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Forums :: Blog World :: Michael Ghofrani: Sabres Off-Season Blueprint: Making the Cut UFA Edition
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Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 3:31 PM ET
Idk that I’d wanna be plugging in someone at Center right after they’re drafted
U think those guys are “ready” to step right in?

- jdfitz77


Maybe, maybe not. Up for management to decide. If they aren’t ready this year, they would be the following year.

Lundell had the best Corsi in the entire Finnish elite league at 17 years old, you’d love him as he is basically the closest thing to ROR you could draft.

Rossi was a week away from being in last years draft, he also Received 2nd place votes as beat defensive forward in his conference in the OHL coaches poll (also put up some of the best offensive numbers in the OHL this century)
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 4:02 PM ET
I think Byfield, Rossi and Lundell could step right in. Lundell might need time to adjust, but he shows flashes of Patrice Bergeron already.
- Buff36


I still think throwing a kid drafted right into Center could be pushing it

Put it this way,
that wouldn’t be my “plan”
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 4:11 PM ET
Maybe, maybe not. Up for management to decide. If they aren’t ready this year, they would be the following year.

Lundell had the best Corsi in the entire Finnish elite league at 17 years old, you’d love him as he is basically the closest thing to ROR you could draft.

Rossi was a week away from being in last years draft, he also Received 2nd place votes as beat defensive forward in his conference in the OHL coaches poll (also put up some of the best offensive numbers in the OHL this century)

- Pegullaville


I wouldn’t “plan” on whoever we pick this year definitely being in the lineup
If they end looking ready, cool
But that would be a bonus
Would rather have them push someone out than be given a spot prematurely
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 4:13 PM ET
I wouldn’t “plan” on whoever we pick this year definitely being in the lineup
If they end looking ready, cool
But that would be a bonus
Would rather have them push someone out than be given a spot prematurely

- jdfitz77


Botts should definitely have a short term plan. In my dream world though we select one of Lundell/Rossi. We trade Risto for a top 6 forward, then blow the hinges off and package Mitts and the 2021 first rounder for a 2C.
jochfr
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Nashville , TN
Joined: 07.11.2009

Mar 28 @ 4:15 PM ET
no
Sir Tindoom
Buffalo Sabres
Location: NY
Joined: 12.27.2019

Mar 28 @ 4:21 PM ET
I see a lot of ppl that are “ok” letting Girgs &/or Larsson walk

Don’t think they realize what a good job those 2 have done together in a VERY tough role

I’m not gonna let one walk to save 1mil? bc i “think” someone can perform as well as them getting all that defensive responsibility
Bad idea imo

- jdfitz77



My issue isn't that Girgs or Larry are bad, or that they cost too much individually. The cost of that line as a whole is the problem. It's Okposo's fault. He makes that line too expensive. I'd bring back both if I could buy out Okposo. If I can't, I'm dropping Girgs and plugging in Lazar or maybe Asplund even if it only saves a million. And I wouldn't lose sleep over it. It's the 4th line. And I'm a penny pinching merciless pretend GM.
Sir Tindoom
Buffalo Sabres
Location: NY
Joined: 12.27.2019

Mar 28 @ 4:24 PM ET
Botts should definitely have a short term plan. In my dream world though we select one of Lundell/Rossi. We trade Risto for a top 6 forward, then blow the hinges off and package Mitts and the 2021 first rounder for a 2C.
- Pegullaville



Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 4:58 PM ET
My issue isn't that Girgs or Larry are bad, or that they cost too much individually. The cost of that line as a whole is the problem. It's Okposo's fault. He makes that line too expensive. I'd bring back both if I could buy out Okposo. If I can't, I'm dropping Girgs and plugging in Lazar or maybe Asplund even if it only saves a million. And I wouldn't lose sleep over it. It's the 4th line. And I'm a penny pinching merciless pretend GM.
- Sir Tindoom


I would bring back Larry and let’s Girgs walk, but that’s just me.
Michael Ghofrani
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 01.14.2020

Mar 28 @ 5:04 PM ET
Botts should definitely have a short term plan. In my dream world though we select one of Lundell/Rossi. We trade Risto for a top 6 forward, then blow the hinges off and package Mitts and the 2021 first rounder for a 2C.
- Pegullaville


Its ambitious, just dont see the value being there
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:06 PM ET
Botts should definitely have a short term plan. In my dream world though we select one of Lundell/Rossi. We trade Risto for a top 6 forward, then blow the hinges off and package Mitts and the 2021 first rounder for a 2C.
- Pegullaville


I get confused when ppl say this
With a deal like that, you’re looking for someone like Monahan (or better?) back, right?

