Agree.
KA has done a pretty good job managing g the cap and not over paying for UFA. I think this year buys us a much better reputation in the market and we attract some decent bottom 6 plus some defense interest.
Realistically, you literally could not pay guys to come here. He played his cards correctly. We have the cap to pay Dahlin, Cozens, get the pieces we need, pay Power, JJ, Quinn eventually
- lulags

A lot of intrigue as to what they'll do in the offseason.

I can see a scenario where they bring back virtually the entire forward roster and make no changes or UFA signings there.

Maybe they add a defenseman, and call it a day.

It's amazing how quickly Seattle turned things around after their expansion draft, which was strange.

We haven't even mentioned Shane Wright yet.
- kingcong39

Yeah they have done a fantastic job there. I am getting more pissed the more I look at it

Cozens 7x6.5
Dahlin 5x9

My guess
- lulags

That is the "we love the Sabres so much we're just gonna leave $$ on the table" scenario. It took Boston a cup win and about a decade of great play before guys were willing to do that.

I can't tell ya how happy I would be if those two contacts were signed.

A lot of intrigue as to what they'll do in the offseason.

I can see a scenario where they bring back virtually the entire forward roster and make no changes or UFA signings there.

Maybe they add a defenseman, and call it a day.
- kingcong39

You know I really thought we would move forward at this TDL and off-season. But starting to agree with your thoughts more and more. Said earlier Decisions would need to be made quicker because of the development of some of the players. But they seem content to wait on that

Where is everyone on the Vic radar?

The fact I've seen him beat both Hellebuyck and Sorokin on "wicked wristas" on nights where both were on their A game... I'm not taking chump change back for this guy.

Points in his favor:
Multiple time 20 goal scorer, with multiple linemates (looks like 30 easily this year)
Top 20 shot in the world
7th round draft pick, which implies his work ethic and attitude must be great to get to where he is
Solid value contract on short term

Points negative:
Streaky as heck (like most goal scorers)
Forgets how to go to the net when in his bad streaks
Low defensive IQ
Even when scoring, does not hit defensemen on the forecheck...is "easy" to play against

You know I really thought we would move forward at this TDL and off-season. But starting to agree with your thoughts more and more. Said earlier Decisions would need to be made quicker because of the development of some of the players. But they seem content to wait on that
- Buff36

The path forward at forward is tricky.

Even if you decide that you really want to improve the forward core this offseason by bolstering both wing positions for Cozens, which would move Peterka and Quinn to the 3rd line with Jost or Krebs centering them, it gets complicated quickly with all the forward prospects they have coming in the next 2 seasons.

Unless they can get a pair of forwards on 1 to 2 year deals via FA or trade.

The upgrade on defense seems like a more clear path.

Where is everyone on the Vic radar?

The fact I've seen him beat both Hellebuyck and Sorokin on "wicked wristas" on nights where both were on their A game... I'm not taking chump change back for this guy.

Points in his favor:
Multiple time 20 goal scorer, with multiple linemates (looks like 30 easily this year)
Top 20 shot in the world
7th round draft pick, which implies his work ethic and attitude must be great to get to where he is
Solid value contract on short term

Points negative:
Streaky as heck (like most goal scorers)
Forgets how to go to the net when in his bad streaks
Low defensive IQ
- lacaprup

What's confusing about him is he clearly works very hard to be in top quality physical shape every offseason, but when he plays, he seems to almost completely avoid any kind of physical contact on ice.

The path forward at forward is tricky.

Even if you decide that you really want to improve the forward core this offseason by bolstering both wing positions for Cozens, which would move Peterka and Quinn to the 3rd line with Jost or Krebs centering them, it gets complicated quickly with all the forward prospects they have coming in the next 2 seasons.

Unless they can get a pair of forwards on 1 to 2 year deals via FA or trade.

The upgrade on defense seems like a more clear path.
- kingcong39

It's time to start using a strength in the organization to help fix a weakness. There's Dman to be had that could help this team. Is Adams willing to do what it takes. He missed a few opportunities already.

What's confusing about him is he clearly works very hard to be in top quality physical shape every offseason, but when he plays, he seems to almost completely avoid any kind of physical contact on ice.
- kingcong39

Peels off as much as any guy in the league

Think that 2nd last year was a huge miss IMO. The Sabres really could have used Luneau or Warren and a few others that where still there. Keep hearing it's not a big deal, we can go out and buy one. Well yeah and Buffalo is gonna have to do that, might have to get 2. But in 2 to 4yrs those young D will be needed because Dahlin and Power making a sh!t ton of money. If you are building a team solely through the Draft, well you gotta draft some D. We have a sh!t ton of Forward Prospects Damn probably won't ever see a 1/4 of them.

