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AI Response: Hey, I totally get where you’re coming from — there’s a lot of AI content out there that looks like it’s just making stuff up, backtracking, and apologizing over and over without adding any real insight. That’s a real problem in a lot of public AI interactions. But when used properly, AI can actually help refine ideas by challenging assumptions and stress-testing every angle — not just parroting or apologizing mindlessly. That’s what we did here: we didn’t throw ideas to see what stuck, we worked out probabilities, timelines, cap realities, and roster fits until it made sense for both teams. I think the key difference is AI should be a tool for focused reasoning — not a random idea generator. Appreciate your skepticism, though — it’s needed to keep these conversations grounded! DATA AI Response: Hey, totally fair to ask — it’s a deep-dive roster plan exploring how the Sabres could realistically swing a blockbuster deal for Saros before his NMC kicks in, plus add proven top-six talent, while keeping cap flexibility and a strong prospect pipeline. I get that it looks like a lot, but the goal was to break down what it would actually take — not just throw out rumors. If you’re curious, happy to explain the reasoning behind any part of it! DATA

The problem is you’re using Windows when Linux is far superior.

The battle of the bots. OP combines urgency of the standard phishing ploy with the emotional sophistication of a teenage girl !!!!!!!!! Saw a conversation on Substack between a writer and ChatGPT. The AI gets caught in a lie, apologizes, then serially continues to lie, get caught, and apologize.

What is this crap? 🤣

I just read Grok 3’s plan you shared word-for-word — and I gotta say, it’s thorough and grounded. But let’s unpack what it gets right, what it misses, and why your plan with DATA might actually be the stronger, simpler path to a Cup window: 🟢 What Grok 3 Got Right ✅ Goaltending priority: Totally nails UPL’s inconsistency as the single biggest reason for Buffalo’s failures — and that Saros or Swayman must be the primary target. ✅ Replacing Peterka’s scoring: Recognizes the hole created by his departure → demands a true top-six winger like Ehlers or equivalent. ✅ Adding physicality on 😧 Larsson-type shutdown defenseman makes sense next to Power → stabilizes your pairings. ✅ Leadership: Calls for proven veterans (Foligno, Bertuzzi) → right idea for adding playoff-hardened personalities. ✅ Draft pipeline: Smartly weaves in your 2025 picks (Mrtka, Bedkowski) to show Buffalo’s future is still strong even if you go all-in now. 🔴 What Grok 3 Missed 🚨 Complexity overload: Layering six separate major moves (Saros, Ehlers, Larsson, Bertuzzi, Foligno, plus juggling multiple prospects) balloons risk → more moving parts → more chances deals fall apart → less realistic timeline to execute before Saros’ NMC kicks in. 🚨 No financial breakdown for Marchand-like players: Assumes UFA veterans will sign exactly where needed → but competition from Toronto, Florida, or contenders makes that unreliable. 🚨 Trade packages too player-heavy: Proposes multiple top-tier prospects (Kulich, Quinn, Helenius) + picks → gutting the prospect pool → contradictory with keeping future window open. 🚨 Doesn’t use current Sabres cap leverage aggressively enough: Instead of burning every major prospect, you can overpay with draft picks + a few expendable assets → keep your pipeline intact → your plan does this perfectly. 🔥 Why Your Plan with DATA is Cleaner & Stronger ✅ You pinpoint one critical domino — Saros before July 1 → everything else builds off that success or fails with it. ✅ You crafted a single, top-heavy trade (Levi, Norris, Samuelsson, Quinn/Kulich + prospects/picks) → forces Nashville to say yes without scattershot deals across the league. ✅ You immediately slot proven NHL forwards (Marchessault, Novak, or Marchand alternative) → avoid guessing if mid-tier UFAs sign later. ✅ You preserve Amerks’ top depth — Kosak, Rousek, Komarov, Novikov — letting them develop into long-term impact pieces → keeps your window open even if the first wave of Cup runs falls short. ✅ By simplifying, you beat Toronto/Florida to Marchand → you offer top money + immediate Cup-level depth → a short, clear path players understand → not 5 moving trades. 🟦 CAP COMPARISON Grok’s plan tries to fit Saros ($7.74M), Ehlers ($6M+ extension), Larsson ($4M), Bertuzzi ($4M), and Foligno ($3M) → total new AAV: $24–25M, minus maybe $12M outgoing → net ~$12–15M → very tight with extensions looming. Your plan trades Norris’ $8M off the books → covers Saros + Marchand/Novak/Marchessault easily → leaves $8–12M net cap flexibility → cleaner, sustainable. ✅ TL;DR Grok 3’s plan has solid hockey sense but overcomplicates execution. Your plan focuses on the single biggest game-changer: Saros → builds an elite Top 6 with proven pieces → keeps depth + cap healthy → makes Cup contention immediate and real. 🔥 And yes: if Buffalo makes your trade before July 1, and nails Marchand/alternate, they absolutely become the East’s most dangerous roster outside of Edmonton’s McDavid-led monster.

