In time, not just yet maybe another year. They will pay our own players first, Adams doesn't think we need high end big money players to win.
- kingcong39

I took that comment from Gerbe to mean, B I G money guys in FA. There is plenty of evidence to strongly suggest paying big money on UFA's just isn't prudent.
While it is fun to continuously knock all things the Sabres based on 11 years of losing; that comment in that context isn't one of them , IMO of course

I just looked at Broissoit's career stats - he alternates between being great and being terrible every year.

https://www.nhl.com/playe.../laurent-brossoit-8476316
- Slump Buster

So we should get the good year

I’m admittedly bad with those thoughts because I don’t have the needed data.

Let me ask, what are solid #2 centers getting now a days?


What are low end #1 centers getting?

Let’s start in that ballpark.

As for years, something that shows commitment to the player… 6,7,8?
- Gr8daygo

2C's probably $6m - $7m range on 4 year deals...want more years, price goes up.
Kadri is projected at 7 x $8.5m ... but he just had 1C performance...so that is your average 1C range.

Let's compromise at 6 x $7m.

If you do that, are you prepared to pay him that if he regresses to say 20 / 30/ 50?

I took that comment from Gerbe to mean, B I G money guys in FA. There is plenty of evidence to strongly suggest paying big money on UFA's just isn't prudent.
While it is fun to continuously knock all things the Sabres based on 11 years of losing; that comment in that context isn't one of them , IMO of course
- IonSabres

I know some people don't want to hear it but there really isn't a middle ground with this stuff.

Scenario A: Adams stays the course with the kids. He does not bring in high-priced FAs on short-term deals because he wants to leave the slots open for the kids to progress (or not be buried in the minors). We re-sign the kids as they get closer to free agency. If some kids don't work out, fine - there are going to be a gazillion prospects in the pipeline. The room stays intact and in theory we are set up for a decade.

Scenario B: We mix and match the kids with free agents (both short-term and long-term. We start moving assets to get better now. Bringing in vets changes the makeup of the room and allows for fewer opportunities for the kids. Given that we brought in contracts some of the kids would have to go at some point anyway.

As I've noted before the complains about some of the moves were made by people that prefer Scenario B. It's a matter of taste - while we are all sick of the drought I personally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am fine watching the current group (and those on the way) progress but I do get why people prefer the second option.

2C's probably $6m - $7m range on 4 year deals...want more years, price goes up.
Kadri is projected at 7 x $8.5m ... but he just had 1C performance...so that is your average 1C range.

Let's compromise at 6 x $7m.

If you do that, are you prepared to pay him that if he regresses to say 20 / 30/ 50?
- IonSabres

Even if we wanted to (over)pay for a free agent to come in, Skinner's contract is really prohibitive. He has 5 years left and those last 2 or 3 years are really going to hurt us when Dahlin, Power, etc need to be paid.

2C's probably $6m - $7m range on 4 year deals...want more years, price goes up.
Kadri is projected at 7 x $8.5m ... but he just had 1C performance...so that is your average 1C range.

Let's compromise at 6 x $7m.

If you do that, are you prepared to pay him that if he regresses to say 20 / 30/ 50?
- IonSabres

I’m game at 6x$7. … do you think Donnie can keep the Tage train rolling?

I think Donnie can keep things moving and I think talent will be added, like Quinn and JJP. Might be a little bit of growing pains.

With my limited knowledge, im betting on Tage.

I know some people don't want to hear it but there really isn't a middle ground with this stuff.

Scenario A: Adams stays the course with the kids. He does not bring in high-priced FAs on short-term deals because he wants to leave the slots open for the kids to progress (or not be buried in the minors). We re-sign the kids as they get closer to free agency. If some kids don't work out, fine - there are going to be a gazillion prospects in the pipeline. The room stays intact and in theory we are set up for a decade.

Scenario B: We mix and match the kids with free agents (both short-term and long-term. We start moving assets to get better now. Bringing in vets changes the makeup of the room and allows for fewer opportunities for the kids. Given that we brought in contracts some of the kids would have to go at some point anyway.

As I've noted before the complains about some of the moves were made by people that prefer Scenario B. It's a matter of taste - while we are all sick of the drought I personally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am fine watching the current group (and those on the way) progress but I do get why people prefer the second option.
- Slump Buster

My issue with scenario B is at this point, right now which kids do you bank on, which kids do you trade out, and why? What happens when you count on the wrong guys? How confident are you that you selected the right guys...and based on what?

