Trade Deadline Thread (March 3)

[toddkaz]

I think he waits due to several factors. Firstly, this year is not and has never been about contention. Aside from maybe making a token play-off spot, there really isn't motivation to rock the apple cart at this point. The roster is working as assembled, and with so many young players in the pipeline, there will be very important contractual and financial decisions to be made when contention is the goal.

I do understand the urgency to make the post-season given the drought and all, but for me, I would much rather make the play-offs when they're ready to do something in them as opposed to quickly appearing just to end a streak.

Making a trade this year goes beyond making a trade. It also sends a positive message to the players.

 

[old kummelweck]

The other thing is that Adams has been consistent with his patience message and actions.

Absolutely agreed. He has preached patience since he arrived and I don't think this group's performance will give him any reason to deviate from that.

Or, he could see that the playoffs this season would be a major developmental step for the group. So if he can add in 1-2 players to help get there, without dismantling the NHL roster, I think Adams has to at least consider it.

Trading for Meier would be consistent with Adam's team building approach. He's been very vocal that he will make the right move if it fits the team, is the right age window, and it's the right time. Meier is exactly that type of move.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

If Grier accepts that, you wish Isak good luck and see which number Timo wants.

I've done it a few times using capfriendly. Bad news is the Sabres will never fit that many forwards on the team. Good news is that Adams went BPA, so most of these players carry enough value to make viable trades.

I do think Adams will need to make a prospects-for-great NHL player at some point.

Or, he could see that the playoffs this season would be a major developmental step for the group. So if he can add in 1-2 players to help get there, without dismantling the NHL roster, I think Adams has to at least consider it.

You mean, which number Girgensons wants to switch to...

Making the playoffs this season falls under a good poker analogy that I myself use sometimes (in perfectly legal scenarios of course) - you call down your opponent on the river knowing you probably lose, just to see what he was playing with and how he played the hand. The information is worth paying for because it will make you better later on in the game.

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

Making a trade this year goes beyond making a trade. It also sends a positive message to the players.

Here's my thing, though; what message are you wanting to send to the players? Contextually, this roster is known for being incredibly close. Messing with that chemistry that's building might send the wrong message to a group of really young players. I'm sure there could be trades that would benefit the team, but I think it's a much more delicate process than simply plug-and-play. They'll have to get used to the idea of this being a business, indeed, but again, timing is everything.

 

[Jim Bob]

Trading for Meier would be consistent with Adam's team building approach. He's been very vocal that he will make the right move if it fits the team, is the right age window, and it's the right time. Meier is exactly that type of move.

I have a feeling that Adams disagrees.

He could easily view Meier as being a hinderance to the development of Quinn and/or Peterka as his presence would push one of them down in the lineup.

And with players like Kulich coming, I could see Adams continuing along his patient path and not really being that interested in Meier.

Making a trade this year goes beyond making a trade. It also sends a positive message to the players.

The players could also view no moves as confidence that Adams has in them and that could be viewed as a positive by players, as well.

They have talked about confidence in what they have going on and the guys they have in the room. So, I could see them viewing either direction positively.

 

[LetsGoBuffalo1126]

Trading for Meier would be consistent with Adam's team building approach. He's been very vocal that he will make the right move if it fits the team, is the right age window, and it's the right time. Meier is exactly that type of move.

And this is an example about what I was talking about above. Depending on what they would give-up, this trade fits the young, developing organization very well. I'm definitely not opposed to a trade, it just feels like this team is going to give KA some pause about where the expectations are for this season and if those moves are needed to reach whatever those goals are.

 

[toddkaz]

Here's my thing, though; what message are you wanting to send to the players? Contextually, this roster is known for being incredibly close. Messing with that chemistry that's building might send the wrong message to a group of really young players. I'm sure there could be trades that would benefit the team, but I think it's a much more delicate process than simply plug-and-play. They'll have to get used to the idea of this being a business, indeed, but again, timing is everything.

The message you are sending is we believe in you and here is help. Are you suggesting that the players will throw a tantrum and stop playing because Adams brought in a top 4 defender?

 

[Jim Bob]

Or, he could see that the playoffs this season would be a major developmental step for the group. So if he can add in 1-2 players to help get there, without dismantling the NHL roster, I think Adams has to at least consider it.

Things could change given how they have done to this point. But, Adams talked about how this year was another building season prior to the start of the season. As such, I won't be surprised if Adams doesn't want to make a move that gives up 2 or three sizable future pieces, even if it is for a guy like Meier that they could sign for multiple seasons beyond 2023-24.

