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Forums :: Blog World :: Michael Pachla: Building the 2018-19 Buffalo Sabres roster--LHD, Marco Scandella
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Der Kaiser
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I Know Nothink ... NOTHINK!
Joined: 07.27.2007

Aug 29 @ 7:50 PM ET
You can't help but say hot dog
- homiedclown




That’s when there was still “roll” in rock and roll.

Here’s another example

https://youtu.be/CDJQjnbU-i8

jcragcrumple
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Reluctant bridge jumper; 6th round OHL draft pick, YT
Joined: 04.04.2016

Aug 29 @ 8:08 PM ET
Either way I agree we are is great shape moving forward, if we add one more high talent guy we are going to be a force in a couple years, we might even have that player already in the system ( Olofsson)
- gordong



Where's seedy?

OLOFSSSSSSSSSSOOOONNNNNNNNNNN
homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 29 @ 8:13 PM ET
That’s when there was still “roll” in rock and roll.

Here’s another example

https://youtu.be/CDJQjnbU-i8

- Der Kaiser

I will raise you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTZv-PZ53d8
Der Kaiser
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I Know Nothink ... NOTHINK!
Joined: 07.27.2007

Aug 29 @ 8:24 PM ET
I will raise you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTZv-PZ53d8

- homiedclown


That’s a South Beach Diet tune

No roll.
homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 29 @ 8:25 PM ET
That’s a South Beach Diet tune

No roll.

- Der Kaiser




stills was a beast in his prime

IMO most under rated guitar player of the last 50 years
SABRES 89
Season Ticket Holder
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I'm very Happy to be here. Las Vegas Via Buffalo N.Y.
Joined: 02.17.2007

Aug 29 @ 8:27 PM ET
Wanna know what smells worse than an anchovie?
- Der Kaiser

Gerbe ?
TheHank
Location: Yawn.
Joined: 01.11.2017

Aug 29 @ 8:34 PM ET
Gerbe ?
- SABRES 89

Grebes refrigerator
Wetbandit1
Vegas Golden Knights
Location: Unpopular opinion (i think): The best Die Hard movie is the 4th one- Live free or Die Hard -jdfitz7, NY
Joined: 10.07.2010

Aug 29 @ 8:49 PM ET
That’s when there was still “roll” in rock and roll.

Here’s another example

https://youtu.be/CDJQjnbU-i8

- Der Kaiser



What, like Meatloaf, or Fat Elvis?
homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 29 @ 10:22 PM ET
Gerbe ?
- SABRES 89




Do you like egg salad?
sbroads24
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We are in 30th place. It's 2017 , NY
Joined: 02.12.2012

Aug 30 @ 12:52 AM ET
My “source” who has been right on a few things (Pegula’s wanting Kane out, O’Reilly definitely being traded) told me that the Pegula’s really, really want Khalil Mack FWIW.

homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 30 @ 12:59 AM ET
My “source” who has been right on a few things (Pegula’s wanting Kane out, O’Reilly definitely being traded) told me that the Pegula’s really, really want Khalil Mack FWIW.
- sbroads24

what was the score of the super bowl when the eagles beat the pats?
homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 30 @ 1:08 AM ET
My “source” who has been right on a few things (Pegula’s wanting Kane out, O’Reilly definitely being traded) told me that the Pegula’s really, really want Khalil Mack FWIW.
- sbroads24

can he play guard or run a deep fly route in under 4.5 seconds and catch the ball?
homiedclown
Buffalo Sabres
Location: We want 1, FL
Joined: 02.24.2008

Aug 30 @ 1:10 AM ET
I think Mack is a great player, and if we had the roster the Bills had when they traded for biscuit, it would be a good move


but they are so thin at many positions
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 30 @ 1:32 AM ET
If we're forced to sell Skinner at the deadline for another 1st, would you want to trade 4 first round picks in next years draft for 1st overall?
- sskkoo1


In a heartbeat
Wetbandit1
Vegas Golden Knights
Location: Unpopular opinion (i think): The best Die Hard movie is the 4th one- Live free or Die Hard -jdfitz7, NY
Joined: 10.07.2010

Aug 30 @ 1:34 AM ET
can he play guard or run a deep fly route in under 4.5 seconds and catch the ball?
- homiedclown



Probably better than the ones currently on the team. And I mean that wholeheartedly.
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 30 @ 1:34 AM ET
I thought that too. If Hughes remains that high of a prospect come draft time, you're right, no one will trade the 1st. If he cools down or has an injury the 1st might be in play.

