If there are no more changes:

Skinner-Eichel- Olafsson > Olafsson had really goood advanced metrics in a six game tryout, and 4 points in 6 games. This is a spot he can pot 25 goals in, and the spot is absolutely wasted on Reinhart, who needs to make a second unit score. The other options here are Johansson and Sheary, but both would be really better off elsewhere.

Johansson- Reinhart-Vesey > I would rather see Vesey on the third line, but he is the best 3rd liner who can upgrade to the 2nd. Johansson or Sam centres, don't care who, both can do it.

Sheary - Middlestadt - Okposo >Pretty good third line IM0

Ruotsalainen/Nylander/CJ Smith/Oglevie/Asplund/Lazar/Tage Thompson + Rodrigues >It is do or die time for CJ Smith, Lazar, Nylander, and Tage. I want to see two forwards make the fourth line that aren't named Girgensons. Personally, I'm routing for Ruotsalainen and Nylander here. The rest go to the Amercs

I would keep one of Larsson/Girgensons for a 13th forward. Sobodka and the other one are gone.
- matty12345

If no more changes

Skinner Eichel Olofsson
Johansson Mitts Reinhart (they will help Casey as much as possible with this line)
Vesey Erod Sheary
Smith Girgensons Okposo

Sobotka and Larsson on the bench

KO had 7 of his 14 goals on the PP this past year. If Johansson takes his spot, which seems likely as Mojo's zone entry ability is among his greatest strengths, KO could very well have 7-10 goals this year
- jcragcrumple

MoJo will almost certainly take ERod's spot, because ERod on the second PP was depressing.

It wouldn't surprise me if we offer Seattle a #1 to take him. I don't think a buyout next year is much better than it was this year. They don't want the long-term hit.
- Slump Buster

Patrick Marleau had more goals and assists than KO last year. One year left on his deal, and it still took a 1st to dump him

3 years left of Okposo (after this year) will cost 2 1sts and a prospect

MoJo will almost certainly take ERod's spot, because ERod on the second PP was depressing.
- matty12345

Miller, Mojo and Montour will replace Okposo, Erod and Pominville. That's my guess

Eichel, Skinner, Reinhart, Risto, Dahlin

Mitts, Mojo, Olofsson, Miller, Montour

Not necessarily those groups, but those will probably be the 10. Unless Krueger is a 4 forwards guy

Patrick Marleau had more goals and assists than KO last year. One year left on his deal, and it still took a 1st to dump him

3 years left of Okposo (after this year) will cost 2 1sts and a prospect
- jcragcrumple

Marleau is not a good comparable to Okposo, it was a much different scenario. Marleau was a 35+ contract, he didn't have a front loaded contract, and had a complete no trade clause.

I wouldn't mind seeing Bogo back next year on a 3 x $2.25m contract for 3rd pairing dutues.
He was a force during the Sabres win streak and showed his mean streak...gave his teammates confidence early on. Then it disappeared the last 2/3rds of the season.
That Bogo was good.
I mean how many hip surgeries can one have?
- IonSabres

Bogo has been the most disappointing player the past 4 or 5 years.

Guy plays 10 decent games

Extend him for 3 more years?


Nope

Who do you sit when you have Risto, Bogo, Montour and Miller on the right side. How do you decrease Risto's minutes if Bogo misses time. How do you justify giving any one of those guys top pairing minutes.
- TheSabresTaco

Decrease his ice time (Risto) but still give him top minutes... On Jack's RW. Looks like a solution to solve all our problems. If Burns and Big Buff can do it, Risto shouldn't be above it.

Okposo has no business on this team let alone another chance, let alone 20 goals, which will not happen.

Let Larry, Okmoulso, Girgs, and sobadka play a round robin game of Ow My Balls. Winner gets some 4th line time, if and when someone competent gets injured. Losers retire and get their balls fixed.

