nfreeman

From the Athletic this morning: Pretty interesting. So maybe: Skinner-TT-Tuch JJP-Cozens-XXX XXX-Mitts-Greenway Zemgus-Krebs-KO ...with the candidates for the 2 open slots to include VO, Jost, Rousek, Rosen, Benson and Kulich

I vote retro Sabres only for the rest of the countdown.

BTW: I've seen a few posters mention that they aren't able to embed tweets -- but I was able to do so in my post above. Maybe it's just an issue when trying to do so on a phone?

Awesome.

I think there is close to zero chance of this happening. Having said that, if KA were interested, I would guess that TT, Tuch, Cozens, Peterka, Quinn, Benson and likely Savoie and Rosen are off the table, and cheapo Anaheim isn't going to take Skinner -- but KA might pay a price that includes a vet who is going to need a contract next year, like Mitts, plus someone like Kulich or Östlund.

Darren Dreger says the Sabres are interested!

Save the drama for yo' mama.

I don't think a sleeper making the opening night roster is realistic. If I have to choose one for opening night, I'll say Isak "Whole Lotta" Rosen -- but I really doubt it will happen. As for a sleeper to play some games with the Sabres during the season, I'll say Zach Metsa. I can see him jumping over any or all of Clague, Bryson and Stillman if there are some injuries to the D. Also, this isn't quite a sleeper, but perhaps an upset: I'll predict that Comrie stays with the Sabres and UPL doesn't.

Goaltending questions: 1) Will they carry 3 goalies? No. 2) if not, who is the odd man out? UPL. 3) Will Levi be the primary starter? Yes. 4) If UPL and Comrie struggle in camp, will KA make a trade? No. Defence Questions 1) Who will be Power's D partner? Clifton to start the season, but it will be a fluid situation. 2) Will the Sabres carry 7 or 8 D? 8. 3) Can Clague beat out Stillman or Bryson for an opening roster spot with the Sabres? No. 4) Will there be a reshuffling so that we end up with LHD-RHD on each pair, as opposed to 2 pairs with same-handed guys? (Courtesy of N Freeman) Yes -- Dahlin-Joki, Power-Clifton, Mule-Johnson will be the pairings on opening night Forward Questions 1) How will lines 2-4 shake out? Where do Greenway, Mitts, Krebs and VO end up playing? Mitts-Cozens-JJP Greenway-Krebs-VO Zemgus-Jost-KO 2) Will the Sabres carry 12 or 13 forwards? 13 3) Can any of the kids (Rousek, Kulich, Benson, Savoie or Rosen) earn a roster spot with the Sabres? And if so, who and in what role? Rousek will make the team as the first depth forward. The rest will return to junior/AHL General questions Biggest camp surprise? Comrie beats out UPL for the #2 job, VO looks hungry and determined to start his contract year and the D pairs are reshuffled. Biggest camp disappointment? Kulich and Benson make it clear that while both are very promising, neither is ready for prime time.

There are a few major contingencies that need to go the way KA has planned, but if they do, the Sabres will be good, the building will be full, loud and exciting and the team will be all the way back from a decade in the wilderness.

I sure hope you're right, but this seems pretty optimistic IMHO.

Nice list. I'd add one D question: will there be a reshuffling so that we end up with LHD-RHD on each pair, as opposed to 2 pairs with same-handed guys? I've seen a few reputable Sabres writers (including I think the guys on Maintenance Day) speculate that it will look something like this: Dahlin-Joki Power-Cliffie Mule-E Johnson I kinda expect them to keep Dahlin with Mule, but I wouldn't be shocked either way.

You're right, but still -- let the man be.

Yes -- he was poised, calm and very accurate.

Skinner is there too!

Not to my knowledge. I was just responding to the assertion that it was the agents that are pushing for LT deals — I don’t think this makes sense in the context of Dahlin though as it seems almost certain that the Sabres would want the full 8 years.

But it sounds like Dahlin wants a shorter deal, so he can cash in again in 5 years while still in his prime, and the Sabres want the full 8.

Before anyone throws a temper tantrum — I will move all of these posts when I get to my desk. In the meantime, please take this to the politics club.

What a debacle.

Is anyone revising their personal Sabres prospect rankings to move Rosen higher? I sure am. He looks great. He’s a great skater, he seems to have great vision/awareness and passing/playmaking skills AND he can laser it in with the wrister.

I know the Jets have a really good D, but the Bills, especially JA, are playing a million times better than last week.

Thanks. Great snipe goals by Benson and Rosen! Does anyone know who made the sweet pass from behind the net on Neuchev’s goal? EDIT: looks like it was Kozak. Very nice play.

Savoie and Rosen are fixtures IMHO and then maybe Kisakov or Kulich?

I most liked Rosen and Savoie at F and Metsa on D. Kulich sure looks strong on his skates but couldn't quite put it together until his sweet PPG at the end. Benson made a few very nice plays on the backcheck but not as much on offense. Ryan Johnson had a few nice moments. Metsa seemed like the dman who was most in control IMHO.

@SwampD -- is the 2018 stuff about TP saying, at a meeting with players and owners, that the NFL should have an African-American spokesperson the stuff you're referring to?