I doubt that Adams stands pat between now and the deadline. But, I am expecting a smaller deal or two and not a major add like Meier or Chychrun.

 

[toddkaz]

I have a feeling that Adams disagrees.

He could easily view Meier as being a hinderance to the development of Quinn and/or Peterka as his presence would push one of them down in the lineup.

And with players like Kulich coming, I could see Adams continuing along his patient path and not really being that interested in Meier.


The players could also view no moves as confidence that Adams has in them and that could be viewed as a positive by players, as well.

They have talked about confidence in what they have going on and the guys they have in the room. So, I could see them viewing either direction positively.

Really? Thats what you think the players mindset is? You think they are that fragile? Come on thats ridiculous.

One roster move and the whole thing collapses? Its like you are suggesting that Tuch will stop smiling and Thompson will stop scoring because Adams improved the defense.

So if Adams trades for someone to replace Clague or Bryson the team will collapse?


Imagine contenders for the cup thinking our GM made a trade so we are not good enough.

 

[Jim Bob]

Really? Thats what you think the players mindset is? You think they are that fragile? Come on thats ridiculous.

One roster move and the whole thing collapses? Its like you are suggesting that Tuch will stop smiling and Thompson will stop scoring because Adams improved the defense.

Having confidence in what they have in the room already is a fragile mindset? I would look at it as the exact opposite of it and the mindset that they are not good enough as is to make the playoffs is the fragile mindset.

And I never said that a move would collapse the whole thing. I am saying that not making any major moves won't collapse the whole thing.



If Adams makes a big move, I expect the players response would be, "Good. We have a new guy that can help us."

If Adams doesn't make a big move, I expect the players response would be, "Good. We believe in the group we have in this room already."

 

[itwasaforwardpass]

I'd like to get a tough, good on the PK, positionally sound defensemen. But even fake versions of that (Ristolainen, Chiarot) can cost a 1st so probably not.

 

[toddkaz]

Having confidence in what they have in the room already is a fragile mindset? I would look at it as the exact opposite of it and the mindset that they are not good enough as is to make the playoffs is the fragile mindset.

And I never said that a move would collapse the whole thing. I am saying that not making any major moves won't collapse the whole thing.

Except you replied to my post about making a trade will help boost them and you disagreed.

If you want to make a separate point than do it without quoting me and disagreeing.

Also do you think at the deadline Buffalo isn't trying to make trades? According to you not making trades will have a positive effect.

What happens when the team finds out Adams tried to make a trade and the price was too high. See? You imply status quo is a positive thing but its not status quo because Adams will be on the phone.

What happens when the team finds out Adams tried to make a trade and the price is too high? Then they will know Adams doesn't have confidence in them and oh my that player is still here that Adams tried to trade away.

Or you feel the team will never find out that Adams was trying to make trades?

My point being is you suggest not making a trade could boost morale except Adams is trying to make trades.

 

[Zman5778]

Really? Thats what you think the players mindset is? You think they are that fragile? Come on thats ridiculous.

One roster move and the whole thing collapses? Its like you are suggesting that Tuch will stop smiling and Thompson will stop scoring because Adams improved the defense.

So if Adams trades for someone to replace Clague or Bryson the team will collapse?


Imagine contenders for the cup thinking our GM made a trade so we are not good enough.

1.) We're not contenders for the Cup this year. Not even all that close.

2.) This locker room is very noticeably close. There is worry that bringing in a big name (Meier) who needs an extension could upset the apple cart in a number of different ways. First, you're likely putting Meier in a spot on a line whose members (Quinn, Cozens, Peterka) are close friends. The odd man out could certainly harbor a bit of a resentment there. ALSO -- KA has said repeatedly that he loves how close the room is and with so many good talents that'll need big deals, he hopes that they'll take a bit of a haircut to keep the group together. Now you bring in a guy and basically immediately give him an extension -- how is that going to go over with Cozens? or Dahlin? Or Tage or Sammy, who both signed below market value this offseason to stay together?


If KA makes any moves, it's going to be depth moves who will fit into the roster seamlessly. I highly, highly doubt we're going to see any major moves until the offseason, if KA makes a major move at all. KA has preached patience above all else. And it seems to be working.

 

[toddkaz]

1.) We're not contenders for the Cup this year. Not even all that close.

