SHAAAUGHT!!!

I saw that video and thought he did a good job with the breakdowns and agree the Sabres were and will continue to be dangerous on the rush. I still think the changes I highlighted did more to address the lack sustained pressure in the offense zone, willingness to drive the net, and much needed support in their own end than what they were able to do last year. A big part of the issue last season was there were still guys in key roles that didn't buy into that strategy and impacted the entire team. Even without Peterka I think this lineup is more aligned with the game this team needs to play to be more successful in this conference. I also see a lot more real competition for spots and roles than we've had in a while. Bryson is the 8th dman on my list but I don't expect him to go away quitely, and we might see 10-20 games from Ryan Johnson if he comes to camp ready to prove something. I'd love to watch some fights breakout in training camp this year when guys aren't giving it a full effort and get called out by the real ones on the team.

A lot of good posts on this above so I will just say yes, I concur this was an intentional move by the Sabres in order to get bigger and stronger in their own end as they got manhandled there most of last season against teams willing to play hard on the forecheck. The other trend no one is talking about yet is the team the Sabres have built so for 2025-2026. They have added some significant shot power on the backend: Kesselring and Timmons both have rockets, Dahlin is a hard and smart shooter, Power and Byram aren't afraid to put it on net. I expect Tage, Quinn, and Kulich will be launching bombs from their offwing on the PP1 and PP2 units. They re-signed two strong net front forwards in Zucker and Greenway, added Justin Danforth and Josh Doan, who along with Benson and Tuch aren't afraid to pay the price in front of the net. Right now it looks like the Sabres are going to be a "work it to the points for a big shot and look for the rebound in front" type of team next year with a similar strategy on the PP units (of course adding in the offside winger into shot mix). Not only will this create some room in the offensive zone as teams will have to play the D tighter, but it should open up Tage, Quinn, and Kulich more often on the PPs. Barring anymore moves I have a feeling this is how GMKA is planning to replace the goals lost in the Peterka trade. I think this type of team aligns closely to Lindy's coaching style so he should be able to get more out of them this season vs last year. I also found this gif of GMKA presenting this strategy to Terry after last season:

1) The Sabres have no problem overpaying younger players that can’t and haven’t produced an impact on the ice, Kadri is a known commodity 2) long term benefits of having this type of vet on your roster is to support the development of one of the youngest teams in the NHL for multiple years in a row. This is not only about what he can do on the ice as a 3rd/4th line center in the last 2 years of his contract 3) Cap is projected to keep going up and his trade protections run out after next year making him easier to deal to get his salary off the books

I'd love to get him at $5-5.5M AAV, but he's got the skills and track record where $7M AAV a year is justifiable because he's the type of player that plugs a major hole on the Sabres roster. His on ice performance alone pprobably won't justify a $7M AAV in the final two years of the contract, but having guys like Kadri, Zucker, Tuch, and Dahlin around these young players over the next 2-3 years would be a huge help in the development of these young skaters and continue to drive the "change in the room" Lindy is preaching.

Kadri trade talks are picking up again. Don't know if it's due to the slow newsday summer season, if teams are calling on him, or if Calgary is actively trying to move him, but in any case I came across this article from Jersey on why they would be interested: https://newjerseyhockeynow.com/2025/07/29/new-jersey-devils-news-nhl-trade-talk-nazem-kadri-worth-acquiring/ Basically they need a 3rd line center that can play up if needed, that is responsible defensively, can contribute with goal scoring, and plays with an edge. Basically the same attributes the Sabres are looking for. The main difference is in Buffalo he'd be our 1 or 2 center instead of 3 in NJ. I think he'd be more likely to waive his 13 team no-trade for the opportunity in a place like Buffalo more than NJ because he knows/thinks he can still contribute in a top 6 role. I don't think he moves this year, but if he does I hope the Sabres are in play. His no-trade clause expires July 1st 2026 so he might want to pick where he goes this year while he still has control, if the team is looking to move on from him.

Real recognizes real. This does not look staged at all.

I did too and thought “uh-oh, sad Sabre fan summer posting is in full effect” 😆🤣

Still too early since I think we will see a top 6 forward trade involving Byram, a prospect or two, and next years 2nd round pick (a man can dream can’t he??!) I expect he starts the season in the stands and works his way into the lineup if/when Greenway or someone else goes out with injury and/or filling in for whoever is underperforming after a few games. Ruff always liked to make young players earn their time so I expect him to do the same here now that he knows this team better. To me it looks like these players we drafted and traded for meet Ruffs requirements (physical, hard working, hungry) but also GMKA (smooth skating, slick passing). It’s too easy to be negative with these moves so I need to take the contrarian view. Even if these moves look like this:

You know what, you’re 100% right here. I was thinking 2.75-3M AAV per year but really didn’t account for the hefty increase in cap space (9% this season alone).

I’m glad Quinns still in the fold, but he had a slight decline from his 1st season, word is he came to camp last year not in shape, he was invisible for the first half of the season. I would have expected they could have him signed for $2.75M, 3M max AAV. That’s a 11-20% premium they paid IMO. That said, I hope he outplays that contract this year and proves me wrong.

Why is that AAV so high?

I've been to the Outlaw music fest the last two years and you will not be disappointed. Willie's voice is still strong and sounds great, and last year was the best live Dylan performance I've seen since 1996.

In this one interview JK already demonstrated he understands more about the actual dynamics of building and running a team than KA ever uttered in all his interviews combined. I needed some good news about this team and hope I’m not getting too excited by the shiny new toy…

I don't care who it is that replaces him, but I'd like to see someone: 1) that can break down plays and talk strategy and reasoning for decisions during the game, both game play and coaching 2) that focuses on what is happening on the ice and not the buddy banter (I'm so sick of the "these guys seem like great friends and fun to have a beer with" type banter that distracts from the gameplay) 3) can speak clearly (sorry Rayzor) 4) doesn't have to feign excitement for the job and wants to get better and better

I think there is a better chance of seeing Jar Jar Binks speak in the Queen's english while playing R2D2's wingman at Mos Eisley Cantina. In other words, it ain't happenning...