The Roster Thread, Summer 2024

[BFLO]

Nailed it. The ownership's failure was getting involved in Drury and Briere. Golisano had mostly stayed out of Regier's way and just said break even. The team was professionally run. Pegula is an absolute clown. He has surrounded himself with yes men. He won't have a team president. Every thing about the Pegula years are a joke and I am bracing myself for another rebuild in two years.

Another rebuild? When did the current rebuild end? Has it ever ended?

 

[Fjordy]

Most media & fans think that this roster needs more surgery than it actually does, IMO.

I think the forward group will be fine with just two additions - assuming that they are the correct additions.

I'd also argue that a more physical presence on the back end is needed in place of Jokiharju & even if the plan is to play Levi in the NHL - another goalie is needed. My preference would be to play Levi in the AHL & sign an actual NHL #1B/backup - Adams could go either way.

I think 3C and a top 4 RD to play with Byram/Power should be a priority. Goalie would probably make sense, someone like Stolarz or Wedgwood, but I'm not sure Adams would do that. We also need to find 1-2 players for the 4th line.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Most media & fans think that this roster needs more surgery than it actually does, IMO.

I think the forward group will be fine with just two additions - assuming that they are the correct additions.

I'd also argue that a more physical presence on the back end is needed in place of Jokiharju & even if the plan is to play Levi in the NHL - another goalie is needed. My preference would be to play Levi in the AHL & sign an actual NHL #1B/backup - Adams could go either way.

Hasn't Adams said that Levi will be the backup next season? OR maybe it was Karmanos...pretty sure one of them said it, that they need to find a Levi replacement for Roch next season.

Anyway, what they "need" and what they ultimately do never end up being close for this team, so I don't expect a physical presence to be added to the backend unless they're cheap and unwanted elsewhere.

 

[Rowley Birkin]

I think 3C and a top 4 RD to play with Byram/Power should be a priority. Goalie would probably make sense, someone like Stolarz or Wedgwood, but I'm not sure Adams would do that. We also need to find 1-2 players for the 4th line.

The defence looks set as it is . Realistically, the only way they open up a spot is by moving Jokiharju & i think you only do that if you want to add a completely different type of player. Not a prototypical 'top 4' guy either. Just give me a a guy who doesn't hurt you when he's out there & plays a heavy physical game.

I think those '1-2 players for the fourth line' are the players Doug mentioned in the OP. They're 99.9% resigning Krebs & i wouldn't be totally shocked if one of Girgs and/or Robinson back too:

Skinner - Thompson - Tuch
Peterka - Cozens - Quinn
Benson - Krebs - Greenway
Girgs/Robinson - X - Y

Juggle the lines as you want - but there simply isn't room for a ton of signings. We have Savoie/Kulich/Rosen/Ostlund/ etc who aren't on the roster yet too...

 

[Fjordy]

The defence looks set as it is . Realistically, the only way they open up a spot is by moving Jokiharju & i think you only do that if you want to add a completely different type of player. Not a prototypical 'top 4' guy either. Just give me a a guy who doesn't hurt you when he's out there & plays a heavy physical game.

I think those '1-2 players for the fourth line' are the players Doug mentioned in the OP. They're 99.9% resigning Krebs & i wouldn't be totally shocked if one of Girgs and/or Robinson back too:

Skinner - Thompson - Tuch
Peterka - Cozens - Quinn
Benson - Krebs - Greenway
Girgs/Robinson - X - Y

Juggle the lines as you want - but there simply isn't room for a ton of signings. We have Savoie/Kulich/Rosen/Ostlund/ etc who aren't on the roster yet too...

Why Krebs our 3C? He's probably going to be the weakest 3C in the NHL, he wouldn't even be a great 4C given his style of play.

I think it's time to leave Jokiharju and find another top 4 RD.

I hope your predictions don't come true.

 

[CaliSabresfan24]

Why Krebs our 3C? He's probably going to be the weakest 3C in the NHL, he wouldn't even be a great 4C given his style of play.

I think it's time to leave Jokiharju and find another top 4 RD.

I hope your predictions don't come true.

I don't think Krebs is the long term solution but I am curious to see what Lindy can get out of him as 3C.

 

[Fjordy]

I don't think Krebs is the long term solution but I am curious to see what Lindy can get out of him as 3C.

I would like to see the team make the playoffs, not more experiments and a season of development. We need a quality 3C here and now and I don't think Peyton Krebs is the answer.

 

[TageGod]

Krebs gone, Greenway to 4th line. One rookie to 3W one acquisition to 3C.