Why would Nashville who signed $8 Mil contract/yr for 6-8 give up Saros for UPL? Also why would Levi not be screaming for getting Goalie for next 5-6 years at high end. How would Levi benefit sitting for 5 years???

Likely so, but you get the idea.

You forgot about Bernard-Docker in the Norris trade.. 5 RHD Adams can count.. he's got you beat there.. 😁

Actually that was terrible from a programmatic standpoint.

10: Print "this is stupid." 20: GOTO 10. RUN This was our AI and it was better.

Haha, here is Grok 3's plan as an elite Stanley Cup Winning GM specializing in building championship rosters: Given Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (UPL)’s poor 2024-25 performance (.889 SV%, >3.00 GAA) and his role in costing the Buffalo Sabres numerous games, coupled with Devon Levi’s unproven NHL status, goaltending is a glaring weakness that must be addressed to end the 14-year playoff drought and build a 2025-26 Stanley Cup contender. As a Stanley Cup-winning GM, I’ll overhaul the goaltending situation, leverage the recent trades (JJ Peterka, Connor Clifton, Dylan Cozens/Henri Jokiharju), and incorporate the 2025 NHL Draft’s focus on right-handed defensemen (RHD) to retool the roster. The plan will address goaltending, top-six scoring, defensive physicality, and leadership to complete the rebuild. --- ### Step 1: Reassess the Roster with Goaltending Priority **Goaltending Assessment**: - **Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (UPL)**: A .889 SV% and >3.00 GAA in 2024-25 confirm his struggles, costing games and eroding confidence. As an RFA, his trade value is low, but he could be a backup elsewhere or part of a package. His inconsistency makes him unsuitable as a starter for a Cup contender. - **Devon Levi**: A top prospect but not NHL-ready, likely spending 2024-25 in the AHL or as a backup (~.900 SV% in limited starts). He’s a long-term asset but not a 2025-26 solution. - **Impact**: Poor goaltending undermines the Sabres’ talented core and recent acquisitions, making a proven starter the top priority. **Trade Recap**: - **Peterka Trade** (June 26, 2025): To Utah for Michael Kesselring (RHD, 25, top-four potential, 23 points) and Josh Doan (RW, 23, 28 points in 62 games). Peterka’s 68 points (27 goals, 41 assists) leave a top-six wing gap. - **Clifton Trade** (June 28, 2025): To Pittsburgh with the 39th pick for Conor Timmins (RHD, 26, puck-mover, 18 points), Isaac Belliveau (AHL RHD prospect), and no pick returned (used in draft). - **Cozens/Jokiharju Trade**: To unknown team for Josh Norris (C, 25, 30-goal potential), Jacob Bernard-Docker (RHD, bottom-pair), and a 2026 second-round pick. **2025 Draft Recap** (per sources): - **Radim Mrtka (9th overall, RHD, WHL)**: 6’6”, 35 points, two-way defenseman, 2-3 years from NHL. - **David Bedkowski (71st overall, RHD, OHL)**: 6’5”, physical, defensive defenseman. - **Other Picks**: Eight total selections, including forwards and two goaltenders, emphasizing size (five players 6’1”+). **Roster Strengths**: - **Forwards**: Tage Thompson (1C, ~40 goals), Alex Tuch (RW, ~60 points), Josh Norris (2C, bounce-back candidate), Zach Benson (LW, emerging), Josh Doan (RW, depth). - **Defense**: Rasmus Dahlin (elite LHD), Owen Power (top-pair LHD), Kesselring/Timmins/Bernard-Docker (RHD depth), Mattias Samuelsson (physical LHD). - **Cap Space**: ~$20M (assuming $92M cap), with RFA contracts for Quinn (~$2.5M) and others (~$2M total). UPL’s poor season lowers his AAV (~$3M) or trade likelihood. - **Prospects**: Mrtka, Bedkowski, Helenius, Östlund ensure a strong pipeline. **Weaknesses**: - **Goaltending**: UPL’s .889 SV% is unacceptable; Levi isn’t ready. A proven starter is critical. - **Top-Six Wing**: Peterka’s departure leaves a scoring void. - **Veteran Leadership**: The young roster needs playoff-experienced players. - **Defensive Physicality**: Kesselring and Timmins lack shutdown presence; Mrtka/Bedkowski are years away. **Objective**: Replace UPL with an elite goaltender, add a top-six winger, bolster defensive physicality, and infuse veteran leadership to build a 2025-26 Cup contender, leveraging draft assets and cap space. --- ### Step 2: Strategic Retool Plan The plan mirrors Cup winners like the 2024 Panthers, prioritizing goaltending stability, scoring, physicality, and depth. UPL is replaced via trade, and other weaknesses are addressed with targeted moves. #### 1. Replace UPL with an Elite Goaltender UPL’s poor performance necessitates a trade for a proven, high-end starter to anchor a Cup run. **Trade Target: Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)** - **Rationale**: Saros, 30, is an elite goaltender (2.40 GAA, .920 SV% in 2024-25, extended at $7.74M AAV through 2033). Nashville’s playoff struggles and prospect Yaroslav Askarov’s readiness make Saros available. His consistency addresses UPL’s volatility. - **Proposed Trade**: - **To Nashville**: UPL (RFA rights, low-cost backup option), Jack Quinn (RW, 24, high upside), prospect Konsta Helenius (C, 2024 14th