1C Eichel
2C Monahan (or whoever)

Now where are u fitting in Cozens & Lundell?
Moving them to the wings?

I get that we need a 2C for NOW
But shouldn’t we be acquiring “core” pieces based on how they’ll fit in the long term?
Michael Ghofrani
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 01.14.2020

Mar 28 @ 5:07 PM ET
My issue isn't that Girgs or Larry are bad, or that they cost too much individually. The cost of that line as a whole is the problem. It's Okposo's fault. He makes that line too expensive. I'd bring back both if I could buy out Okposo. If I can't, I'm dropping Girgs and plugging in Lazar or maybe Asplund even if it only saves a million. And I wouldn't lose sleep over it. It's the 4th line. And I'm a penny pinching merciless pretend GM.
- Sir Tindoom



Good post

It's a hard cap, if you're not penny pinching, you're probably not a GM for long.

If we applied the argument for "its only 1 million" for every ufa/rfa that had a good year, we'd run out of money very quickly.

Its one thing to overpay high end talent. Teams always get in trouble overpaying guys they could/should replace internally.

kingcong39
Buffalo Sabres
Location: albany, NY
Joined: 02.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:09 PM ET
Botts should definitely have a short term plan. In my dream world though we select one of Lundell/Rossi. We trade Risto for a top 6 forward, then blow the hinges off and package Mitts and the 2021 first rounder for a 2C.
- Pegullaville


Hello Monahan, but to be realistic, it's why trading for Bonino would make such a difference, as it would cover what you are both saying.
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:09 PM ET
My issue isn't that Girgs or Larry are bad, or that they cost too much individually. The cost of that line as a whole is the problem. It's Okposo's fault. He makes that line too expensive. I'd bring back both if I could buy out Okposo. If I can't, I'm dropping Girgs and plugging in Lazar or maybe Asplund even if it only saves a million. And I wouldn't lose sleep over it. It's the 4th line. And I'm a penny pinching merciless pretend GM.
- Sir Tindoom


Saying that & calling it the “4th line” shows u don’t value:
-the great job they do
-against the other teams’ top lines
-in the toughest situations

U can’t just plug in rookies like Asplund & expect that line to as effective
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 5:09 PM ET
I get confused when ppl say this
With a deal like that, you’re looking for someone like Monahan (or better?) back, right?

1C Eichel
2C Monahan (or whoever)

Now where are u fitting in Cozens & Lundell?
Moving them to the wings?

I get that we need a 2C for NOW
But shouldn’t we be acquiring “core” pieces based on how they’ll fit in the long term?

- jdfitz77


Can never have too many Centers. You need 3 scoring lines in today’s NHL.
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:11 PM ET
Good post

It's a hard cap, if you're not penny pinching, you're probably not a GM for long.

If we applied the argument for "its only 1 million" for every ufa/rfa that had a good year, we'd run out of money very quickly.

Its one thing to overpay high end talent. Teams always get in trouble overpaying guys they could/should replace internally.

- Michael Ghofrani


But as far as Girgs & Larsson go,
they aren’t getting big raises bc of the Cap staying the same

Lock them up to a fair multi year deal & we have one of the better “defensive” lines in the league

And when Okposo comes off the books,
It’s a freaking STEAL
jdfitz77
Buffalo Sabres
Location: buffalo, NY
Joined: 05.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:12 PM ET
Can never have too many Centers. You need 3 scoring lines in today’s NHL.
- Pegullaville


You also don’t have unlimited assets to fill in around them either though
IonSabres
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I said that months ago, keep up!, FL
Joined: 03.10.2013

Mar 28 @ 5:13 PM ET
Mynhldraft.com usually does the most accurate mock drafts imo.

I would love Rossi in the royal blue though. If he wasn’t 5’9 he would be a slam dunk to go 2nd overall. He is a solid all around player, he was the oldest player available in this years draft and might even be NHL ready this October (or whenever the 2020-2021 league year starts)

- Pegullaville


Do they though?
It seems to me that they rank players 1 to 31 and no matter the selection order, the pick stays the same. Maybe I'm wrong, but sure seems that way after a number of "spins of the wheel".
Michael Ghofrani
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 01.14.2020

Mar 28 @ 5:15 PM ET
But as far as Girgs & Larsson go,
they aren’t getting big raises bc of the Cap staying the same

Lock them up to a fair multi year deal & we have one of the better “defensive” lines in the league

And when Okposo comes off the books,
It’s a freaking STEAL

- jdfitz77



I honestly don't know what Larsson's market value is so you may very well be right. In the make believe roster im building, i've done a 180 on the scheme/tactics.