Okposo has no business on this team let alone another chance, let alone 20 goals, which will not happen.
- SABRES 89

Okposo will be on the 2019-20 50 year anniversary team

I hope he gets 20 goals.

He had 14 I think last year on a miserable, Injury bounce back season

Okposo will be on the 2019-20 50 year anniversary team

I hope he gets 20 goals.

He had 14 I think last year on a miserable, Injury bounce back season
- Boss34

Might as well see if they can get something out of him. Unfortunately, he isn't going anywhere.

Okposo has no business on this team let alone another chance, let alone 20 goals, which will not happen.
- SABRES 89

His first two years here he had 44 and 45 points. We need him to get back in the 40s so we can trade him after July 1st next year. Then he is only earning 3.0/4.0/4.0 in his last 3 years of his contract.

That is a moveable contract for a team looking to get to the floor.

Marleau is not a good comparable to Okposo, it was a much different scenario. Marleau was a 35+ contract, he didn't have a front loaded contract, and had a complete no trade clause.
- Mentalorgasm5

Also wasn’t going to an expansion team

Decrease his ice time (Risto) but still give him top minutes... On Jack's RW. Looks like a solution to solve all our problems. If Burns and Big Buff can do it, Risto shouldn't be above it.
- SDSabre

This would be hilarious. Krueger the innovator

Kevin Labanc’s one-year extension is for $1 million even. A bit shocking honestly

From Kevin Kurz

Wow.

Does that make him a UFA next year?

His first two years here he had 44 and 45 points. We need him to get back in the 40s so we can trade him after July 1st next year. Then he is only earning 3.0/4.0/4.0 in his last 3 years of his contract.

That is a moveable contract for a team looking to get to the floor.
- Mentalorgasm5

Only way he is getting there is (maybe) with Eichel dragging him. Even McDavid couldn't help Lucic though

Okposo will be on the 2019-20 50 year anniversary team

I hope he gets 20 goals.

He had 14 I think last year on a miserable, Injury bounce back season
- Boss34

He is a complete waste of space with a worse contract.

Only way he is getting there is (maybe) with Eichel dragging him. Even McDavid couldn't help Lucic though
- jcragcrumple

29 points in 78 games coming off a brain injury off season.

11 more points is definitely possible. Especially if they keep him away for erod. Play him with talent.

Okposo is a sabre next season, better start rooting for him

He is a complete waste of space with a worse contract.
- SABRES 89

rangers will show this fall that rebuilds do not take decades

Kevin Labanc’s one-year extension is for $1 million even. A bit shocking honestly

From Kevin Kurz

Wow.

Does that make him a UFA next year?
- Stripes77

Not even close to UFA. 23 with 3 pro seasons?

29 points in 78 games coming off a brain injury off season.

11 more points is definitely possible. Especially if they keep him away for erod. Play him with talent.

Okposo is a sabre next season, better start rooting for him
- Boss34

He had another concussion this year. The best thing they can do is stuff him on the 4th line so he doesn't drag down the top-9. I feel for the guy, but the days of him being a quality NHL player are over

He is a complete waste of space with a worse contract.
- SABRES 89

I'm not arguing his place on this team or $ contract.

Guy has scored before.
Our team around him and coaching (system) should be better
Another season from a life threatening illness

I think he bounces back. 20 goals or 40 points hopefully

rangers will show this fall that rebuilds do not take decades
- homiedclown

It does in Buffalo, the Rangers aren't doing it right.

I'm not arguing his place on this team or $ contract.

Guy has scored before.
Our team around him and coaching (system) should be better
Another season from a life threatening illness

I think he bounces back. 20 goals or 40 points hopefully
- Boss34

not a chance in hell, he's a scrub and always has been.

Kevin Labanc’s one-year extension is for $1 million even. A bit shocking honestly

From Kevin Kurz

Wow.

Does that make him a UFA next year?
- Stripes77

No he has arbitration rights next year.