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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.

It’s weird how much it transforms the on-paper perception of the lineup. I think the years condition us to look at that spot first when judging a roster.

So by this you mean he’s the guy most likely to make or break the forward corps? I can see this argument: Centre is the most important position and the Sabres weakest. Norris is an unreliable 2nd, McLeod a good three and Krebs just a guy So if Kulich can’t be a reasonable top 6 player, they’re hooped. I don’t agree with it, but I can see the reasoning.

I think he was just re-elected and his term runs through 2028. I don't know about term limits but he helped negotiate the Bills stadium deal which put all over-runs on Pegula instead of split with the county or state (not saying he did this himself but he helped in the process).

He gets elected so the majority does support him. I just saw an WIVB article that says Mark is not in favor of supporting KBC with county tax money in the long term. Take away the county, put all the tax burden on the city, and the arena will suffer.

I wrote in the lineup thread that there is about 50 ways to make this years forward combo since no one, including management, knows where to slot the centers and where to play them. If Kulich draws in with Thompson and plays well, he could be a 50 pt player. If he draws in with Greenway and Quinn, he could end up back in Rochester. I really like Kulich and I think he handles the moment well and produces. I think we’ll see more assists than goals this year in support of guys like Thompson. Something like 21g 27a. If Kulich can handle top 6 minutes successfully, the Sabres offense slots together so much easier and shouldn’t miss a beat 5 on 5.

It’s crazy to expect him to play 1C in a full time role. He is a young player with much promise that still learning his way. His skill gets him minutes at 2C but he will be sheltered at times and McLeod will likely get more minutes.

I'm out of town so not well informed in the local political scene. Is he going to run again for the Co. Ex position? Or is he term limited? Is he considering other offices? Just curious. Just my impression as an outsider that he seems to be a competent executive and can be tough when necessary.

Sure. It's not like I'm a fan. I think he's a cringey goober. But ... oil and slime out of every pore seems a bit much.

Lots of speculation here on SS. It’s the summer after 14 straight disappointing seasons.

Removed it entirely so we don't have to worry about it. Let's just say "Kulich is important to the offense and here's what the numbers look like..." Also it might have gotten buried but I put Kulich at 23g, 20a for the 2025 season.

No, but I am saying a Majority support him.

I think that is at least a very interesting question to think over. As for who will have more points? Probably Utah, they have better GT and better coaching. Which forward group will produce more? I'd give Buffalo the adv. What roles would you say are there for the forwards. How would you categorize Buffalo's?

Your first line with Tage on the middle is very appealing.

I don't understand where you are coming from. At the event, there is an announcement that a local bank will continue with its sponsorship in the naming rights to the arena. It's a standard event involving the business side of the franchise. In today's world of generating income all arenas and stadiums have income generating sponsorships. So why are you so upset with how this particular event was handled? Are you implying that a less vocal majority support Mark?