2.) This locker room is very noticeably close. There is worry that bringing in a big name (Meier) who needs an extension could upset the apple cart in a number of different ways. First, you're likely putting Meier in a spot on a line whose members (Quinn, Cozens, Peterka) are close friends. The odd man out could certainly harbor a bit of a resentment there. ALSO -- KA has said repeatedly that he loves how close the room is and with so many good talents that'll need big deals, he hopes that they'll take a bit of a haircut to keep the group together. Now you bring in a guy and basically immediately give him an extension -- how is that going to go over with Cozens? or Dahlin? Or Tage or Sammy, who both signed below market value this offseason to stay together?


If KA makes any moves, it's going to be depth moves who will fit into the roster seamlessly. I highly, highly doubt we're going to see any major moves until the offseason, if KA makes a major move at all. KA has preached patience above all else. And it seems to be working.

1. No one said they were but a GM not improving the team when he has a chance is a bad GM
2. You can bring in guys that are good locker room guys
3. You have no idea what Adams is going to do, you are just guessing and trying to pass it off as fact.

No one knows what Adams will do.

Fact - Adams inquired about Chychrun
Fact - Adams inquired about Meier

If he isn't going to make a trade why even inquire? Because he is checking to see the price and if the price is right he makes the trade.

 

[Zman5778]

My point being is you suggest not making a trade could boost morale except Adams is trying to make trades.

There's no real proof that he's TRYING to make trades. All that's been said is that Adams is calling a team or two to gauge interest and prices. Doing due diligence. Every member of the locker room would expect that Adams is doing due diligence at all times.

If Adams says "Hey look, I tried to get you some help but it wasn't in the best interests of the team long-term", they're going to accept it at face value. I think the team knows that the best is yet to come, and they'll want KA to do what's best for them long-term.

Next year.....might be a different story.

 

[Jim Bob]

Except you replied to my post about making a trade will help boost them and you disagreed.

If you want to make a separate point than do it without quoting me and disagreeing.

Also do you think at the deadline Buffalo isn't trying to make trades? According to you not making trades will have a positive effect.

What happens when the team finds out Adams tried to make a trade and the price was too high. See? You imply status quo is a positive thing but its not status quo because Adams will be on the phone.

What happens when the team finds out Adams tried to make a trade and the price is too high? Then they will know Adams doesn't have confidence in them.

Or you feel the team will never find out that Adams was trying to make trades?

My point being is you suggest not making a trade could boost morale except Adams is trying to make trades.

I said that the players could respond positively to a big move, a small move, or no moves at all.

It isn't a case where the players feel a need for Adams to make a move.

Every GM is on the phone this time of year. That is called due diligence. That has nothing to do with their confidence in their teams.

You are implying that the players will quit on the season if Adams doesn't make a move. I think that is a false premise.

 

[toddkaz]

There's no real proof that he's TRYING to make trades. All that's been said is that Adams is calling a team or two to gauge interest and prices. Doing due diligence. Every member of the locker room would expect that Adams is doing due diligence at all times.

If Adams says "Hey look, I tried to get you some help but it wasn't in the best interests of the team long-term", they're going to accept it at face value. I think the team knows that the best is yet to come, and they'll want KA to do what's best for them long-term.

Next year.....might be a different story.

Yes there is proof. He inquired to Chychrun he inquired about Meier.

That is what you call proof.

This is called proof. So you are wrong.

Buffalo Sabres among teams to contact San Jose Sharks on pending RFA Timo Meier | TSN

It appears San Jose Sharks pending restricted free agent Timo Meier could be one name to watch ahead of the NHL's March 3 trade deadline.

www.tsn.ca

 

[Zman5778]

Yes there is proof. He inquired to Chychrun he inquired about Meier.

That is what you call proof.

There's reports that he checked on prices. That's completely different than "trying to make trades". He's doing due diligence, which most players would expect him to do this time of year.

Not making deals that he does due diligence on isn't likely to affect the room in any way. And if it does? Hoo mama is there problems.

 

[Jim Bob]

1. No one said they were but a GM not improving the team when he has a chance is a bad GM
2. You can bring in guys that are good locker room guys
3. You have no idea what Adams is going to do, you are just guessing and trying to pass it off as fact.

No one knows what Adams will do.

Fact - Adams inquired about Chychrun
Fact - Adams inquired about Meier

If he isn't going to make a trade why even inquire? Because he is checking to see the price and if the price is right he makes the trade.

Adams has said on the record that it is part of his job to call when players like Chychrun and Meier are on the trade block. That does not mean he has serious interest in adding them at the price the other GM wants.

Plus, there is a ton of gamesmanship in trade talks and reports of trade talks. Just listen to Brandon Beane post-trade deadline and how things were misreported on who the Bills were talking about acquiring.

