I would be fine with moving out some of them, but Foligno and Larsson are putting together nice stretches. They are fine bottom 6 players
- sbroads24

I like both players alot ............... but they are part of the problem not the solution. We need to upgrade guys like them or we are going to continue to spin our wheels.

The first (3-5) guys you mention would be my first choices to be off the team next year.
- fastek

You might be a bit too critical. Girgensons has had a down year to be sure, but he has shown enough in the previous two to be given anther season. Pysyk and McCabe are fine, they are up and down, as one might expect for the first year playing up.

Foligno and Larson do present a conundrum. Both have picked up their game recently. Can they keep it that way, or will they revert? Not quite sure what do expect to be honest. If Lrason stays our 3rd line shut down center, it would be nice to get 15 goals out of him as well. Same with Foligno.

I'd rather they get rid of Legwan, Moulson (somehow) for sure before they deal with Foligno or Larson though.

We are only 14 points out of the playoffs.

We are only 14 points out of the playoffs.
- Der Kaiser

So the take away is, with the anticipated moves we think GMTM can do this offseason, can Dancin Dan get 8 more wins out of these guys next year?

I like both players alot ............... but they are part of the problem not the solution. We need to upgrade guys like them or we are going to continue to spin our wheels.
- fastek

I disagree . They are both young and still learning their craft . They both seem to have turned a corner . By the time we compete for a cup they will both be what we are looking for still at young age and reasonable contracts . At some point you can't keep turning the roster over. Let this team grow together another few years.

So the take away is, with the anticipated moves we think GMTM can do this offseason, can Dancin Dan get 8 more wins out of these guys next year?
- IonSabres

I think so . A year older and better. These guys should be able to make the next step.

I disagree . They are both young and still learning their craft . They both seem to have turned a corner . By the time we compete for a cup they will both be what we are looking for still at young age and reasonable contracts . At some point you can't keep turning the roster over. Let this team grow together another few years.
- Maximum Signal

I agree in general. Foligno is the biggest question in my mind...is he another Drew Stafford...going to turn it on since it is a contract year, then relax a bit and revert back to his old self?

I think so . A year older and better. These guys should be able to make the next step.
- Maximum Signal

I think they'll be adequate, nothing better, 3rd or 4th liners when our first 2 lines are better. Having guys like Moulsen and Gionta on the top 2 lines created too much of a need for the 3rd and 4th line to score

I disagree . They are both young and still learning their craft . They both seem to have turned a corner . By the time we compete for a cup they will both be what we are looking for still at young age and reasonable contracts . At some point you can't keep turning the roster over. Let this team grow together another few years.
- Maximum Signal

To become a "cup contender" next year as someone posted earlier .. my point was there needed to be a pretty good overhaul of the roster in this off-season for that to occur .. and getting Stamkos was not nearly enough. What you gents are talking about is the gradual climb which of course affords some willingness to let the young guys hopefully develope and improve. I agree with that but it's two scenarios with two required/different approaches.

You might be a bit too critical. Girgensons has had a down year to be sure, but he has shown enough in the previous two to be given anther season. Pysyk and McCabe are fine, they are up and down, as one might expect for the first year playing up.

Foligno and Larson do present a conundrum. Both have picked up their game recently. Can they keep it that way, or will they revert? Not quite sure what do expect to be honest. If Lrason stays our 3rd line shut down center, it would be nice to get 15 goals out of him as well. Same with Foligno.

I'd rather they get rid of Legwan, Moulson (somehow) for sure before they deal with Foligno or Larson though.
- IonSabres

Pysyk concerns me. He isn't the same guy as he was before his injury last year. I thought he'd be awesome this year but aside for the past week or so ..... he has not played anywhere near that level.

I think they'll be adequate, nothing better, 3rd or 4th liners when our first 2 lines are better. Having guys like Moulsen and Gionta on the top 2 lines created too much of a need for the 3rd and 4th line to score
- turbo044

Moulson is complete deadwood at this point. Not sure that Murrays resurrection plan for him will pay dividends...but certainly worth the shot. If not, send him down to ride the bus in Rochester.
Gionta has found a contributing part on the 3rd line, which if he doesn't regress is a great place for him to ride into the sunset next year.

I agree in general. Foligno is the biggest question in my mind...is he another Drew Stafford...going to turn it on since it is a contract year, then relax a bit and revert back to his old self?
- IonSabres

I don't think for a minute Foligno is that guy.