I want them playing high event hockey, which means running three scoring lines that can play an uptempo game. not just in terms of speed but quick transition, passing etc.

Unfortunately, that would default the log line to line 4. I dont deny how good they are together, but if im playing a high tempo scheme, I cant be paying 10+ million for a defensive line to play 10 mins a night

In an alternate world where the core players on this team have great low event/defensive upside, Id be more inclined to keep that line. But I just cant find much room for them in my vision for the team.
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 5:16 PM ET
Its ambitious, just dont see the value being there
- Michael Ghofrani


Yea it’s my dream scenario.

I haven’t soured on Mittelstadt as a prospect. I still think he’ll be a good winger at the NHL level.

I just think with Olofsson, Kahun, Skinner we have enough wingers. I’ll move a winger for a Center all day along.
Michael Ghofrani
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 01.14.2020

Mar 28 @ 5:20 PM ET
Yea it’s my dream scenario.

I haven’t soured on Mittelstadt as a prospect. I still think he’ll be a good winger at the NHL level.

I just think with Olofsson, Kahun, Skinner we have enough wingers. I’ll move a winger for a Center all day along.

- Pegullaville


Wouldn't rule that out, but my guess is the kind of trade that brings back high value is something like the nylander/jokiharju trade.

They'd need to find a GM that likes Mittelstadt a little too much and dislikes someone on their squad that they probably shouldn't.
Pegullaville
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Toronto
Joined: 03.16.2011

Mar 28 @ 5:21 PM ET
I honestly don't know what Larsson's market value is so you may very well be right. In the make believe roster im building, i've done a 180 on the scheme/tactics.

I want them playing high event hockey, which means running three scoring lines that can play an uptempo game. not just in terms of speed but quick transition, passing etc.

Unfortunately, that would default the log line to line 4. I dont deny how good they are together, but if im playing a high tempo scheme, I cant be paying 10+ million for a defensive line to play 10 mins a night

In an alternate world where the core players on this team have great low event/defensive upside, Id more inclined to keep that line. But I just cant find much room for them in my vision for the team.

- Michael Ghofrani


I don’t see any scenario in which I wouldn’t bring back one of the best defensive forwards in the entire NHL. Girgs can be replaced, Larsson can too but until we bring in a proven dominant two way forward, Larsson will always have a spot on my roster.

I can’t wait till we let Larsson hit UFA and he signs in Toronto and all of a sudden they are a powerhouse cause they have a bottom 6 worth a poop.
dadeadhead
Buffalo Sabres
Location: I don't want to say Greztky was a dude when I was watching. Mentalorgasm5 , NY
Joined: 07.16.2006

Mar 28 @ 5:22 PM ET
U know the owners?

That would be too bad. Great place

- jdfitz77



I guess at one point the regulars pulled money together and paid the rears.

A bar owner I know was asked to invest in it and that is the issue
Michael Ghofrani
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 01.14.2020

Mar 28 @ 5:22 PM ET
I don’t see any scenario in which I wouldn’t bring back one of the best defensive forwards in the entire NHL. Girgs can be replaced, Larsson can too but until we bring in a proven dominant two way forward, Larsson will always have a spot on my roster.

I can’t wait till we let Larsson hit UFA and he signs in Toronto and all of a sudden they are a powerhouse cause they have a bottom 6 worth a poop.

- Pegullaville


Given what they're already paying up front i cant see that. I dont deny larsson's talent. But you wouldn't get full value from him if he was stuck on your 4th line. Id still make an effort to re-sign, and gamble that the market hasn't caught on to his value. But Im not getting in a bidding war.
kingcong39
Buffalo Sabres
Location: albany, NY
Joined: 02.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:26 PM ET
But as far as Girgs & Larsson go,
they aren’t getting big raises bc of the Cap staying the same

Lock them up to a fair multi year deal & we have one of the better “defensive” lines in the league

And when Okposo comes off the books,
It’s a freaking STEAL

- jdfitz77


On the bolded above, wouldn't a 3 year deal for each of Girgensons and Larsson mean that entire line would be off the books at the same time, in 3 years, when Okposo's deal is done?
kingcong39
Buffalo Sabres
Location: albany, NY
Joined: 02.21.2007

Mar 28 @ 5:27 PM ET
Given what they're already paying up front i cant see that. I dont deny larsson's talent. But you wouldn't get full value from him if he was stuck on your 4th line. Id still make an effort to re-sign, and gamble that the market hasn't caught on to his value. But Im not getting in a bidding war.
- Michael Ghofrani


This is all assuming he doesn't want to just leave the organization on his own and go somewhere else.
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