If RNH brings back a top 2 defensemen easily, then their new GM isn't as smart as people are saying and they should look at replacing him.

If bottom 6 forwards and bottom pairing defensemen are so easy to acquire, how come some many teams don't have them? When Chicago loses bottom 6 guys they are not going to bottom 6 with other teams, they are going to top 6 spots, that is why Chicago keeps winning. They are drafting really well and their defense is so good.
- BigStew

If you don't think RNH can bring back a legit #2 than your kidding yourself. I'm not saying legit franchise #1 defenseman, but a guy that can play with him, hell yeah RNH can bring that back in a trade.

Bottom six guys are easy to acquire, Chicago does so well because their top six is so elite, it takes pressure off the bottom six. Chicago's bottom six are time killers so that the elite players can get a rest and than win the game. Why do you think a player like Brandon Saad, who was so awesome with Chicago struggles so much on Columbus? Because he's not that good, that why. Same reason panarin is so good, it's not that hard being awesome when your surrounded by elite players. Chicago can plug and play their bottom six because their top six is so good. Foligno would be Brandon Saad on Chicago if he were there.

No I meant missing out on a top 3 pick
- Sabresfan-365

Oh. I think we need a top 5 pick but that's just me. This roster wont get it done. We need at least one more dynamic blue chip winger in the top 6.

Oh. I think we need a top 5 pick but that's just me. This roster wont get it done. We need at least one more dynamic blue chip winger in the top 6.
- bluengold12

Agreed, but i think they can find a winger elsewhere, considerably easier than finding a high end D-man. The pick is an asset either way and they still have roster players and prospects they can use to land a d-man

Oh. I think we need a top 5 pick but that's just me. This roster wont get it done. We need at least one more dynamic blue chip winger in the top 6.
- bluengold12

IF its 6-7th you trade it for a top D-man. That helps us more than a top 5 pick either way.

Oh. I think we need a top 5 pick but that's just me. This roster wont get it done. We need at least one more dynamic blue chip winger in the top 6.
- bluengold12

Agreed .......... another stud that we get for free ........... not $11 million

IF its 6-7th you trade it for a top D-man. That helps us more than a top 5 pick either way.
- ImThatGuy

Our offense is pretty miserable ............ that has to be the priority at this point don't you think ?

Our offense is pretty miserable ............ that has to be the priority at this point don't you think ?
- fastek

6 letters...

STAMKOS!

Our offense is pretty miserable ............ that has to be the priority at this point don't you think ?
- fastek

Depends on why you think it's miserable. Keep in mind we expect Eichel and Reinhart will be even better next year.

Agreed, but i think they can find a winger elsewhere, considerably easier than finding a high end D-man. The pick is an asset either way and they still have roster players and prospects they can use to land a d-man
- Sabresfan-365

They could. But for the type of guy I want we're talking 5 plus years 6 million a year. Tough investment to make in free agency.

They could. But for the type of guy I want we're talking 5 plus years 6 million a year. Tough investment to make in free agency.
- bluengold12

The natural progression of a proper rebuild eventually requires some sort of risk/investment in free agency. Easier to take that chance on a top 6 winger than a #1 D-man.

Some decent buy low options on the trade market too. Hoffman could be a good fit, maybe one of the young underachievers in Detroit

6 letters...

STAMKOS!
- ImThatGuy

That's 7...

Oh. I think we need a top 5 pick but that's just me. This roster wont get it done. We need at least one more dynamic blue chip winger in the top 6.
- bluengold12

Drouin.

The natural progression of a proper rebuild eventually requires some sort of risk/investment in free agency. Easier to take that chance on a top 6 winger than a #1 D-man.

Some decent buy low options on the trade market too. Hoffman could be a good fit, maybe one of the young underachievers in Detroit
- Sabresfan-365

Hoffman is a RFA. Would likely cost high end picks. I have no problem with signing high end free agents but only if they're Stamkos level. Don't want another Leino or Moulson. Still have Moulson and Bogosian's terrible contracts for many more years.