Moulson is complete deadwood at this point. Not sure that Murrays resurrection plan for him will pay dividends...but certainly worth the shot. If not, send him down to ride the bus in Rochester.
Gionta has found a contributing part on the 3rd line, which if he doesn't regress is a great place for him to ride into the sunset next year.
- IonSabres

Gionta under contract next year ?

I agree in general. Foligno is the biggest question in my mind...is he another Drew Stafford...going to turn it on since it is a contract year, then relax a bit and revert back to his old self?
- IonSabres

Let's definitely start the hate train on him now, for things he hasn't done yet

Let's definitely start the hate train on him now, for things he hasn't done yet
- Buffalo--Sabres

I'm not boarding that train ..............I will let his body of work dictate my thoughts on him until proven otherwise.

Looking for an Oiler win tonight ........... up 2-1 midway through the 3rd. Expecting a late tie from the Jets and an overtime McDavid winner ............ classic 3-point bonus for us !!!

Amerks game on. Peters called lieuwen Lehner.

Looking for an Oiler win tonight ........... up 2-1 midway through the 3rd. Expecting a late tie from the Jets and an overtime McDavid winner ............ classic 3-point bonus for us !!!


- fastek

Would put Calgary in 2nd last. Id love to see them get Matthews, revive the battle of alberta.

To become a "cup contender" next year as someone posted earlier .. my point was there needed to be a pretty good overhaul of the roster in this off-season for that to occur .. and getting Stamkos was not nearly enough. What you gents are talking about is the gradual climb which of course affords some willingness to let the young guys hopefully develope and improve. I agree with that but it's two scenarios with two required/different approaches.
- fastek

We are not be a contender next year . We are going to make the next step and be a playoff contender . And this Stamkos talk is just that . Talk. Not even close to happening at this time if any time . If and that is a huge If we should cross that bridge when you get to it . And what makes anyone think Foligno will revert back . Like Stafford Every player is different and the kid is still finding his way . But he seems to have settled into his current role very well.

Pysyk concerns me. He isn't the same guy as he was before his injury last year. I thought he'd be awesome this year but aside for the past week or so ..... he has not played anywhere near that level.
- fastek

Another Rookie basically . You expect too much too fast out of some players . The idea was to let young players grow together . Not turn over 1/2 the roster every off season.

Would put Calgary in 2nd last. Id love to see them get Matthews, revive the battle of alberta.
- Sabresfan-365

Oil wins ......... it's bunching up nicely now. Should be an interesting week in Sabre land. Four games this week ............

* @ Toronto: Leafs are playing inspired hockey. Reminds me of us last year at times. Maddening.
* Rangers: They are average at best on the road. They got beat today. Expect them to come out firing.
* @ Habs: They are playing better
* Carolina: Another afternoon game on Sat. Sabres seem to play well at home in these matinee games. This is the one game I'm confident we win.

To become a "cup contender" next year as someone posted earlier .. my point was there needed to be a pretty good overhaul of the roster in this off-season for that to occur .. and getting Stamkos was not nearly enough. What you gents are talking about is the gradual climb which of course affords some willingness to let the young guys hopefully develope and improve. I agree with that but it's two scenarios with two required/different approaches.
- fastek

Yes, one unrealistic scenario, much like those who expected them to be playing for a playoff spot this year. Way too high of expectations.
One scenario which is realistic and shows growth on a good trajectory to contend the following couple of years.

Another Rookie basically . You expect too much too fast out of some players . The idea was to let young players grow together . Not turn over 1/2 the roster every off season.
- Maximum Signal

Young guys always need to be progressing .. not taking steps back or not moving forward. Not every young guy or rookie on this team will end up great. Some perhaps are as good as they'll ever be. You willing to live with that and perhaps toil in the bottom 10 for another 2 years ........... hoping they get better?

Another Rookie basically . You expect too much too fast out of some players . The idea was to let young players grow together . Not turn over 1/2 the roster every off season.
- Maximum Signal

And McCabe is only 22 and getting better every game. I don't get what more is expected from these rookies.

We are not be a contender next year . We are going to make the next step and be a playoff contender . And this Stamkos talk is just that . Talk. Not even close to happening at this time if any time . If and that is a huge If we should cross that bridge when you get to it . And what makes anyone think Foligno will revert back . Like Stafford Every player is different and the kid is still finding his way . But he seems to have settled into his current role very well.
- Maximum Signal

This is a talk board? We're not allowed to talk about getting Stamkos, until FA starts?? Are we GMs of the sabres and not allowed to talk about other teams' players?