Way too many questions.
Build through the draft, make smart trades, color in the edges with role players through FA. Waiting one more season isn't going to kill anyone.
Lastly, Nowhere did I say No Trades....like trade out a mid draft selection for a decent Goalie for 2 years, absolutely. Same with securing a guy like Hague, or Bear. Trading for Fiala as an example...not yet..one more year.

My issue with scenario B is at this point, right now which kids do you bank on, which kids do you trade out, and why? What happens when you count on the wrong guys? How confident are you that you selected the right guys...and based on what?

Way too many questions.
Build through the draft, make smart trades, color in the edges with role players through FA. Waiting one more season isn't going to kill anyone.
Lastly, Nowhere did I say No Trades....like trade out a mid draft selection for a decent Goalie for 2 years, absolutely. Same with securing a guy like Hague, or Bear. Trading for Fiala as an example...not yet..one more year.
- IonSabres

I don't know that trading for Fiala would have made sense next year either. If you're going to build through the draft then I think you do what teams like Tampa and Colorado have done: pay your own and then strategically add guys when you are ready to contend. While you are building you keep an eye out for hockey moves - the Avs trade for Kadri is a great example of the kind of trade that KA is probably looking for.

I’m game at 6x$7. … do you think Donnie can keep the Tage train rolling?

I think Donnie can keep things moving and I think talent will be added, like Quinn and JJP. Might be a little bit of growing pains.

With my limited knowledge, im betting on Tage.
- Gr8daygo

Good discussion.
If you are willing to bet on a 6x$7m with risk to save say $1.5m in the future, why not wait to more properly evaluate if this blow-up season was an anomaly... there by saving that same $1.5 to bring his Cap hit down to $5m or so? Why the need to jump the gun if there is significant risk in overpaying for 6 years.

Ok. Gotta get moving..things to do, people to see, food to eat, drinks to drink.
Happy 4th

Good discussion.
If you are willing to bet on a 6x$7m with risk to save say $1.5m in the future, why not wait to more properly evaluate if this blow-up season was an anomaly... there by saving that same $1.5 to bring his Cap hit down to $5m or so? Why the need to jump the gun if there is significant risk in overpaying for 6 years.

Ok. Gotta get moving..things to do, people to see, food to eat, drinks to drink.
Happy 4th
- IonSabres

I think the answer to that is easy - the earlier you pay him the more money you could potentially save. If he puts up another monster year then the price goes way up. Right now I think the only real doubt about him is this: is he a true-blue 1C or a 2C? If we roll the dice now and get him on a decent contract and he is a true 1C then we've set ourselves up nicely for the next few years. That's another thing that both Tampa and Colorado did: they got their stars signed to team-friendly deals. Good teams don't give out the contracts that Skinner got.

Is it wrong that I am super intrigued by Brad Lambert at 16? One of the things that the really good teams seem to have are teams that are fast and often big. I know the guy has question marks but he also has ridiculous tools. I am more open to taking risks given the amount of assets we have in the pipeline.

I know some people don't want to hear it but there really isn't a middle ground with this stuff.

Scenario A: Adams stays the course with the kids. He does not bring in high-priced FAs on short-term deals because he wants to leave the slots open for the kids to progress (or not be buried in the minors). We re-sign the kids as they get closer to free agency. If some kids don't work out, fine - there are going to be a gazillion prospects in the pipeline. The room stays intact and in theory we are set up for a decade.

Scenario B: We mix and match the kids with free agents (both short-term and long-term. We start moving assets to get better now. Bringing in vets changes the makeup of the room and allows for fewer opportunities for the kids. Given that we brought in contracts some of the kids would have to go at some point anyway.

As I've noted before the complains about some of the moves were made by people that prefer Scenario B. It's a matter of taste - while we are all sick of the drought I personally see the light at the end of the tunnel and I am fine watching the current group (and those on the way) progress but I do get why people prefer the second option.
- Slump Buster

Adams is clearly doing Scenario A and looking for stop gap players (1-2 years) to allow the proper development, something we have missed for many years. Before the last few years, who is the best player to play for Rochester Americans that came and had a full time role on Sabres (not bottom 3 or bottom pairing)?