Realistically, if we have to trade Skinner, our 1st round might look something like picks 8, 20, 24, and 28. That's going to keep the barn full for a long time.

- sskkoo1


Who do u think is making the playoffs here,
us or Carolina?
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Aug 30 @ 1:46 AM ET
can he play guard or run a deep fly route in under 4.5 seconds and catch the ball?
- homiedclown


U act like we don’t need a pass rusher?
washedup20
Location: the little apple
Joined: 08.19.2014

Aug 30 @ 2:19 AM ET
can he play guard or run a deep fly route in under 4.5 seconds and catch the ball?
- homiedclown


This guy can:

Lilroot9
Buffalo Sabres
Location: NY
Joined: 06.18.2012

Aug 30 @ 7:47 AM ET
J White says super secret Sabres guy told him Reinhart is close. Time to see how close we all were in guessing the contract....
IndianaSabresFan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Matt FRICKIN ELLIS, IN
Joined: 01.17.2007

Aug 30 @ 8:02 AM ET
This guy can:


- washedup20

buffalofan19
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Wonderful things can happen when you sow seeds of distrust in a garden full of (bum)holes
Joined: 07.01.2007

Aug 30 @ 8:51 AM ET
We're #1! We're #1! We're #1!

https://theathletic.com/4...ings-no-1-buffalo-sabres/



NHL farm system rankings: No. 1 Buffalo Sabres




Buffalo has the top farm system and it isn’t really close. There are two reasons for that: 1. Rasmus Dahlin and 2. Casey Mittelstadt. Those are two pillar type talents you can build a franchise with, and along with Jack Eichel, Rasmus Ristolainen and Sam Reinhart you’re starting to see a future in Buffalo that looks the opposite of bleak.

Down the farm system, the Sabres have good depth, at the pro level particularly, but nobody that wows you, with those two top prospects carrying the bulk of value in this system. Rochester should be an interesting team to monitor next season though, as they have a few names Buffalo could be looking to as they try to turn a corner as an organization.

A No. 1 farm system is no guarantee of success. The Atlantic is very competitive, and Buffalo needs guys to develop well, while continuing to add talent. But in terms of adding value to their team from players who didn’t play in the NHL last season, nobody is in better shape to do that than the Sabres.

Team’s 2017 ranking*: No. 11

- The Athletic
buffalofan19
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Wonderful things can happen when you sow seeds of distrust in a garden full of (bum)holes
Joined: 07.01.2007

Aug 30 @ 8:53 AM ET
More:


Prospect Rankings
SPECIAL PROSPECT

1. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Frolunda-SHL

Dahlin is one of the best defense prospects of the modern era as a first-year draft-eligible player. His skill and IQ ranked among the very best in the class. He can play at such a quick pace and make highly creative plays versus pros, which at his age is unusual. What stands out to me is not his elite skill but his elite awareness. He understands how to attack defenses so well and attempts things I don’t see players his age try. He sees gaps in coverage before they develop, makes great feeds, knows how to angle guys out and when to go for a risky play. He also has a low panic threshold and doesn’t tend to force plays. He’s a very good skater who, while not exceptionally fast, has good speed and is very agile for a player his size. His offense drives his value, but he is quite good defensively, as he battles hard, is physical and plays a quiet position game. He has the potential to be a franchise defenseman.

ELITE NHL PROSPECT

2. Casey Mittelstadt, C, Minnesota-Big Ten

Mittelstadt was the MVP of the World Juniors and had a decent initial showing with the Sabres as a teenager. He’s a player who stands out due to his elite offensive abilities. There are very few players outside the NHL who can create offense like he can and often he can bring fans out of their seats. He skates well, has arguably the best set of hands outside the league, and has great overall offensive instincts as a playmaker. Off the puck he’s not the best. Despite having fine size he isn’t going to be a high-end physical player and needs work defensively. However, he shields pucks fine and, given his size and elite skill package, he still has the potential to be a star in the league. I have small reservations about his production at various levels relative to his age that raises a tiny alarm in my brain, but I’ve watched him so much and see a consistently high-end guy that I’m not too concerned.