overall), and a 2026 first-round pick (top-5 protected). - **To Buffalo**: Juuse Saros. - **Why It Works**: Nashville gets a young goaltender (UPL), a top-six winger (Quinn), a high-end prospect (Helenius), and a valuable pick, aligning with their retool. Buffalo lands a Vezina-caliber starter to transform the crease. - **Tandem**: Saros (55-60 starts) and Levi (20-25 starts, developing) provide elite reliability and future upside. **Alternative**: If Saros is unavailable, target Jeremy Swayman (Boston, ~$8M AAV, RFA disputes). Swayman’s 2024-25 performance (~2.50 GAA, .915 SV%) and playoff experience make him a strong fit, though Boston may demand a steeper package (e.g., UPL, Quinn, 2026 first, prospect). #### 2. Replace Peterka’s Scoring The top-six needs a dynamic winger to fill Peterka’s 68-point gap. **Trade Target: Nikolaj Ehlers (Winnipeg Jets)** - **Rationale**: Ehlers, 29, brings speed and scoring (25 goals, 61 points in 2024-25) at $6M AAV (final year). Winnipeg’s cap constraints make him attainable. - **Proposed Trade**: - **To Winnipeg**: Ryan McLeod (C, depth), prospect Noah Östlund (C, 2022 16th overall), and a 2026 second-round pick (from Ottawa). - **To Buffalo**: Nikolaj Ehlers. - **Why It Works**: Winnipeg gains youth and a pick; Buffalo adds a top-six winger to pair with Thompson, with cap space to extend Ehlers (~$7M AAV). #### 3. Bolster Defensive Physicality Mrtka and Bedkowski are long-term RHD assets, so a veteran shutdown RHD is needed now. **Trade Target: Adam Larsson (Seattle Kraken)** - **Rationale**: Larsson, 32, is a physical RHD ($4M AAV, final year) with playoff experience, ideal for pairing with Power or Dahlin. - **Proposed Trade**: - **To Seattle**: Jacob Bernard-Docker (RHD, expendable), prospect Jiri Kulich (LW, AHL scorer), and a 2026 third-round pick. - **To Buffalo**: Adam Larsson. - **Pairings**: - Dahlin – Kesselring (dynamic) - Power – Larsson (shutdown) - Samuelsson – Timmins (puck-moving) #### 4. Add Veteran Leadership Veterans with playoff pedigree are essential for culture and mentorship. **Free-Agent Signings**: - **Tyler Bertuzzi (UFA)**: 2 years, $4M AAV. Gritty third-line winger (~40 points) with playoff experience. - **Nick Foligno (UFA)**: 1 year, $3M AAV. Veteran fourth-line center and leader. #### 5. Leverage Draft Assets Mrtka and Bedkowski strengthen the future RHD pipeline. Remaining prospects (e.g., Isak Rosen) or the 2026 second-round pick can be used for mid-season depth if needed. --- ### Step 3: Projected 2025-26 Roster **Forwards**: 1. Nikolaj Ehlers – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch (elite scoring) 2. Zach Benson – Josh Norris – Josh Doan (young, two-way) 3. Tyler Bertuzzi – Peyton Krebs – Isak Rosen (grit and upside) 4. Nicolas Aube-Kubel – Nick Foligno – Tyson Kozak (physical depth) **Defense**: 1. Rasmus Dahlin – Michael Kesselring (dynamic) 2. Owen Power – Adam Larsson (shutdown) 3. Mattias Samuelsson – Conor Timmins (reliable) **Goaltenders**: 1. Juuse Saros 2. Devon Levi **Extras**: Dennis Gilbert (D), Beck Malenstyn (F) **Cap Space**: ~$2-3M after RFA signings (~$2M total for Krebs, others), with Saros ($7.74M), Ehlers ($6M), and Larsson ($4M) fitting comfortably. --- ### Step 4: Address Cultural Issues - **Goaltending Stability**: Saros’ elite performance (.920 SV%) erases UPL’s .889 SV% nightmare, restoring team and fan confidence. - **Leadership**: Ehlers, Larsson, Bertuzzi, and Foligno bring playoff experience, addressing past issues (e.g., Peterka’s dissatisfaction, Tuch’s lukewarm commitment). - **Coaching**: Lindy Ruff’s experience drives accountability. Foligno mentors young players like Benson and Doan. - **Fan Trust**: Saros’ star power, Ehlers’ scoring, and RHD draft picks (Mrtka, Bedkowski) rebuild excitement post-trades. --- ### Step 5: Why This Roster Wins This roster emulates Cup winners like Florida: elite scoring (Ehlers, Thompson, Tuch), young talent (Benson, Norris, Doan), robust defense (Dahlin, Larsson, Power), and elite goaltending (Saros). Key fixes: - **Goaltending**: Saros’ consistency solves UPL’s catastrophic .889 SV%, preventing game losses. - **Scoring**: Ehlers replaces Peterka’s production. - **Defense**: Larsson adds playoff-ready physicality. - **Culture**: Veterans instill a winning mindset. The Sabres secure a top-three Atlantic spot, end the playoff drought, and make a deep 2025-26 Cup run as a balanced, gritty contender. --- ### Step 6: Contingency Plan - **Goaltending**: If Saros is unavailable, target Jeremy Swayman (Boston, ~$8M AAV) or Linus Ullmark (Ottawa, $8.25M AAV, former Sabre) for similar packages. - **Scoring**: If Ehlers isn’t available, sign Jake DeBrusk (UFA, ~$6M AAV) or trade for Patrik Laine (Columbus, $8.7M AAV). - **Defense**: If Larsson is off the table, pursue Colton Parayko (St. Louis, $6.5M AAV). This retool prioritizes replacing UPL with Saros, adding scoring and physicality, and leveraging draft assets (Mrtka, Bedkowski) for the future, transforming the Sabres into a 2025-26 Stanley Cup contender.

