with Zellweger, since we don’t really know how Ruff is going to play the bottom three defenders.

I should have slotted that player idea below Crevier and I can see now why you took that from what I wrote.

Better said: I’m not excited about Timmins as a locked in top 6 players, and Crevier/Zellweger as the 4/5, without having a better 7 than Gilbert.

For me in that set up, Buffalo is an injury away from trouble. Or a new player not quite fitting into what Ruff wants.

It’s the Kesselring situation. Looks great in July but never materializes. I’d like to buffer against that situation.

Ah okay. It looks like they’re angling to have Crevier leveraged for defensive minutes and Zellweger for the offensive ones as both a 4a/4b to me.

I’m curious at Crevier as a PKer since that was one of the few areas the Hawks did well at .

I admit to a concern that much like how it seemed like it was the Sabres PK was successful due to high pressure forwards, it seems like that was Mikheyev and Robertson doing great work there too. More so than the defensemen being great at their roles. But… maybe there is something to Crevier’s stick details being a difference maker there.

At this point, I don’t think they’re going to look for a dedicated four without seeing if one of those two guys can take it and run. I might not be a verse to them auditioning a seven. I haven’t really looked through puck to see who might be out there in the camp invite/PTO stage.

This was also where I was hoping that Novikov would be ready. *sigh*

 

[Der Jaeger]

Ah okay. It looks like they’re angling to have Crevier leveraged for defensive minutes and Zellweger for the offensive ones as both a 4a/4b to me.

I’m curious at Crevier as a PKer since that was one of the few areas the Hawks did well at .

I admit to a concern that much like how it seemed like it was the Sabres PK was successful due to high pressure forwards, it seems like that was Mikheyev and Robertson doing great work there too. More so than the defensemen being great at their roles. But… maybe there is something to Crevier’s stick details being a difference maker there.

At this point, I don’t think they’re going to look for a dedicated for without seeing if one of those two guys can take it and run. I might not be a verse to them auditioning a seven. I haven’t really looked through puck to see who might be out there in the camp invite/PTO stage.

This was also where I was hoping that Novikov would be ready. *sigh*

It’s not a great list.

Klingberg
Stanley
Soucy
Grzelcyk

Blankenburg is available too if we’re still dreaming of a reunion with Power.

 

[Chainshot]

It’s not a great list.

Klingberg
Stanley
Soucy
Grzelcyk

Blankenburg is available too if we’re still dreaming of a reunion with Power.

Blankenburg was a JK/Flynn UDFA signing in CBUS, maybe he would be of interest. The problem then is having two new sub 6 foot defenseman. I don’t think they would want to carry three if we look at them still having Metsa around.

Stanley is kinda the best of a slim list.

 

[TommyDangles]

Here is the text from the actual RG article - which is in English. The repost was from a French X account but that is not the source - it doesn’t super connect Montreal - says they took a run earlier and could still be in talks - not really a strong sentiment that they are still - as the team if you read what is actually posted in the article- I would bet Buf is in this given jarmo loved this player

Montreal Remains In The Mix​

The Montreal Canadiens are among the clubs that have pursued Marchenko, having made a run at the winger earlier in the offseason, and they could factor into the current talks.

Speaking on The Starr & D'Amico Show, RG.org's Marco D'Amico said Montreal is still looking for a scoring top-six forward and that Marchenko remains one of the more attractive options on the market, though any move would likely depend on progress in contract talks between his representatives and an acquiring team. Bettors tracking the saga on hockey betting sites have watched his market odds shift alongside the negotiations.

Marchenko is spending the offseason training in Russia. On July 25, he played in the Match of the Year, a charity game organized for a third consecutive year by Alex Ovechkin, Artemi Panarin and Mikhail Sergachev.

I just can't see Montreal giving him the big contract he wants.

They made it a priority giving all their guys cheaper long term deals like Caulfied, Suzuki, Hutson, Slaf etc..

Wouldn't make much sense for them to turn around and give Marchenko 11M+ and have him make much more than everyone else.

 

[Der Jaeger]

Blankenburg was a JK/Flynn UDFA signing in CBUS, maybe he would be of interest. The problem then is having two new sub 6 foot defenseman. I don’t think they would want to carry three if we look at them still having Metsa around.

Stanley is kinda the best of a slim list.

That wouldn’t bode well for some of the eastern conference wars they are about to enter, as much as I like Blankenburg.

But I wouldn’t be mad if they signed him. The Bruins were able to pull off a smaller defense a few years ago. I think they are the outlier though, and I would be hesitant to bank on that type of success.

 

[nickdawg95]

I've said this before. I'd give up a lot for marchenko. guy would be great with the system we play.

amazing off the rush/transition
great at finding his spot during a cycle.
Lethal shot for the PP along with Tage.

 

[dkollidas]

Kesselring was the answer as Power’s partner this time last season. It’s good roster management to plan for contingencies.

It’s likely that both Crevier and Zellweger fill Byram’s void just fine. Then the hypothetical signing I’m writing about is a true 6/7. Which I’m good with.

The Sabres won a lot of games on overall roster depth last season. I like Gilbert but I’d like him better in Rochester.