LEGIT NHL PROSPECT

3. Alexander Nylander, LW, Rochester-AHL

Nylander is a tough player to evaluate. He’s had a tough go at it in the pro level the last two seasons, with the pace of the game and the work off the puck being issues for him. He’s done much better when playing against his peer group at the U20 level. He has moments where he shows why he was a top-10 pick. He has great hands and vision and can be a driving force for an offense. I think he skates fine but often I find he plays too slow, meaning he doesn’t hit the blueline with speed and can struggle to play a game at the pro pace. He has a lot of work to do, but there’s so much potential in his game.

4. Brendan Guhle, D, Rochester-AHL

Guhle had a fantastic 2017-18. He changed my impression – and other NHL scouts who I also knew were skeptical of his upside – of his NHL projection. His calling card is his skating, as Guhle is an incredibly fluid skater for a big man who can close gaps quickly and transition on the rush well due to his feet. I liked how he showed more confidence carrying the puck this season, and while his skill isn’t great, he moved the puck well and was a useful power play guy. Guhle was also a go-to defender for his team, playing a lot of tough minutes and being an important part of one of the best teams in the AHL.

- The Athletic


buffalofan19
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Wonderful things can happen when you sow seeds of distrust in a garden full of (bum)holes
Joined: 07.01.2007

Aug 30 @ 8:55 AM ET
Still More:

HAVE A CHANCE

5. Rasmus Asplund, C, Farjestad-SHL

Asplund is never going to ‘wow’ you with an end-to-end rush, but he’s valuable as a player due to how smart he is. “He’s an ideal center,” said one NHL scout referencing the way he sees the ice as a playmaker and how he plays a reliable two-way game. There is ability to Asplund’s game too. He has decent speed and good puck skills, but he prefers to make a play. He works hard, and takes care of his checks despite being an undersized player. He likely projects as a third-line forward in the NHL but he has a mild chance of being something better.

6. Marcus Davidsson, C, Djurgardens-SHL

Davidsson was a solid regular in the SHL as a teenager and had a good World Juniors as well. He isn’t a game-breaker by any means, but I really like his skating, he has some skill, is an intelligent two-way forward and works hard. I’m skeptical he has top-six potential, but he could be a real nice third-line type of forward.

7. Oskari Laaksonen, D, Ilves-Liiga

I caught Laaksonen at a U19 tournament in the second half and was really impressed by what I saw. He was an intriguing pick by Buffalo last summer after a growth spurt. He’s 6-foot-2 now, skates well, and moves the puck well. He’s got a lot of maturing to do physically and in his defensive play, but I see promise in his game. I expect he’ll be part of Finland’s U20 team next season and if he continues to develop at the same pace he could play a noteworthy role.

8. Linus Ullmark, G, Rochester-AHL

Ullmark was one of the top goalies in the AHL this season. He’s a technically sound goalie, who is smart and squares up a lot of pucks without making it seem like he’s putting forth much effort. He’s reasonably athletic and can make some tough saves but relies on his brain to make most of his stops. He’s developed well lately, and could be in the mix for NHL time next season.

9. Victor Olofsson, LW, Frolunda-SHL

Olofsson had a monster season in Sweden, leading the SHL in goals. He has a great shot and can score from a distance. He has nice skills and speed, but I’m not sure if his talent level or instincts are high-end enough for a small guy to create enough chances for himself at the NHL level. He can make a living on the power play though.

10. Mattias Samuelsson, D, USNTDP-USHL

Samuelsson was the tough-minutes defenseman for the USNTDP this season. He’s a big, tough, strong defenseman who skates well for his size and works his butt off. Samuelsson is willing to sacrifice his body and battle hard every shift. He’s a smart defender and he has enough vision to get the transition game going. With Samuelsson, there is a question of how much of an impact he can make, as he does have a safe player feel to him. His skill level is subpar.

- The Athletic
buffalofan19
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Wonderful things can happen when you sow seeds of distrust in a garden full of (bum)holes
Joined: 07.01.2007

Aug 30 @ 8:56 AM ET
The End.

11. Lawrence Pilut, D, HV71-SHL

Pilut was signed as a free agent after a strong season in the SHL where he was named the top defenseman in the league. He’s not a super flashy player, but he’s quite smart with a reasonably solid skill set in terms of his mobility/hands to be an offensive player as a pro. I have some upside questions with him, but I do see the high-end vision and playmaking to where he has a chance. The big hurdle for him in the NHL will be whether he can defend at his size without exceptional speed.

12. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, G, Leki-Mestis

Luukkonen had an OK season between junior and pro. He’s a physically towering netminder. He can get across the crease when he needs to, with solid power from his legs, and can make the occasional highlight-reel type of play. When he’s on and making good reads he can be a wall in net due to his size and athleticism and the aggressiveness he plays with. There are moments he has mental lapses though and can be a little all over the place.

