Not that I disagree.. but are you ready to stomach Larssonsons as our 2 headed 2nd line center tire fire?
- TheSabresTaco

They can sign someone or trade for a stop gap until Middlestadt takes over.

If it’s decided that we aren’t contending next year, O’Reilly should go.

3 years of him have already been a waste, why make it 4?

Definitely looking forward to him playing some pro games.
- TheSabresTaco

With Jack being out its the only thing worth looking forward too... I mean it would be great if Sam really steps up his game the rest of the year but I'm not holding out hope for that either. I just think Sam is more a complementary piece than a core piece, which is fine we need those too.

With Jack being out its the only thing worth looking forward too... I mean it would be great if Sam really steps up his game the rest of the year but I'm not holding out hope for that either. I just think Sam is more a complementary piece than a core piece, which is fine we need those too.
- gordong

He's a cost controlled, talented and very young player. You need guys like that here.

He's a cost controlled, talented and very young player. You need guys like that here.
- TheSabresTaco

I agree... Sam on a team with some talent would pile up some points... He is very good in front of the net. I have no problems holding on to Sam.

It's needed.

A deal to STL around:

ROR +
Fabri, Schmaltz, Bleackley
- ImThatGuy

I heard on Monday someone said we would get these guys for Kane

Sounds like hes thinking full tear down
- Sabresfan-365

I doubt they do. Trading Risto and ROR is throwing in the towel for next year. Ownership knows the fan base won't tolerate that. It would be a full revolt

I doubt they do. Trading Risto and ROR is throwing in the towel for next year. Ownership knows the fan base won't tolerate that. It would be a full revolt
- jcragcrumple

full revolt would be doing nothing. most fans are well aware this team isn't going anywhere in the short term

I doubt they do. Trading Risto and ROR is throwing in the towel for next year. Ownership knows the fan base won't tolerate that. It would be a full revolt
- jcragcrumple

Don’t pull an oilers:

Keep:
Reinhart and Okposo up front
Risto, Scandella, Nelson, McCabe and Guhle on D

I liked when one of you’d guys said to keep Ror around until we know what we have with Mittlestadt. Do that

Depth that could help us:

E-Rod, Wilson, Baptiste, Smith, Bailey, O’regan, keep Pommer (until contract expires)

Give Nylander more time mofos

Fill and repeat again next year. If the youth can fill majority of the depth roles we don’t have to take on as many crappy players.

3-4 seasons away folks

Edit:
I would take smith bailey and o’regan whom I’ve only seen play at BU right now over Larsson, Nolan, Girgs and Josefson. For nothing too, just waive those guys and swap them out...Endurance until draft day, then more endurance.

A lot of work this losing stuff.

full revolt would be doing nothing. most fans are well aware this team isn't going anywhere in the short term
- Sabresfan-365

There are 3 primary reasons I don't see trading ROR, Scandella, Risto or mcCabe as a good idea.

1.) One of the major mistakes of the Murray rebuild was that he didn't leave any pieces in place. Toronto kept Kadri, Bozak, JVR, etc. The young players you aquire need backup. Trading productive players on long term contracts creates a skill hole that can't be filled with draft picks alone. AZ and EDM learned this through trades like Eberle and Hall where the return on their skilled players was less than their intrinsic value.

2.) Trading for picks on non-UFAs is too far of a futures game. Fans are done being concerned about 5 years from now.

3.) The salary of ROR, Scandella, Risto and McCabe is not preventing any acquisitions. Look to the attrocious contracts - moulson, Bogo, pominville, gorges. There's the cap fat you need.

There are 3 primary reasons I don't see trading ROR, Scandella, Risto or mcCabe as a good idea.

1.) One of the major mistakes of the Murray rebuild was that he didn't leave any pieces in place. Toronto kept Kadri, Bozak, JVR, etc. The young players you aquire need backup. Trading productive players on long term contracts creates a skill hole that can't be filled with draft picks alone. AZ and EDM learned this through trades like Eberle and Hall where the return on their skilled players was less than their intrinsic value.

2.) Trading for picks on non-UFAs is too far of a futures game. Fans are done being concerned about 5 years from now.

3.) The salary of ROR, Scandella, Risto and McCabe is not preventing any acquisitions. Look to the attrocious contracts - moulson, Bogo, pominville, gorges. There's the cap fat you need.
- jcragcrumple

Maybe ROR fits here, I dont see how Risto does outside of pp specialist and defensive turnstile

Edit: ROR has fewer points 5v5 than Reinhart does

full revolt would be doing nothing. most fans are well aware this team isn't going anywhere in the short term
- Sabresfan-365

Agreed. I don't expect a lot of big moves, but I do expect 1 more of GMTM's core players to be moved. Next year won't be great, but a lot more tolerable if we can see where JB is taking this team and can see a few prospects contribute.

Agreed. I don't expect a lot of big moves, but I do expect 1 more of GMTM's core players to be moved. Next year won't be great, but a lot more tolerable if we can see where JB is taking this team and can see a few prospects contribute.
- Lunaion

They don't need to be good, they just to be exciting/hopeful.

Mittelstadt, Guhle, top pick, nylander

If one or two of these guys can make a difference and be a reason to watch this team other than Eichel, you've taken a step forward.

