So Hoffman + Borgen > Risto or Monty? For defensive ability?

Doubt it. I'd much rather just not Hoffman, because the team doesn't need him, as opposed to like, an actual better dman. And that's a trade.
- TheSabresTaco

We have seen what this team looks like with Risto and Monty

I think you missed the part where I said I just want to be entertained and see a high flying offense

We aren't even sure this team is a playoff team (some say yes some say no)

This isn't anywhere near a contending team, so why not have a short 48 game season where we can watch some entertaining games?

My expectations for this year are extremely low. My hopes are this:

Cozens looks good and belongs and transitions from playing the wing to center
Dahlin takes a big leap to looking like the player we hoped for drafting 1st overall
Eichel and Hall light it up and Hall decides to stay a bit longer
Skinner bounces back


Even those 4 things might be a stretch.

This roster has major holes everywhere, signing Hoffman to a 1 year deal isn't going to change the franchise, but it will at least give us some entertaining games to watch.

Trickle up poverty is worse.
- SoCalPucks

We're talking hockey today, although I'd like you to have the last word by listing the times " trickle-up," if there is such a thing, was a fiscal policy in the U.S. since the end of WWII.

We have seen what this team looks like with Risto and Monty

I think you missed the part where I said I just want to be entertained and see a high flying offense

We aren't even sure this team is a playoff team (some say yes some say no)

This isn't anywhere near a contending team, so why not have a short 48 game season where we can watch some entertaining games?

My expectations for this year are extremely low. My hopes are this:

Cozens looks good and belongs and transitions from playing the wing to center
Dahlin takes a big leap to looking like the player we hoped for drafting 1st overall
Eichel and Hall light it up and Hall decides to stay a bit longer
Skinner bounces back


Even those 4 things might be a stretch.

This roster has major holes everywhere, signing Hoffman to a 1 year deal isn't going to change the franchise, but it will at least give us some entertaining games to watch.
- Stripes77

you're not wrong here.

We're talking hockey today, although I'd like you to have the last word by listing the times " trickle-up," if there is such a thing, was a fiscal policy in the U.S. since the end of WWII.
- Michael Pachla

nEvEr HeArD TeRm MeAnS CaN'T Be ReAl.

We have seen what this team looks like with Risto and Monty

I think you missed the part where I said I just want to be entertained and see a high flying offense

We aren't even sure this team is a playoff team (some say yes some say no)

This isn't anywhere near a contending team, so why not have a short 48 game season where we can watch some entertaining games?

My expectations for this year are extremely low. My hopes are this:

Cozens looks good and belongs and transitions from playing the wing to center
Dahlin takes a big leap to looking like the player we hoped for drafting 1st overall
Eichel and Hall light it up and Hall decides to stay a bit longer
Skinner bounces back


Even those 4 things might be a stretch.

This roster has major holes everywhere, signing Hoffman to a 1 year deal isn't going to change the franchise, but it will at least give us some entertaining games to watch.
- Stripes77

All comes down to what cockamamie divisional format the NHL trots out and how many (if any) wildcard spots there are. If it's the top-4 format with us in the metro and no WC we're done.

Should I add an IMO?

you're not wrong here.
- TheSabresTaco

That is really all I am looking for this season

There are many holes on the team, but the top 6 should be very very good

The Hall signing is the only reason I am consider re-upping my NHL ticket

All comes down to what cockamamie divisional format the NHL trots out and how many (if any) wildcard spots there are. If it's the top-4 format with us in the metro we're done.
- jcragcrumple

I want to see what the new divisions look like, but regardless some of the teams they could be playing most often (Tampa, Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philly, Carolina, Columbus) makes it even more difficult

That is really all I am looking for this season

There are many holes on the team, but the top 6 should be very very good

The Hall signing is the only reason I am consider re-upping my NHL ticket
- Stripes77

Hall Jack Reinhart should be one of the best top lines in the league

Skinner Staal Olofsson rounds out the top six rather nicely.

Although that top-6 is not on par with TO or Tampa, they're not too far off

Hall Jack Reinhart should be one of the best top lines in the league

Skinner Staal Olofsson rounds out the top six rather nicely.

Although that top-6 is not on par with TO or Tampa, they're not too far off
- Michael Pachla

The problem is there is a huge drop off after, and I don't like Olofsson in the top 6 personally

Use him on the PP and let him score from his spot, but his shot alone doesn't make him a top 6 NHLer

3rd line minutes with top pp minutes is an ideal fit for him IMO

All comes down to what cockamamie divisional format the NHL trots out and how many (if any) wildcard spots there are. If it's the top-4 format with us in the metro and no WC we're done.

Should I add an IMO?
- jcragcrumple

I doubt the Canadian division happens. It's more likely they make Canadian teams find alternate places to play in the US, just like the NBA, MLB, and MLS did, even considering the fact the NHL has more Canadian teams.