13. Daniel O’Regan, C, Rochester-AHL

O’Regan has been very good at the AHL level for the last two seasons but hasn’t broken through in the NHL. He’s a very gifted playmaker who processes the game quickly and can make skilled plays. O’Regan doesn’t possess blazing speed for a small guy, though I think overall he’s a fine skater. He’s also not great off the puck.

14. C.J. Smith, LW, Rochester-AHL

Smith had solid production in the AHL this past season as a 23-year-old rookie and was an All-Star. Signed out of UMass-Lowell late last season, Smith is a very gifted playmaker who was an important part of Rochester’s power play but I’m not sure he’s dynamic. He skates fine but not very fast for a small guy. So far he’s shown he has some real NHL potential particularly if he gets better off the puck.

15. Jacob Bryson, D, Providence-Hockey East

Bryson was one of the top defenders in college hockey this past season, being named a second-team All-American. He’s a very crafty puck mover. His hockey IQ is high-end and he’s got good puck skills and skates well. He doesn’t seem flashy, but when he was on the ice for Providence the puck was moving in the right direction and he was consistently one of their best players. He’s a tiny defender though and not super-fast or skilled for his size.

DEPTH NOTES

16. Matej Pekar, C, Muskegon-USHL: Pekar is a good skater who plays hard and has a pest element to his game. His skills aren’t standout, but he’s average with the puck and can make the odd play.

17. Will Borgen, D, St. Cloud State-NCHC: Borgen can really skate for a 6-foot-2 player, is strong and displays a great physical game, winning battles and separating players from pucks. He moves the puck decent, but he won’t be a power play guy at the top level. College scouts rave about his shutdown ability and character.

18. Casey Fitzgerald, D, Boston College-Hockey East: Fitzergald was up and down this season. He’s has a few too many mental lapses defensively (although he was still named the top defensive defenseman in the conference), but when he gets the puck his skating and his IQ shine offensively. Being a little more consistent will go a long way for him, as small defensemen can’t afford many mistakes.

19. Andrew Oglevie, C, Notre Dame-Big Ten: Oglevie showed me nice flashes of ability when I watched Notre Dame. I don’t think he’s a game breaker and he’s not that big, but he has skill, plays with pace and works hard.

20. Justin Bailey, RW, Rochester-AHL: It’s hard for me to still list Bailey. I don’t think his hockey sense is good enough, but he has size, speed and skill so he’s at the very least a long-shot still.

2018-19 Impact
There are roster spots to be had in Buffalo and I expect a very competitive and interesting training camp. Dahlin slots into the top-four and on a power play unit. Mittelstadt should go into the top of the lineup and on the power play as well. Ullmark should be on the roster. Guhle should be a candidate for a D spot as well. After that it gets less clear. Guys like Asplund, Olofsson, Pilut, O’Regan and Smith should all be in the mix during camp but a large chunk of them will go back to Rochester.

Organizational Top 10 (23 and Under)
Jack Eichel, C
Rasmus Dahlin, D
Casey Mittelstadt, C
Rasmus Ristolainen, D
Sam Reinhart, RW
Alexander Nylander, LW
Tage Thompson, RW
Brendan Guhle, D
Rasmus Asplund, C
Marcus Davidsson, C
Eichel is one of the best young players in the game. He’s a franchise center type of talent, with the speed, skills, playmaking and shot to be a consistent impact player. Ristolainen is often the butt of many jokes. He’s overused in Buffalo, he’s not a No. 1 defenseman – as he’s been deployed – but I still do think he’s a very good two/three type of defender on a good team. Reinhart is a very smart player who may not blow you away with speed and skill but makes plays. He seemed to settle into a role last season and got a lot of work done on the power play. Thompson has incredible skills for a guy his size and a big shot as well. He needs to compete harder and play with more pace to have success in the NHL, but he has a ton of upside.

* – 2017 ranking is from my work at ESPN

- The Athletic
staples
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Western, NY
Joined: 04.17.2012

Aug 30 @ 8:56 AM ET
We're #1! We're #1! We're #1!

https://theathletic.com/4...ings-no-1-buffalo-sabres/

- buffalofan19


I found it interesting that 1 year ago Laaksonen (that's the best I could do) was drafted and nobody knew who he was. Now he is on this list. That's a positive sign for a scouting department.
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