It's time to start using a strength in the organization to help fix a weakness. There's Dman to be had that could help this team. Is Adams willing to do what it takes. He missed a few opportunities already.
- Buff36

There are a pair of UFA to be Devils defenseman that would be interesting additions.

Peels off as much as any guy in the league
- lacaprup

It's like he's allergic to contact.

He could play a bunch of games in a non-contact jersey.

It's like he's allergic to contact.

He could play a bunch of games in a non-contact jersey.
- kingcong39

To be fair, so could 20% of the NHL.

Pretty fair assumption UPL?

Think that 2nd last year was a huge miss IMO. The Sabres really could have used Luneau or Warren and a few others that where still there. Keep hearing it's not a big deal, we can go out and buy one. Well yeah and Buffalo is gonna have to do that, might have to get 2. But in 2 to 4yrs those young D will be needed because Dahlin and Power making a sh!t ton of money. If you are building a team solely through the Draft, well you gotta draft some D. We have a sh!t ton of Forward Prospects Damn probably won't ever see a 1/4 of them.
- Buff36

Bro we get it. You did not like the pick.

Bro we get it. You did not like the pick.
- ZiggyBuff

Isn't this a Sabres blog, aren't we supposed to talk about Sabres stuff. Sorry didn't know I was the only one that has brought that up.

Isn't this a Sabres blog, aren't we supposed to talk about Sabres stuff. Sorry didn't know I was the only one that has brought that up.
- Buff36

Right on.

Amerks lost 1-0 last night
Subban in net

Go all in on offense from the defense the rest of this season? Have all lefties in the top 4, as Shayne has been playing the right side? Fun?

Curious what Arizona would want for him in a trade as a pending UFA.

Go all in on offense from the defense the rest of this season? Have all lefties in the top 4, as Shayne has been playing the right side? Fun?

Curious what Arizona would want for him in a trade as a pending UFA.


- kingcong39

Why not, might actually keep the puck out of are zone more. Not like we play much Defense right now

There are a pair of UFA to be Devils defenseman that would be interesting additions.
- kingcong39

Yes there are Severson and Graves I believe

Why not, might actually keep the puck out of are zone more. Not like we play much Defense right now
- Buff36

In the guise of going for it with offense, how about:

https://theathletic.com/4...ource=user-shared-article

Use the 2024 1st plus a prospect, put him on the 2nd line with Cozens for the remainder of the season.

Qualify him at $10M for next season.

If things aren't working out for the team as far as playoffs next season, trade him at the deadline while retaining 50% to recoup some assets.

Even if Meier does work out and he stays with the team through next season and into the playoffs, they can let him become a UFA and sign elsewhere, as by that time, they'll have internal solutions ready to take his place on an ELC, or they can look at other UFA's.

What could go wrong? 😆😂😅

>>> He fits a team that’s in win-now mode, and a team just starting to push into the playoff mix.

Dahlin won't make more then Makar
- SABRES 89

You are right. He’s better than makar and will make more

In the guise of going for it with offense, how about:

https://theathletic.com/4...ource=user-shared-article

Use the 2024 1st plus a prospect, put him on the 2nd line with Cozens for the remainder of the season.

Qualify him at $10M for next season.

If things aren't working out for the team as far as playoffs next season, trade him at the deadline while retaining 50% to recoup some assets.

Even if Meier does work out and he stays with the team through next season and into the playoffs, they can let him become a UFA and sign elsewhere, as by that time, they'll have internal solutions ready to take his place on an ELC, or they can look at other UFA's.

What could go wrong? 😆😂😅

>>> He fits a team that’s in win-now mode, and a team just starting to push into the playoff mix.
- kingcong39

I wouldn't mind it, think he actually would like it here with all the young talent. Talented and doesn't mind using his body to get what he wants.

Where is everyone on the Vic radar?

The fact I've seen him beat both Hellebuyck and Sorokin on "wicked wristas" on nights where both were on their A game... I'm not taking chump change back for this guy.

Points in his favor:
Multiple time 20 goal scorer, with multiple linemates (looks like 30 easily this year)
Top 20 shot in the world
7th round draft pick, which implies his work ethic and attitude must be great to get to where he is
Solid value contract on short term

Points negative:
Streaky as heck (like most goal scorers)
Forgets how to go to the net when in his bad streaks
Low defensive IQ
Even when scoring, does not hit defensemen on the forecheck...is "easy" to play against
- lacaprup

Olofsson is slotted perfectly on the 3rd line and 2nd PP unit.

Keep him

On a good team. This is how they would also use him