dudacek

Who was our last “enforcer”?

Peterka Thompson Tuch Benson Norris Thompson Benson Cozens Quinn Zucker McLeod Tuch Greenway McLeod Zucker Quinn Kulich Doan Malenstyn Krebs Lafferty Greenway Krebs Danforth So four new players, 3 others playing new positions, not one line (hell, only one duo even) repeated, just one player slotted in the same slot, but still basically the same? And what does predetermined even mean? The coach wasn’t supposed to decide what lines he’d like to see before his first practice?

Tuch is re-signing unless Adams insults him or he has an absolutely crazy ask That’s what usually happens when both sides want it to happen. The rest is just negotiation.

Fulp was a late AHL signing

Danforth has 64 points in 183 NHL games: or 29 points per 82 games. Ellis had 49 points in 356: 11 points per 82. I appreciate the parallels, but it shouldn't be lost that Danforth is a better player than Matt Ellis.

Nothing to concede. It’s more a discussion about deployment rather than effectiveness, for me at least. Cozens was 4th, Quinn 9th and Peterka 11th in ATOI among forwards. Roy was 5th, Max 6th, and Vanek 9th in 05/06. Once again, the labels we attach based on pre-game depth charts don’t reflect reality.

Campbell was a good but flawed puck-moving defenceman who didn't play in tough defensive situations an absolutely benefitted from being on good teams.

Cozens Peterka Quinn in 2023?

You're supposed to come into camp already in game shape. Sabrespace needs your razor-sharp wit and gentle insight if we have any chance of making it through this year intact.

I think Engel's ordering is skewing perception. With Lindy hammering home defence, my bet is Tuch goes with Zucker and McLeod in the real 2nd line that you can play against other good lines. Kulich/Quinn is the Vanek/Roy is the sheltered offensive 3rd line combo.

You mean instead of a world-class veteran like Teppo Numminen against other team's 3rd lines on a president's trophy winning team?

So, is Danforth or Doan placeholding for Tuch?

JFC. Who said anything about excited?

Context skews perception a bit. Brian CAMPBELL’s peak season as a Sabre was 48 points. He was a + player once. Byram last year was as good as all but CAMPBELLs peak season in Buffalo, it’s the team around them that creates most of the associated vibe.

Ruff and Adams showing their cards early. That’s an NHL group a prospects group and a looking for an NHL contract group.

Lindy weren’t kidding when he said camp is about getting the NHL team ready. And look where Geertsen is.

I think Byram is going to settle in over his career as Brian Campbell.

I think I like Byram better than you do. That aside, I agree with much of this.

Sabres have lacked “against the odds” guys like him in the system. Over the years, they’ve loaded up on 1st-rounders, junior national team players and guys who have been touted as top players all their lives. Their entire offseason was about underdog guys who paid a lot of dues to make it: Kesselring was a 5th-rounder; Danforth, Lyon and Geertsen are long-time minor leaguers who never quit; Jones never got a fair shot in New York; even Doan was passed over his first draft year, played in an outpost college and was followed by whispers of “he’ll never be his old man.” Just like with big RHD, when Adams commits to a bit, he’s all in.

Add Geertsen to this mix as a potential 14th forward. I wondered about this back when he signed, but Lindy name-dropping him in the presser reinforced it. If they are serious about “culture” - and I think they are - he’s in the running to make the team in an Andrew Peters role.

Hart can’t play until Dec. 1

This is nice folo to the first of the 10 reasons (Tage). Don’t think it was posted elsewhere: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6602800/2025/09/07/tage-thompson-olympics-4-nations/?source=emp_shared_article “It’s (world championship game winner) one of those things that was an awesome moment and something that I’ll remember forever, but at the same time, I don’t believe it solidifies me. I still think that (I’ve) got to obviously have a great summer and carry it over into the season and use that for the first half of the season as a trial. But I am motivated to help my (Sabres) team win and to make the Olympics. “It definitely will be there. It’s hard not to think about it. But when we get into the grind of the season, not that you forget about it, but it definitely maybe goes to the subconscious or the back of your brain a little bit. Like, I want to be an Olympian, but getting the Sabres back into the playoffs is always at the forefront

It was interesting to hear Lindy talk about Power and Kesselring. He essentially said Kesselring is on the verge of breaking out, Power needs to get where Kesselring is, implying Power needs to approach the game more like Kesselring does. I get the sense Power might be in line for some tough love this year

"I really do. I think we have one of the top d corps in the league. I truly believe it and it was a focus and an emphasis this summer. We need to be a better defensive team. That's not just our D"

I disagree. He's made it clear he thinks Alex wants to be here. First of all, will Alex confirm? Secondly, I think this effectively removes the crutch of "not our fault, player didn't want to be here". If Tuch doesn't sign, either Adams got played, or it's because the Sabres wouldn't pay him.