I think it depends on rochester as well. If one of Strbak or Mrtka really show well early on in the season, they could get called up for games before Gilbert in a limited role.

 

[MarkusKetterer]

Ah okay. It looks like they’re angling to have Crevier leveraged for defensive minutes and Zellweger for the offensive ones as both a 4a/4b to me.

I’m curious at Crevier as a PKer since that was one of the few areas the Hawks did well at .

I admit to a concern that much like how it seemed like it was the Sabres PK was successful due to high pressure forwards, it seems like that was Mikheyev and Robertson doing great work there too. More so than the defensemen being great at their roles. But… maybe there is something to Crevier’s stick details being a difference maker there.

At this point, I don’t think they’re going to look for a dedicated four without seeing if one of those two guys can take it and run. I might not be a verse to them auditioning a seven. I haven’t really looked through puck to see who might be out there in the camp invite/PTO stage.

This was also where I was hoping that Novikov would be ready. *sigh*

There’s the rub. Stanley would be that perfect in between the Gilbert/Johnson level. But Voldemort has a problem with that because they haven’t acquired a true top-6 C first or Tuch replacement and therefore the GM is stupid.

I almost want them to trade both Ostlund AND Helenius for one of those so I can see the pivot.

 

[TommyDangles]

I've said this before. I'd give up a lot for marchenko. guy would be great with the system we play.

amazing off the rush/transition
great at finding his spot during a cycle.
Lethal shot for the PP along with Tage.

I'd trade for him just not the "a lot" part. I don't think it would take a lot anyways.

 

[Ace]

There’s the rub. Stanley would be that perfect in between the Gilbert/Johnson level. But Voldemort has a problem with that because they haven’t acquired a true top-6 C first or Tuch replacement and therefore the GM is stupid.

I almost want them to trade both Ostlund AND Helenius for one of those so I can see the pivot.

Can we sign them long term so we can have not one but two top nine picks used on D that have nowhere to play?

Keep adding D. Who cares the forwards are thin on talent and there’s nothin in the pool behind them. Who cares that the starting goalie blows when you need a save. Who cares you can only play six D? Let’s do it!

 

[Jim Bob]

I'd trade for him just not the "a lot" part. I don't think it would take a lot anyways.

I think it will take one or two pieces that fans would be unhappy with giving up to land him.

It's not going to be Mrtka and Krebs for Marchenko.

 

[old kummelweck]

I would absolutely trade for Marchenko and sign him to a $12m/8 year extension. That's figuring he's a top line guy with 70 point season in his future.

Quinn + 2027 protected 1st rounder + Ryan Johnson is about the right value. I think that would be good value for both sides as Quinn will continue to develop and round out his game. Columbus would probably try and upgrade or get more value, but let another team overpay.

Overpayment would be anything with Quinn, former first round assets, and any additional picks.

 

[MeenOlViks]

I would absolutely trade for Marchenko and sign him to a $12m/8 year extension. That's figuring he's a top line guy with 70 point season in his future.

Quinn + 2027 protected 1st rounder + Ryan Johnson is about the right value. I think that would be good value for both sides as Quinn will continue to develop and round out his game. Columbus would probably try and upgrade or get more value, but let another team overpay.

Overpayment would be anything with Quinn, former first round assets, and any additional picks.

IF we are interested (I think we are) it’s down to us, the habs and maybe one other team. No way we get this guy for scraps. My guess is we’ll have to part with Ostlund + to make it happen.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I think it depends on rochester as well. If one of Strbak or Mrtka really show well early on in the season, they could get called up for games before Gilbert in a limited role.

There’s the rub. Stanley would be that perfect in between the Gilbert/Johnson level. But Voldemort has a problem with that because they haven’t acquired a true top-6 C first or Tuch replacement and therefore the GM is stupid.

I almost want them to trade both Ostlund AND Helenius for one of those so I can see the pivot.

I think both of these ideas could be part of a better depth plan for the Sabres. The pairs are just for accounting because I have no idea how Ruff plans to use Zellweger and Crevier. The Rochester numbers are just in general to show the depth.

Samuelsson - Dahlin
Power - Crevier
Zellweger - Timmins
x Stanley

8 Gilbert
9 Metsa
10 Johnson
11 Strbak
12 Mrtka
13 McCarthy

Just the one signing of Stanley (or someone who slots similarly), along with three of the defensemen passing through waivers, and the Sabres are set.

Need steady third pair minutes? Call up Metsa. Need a physical presence? Gilbert? Giving a player his shot? Johnson. A kid is beating down the door? Any of the bottom three listed.

That’s hopefully how Jarmo works it, in some way or close to that.

 

[Der Jaeger]

I think it will take one or two pieces that fans would be unhappy with giving up to land him.

It's not going to be Mrtka and Krebs for Marchenko.

Dorofeyev took two 1sts and a 3rd. Maybe something in that range?

 

[Der Jaeger]

I've said this before. I'd give up a lot for marchenko. guy would be great with the system we play.

amazing off the rush/transition
great at finding his spot during a cycle.
Lethal shot for the PP along with Tage.

Stylistically, Marchenko plays a similar offensive game to Tuch.

 

[Jetskiis]

Now this is interesting. Portzline usually is dialed in on all things CBJ.