I can only get to Pominville and Miller, but I’m sure I am missing some. Development is so huge. UFAs are always overpaid players (unless under $2m per season) and I for one am so glad Adams sees that. I do want some sneaky good UFA signings, especially in goal and hope to get another vet or two via trades.

Imagine if he can get another 1 or 2 second round drafted players like JJ Petrka? Excellent find and proves those 2nd round picks could be worth a bit.

Trading a few picks this year to move up or scoop up a decent goalie is really needed though.

Is it wrong that I am super intrigued by Brad Lambert at 16? One of the things that the really good teams seem to have are teams that are fast and often big. I know the guy has question marks but he also has ridiculous tools. I am more open to taking risks given the amount of assets we have in the pipeline.
- Slump Buster

I think there will be quite a few intriguing names at 16..

Lambert, The russians, Howard, Snugg.

Going to be an interesting Thursday

Is it wrong that I am super intrigued by Brad Lambert at 16? One of the things that the really good teams seem to have are teams that are fast and often big. I know the guy has question marks but he also has ridiculous tools. I am more open to taking risks given the amount of assets we have in the pipeline.
- Slump Buster

I know nothing about propspects in the draft, but to me it is more about upside, players attitude, and fit for your team. The draft is all about taking a guy with upside and giving him the path to reach that. I feel like we are doing that now and I don’t mind them taking a player that is risky, as long as he is not trouble in the locker room or off the ice and takes corrective criticism well. Adams being more involved in pre-NHL hockey is a huge plus. He gets to see first hand how these guys are and another huge advantage of Adams as GM.

Happy 4th

Happy 4th
- gerbe75pts

💥💥💥

I think there will be quite a few intriguing names at 16..

Lambert, The russians, Howard, Snugg.

Going to be an interesting Thursday
- DirtyDan

I also have a feeling that it is going to be bonkers. I can't remember the last time where there was a draft where numerous players have projections that are so all-over-the-place. I would expect that there are going to be some surprises in the top 10 and that will push a surprise down to us at 9.

Is it wrong that I am super intrigued by Brad Lambert at 16? One of the things that the really good teams seem to have are teams that are fast and often big. I know the guy has question marks but he also has ridiculous tools. I am more open to taking risks given the amount of assets we have in the pipeline.
- Slump Buster

No not at all .

He has everything to be a Impactfull player he just needs to work his butt off and a organization with patience with a great environment.

The worst I see him if not developed properly very very poor duchene

No not at all .

He has everything to be a Impactfull player he just needs to work his butt off and a organization with patience with a great environment.

The worst I see him if not developed properly very very poor duchene
- gerbe75pts

Any idea as to the team's interest in him?

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Prep the homemade Bloody Mary mix. Stir together the tomato juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, garlic salt, black pepper, and Tabasco in a large pitcher.

Rim the glasses with a mixture of celery salt and kosher salt. Dip the rim of the glass in a plate of shallow water, then roll the rim a mix of celery salt and kosher salt.

Fill the glass with ice and add 4 ounces of vodka, then top it off with the Bloody Mary mix you prepared.

Garnish with your favorite nibbles
- homiedclown

Kaiser, is that you?

Happy Independence Day, everyone.

Is nemec worth packaging a deal to get?

My issue with scenario B is at this point, right now which kids do you bank on, which kids do you trade out, and why? What happens when you count on the wrong guys? How confident are you that you selected the right guys...and based on what?

Way too many questions.
Build through the draft, make smart trades, color in the edges with role players through FA. Waiting one more season isn't going to kill anyone.
Lastly, Nowhere did I say No Trades....like trade out a mid draft selection for a decent Goalie for 2 years, absolutely. Same with securing a guy like Hague, or Bear. Trading for Fiala as an example...not yet..one more year.
- IonSabres

Exactly my sentiments

No not at all .

He has everything to be a Impactfull player he just needs to work his butt off and a organization with patience with a great environment.

The worst I see him if not developed properly very very poor duchene
- gerbe75pts

I rather gamble on him the yurov

Any idea as to the team's interest in him?
- Slump Buster

Buffalo is interested

Is it wrong that I am super intrigued by Brad Lambert at 16? One of the things that the really good teams seem to have are teams that are fast and often big. I know the guy has question marks but he also has ridiculous tools. I am more open to taking risks given the amount of assets we have in the pipeline.
- Slump Buster

If he figured it all out he’d be one of the most exciting players in the league