 

[Rowley Birkin]

Why Krebs our 3C? He's probably going to be the weakest 3C in the NHL, he wouldn't even be a great 4C given his style of play.

I think it's time to leave Jokiharju and find another top 4 RD.

I hope your predictions don't come true.

I think you are getting caught up in semantics. It helps to not 'number' the players :

Thompson - Premier offensive line, big minutes (aka Briere)
Cozens - Premier two way line, also big minutes (aka Drury)
Krebs - Secondary offensive line, easier deployment (aka Connoly)
X - Pure shut down/energy line (aka Gaustad)

In time Krebs may get passed by one of the young guys - but right now I see no issue with playing him in that type of role. He's far too young to be written off - particularly with a new coach. I've said before - but it will be interesting to see what type of deal he gets this offseason.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Krebs gone, Greenway to 4th line. One rookie to 3W one acquisition to 3C.

If you had problems with Krebs last year, you aren't getting someone better in Savoie or Kulich, so this team you're describing is worse than last season.

 

[Fjordy]

I think you are getting caught up in semantics. It helps to not 'number' the players :

Thompson - Premier offensive line, big minutes (aka Briere)
Cozens - Premier two way line, also big minutes (aka Drury)
Krebs - Secondary offensive line, easier deployment (aka Connoly)
X - Pure shut down/energy line (aka Gaustad)

In time Krebs may get passed by one of the young guys - but right now I see no issue with playing him in that type of role. He's far too young to be written off - particularly with a new coach. I've said before - but it will be interesting to see what type of deal he gets this offseason.

Well I just don't agree with you, we need a proven 3C, I don't like Krebs and he hasn't shown anything to prove he'll be a good 3C. At worst Lindy could try playing him as a 4C or winger.

I just don't like this situation.

 

[BFLO]

If you had problems with Krebs last year, you aren't getting someone better in Savoie or Kulich, so this team you're describing is worse than last season.

Savoie and or Kulich could come in and have rookie seasons similar to JQ and JJP which is better than anything Krebs has done.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Savoie and or Kulich could come in and have rookie seasons similar to JQ and JJP which is better than anything Krebs has done.

If you're solely talking about goals, sure. The team will be MUCH worse imo if you swap Kulich or Savoie in for Krebs.

 

[Beerz]

Most media & fans think that this roster needs more surgery than it actually does, IMO.

I think the forward group will be fine with just two additions - assuming that they are the correct additions.

I'd also argue that a more physical presence on the back end is needed in place of Jokiharju & even if the plan is to play Levi in the NHL - another goalie is needed. My preference would be to play Levi in the AHL & sign an actual NHL #1B/backup - Adams could go either way.

I agree Levi should be in AHL but there is only garbage in UFA for goalies this year

If you're solely talking about goals, sure. The team will be MUCH worse imo if you swap Kulich or Savoie in for Krebs.

Hogwash. Both would be an upgrade on Krebs.

 

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

If you are looking to make a team, with roles, one that is going to compete and you’re not trading JJ, Tage, Quinn, Tuch, Couzins and Benson…..just exactly where does Krebs fit in? He should be some sort of scoring winger. He lacks the game and size to be a role player. He’s not top six material.

Krebs + whatever to bring in Iaffalo

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

If Jeff Skinner, Krebs, and Kulich/Savoie are all on the starting roster this year, Sabres don't have a chance in hell -- bottom 10 team in the league, easily, if not bottom 5.

It would be very easy for Adams to not have any of them on the team, which would be the best option, and we can handle one of them, maybe two. But all 3 is a complete joke and would lock the Sabres into JOKE status from day one.

 

[Jim Bob]

If Jeff Skinner, Krebs, and Kulich/Savoie are all on the starting roster this year, Sabres don't have a chance in hell -- bottom 10 team in the league, easily, if not bottom 5.

It would be very easy for Adams to not have any of them on the team, which would be the best option, and we can handle one of them, maybe two. But all 3 is a complete joke and would lock the Sabres into JOKE status from day one.

I do not believe it would be easy to get the approval to buy out Skinner, nor to get Skinner to waive and get the OK to retain salary to trade him.

 

[TageGod]

If you had problems with Krebs last year, you aren't getting someone better in Savoie or Kulich, so this team you're describing is worse than last season.

Krebs was largely useless last year. Plus I said an acquisition for 3C. the 3W is the rookie. So it is new player and Savoie vs Krebs and VO. If you think Savoie can't be as good as Benson this past year I am not sure what to tell you.

