Isn't that the case with everything?
A need today, may not be the same need tomorrow.

I'm not saying Caufield should absolutely be the pick by any stretch.
I am saying that pure goal scorers will always be needed, can't have too many.
If you find yourself overloaded, well 1) good for the Sabres, what a change that would be after the last 10 years, and b) the value as a trade chip will allow you to secure a player at a position of need.
- IonSabres

I think we're saying the same thing. If you think Caufield is the best player available, take him. If you think there is a better player (even if it's a defenseman or a goaltender), don't pass on him for Caufield because the 2018-2019 roster needed scoring help. He doesn't help solve that problem in 2019-2020, or probably 2020-2021 for that matter.

I was wrong we should have signed him for 5 smh
- gerbe75pts

What happens if Reinhart regresses into 2017 version? Then everyone is cheering that contract. Can't have it both ways, and he got a "prove it" deal for precisely that very reason. Let me know when the team hires a true fortune teller. At least now we have control. Or, we can sign him for 5Mx4 years and lose him to UFA like Tavares. I'd say Botts made the right decision here.

Chad DeDominicis
@CMDeDominicis
Just got out of a two hour work meeting so sorry if this is out there and I’m just stating old news.

From my own super secret person on the Skinner talks it sounds like his AAV will come in around $9 million. I’d except some news in the next 24-48 hours on it being done.

I was wrong we should have signed him for 5 smh
- gerbe75pts

Maybe.
Or maybe Sam needed a dose of reality to kick start his ass into becoming the player he could be.
A frank discussion that he wasn't worth $5m at that point, and he needed to show them over 2 years what kind of player he will be was worth it ... then and now IMO.

Chad DeDominicis
@CMDeDominicis
Just got out of a two hour work meeting so sorry if this is out there and I’m just stating old news.

From my own super secret person on the Skinner talks it sounds like his AAV will come in around $9 million. I’d except some news in the next 24-48 hours on it being done.
- gerbe75pts

Maybe.
Or maybe Sam needed a dose of reality to kick start his ass into becoming the player he could be.
A frank discussion that he wasn't worth $5m at that point, and he needed to show them over 2 years what kind of player he will be was worth it ... then and now IMO.
- IonSabres

I don't know if he's reached his offensive ceiling yet (I don't think so) but offering him a long term extension might be a good idea. Especially if the climate starts to shift towards actual, real offer sheets. Right now he's worth around 7M for 6 or 7 years. If you can get him for 6.5, it would help Botts budget long term and lock down one of our premier players.

I was wrong we should have signed him for 5 smh
- gerbe75pts

Could've been had for 5x5? Would've been nice.

I think we're saying the same thing. If you think Caufield is the best player available, take him. If you think there is a better player (even if it's a defenseman or a goaltender), don't pass on him for Caufield because the 2018-2019 roster needed scoring help. He doesn't help solve that problem in 2019-2020, or probably 2020-2021 for that matter.
- buffalofan19

I hear what you are saying, and generally agree.

That said, I don't think it is ever a bad strategy to secure a potential 40g scorer.
Especially on a team like this that is so devoid of finishers it is just painful.
If they were average in scoring instead of in the lowest 10% since forever ago, I would absolutely go BPA.

Therefore, I think they absolutely need to prioritize scoring in this draft class, for this roster.

Chad DeDominicis
@CMDeDominicis
Just got out of a two hour work meeting so sorry if this is out there and I’m just stating old news.

From my own super secret person on the Skinner talks it sounds like his AAV will come in around $9 million. I’d except some news in the next 24-48 hours on it being done.
- gerbe75pts

Gee, wonder where the 9 mill came from.

I don't know if he's reached his offensive ceiling yet (I don't think so) but offering him a long term extension might be a good idea. Especially if the climate starts to shift towards actual, real offer sheets. Right now he's worth around 7M for 6 or 7 years. If you can get him for 6.5, it would help Botts budget long term and lock down one of our premier players.
- TheSabresTaco

I would do 7x$6.5 for sure.
I doubt he would though...he has got to be thinking that Botts is going to improve the roster... his production probably increases along with it and forces JBotts like Skinner just did.

Gee, wonder where the 9 mill came from.
- SABRES 89

McKenzie?

😉

Gerald McCoy to visit Patriots. Gee who would have thought.

McKenzie?

😉
- Powerslave

Try again.

