Ruff Around The Edges

I am getting more and more of a feeling that the Sabres, in order to get the return they are looking for in trading Jack Eichel, are going to trade him in conference. My gut tells me that team will be Philadelphia.

Thinking about more I think its more and more unlikely Anaheim gives up Zegras and probably stands pat, and takes Dylan Guenther 3OU and has their next Getzlaf/Perry pairing for the next decade plus.

Some Sabres fans may not want to hear this, but if Zegras and 3OV is the offer and the best offer for Eichel, I take it.

If you think one network lies more than the other, then they got you just where they want you.

A great listen and I could not agree with Scouch more on his take on Power and Beniers! Lets keep fingers crossed that Adams and Karmanos agree.

I can see this being the year that Dahlin arrives more on the offensive side. To project it: 10G 45A type season perhaps? Not sure if that is shooting too high for next year but we have to remember that Dahlin post Krueger and no Eichel was really showing some strides on that side of the ice.

Being formerly born and raised in the NYC area I remember how much of a hellhole NYC was in the early 80's, it got much better but when being back recently it feels like the City is declining. I hope NYC can get back to what makes it great. Just imagine what Dreger would say of Eichel was a member of a team in Canada.

Glad that Adams went through the process. I am sure as he went through this, it solidified in his mind that Granato was the right choice and I am sure they feel more confident in this decision. Congrats to Granato!

Arizona also has a team with a mediocre talent level as well.

I really think its going to be Tocchet.

If there is a lot to the Sam Reinhart to Columbus rumors, the route I would like to see the Sabres go is acquire Elvis Merzilikins and make UPL the backup.

Elvis Merzlikins, Oliver Bjorkstrand (5.4M AAV for 5 more years, very manageable deal), #5O pick in 2021 from Columbus as the base for a trade for Jack Eichel? (Could obviously add more if need be) but maybe a starting point that can work?

I think this is a very good trade for the Sabres given the circumstances. Zegras and draft Dylan Guenther 3rd Overall who has a great shot and can be an elite sniper (Not like they think Quinn can be) would be an amazing combination for years to come.

I would rather get Zegras and the 2022 1st from Anaheim: If Eichel has a setback with the neck, the Ducks could be high in the lottery again, and the 2022 Draft is great at the top.

I agree. At the end of the day,. I would love to see Jack 100 percent healthy, re-energized and play his entire career in Buffalo. I don't care how the FO spins it, they just better know they better nail this trade otherwise they risk losing even more of the great Buffalo fans they have for good.

Alll depends on the returns for Sam and Jack and the development of Cozens, Dahlin and others.

In part yes, what will change the perception is: If the sabres deal Jack for 3 good pieces and the Sabres draft well and those pieces that come back really succeed: and if Jack goes to his new team and they have marginal success, then the shade thrown on jack will increase. And that will take years to assess.

When Jack Eichel is traded, we will see a lot of Sabres fans look to slander Eichel. I for one will not be one to do that. Bottom line: Even if Jack is pissed at KA about the neck surgery and the Sabres were a playoff team this year and were a relatively successful franchise since Eichel arrived in 2015: None of these threads exist. Jack wanting out IMO has almost everything to go with the break-taking incompetence of this franchise starting with the Pegulas all the way down. Throwing shade on Jack won't change that.

Id move Sam and Jack at this point. Sam had a 20% Shooting percentage this year, his value won't be higher. As far as Jack goes, it cant get any worse, so why not get 3 legit pieces with the #1 pick coming in and try something different. Bring it on.

I really think expecting to get Byfield in an Eichel trade plus more is a pipe dream. Eichel + 10M + injury history does drive down his value a bit. Cap hits are king in the NHL these days. Turcotte and more IMO is a more realistic return.

It all depends what the Sabres are doing with Eichel and Reinhart. If they deal both, I keep #1 overall and pick BPA. If they keep Jack and Sam, very open to a tradedown and pickup more picks or an asset you can use for the now.

The biggest key here to me is: If the Sabres have any doubts that Eichel is not all in for the long haul here in Buffalo: That decision needs to be made BEFORE his NMC kicks in. The absence of a NMC IMO helps negate some of the loss return that might happen given Eichel's injury history, especially now with the neck, and the 10M AAV over 5 years. Cap numbers drive more of a player's value then most realize these days. Just to be upfront: There is no real way the Sabres can replace Eichel. We may not see a player of this talent level in Buffalo in our lifetime again. I almost can't believe this is a real possibility, but here we are. Thanks Pegula's for your massive incompetence throughout this. How they screwed this up so badly honestly takes my breath away. Two trade partners: 1. LA Kings: Many reasons: 1. An almost embarrassment of riches in the system. 2. These pieces are not expensive against the cap and 3. The Sabres would not have to take back a lot of salary back from LA to make this work. Ideal package would involve Turcotte, no questions asked, to be a possible 1C for the long haul. Ideal Return: (other parts might have to move but here is the meat of what I'm looking for): C Alex Turcotte, D Tobias Bjornfoot, and W Samuel Fagano. 3 pieces. One #1 Center, One Top 6 winger, and another possible top pairing defenseman that won't wow you, but will be a very good, steady overall defenseman for years to come in Bjornfoot. 2. Anaheim: The team that plays in the shadow of LA, perhaps the Ducks would consider this to sell tickets and make a splash. The Ducks aren't as rich in prospects like the Kings, and the Ducks generally build their roster slower, draft well and take their time and arent into the big splash like the Kings, but there are some intriguing options. Ideal Return: C Trevor Zegras, F Benoit-Olivier Groulx, 2022 ANH 1st round pick: Zegras is a big time prospect and would be ready to step in right now and will be a #1 center for years to come. Olivier Groulx is an excellent defensive forward that has an offensive game and would be a solid Top 6 guy. 2022 1st for Anaheim could be a huge return if the lottery gods are finally good to us. NOTE: Might have to take back some salary in this deal to work, possibly a Hampus Lindholm at $5.2M AAV.

Sadly I agree. I almost feel Buffalo is better off folding and coming back as an expansion team. Zero albatross contracts. A clean slate. And new ownership. Win Win and Win.