tom webster

I feel like we should have a pinned post about this but this team should not have to release anyone for cap reasons. They will have their top four forwards at a ridiculously low cumulative number. Another three or four at entry level contracts and a veteran or two at third/fourth line prices. They have their number three defenseman at a good number. They should have a good number on one of their goalies for a couple years. And, the cap is going to explode by at least $10M.

I think they will find someone to take VO during the offseason. Two things work in their favor. Fans that don’t pay attention to the whole package will be impressed with his skills and goal scoring which will make him an easy sell to a fan base, and thankfully, there are still those in position of power in the NHL that are intent on building a team their way, analytics be damned.

Someone else will probably best be to it but “thank you Sabres” was in their year when they lost to Montreal.

It’s really hard to know without hearing both sides but it also goes to different negotiating tactics. It’s not always team A is offering this, can you offer more. Sometimes it’s like, I know this is the least I will accept and I know I can get from all teams involved so I will lock it in with one team while trying to get more from the two or three other teams involved. Some guys will then ask for final offer knowing they got the one offer lined up, or at least an offer that can be tweaked to their satisfaction. It can be bad business practice to go back to other teams after telling them you won’t. Nobody knows except the principals. I believe that KA believes his version and he may be right, it also could be him not reading the room good enough. It happens all the time to the best of them. In the end you just hope they will get it right most of the time. I am encouraged because they seem to understand their weaknesses and have tried to address them. He can say all he wants about his comfort level with his team’s makeup but the facts are; 1) He acquired Matt Murray only to have him reject it 2) He fought hard for Chykhurn and feels he made a better offer. 3) I think they can close to another, big name forward. I’m disappointed none of the press asked him if he was close to anything else. Anyway, in summary, he is excited by what his team has accomplished but no matter what he says, he has tried hard to jump start it without offering his top two prospects. Notice he didn’t mention Oslund, Rosen, Johnson or anyone else.

So, when Tuch and Greenway are both playing, who sits? Sorry if this is being discussed elsewhere.

I think three things; 1)While I think KA preferred 2024, I think he would have done 2023 but top ten protected instead of top five 2) I wonder if Armstrong stuck so rigidly to his chart that Ottawa being two points behind swung the pendulum 3) At least two GM’s, Adams and LA’s, complained they were asked for more than Ottawa’s package. I find that unusual, especially that they were so open about it.

I’d go with a solid B. Adding Chychrun would have been a home run and I think they got nervous at the end. This is one year I hope they do one of those behind the scenes things to see were they really were. For all their denials, I think they swung big but couldn’t get it done. That said, I think they did well adding some much needed size and Greenwell could be one of those late developers.

I agree with this. I think he’s got a long career ahead of him. Just needs the right fit.

That’s my one fall back. At least we are not Pittsburgh or Vancouver. They both seem a tad confused as to who they are.

Acquiring this third makes not closing the Chykurn deal even worse.

This is incredible. I’m at a loss to explain how Buffalo doesn’t make this deal.

Yep. One of my dad’s favorites. The family bakery was around the area.

Swanning House isn’t bad, either.

Haven’t heard that name in awhile.

No worries but the tweet involved was talking about Columbus being interested in Chykhurm and LG disputing it because of their defensive depth.

My post wasn’t regarding Quick. I wouldn’t give up anything above the fourth round for him.

I’m hoping it’s ‘24 and none of last year’s three number ones but I don’t think it’s likely.

Question, would you rather do ‘23 and not include Oslund or ‘24 and include him?

Again I ask, what did any of these teams give up that they will regret in the next two or three years? The teams above Buffalo got better, not just for this year but at least for next year as well. The Sabres will not only have to continue to develop but they will have to improve significantly to compete with the big boys next year.

There is almost a zero chance of meeting the Rangers in the first round.

Three of these four teams will be disappointed but I’m not sure any of them did anything that will hinder them going forward.

It’s a fine line. Sometimes you can overplay your hand. However, generally speaking, setting your price and sticking to it us the best way of doing business. We will see if it pays off this time.

I’m wondering if this might be the case as well.

Didn’t Murray give up a third for Vesey?

Interesting that he won’t sign with Anaheim but San Jose thinks he’ll sign with them.