Maybe ROR fits here, I dont see how Risto does outside of pp specialist and defensive turnstile

Edit: ROR has fewer points 5v5 than Reinhart does
- Sabresfan-365

I'm saying don't throw out the baby with the bath water. The defense sucks, and Risto, Scandella and McCabe are in over their heads, but to varying degrees, they're good and useful players. Upgrade above them, cut what's below them. If somehow we come across 2 amazing d man, and can no longer justify Risto's salary, someone will undoubtedly want him

There are 3 primary reasons I don't see trading ROR, Scandella, Risto or mcCabe as a good idea.

1.) One of the major mistakes of the Murray rebuild was that he didn't leave any pieces in place. Toronto kept Kadri, Bozak, JVR, etc. The young players you aquire need backup. Trading productive players on long term contracts creates a skill hole that can't be filled with draft picks alone. AZ and EDM learned this through trades like Eberle and Hall where the return on their skilled players was less than their intrinsic value.

2.) Trading for picks on non-UFAs is too far of a futures game. Fans are done being concerned about 5 years from now.

3.) The salary of ROR, Scandella, Risto and McCabe is not preventing any acquisitions. Look to the attrocious contracts - moulson, Bogo, pominville, gorges. There's the cap fat you need.
- jcragcrumple

What this guy says ^^^^

He can rite betterly then me

There are 3 primary reasons I don't see trading ROR, Scandella, Risto or mcCabe as a good idea.

1.) One of the major mistakes of the Murray rebuild was that he didn't leave any pieces in place. Toronto kept Kadri, Bozak, JVR, etc. The young players you aquire need backup. Trading productive players on long term contracts creates a skill hole that can't be filled with draft picks alone. AZ and EDM learned this through trades like Eberle and Hall where the return on their skilled players was less than their intrinsic value.

2.) Trading for picks on non-UFAs is too far of a futures game. Fans are done being concerned about 5 years from now.

3.) The salary of ROR, Scandella, Risto and McCabe is not preventing any acquisitions. Look to the attrocious contracts - moulson, Bogo, pominville, gorges. There's the cap fat you need.
- jcragcrumple

Agree with all of this. Good post.

Additionally, Gorges is gone. There's 3.9. Moulson, one more year, that's 5.0. Pommer, one more year, that's 5.6. Jack's extension kicks in and you have to pay Reinhart/Lehner a more...but we could be in a decent place next year. If we trade RoR, Risto and Scandella for example, we'd be looking for those players back over next summer. Seems like bad business unless you're getting premo returns.

Maybe ROR fits here, I dont see how Risto does outside of pp specialist and defensive turnstile

Edit: ROR has fewer points 5v5 than Reinhart does
- Sabresfan-365

Don't think you can make that call with the position he's been put in here, Really, since he was drafted. He's cost controlled for now... He not playing like a top pair role by any means but he is still only 23.

I'm saying don't throw out the baby with the bath water. The defense sucks, and Risto, Scandella and McCabe are in over their heads, but to varying degrees, they're good and useful players. Upgrade above them, cut what's below them.
- jcragcrumple

If you've got a scenario where they can upgrade above them that doesnt include moving them im all ears.

Don't think you can make that call with the position he's been put in here, Really, since he was drafted. He's cost controlled for now... He not playing like a top pair role by any means but he is still only 23.
- gordong

devils advocate, he's played 300 games. whoever's at fault for the development is up for debate, but at 300 games played, he is what he is.


Look if he was producing 5v5 Id be all for keeping him. Id say the defensive responsibilities are too much for an offensive d-man. but he was getting prime o-zone time with jack eichel and produced little to nothing at even strength.

At least mccabe showed stretches where he could move the needle and produce offense

They don't need to be good, they just to be exciting/hopeful.

Mittelstadt, Guhle, top pick, nylander

If one or two of these guys can make a difference and be a reason to watch this team other than Eichel, you've taken a step forward.
- Sabresfan-365

( Maybe (best chance), Maybe, anyones guess, Doubtful next year) add ullmark to this list.

Trade Risto for a scoring winger

I'm saying don't throw out the baby with the bath water. The defense sucks, and Risto, Scandella and McCabe are in over their heads, but to varying degrees, they're good and useful players. Upgrade above them, cut what's below them. If somehow we come across 2 amazing d man, and can no longer justify Risto's salary, someone will undoubtedly want him
- jcragcrumple

Depends on where we draft.

If we get Dahlin it’s easy to say this, if not, I’m not sure how we just automatically upgrade

Trade Risto for a scoring winger
- chilliard77

Taylor Hall ?

If you've got a scenario where they can upgrade above them that doesnt include moving them im all ears.
- Sabresfan-365

Draft. I'm also for trading Reinhart. I don't think he has the speed we need on the wing.

Taylor Hall ?
- sbroads24

Yes.

Risto and O'Reilly for Drasaitl and Blank

If you've got a scenario where they can upgrade above them that doesnt include moving them im all ears.
- Sabresfan-365

How many yachts can an owner give a single player per CBA? Pegula should buy Karlsson his own country.

Once he’s locked up just cough up 15% ownership of the Bills to Tavares and we got ourselves a hockey team.

Yes I’m available for employment