Hoffman is a RFA. Would likely cost high end picks. I have no problem with signing high end free agents but only if they're Stamkos level. Don't want another Leino or Moulson. Still have Moulson and Bogosian's terrible contracts for many more years.
- bluengold12

Wouldn't be so sure on that, 1 way wingers dont really carry as high a value as they used to but regardless their FA signings don't have to fall into one of the two extremes (although I wouldnt mind the first one).

Hoffman is a RFA. Would likely cost high end picks. I have no problem with signing high end free agents but only if they're Stamkos level. Don't want another Leino or Moulson. Still have Moulson and Bogosian's terrible contracts for many more years.
- bluengold12

I'm not sure Stamkos is the right guy for this team. He's a center, we need a wing. And the questions remain about the level of his productivity. It's just not as perfect as some seem to think

That's 7...
- mhp

Wut!!????

Wut!!????
- Der Kaiser

Sieben.

I'm not sure Stamkos is the right guy for this team. He's a center, we need a wing. And the questions remain about the level of his productivity. It's just not as perfect as some seem to think
- Der Kaiser

Not much else out there in terms of the market. Don't have enough assets to give up to get another O'Riley via trade. Unless we trade our first but I'd prefer to trade that in a package for a proven D man and maybe a winger prospect. Something like Ennis and our 1st for X top 4 LHD dman and young nhl winger prospect with top six upside.

Not much else out there in terms of the market. Don't have enough assets to give up to get another O'Riley via trade. Unless we trade our first but I'd prefer to trade that in a package for a proven D man and maybe a winger prospect. Something like Ennis and our 1st for X top 4 LHD dman and young nhl winger prospect with top six upside.
- bluengold12

If only we could feel more comfortable Drouin is the sniper. I just feel jumpy about both of TB's players.

I'm not risk averse. I just don't like these risks.

If only we could feel more comfortable Drouin is the sniper. I just feel jumpy about both of TB's players.

I'm not risk averse. I just don't like these risks.
- Der Kaiser

Stamkos isn't a 30 year old Brad Richards though. He's an elite player.

Even if he is only a 8 or 9 million dollar player and we give him 11. We are still adding an 8 or 9 million dollar quality player

Buffalo SabresVerified account
‏@BuffaloSabres
NEWS: The Sabres have signed goaltender Jason Kasdorf to an entry-level contract.

Buffalo SabresVerified account
‏@BuffaloSabres
NEWS: The Sabres have signed goaltender Jason Kasdorf to an entry-level contract.
- chilliard77

Wow... Was he a senior? No idea where he'd play next year unless they plan on having Ullmark up here to back up and Kasdorf backs up Lieuwen should they retain is rights.

I'm not sure Stamkos is the right guy for this team. He's a center, we need a wing. And the questions remain about the level of his productivity. It's just not as perfect as some seem to think
- Der Kaiser

Yeah you're right that it isn't perfect BUT if you even have a remote chance of getting a top 5 talent at no cost other than $$, you pursue it, and if you're lucky enough to sign him the positioning will work itself out. Not many times will you find an elite 26/27 year old available. I'm sure one of Eichel, Stamkos and O'Reilly can play wing. Also, the stories of Stamkos's demise have been greatly exaggerated. It's the state of the lousy product not any residual affect of the injury. I've been watching TB games and he flies around the ice. He's got Jack's speed, Reinhart's passing ability and plays very hard. One thing though, he does look small to me, though I know he's probably ,6'1". Looks very skinny.

Wow... Was he a senior? No idea where he'd play next year unless they plan on having Ullmark up here to back up and Kasdorf backs up Lieuwen should they retain is rights.
- bluengold12

Yes. Maybe he'll get a few games in Rochester before seasons end.

Not much else out there in terms of the market. Don't have enough assets to give up to get another O'Riley via trade. Unless we trade our first but I'd prefer to trade that in a package for a proven D man and maybe a winger prospect. Something like Ennis and our 1st for X top 4 LHD dman and young nhl winger prospect with top six upside.
- bluengold12

Respectfully disagree especially if it's for an offensive winger. They don't carry the same value as C's and D's. You could work something around the roster players, prospects and picks you already have.