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That said, I actually agree with management on this one. I think Kulich's best position long-term in the NHL is center. Tage, imho, is not a center but a gifted goal scorer whose best position is on the wing even though he has played center with success in the NHL. In the last few seasons he has looked better on the wing vs at center. Given the likelihood that Norris (and others) will miss time with an injuries during the season there is a high probability that we'll see Norris, Tage, McLeod, Kulich, Östlund, Krebs and Kozak all play center for the Sabres at times this season.

Thats the calm, rational way of looking at things 😁

There is nothing inherently negative about selling naming rights to the stadium and fixing the roof. Its just a case of “don’t bring me flowers you lying sack of *****.”

The OP asks how you would line them up. Not how a dysfunctional group of unqualified coaches and administrators would. Let’s just accept that statement as Gospel from an organization where decision‑making is glacial, accountability is evasive, and each season becomes an epilogue to the last disappointment.

There are probably a few fans like me on this one, who just see him as a decent goalie prospect who was probably taken a 1/2 rd early, and who think that patience is needed.

Now just get Tuch done. I really think so much depends on him showing a commitment.

Cool

Things are going to get so much better when he takes his step.

Friendly reminder, Peterka was also an RFA.

Significantly less than this kid expected him to get. But it makes sense as he has absolutely 0 leverage. Wonder if the 2nd year is a 1 way deal?

Pegula isn't surrounded by real ppl who have any feel for the pulse of the fanbase. They put on these shows and slap themselves on the back "wow we're awesome!" because they live in an echo chamber.

Per Sabres PR

Yeah, I think if things don’t work down the middle, Tage is the obvious solution. I just think the lynchpin argument ignores the fact that Jiri is still the 3rd option for 1C minutes. As it stands right now, Norris is the first option and McLeod the 2nd. If Kulich is on that role things have either gone horribly wrong, or incredibly right.

Why would anyone take that deal? Trading for Kadri would not automatically make the Sabres a playoff team. There are just no such guarantees. In the year that Vegas made their biggest swing of a trade (the Eichel deal), they missed the playoffs. But, that was/is no deterrence to them. Because Vegas does not see such trades as short-term thinking. They traded Nick Suzuki for Max Pacciorety. For a while Pacciorety was good for them, but that’s a bad trade. Nobody would say otherwise. But, so what? If your goal is to win championships, you take swings. If you make a bad deal, then you take another swing. If the Sabres traded Kulich as the centrepiece in a Kadri deal, they would have centre depth of Kadri, and Norris (27) and McLeod (26) and Krebs (24) and Thompson (28) who can play centre, and Östlund and Helenius, and their 1st rd picks going forward. If it doesn’t work out, you take another swing. The Sabres have somehow positioned themselves under Adams, where any such trade is viewed as giving up the future for a shot at the present. It doesn’t have to be that way.

I don't care what the stadium is named. What is total BS is the dog and pony show that is clearly Pegula gaslighting the fanbase into thinking "10 more years in Buffalo" by having a named sponsor with a quickly expiring lease for a building nobody really wants. Maybe I'm wrong. But this seems like a giant nothing burger meant to create vague headlines about "Sabres ink 10 year agreement at KBC". When I. Fact they've done approximately nothing to stabilize the future of this team in Buffalo. (As of late) This to me is the "new roof" pitch to fans but slimier.

I'll leave the political stuff alone. I've met Poloncarz many times. I've never gotten a "holier than thou" energy off him. Ironically, he's an awkward person when it comes to just normal interactions -- he's not a natural retail politician.

I could see Tage moving back to C and Kulich on the wing if he falters. Probably not the same line thougj.

I think you are right and they should start out with them together. I have no issue with it. And, as you say, they don’t have to be “line 1”. However, the stat that shows they were so good on the ice together, is very reminiscent of last year’s Quinn is one of the best 5v5 producers in the league stat, that was used to support he was ready for a breakout. Maybe this time it is true. That Quinn was being compared to McDavid and MacKinnon, was likely evidence that the sample size was far too small to give it any credence.

Well, if the Sabres trade Doan to the Leafs *of course* he's not going to win a cup there. Let's not be ridiculous. And I do get your point, probably half of every SC winner's roster played somewhere else before that. Buffalo isn't unique in that regard. That doesn't make my statement (joke) any less true, he's more likely to win a cup if the Sabres are dealing him to a team looking to make a run than with the Sabres... Because if the Sabres are dealing him they're probably out of the chase anyway.

I have no idea. I’ve kinda given up on predicting bubble teams. Too much randomness in hockey. Utah seems to be much better coached and analytics liked them more than their record. Composition wise both teams look very similar up front after the Peterka trade. The Sabres have a far more talented D corps with the only franchise player on either team, but the Utes have more veterans back there. Also give them the edge in goal, although each is at a level there that seems impossible to predict. Both teams are relying on young players to improve to get into the playoff picture. Ten points difference in the standings is a pretty marginal gap for me. I’d say whichever team gets the better goaltending so probably Utah?

Management has said that Kulich is a center.

He's vindictive and is in bed with the party at large, he is rather hypocritical and overly shares his opinions on Twitter. So just a typical swarmy politician. I've met him twice as well as his Deputy and both give off a degree of "Holier than thou" energy in person. Like its all for show and they actually loathe you for daring to touch his hand. Granted I work in govt and can see some of his and the party's handiwork first hand. Let's just say the party's will is what really runs the County and not what any constituent wants (Just wanted to add the Republicans here are seldom much better)

Poloncarz is a competent, diligent elected official. I don't always agree with his policies, but I respect his work as county exec. As indicated above, I just find him to be a cringey goober. He's got more than a little Michael Scott (of The Office) in him.

The logic for Line 1 is experience while keeping the chemistry from Tage and Tuch. I know others like balance, hence Alex slotted on FL#2. I like prefer they stay together. FL2 is more defensive in nature, but certainly capable of scoring. FL#3 could be potent against other teams bottom six. Again, I know Kulich is slotted at Center for most, but I think he should focus on scoring goals. If he was sheltered slightly (3rd line wing vs Top line Center), I think he can score 30. And finally, the hope is Quinn could outperform against grinders. Based on what we saw from him in Rochester, he should be 25+. Especially against lesser talent.