I would do 7x$6.5 for sure.
I doubt he would though...he has got to be thinking that Botts is going to improve the roster... his production probably increases along with it and forces JBotts like Skinner just did.
- IonSabres

He's an RFA at the expiration of his current contract. He doesn't have the upper hand in negotiations. This is exactly why this type and length of contract was issued. To maintain control.

He won't sign, nor will he be offered, another two year deal, after playing consistently well, and improving, every single season. The next contract will be a long term contract, and it will be more expensive in 2020 if Reinhart hits career highs. Which I think he will.

Plus, he has arb rights. To avoid arb, a long term deal, for a player like himself, needs to be offered, or he can be a Mark Stone and give the finger to the org.

A long term deal is coming for Reinhart.

Offer the extension after July 1. It doesn't make sense to not do so.

Gee, wonder where the 9 mill came from.
- SABRES 89

When stone signed and we all said he was not worth it

One is 3 years younger and plays a better all around game and you are paying more to extend beyond his first opportunity to be a UFA. Plus he's always signed team friendly deals and probably deserves more based on other contracts (see Nylander). Also, top 12 goal scorer not top ten who was 66 overall in total points (Reinhart was 63rd).
- adambuffalo

I’m not going to go 12 rounds on this but Skinner had 55 primary points to Reinhart 50.

He also had 18 more goals.

Goals are worth more $$.

Guys heading to UFA are going to get more than an RFA every time.

There’s no scenario that Reinhart gets a similar deal unless he vastly outperforms Skinner next season

When stone signed and we all said he was not worth it
- gerbe75pts

I said 9 mill a year before Stone singed, When he signed it cemented it.

I’m not going to go 12 rounds on this but Skinner had 55 primary points to Reinhart 50.

He also had 18 more goals.

Goals are worth more $$.

Guys heading to UFA are going to get more than an RFA every time.

There’s no scenario that Reinhart gets a similar deal unless he vastly outperforms Skinner next season
- OneKaneOneCup

and, 6.5-7M x 6 or 7 years. Book it.

I’m not going to go 12 rounds on this but Skinner had 55 primary points to Reinhart 50.

He also had 18 more goals.

Goals are worth more $$.

Guys heading to UFA are going to get more than an RFA every time.

There’s no scenario that Reinhart gets a similar deal unless he vastly outperforms Skinner next season
- OneKaneOneCup

All these players are making too much money, wait until 10 mill a year is the norm, uncle Gary will have more to worry about then instant replay.

All these players are making too much money, wait until 10 mill a year is the norm, uncle Gary will have more to worry about then instant replay.
- SABRES 89

We're already in the thick of it. Pay close watch to the RFA negotiations for elite players. They will be paid much more, and anyone except elite UFAs will be paid much less. There's your balance, plus the rising cap. Every year is 3-4M. Unless you're Panarin, and highly doubtful but maybe Erik Karlsson, you're not breaking 10.

We're already in the thick of it. Pay close watch to the RFA negotiations for elite players. They will be paid much more, and anyone except elite UFAs will be paid much less. There's your balance, plus the rising cap. Every year is 3-4M. Unless you're Panarin, and highly doubtful but maybe Erik Karlsson, you're not breaking 10.
- TheSabresTaco

Whoever gives Karlsson 10 is a fool, it's getting out of control.

We're already in the thick of it. Pay close watch to the RFA negotiations for elite players. They will be paid much more, and anyone except elite UFAs will be paid much less. There's your balance, plus the rising cap. Every year is 3-4M. Unless you're Panarin, and highly doubtful but maybe Erik Karlsson, you're not breaking 10.
- TheSabresTaco

If they could keep Skinner under 9 it will help out.

He's an RFA at the expiration of his current contract. He doesn't have the upper hand in negotiations. This is exactly why this type and length of contract was issued. To maintain control.

He won't sign, nor will he be offered, another two year deal, after playing consistently well, and improving, every single season. The next contract will be a long term contract, and it will be more expensive in 2020 if Reinhart hits career highs. Which I think he will.

Plus, he has arb rights. To avoid arb, a long term deal, for a player like himself, needs to be offered, or he can be a Mark Stone and give the finger to the org.

A long term deal is coming for Reinhart.

Offer the extension after July 1. It doesn't make sense to not do so.
- TheSabresTaco

You just hit on why he has a little leverage. He can file for arb twice and be UFA, like Trouba.

Whoever gives Karlsson 10 is a fool, it's getting out of control.
- SABRES 89

That injury history and age should bring him to 9

Try again.
- SABRES 89

McDowell?

Home of the Golden Arcs, the Big Mick and Zamunda Fries.