 

[Dingo44]

If Jeff Skinner, Krebs, and Kulich/Savoie are all on the starting roster this year, Sabres don't have a chance in hell -- bottom 10 team in the league, easily, if not bottom 5.

It would be very easy for Adams to not have any of them on the team, which would be the best option, and we can handle one of them, maybe two. But all 3 is a complete joke and would lock the Sabres into JOKE status from day one.

What if they all play on one line? We still have three other lines. We will also have different coaching, and players can still sit in the press box. Do you realistically think the Sabres "don't have a chance in hell" because Krebs and Skinner are still on the team, and Savoie and / or Kulich earn a spot in traning camp?

Remember, the Sabres already had no problem sending Kulich back to the Amerks and Savoie back to the WHL. If they're on the roster, it's because they earned their spot on the roster. Especially with Ruff coaching - no way anyone is just stuck on the roster if both them and the team is better served in the minors.

Plus, both Krebs and Skinner will have a full Ruff training camp.

Not to mention that both Krebs and Skinner have been on the team the last two years and in neither of those years did we finish in the bottom 10. And remember that Olofsson and Jost and Okposo and maybe Girgs will be gone.

 

[TageGod]

If Jeff Skinner, Krebs, and Kulich/Savoie are all on the starting roster this year, Sabres don't have a chance in hell -- bottom 10 team in the league, easily, if not bottom 5.

It would be very easy for Adams to not have any of them on the team, which would be the best option, and we can handle one of them, maybe two. But all 3 is a complete joke and would lock the Sabres into JOKE status from day one.

This is such a lame take. Skinner is not moving. Even boston has to start rookies sometimes you need to let the rookie thing go already.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

I do not believe it would be easy to get the approval to buy out Skinner, nor to get Skinner to waive and get the OK to retain salary to trade him.

Buying Skinner out is extremely easy for Terry to do. Terry is the one running this team for the most part, and making (at least approving) all decisions, so I'm talking about him. Easy.

 

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

If Skinner won’t waive, just don’t play him.

I would rather fill the spots around our core with high intensity 3rd/4th liners and see what happens

 

[Beerz]

Buying Krebs out is extremely easy for Terry to do. Terry is the one running this team for the most part, and making (at least approving) all decisions, so I'm talking about him. Easy.

Why we buying out a RFA?

 

[Dingo44]

Buying Krebs out is extremely easy for Terry to do. Terry is the one running this team for the most part, and making (at least approving) all decisions, so I'm talking about him. Easy.

Why are we buying out Krebs? He's an RFA. You just don't qualify him.

But even so, and even if they wanted to be rid of Krebs, he has value in this league. There are a bunch of GMs who would take a chance on a cost-controlled center with some jam who was a first round pick and it still young. Based on the success of former Sabres around the league I am sure there are those who will blame the Sabres environment and think they can get more out of him. So if Adams doesn't think he has value as a Sabre (and I doubt he thinks that) then you can still trade him.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

What if they all play on one line? We still have three other lines. We will also have different coaching, and players can still sit in the press box. Do you realistically think the Sabres "don't have a chance in hell" because Krebs and Skinner are still on the team, and Savoie and / or Kulich earn a spot in traning camp?

Remember, the Sabres already had no problem sending Kulich back to the Amerks and Savoie back to the WHL. If they're on the roster, it's because they earned their spot on the roster. Especially with Ruff coaching - no way anyone is just stuck on the roster if both them and the team is better served in the minors.

Plus, both Krebs and Skinner will have a full Ruff training camp.

Not to mention that both Krebs and Skinner have been on the team the last two years and in neither of those years did we finish in the bottom 10. And remember that Olofsson and Jost and Okposo and maybe Girgs will be gone.

Everyone will know if Adams plans to have one of the kids on the roster before camp starts. If he has roster spots open, they're going to be given to a kid, regardless of whether he earns it or not. Because he literally will have no other option.

Also, you're neglecting to factor in Skinner's regression, which has been more apparent as time goes on.

Why are we buying out Krebs? He's an RFA. You just don't qualify him.

But even so, and even if they wanted to be rid of Krebs, he has value in this league. There are a bunch of GMs who would take a chance on a cost-controlled center with some jam who was a first round pick and it still young. Based on the success of former Sabres around the league I am sure there are those who will blame the Sabres environment and think they can get more out of him. So if Adams doesn't think he has value as a Sabre (and I doubt he thinks that) then you can still trade him.

I meant Skinner, not Krebs. Buying Skinner out is easy to do.