dudacek

It’s interesting that the Sabres sit near a perceived drop-off point in draft tiers. That makes the thought of them moving up or down more likely. I believe GMs pay attention to the idea of tiers and project what other teams might do. I’ve been going with the idea that the league consensus is that there are 7 forwards and 2 defencemen worth picking at 8. What if the Sabres think it’s 10 and 3? What if they think it’s 6 and 1?

Interesting. I have not read “raw” or “hilarious defensively” elsewhere. I do get an entitled vibe from him though.

Care to elaborate?

Both Johansson and Kahun provide a great deal of roster flexibility, with their ability to play multiple positions, and the fact they can think the game well enough to play with more skilled guys. I think either could substitute for Reinhart with Jack in a pinch, although that does waste Johansson’s abilities in transition. The two of them with Olofsson makes for a very good third line, and they’d also work very well breaking in Cozens there if VO is playing higher up the depth chart.

I think Tampa’s preferred move would be trading Killorn and getting one of JohnSon/Gourde/Palat to waive their NTC and get back NHL players on their ELC; Ideally, they’d want to do something like Jokiharju and Mittlestadt for Palat and Killorn. Dont know if they’re going to be able to do that with the flat cap. Building teams like the Sabres would be foolish to make that kind of trade, and win-now teams don’t have the cap space. They might be forced to virtually give a middle six forward or two away. Its why I think they have to at least be exploring what returns are out there for Cirelli and Sergachev.

Also, Cirelli is unlikely to get more than Reinhart, simply because of how the CBA works. Cirelli is on his second contract, has no arbitration rights, and has four more years until he is eligible for UFA status. Sam is on his 3rd contract, has arbitration rights and is 2 years from UFA status. In other words, Reinhart has leverage that Cirelli does not. Last year, Brayden Point was in the exact same situation as Cirelli and was also a top 10 scorer in the NHL.He signed a three-year bridge deal at $6.75. When Sam was in Cirelli’s position (with better offensive stats, but less defensive acclaim) he signed a two-year Bridge deal worth ~ $3.6. if Cirelli signs a bridge deal - which Tampa definitely will want - it will probably be for something in between what Reinhart and Point got. The Sabres will be wanting to protect their asset by signing Reinhart to term. If that happens, UFA years cost more, and therefore his AAV should be higher than Cirelli’s.

This trade has no chance of happening. It leaves Tampa with only 2 defencemen under contract and about $9 Million in cap space to sign Reinhart, Mittelstadt, Montour, Sergachev and Cernak, as well as replace UFAs Shattenkirk, Bogosian and Maroon.

I remember when I first started floating Monahan’s name, and some of you said “why would they ever move Monahan?” This is why. Buffalo fans expecting Monahan to replace O’Reilly will be disappointed. He’s more of a Derek Roy-level player. And we sure could use a Roy-level player on this team. Buy low when you can.

Might not be among the 10 best, but I put it as the 2nd biggest, after Lafontaine and ahead of Ducky. How many teams have shipped out its two most recent captains for a 1st and 2nd overall picks within a three years of those picks being made?

“I’ve heard the Sabres may not qualify Montour.” ”We've not even considered that.” A casually dropped unsubstantiated rumour. An unequivocal denial.

Among my favourites to wear the uniform. Ive said it before: his performance in the ‘93 playoffs was the best I’ve ever seen by a Sabre.

Not sure where you’re going with this. Myers was a guy coaches wanted to play like Chara, but it wasn’t natural for him. Dahlin is a guy who wants to engage and play with an edge. He did so successfully against his peers, but wasn’t strong enough to Do so at 18 against men. It won’t be an issue when he has a man’s body, which might be as soon as this year. I don’t think he needs to change his temperament.

Hughes right now is better than Dahlin despite being physically weaker. Rasmus engages and loses his battles. Hughes doesn’t bother to engage, he just uses his feet. Hughes also is more confident with the puck, despite the fact he his stick skills aren’t any better. Rasmus still needs to learn he’s better than everyone else. Hughes never seemed to have any doubts.

I think it’s less motivation and more maturity. Casey is a rink rat who loves hockey and beating guys in hockey. Casey is more of a kid than a lot of his peers and has never really had to work in order to beat people. This break is a big crossroads for him. Is he golfing with his buddies and playing Fortnite until 2 am? Or is he running, lifting and watching tape? Time to leave childhood behind and become a pro.

I’d be fine with anything that advances his development. I think that would. injuries happen anywhere.

Hope they do the same with all our Euros

I know there’s a school of thought out there that questions whether Rossi has any room for growth in his game and that if he’s maxed out his size/speed whether his game translates against men.

Montour is at that point in his career I like his game but never had the sense he was a good fit. Not sure if that’s about Botterill’s mistakes at roster building or if he’s happy to be here and the team is happy to have him

I think we’re going to see a real bias from Adams for smart players who play with pace. Rossi seems like a prototypical Adams player

I’m not saying they shouldn’t, but it’s my impression most NHL coaches deal with the players they’re given. It’s the GM who deals with the team in the AHL, often through his assistant. It’s the typical NHL heirarchy More say on Taylor because he worked directly with him while Granato was out and would have a more fully formed opinion. A say on the organization in general because of the Sabres flat management structure and Adams clear statements that he would be setting direction with Ralph’s input.

I wouldn’t really expect The NHL head coach to talk to the AHL head coach during the regular season. I suspect Ralph’s input was asked for on just about every member of the hockey staff before they were let go. I also imagine he had more to say about Taylor than virtually anyone.

Deliberate choice. I think the world of Rasmus Dahlin and obviously consider him a core piece. But I have no interest in a plan that involves waiting for this team to come together in Rasmus’ prime five years from now. We have an elite NHL player now. Take advantage.

Me neither. But Jack will be, and he needs guys his age, who can play with him now.