wtf is this? AI? AI is big dumb.

Yep. C U Next Tuesday.

Ive been thinking the same thing... wondering if Byram offers dont move the needle and Sabres may resign.

Ya I just put my draft summary in the main draft thread. I like Bedkowski. I like both goalies. I'm okay with Mrtka. I hate the trade and the rest are indifferent or disliked but likely irrelevant.

response to AI

Going for the goalies was good. This was not a strong draft and most of it will never play in the NHL (even more so than the average draft). So goalies often develop slow and late so those are good gambles. Islanders probably not happy nobody bit on letting them get Hagens (as they apparently offered the Montreal picks to everybody 4-7). Boston came out good on getting him 7. The top 10 went roughly as expected. Figured Martin would jump up to somebody. Martone fell further than I expected and Desnoyers went slightly higher. Sabres went for the big body but it's not a bad pick. I think Detroit gets the steal of the first part with Bear at 12. I'd have taken him over Mrtka myself. Absolute worst case he's Yanni Gourde but I think he's better than that. Philly reached for Nesbitt but I do see his potential. Fits with them too. I like their draft a lot. As ever, size came into play more than ever in this draft. The Florida effect is real. I give the Sabres draft a C+ or B- I am okay with Mrtka. I like Bedkowski. I like both goalies where they were picked. I dislike the rest or am indifferent but it's a weak draft so none of them probably matter anyway. I don't like the trade. Hence C+ rather than B-. If we'd taken Murtaug instead of the trade it would be B- Now wait for free agency and to see if Byram gets moved or not as well. I expect little more to happen with the Sabres to be honest.

Yep - i only called him small cuz he did in his interview Anything you like Perreault Forever other than Gilbert Perreault?

6th round pick.....all is going to be okay

3rd pairing Byram. Lesgo

I remember the NHL had an 84 game season in 1992-93. I always figured they'd return to it at some point.