We have seen what this team looks like with Risto and Monty

I think you missed the part where I said I just want to be entertained and see a high flying offense

We aren't even sure this team is a playoff team (some say yes some say no)

This isn't anywhere near a contending team, so why not have a short 48 game season where we can watch some entertaining games?

My expectations for this year are extremely low. My hopes are this:

Cozens looks good and belongs and transitions from playing the wing to center
Dahlin takes a big leap to looking like the player we hoped for drafting 1st overall
Eichel and Hall light it up and Hall decides to stay a bit longer
Skinner bounces back


Even those 4 things might be a stretch.

This roster has major holes everywhere, signing Hoffman to a 1 year deal isn't going to change the franchise, but it will at least give us some entertaining games to watch.
- Stripes77

As currently constructed, I just can't see the Sabres competing for the PO's of 16 teams, within the realigned Division.

Out of 8 teams, they will need to have improved significantly just to finish 6th IMO.

I do agree with you hope's however. I'd add that I would like to see Routsolainen stick with the club and be productive.

That is really all I am looking for this season

There are many holes on the team, but the top 6 should be very very good

The Hall signing is the only reason I am consider re-upping my NHL ticket
- Stripes77

Stream instead, save $$$

I doubt the Canadian division happens. It's more likely they make Canadian teams find alternate places to play in the US, just like the NBA, MLB, and MLS did, even considering the fact the NHL has more Canadian teams.
- buffalofan19

A friggin hope you're right

I want to see what the new divisions look like, but regardless some of the teams they could be playing most often (Tampa, Washington, Boston, Pittsburgh, Philly, Carolina, Columbus) makes it even more difficult
- Stripes77

Speculation has the Division consisting of
Boston
Washington
NY Isles
NY Rags
Philly
Pittsburgh
NJ
Sabres

That is going to be tough sledding.
Tankathon is real,...One . More. Time!

Speculation has the Division consisting of
Boston
Washington
NY Isles
NY Rags
Philly
Pittsburgh
NJ
Sabres

That is going to be tough sledding.
Tankathon is real,...One . More. Time!
- IonSabres

What does the 2021 top of the draft look like?

The bills hyping up the white face mask is kind of weird.


I was hoping the 90s bills jerseys would be used or make a comeback for a game or 2.

Hall Jack Reinhart should be one of the best top lines in the league

Skinner Staal Olofsson rounds out the top six rather nicely.

Although that top-6 is not on par with TO or Tampa, they're not too far off
- Michael Pachla

I could see Ralphie-boy spreading out the scoring more,

Hall - Jack - ? (Olofsson/Tage/Routs/Girgs/Okposo)
Skinner - Staal - Cozens
Olofsson/Routs/Tage - Eakin - Sam
Girgs - Lazar - Okposso

The bills hyping up the white face mask is kind of weird.


I was hoping the 90s bills jerseys would be used or make a comeback for a game or 2.
- Sabretooth9

There is a pretty big contingent of fans on social media that have been calling for it. It's bizarre, but they're pretty much just answering the fans.

Last Thanksgiving, a lot of people got excited when they switched to white facemasks in Dallas.

don't be shocked if skinner is moved to rw
and if quinn makes the team



hall-eichel-skinner
olofsson-cozens-reinhart
tage-staal-quinn
girgens-eakin-okposo
rieder

I doubt the Canadian division happens. It's more likely they make Canadian teams find alternate places to play in the US, just like the NBA, MLB, and MLS did, even considering the fact the NHL has more Canadian teams.
- buffalofan19

Will be interesting to see. I doubt the Players want 7 teams (150 players) to move their residence for 6 months, and I assume they would have to vote yes to do it.
Stranger things have happened though.

What does the 2021 top of the draft look like?
- Stripes77

Loaded with Dmen in the top 10.
Owen Powers...6'5" 220 LhD with very good D abilities and good puck moving skills.
Not a banner year though from early reports

don't be shocked if skinner is moved to rw
and if quinn makes the team



hall-eichel-skinner
olofsson-cozens-reinhart
tage-staal-quinn
girgens-eakin-okposo
rieder
- homiedclown

Too late.
I am shocked.

Will be interesting to see. I doubt the Players want 7 teams (150 players) to move their residence for 6 months, and I assume they would have to vote yes to do it.
Stranger things have happened though.
- IonSabres

It would be an enormous cost to house all those players. Maybe Terry can get them a group rate at the Harborcenter Marriott

don't be shocked if skinner is moved to rw
and if quinn makes the team



hall-eichel-skinner
olofsson-cozens-reinhart
tage-staal-quinn
girgens-eakin-okposo
rieder
- homiedclown

No offense to you, but I would indeed be shocked to see that lineup.
I could see them having Cozens playing 3C, but that 3rd line would need vets to play with him.
And Tage doesn't excite me in the least, but I suspect they'll give him a shot before Routs

What does the 2021 top of the draft look like?
- Stripes77

Will be dominated by d-men.