Adams calling on Meier could have been him asking Grier what he wanted or if Grier would allow a team to talk to Meier about an extension and Grier's answer leading Adams having a lot of interest or no interest whatsoever.

It could also be a leak from Grier in an attempt to increase the return on Meier because Buffalo has so many trade assets and so much cap space.

 

[toddkaz]

There's reports that he checked on prices. That's completely different than "trying to make trades". He's doing due diligence, which most players would expect him to do this time of year.

Not making deals that he does due diligence on isn't likely to affect the room in any way. And if it does? Hoo mama is there problems.

Thats proof he is trying to make trade. If the price is right he makes the trade or are you implying that even though the price is right and it will improve the team he is just making phone calls for fun?

Buffalo Sabres among teams to contact San Jose Sharks on pending RFA Timo Meier | TSN

It appears San Jose Sharks pending restricted free agent Timo Meier could be one name to watch ahead of the NHL's March 3 trade deadline.

www.tsn.ca

Adams has said on the record that it is part of his job to call when players like Chychrun and Meier are on the trade block. That does not mean he has serious interest in adding them at the price the other GM wants.

Plus, there is a ton of gamesmanship in trade talks and reports of trade talks. Just listen to Brandon Beane post-trade deadline and how things were misreported on who the Bills were talking about acquiring.

Adams calling on Meier could have been him asking Grier what he wanted or if Grier would allow a team to talk to Meier about an extension and Grier's answer leading Adams having a lot of interest or no interest whatsoever.

It could also be a leak from Grier in an attempt to increase the return on Meier because Buffalo has so many trade assets and so much cap space.

Its still proof that he is actively looking. If San Jose asks for something Adams is willing to give up are you suggesting he still wouldn't do it? Then he is a bad GM.

 

[Ace]

Players want to win. And get paid.

If they see Adams trade futures to get a good player and then sign him…they’ll see an organization finally prove they’re serious about the former…and will do the latter.

No one in the room gives a solitary f*** about the prospect pool…and they certainly don’t give a f*** about the wasted tens of millions in cap space. They’re close…they need a couple pieces. They need their ownership and front office to get serious about winning now and long term.

The rebuild is done. The build is behind schedule

 

[Jim Bob]

Its still proof that he is actively looking. If San Jose asks for something Adams is willing to give up are you suggesting he still wouldn't do it? Then he is a bad GM.

Window shopping and actively shopping are two different things.

We have no idea if Adams is window shopping or actively shopping right now.

I also think that fans and media are more likely to give up what Grier would want for Meier than Adams is given everything he's done as Sabres GM so far and how he has talked in interviews throughout this season.

Adams could make a big trade between now and the deadline. But, that would surprise me.

 

[Chainshot]

Adams is doing due diligence which as a fan is great to hear.

That said, the team is chugging along and has shown an ability to integrate outsiders (Jost, Comrie, Lyubushkin) and deal with the departures of friends (Bjork, Hinostroza, Fitzgerald) so far this season. It doesn't seem like they've built a group that is going to go sideways if there is a move or if there isn't.

 

[Jim Bob]

Players want to win. And get paid.

If they see Adams trade futures to get a good player and then sign him…they’ll see an organization finally prove they’re serious about the former…and will do the latter.

No one in the room gives a solitary f*** about the prospect pool…and they certainly don’t give a f*** about the wasted tens of millions in cap space. They’re close…they need a couple pieces. They need their ownership and front office to get serious about winning now and long term.

The rebuild is done. The build is behind schedule

No they don't and no it isn't.

 

[toddkaz]

Window shopping and actively shopping are two different things.

We have no idea if Adams is window shopping or actively shopping right now.

I also think that fans and media are more likely to give up what Grier would want for Meier than Adams is given everything he's done as Sabres GM so far and how he has talked in interviews throughout this season.

Adams could make a big trade between now and the deadline. But, that would surprise me.

So Adams is lying? I can hit you in the face with it but its up to you to decide.

Adams is doing due diligence which as a fan is great to hear.

That said, the team is chugging along and has shown an ability to integrate outsiders (Jost, Comrie, Lyubushkin) and deal with the departures of friends (Bjork, Hinostroza, Fitzgerald) so far this season. It doesn't seem like they've built a group that is going to go sideways if there is a move or if there isn't.

I believe Adams is willing to improve the team if a trade comes along.

I don't think its limited to grinders and 5/6 defenders.

I think its whatever he feels will improve the team.