Crusader1969

I have a couple of Merkley games saved and rewatched his shifts again this morning Skating - speed, elusive and shifty. His passing is fantastic, always on the tape, including a stretch pass from his own red line that creates a break away. If he gets his head screwed on he could be an elite offensive dman. Then after reading all the articles about his nonchalant play and bad attitude, it makes me wonder if he is even on the Sabres draft board. I do believe there is a chance he will be there at 32, though will NYR pass 3 times on him in Rd 1? If he is, I would look for JB to trade down a couple of slots and let someone else take him.

I like Woo but 32 is too high for him IMO. Not dynamic enough offensively. Though I have seen him ranked in top 32 on a couple of lists Someone high up on the Sabres list will be available at 32 as guys slip

Top Wingers possibly available at 32: 1) Jesse Ylonen,6'0 167lbs RW 2) Kirill Marchenko 6'3 187 RW 3) Niklas Nordgren 5'9 169lbs RW 4) Martin Kaut 6'2 176lbs RW 5) Serron Noel 6'5 205lbs RW 6) Filip Hallander 6.175 188lbs LW 7) Cole Fonstad 5'10 160 lbs LW 8) Sampo Ranta 6'2 199lbs LW

Powerful stride. Svechnikov will be a stud.

From McKeens draft preview. Brought a smile to my face

I would probably roll the dice on him . He has top 10 talent and you could really use a RHD in the prospect pool.

Ryan Personality Issues? Ryan Merkley Though speculation is that the Rangers won't pass on him 3 times in round 1.

Really liking what I've been reading about Dellandrea. Here is the final 31 from ISS. https://www.isshockey.com/iss-top-31/

IF the Sabres turn things around and win a cup in 5 years with Eichel. Will it still have been the wrong theory in your eyes? Giving the 2012 Sabres some repairs, would be equivalent to putting lipstick on a Pig.

Until Eichel retires, the patient is still alive.

lets hope SJ gets old really fast. Just miss the playoffs in 2019 and then become one of the leagues worst in 2020.

Odds are high the #Oilers deal their 10th overall draft pick this June because whatever teenage defenceman is available at that spot is probably 2-3 years away from playing in the #NHL http://edmontonjournal.com/sports/hockey/nhl/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-o If this is true, any interest in dealing a LHD man for the 10th pick? Would trading Scandella and pick 32 get it done? would leave you Dahlin, McCabe, Guhle and Pilut on the left side. Ig

Would you think Preds have an appetite to move away from Rinne? to take on his $7 million salary, you wouldn't have to give up much. Though he has a modified NTC, so Sabres may not be a landing spot for him even if you wanted to make that deal.

He is 29 and already slow footed. great hands and plays in front of the net on the PP. We already have Samson at 22 to play pretty well the same role. Its probably an unpopular take but I don't want them to sign any FA, maybe a 4th line Center or a RD depth player. Let the kids play prominent roles next year and figure out what we have. go into the summer of 2019 with cap space and a clear idea of the team needs. Give Mittelstadt a full year protected as a 3rd line center and potentially move ROR next summer. Give Guhle and Dahlin a full season and if they are ready to take the top 2 LHD spots, then you can even move Scandella.

I think he will be too expensive, had a good season but completely disappeared in playoffs. He is 29 today and doesn't skate fast. Doesnt fit the bill IMO.

Again, who are you dealing to replace Risto? I believe that winning will solve all locker room issues. Winning will happen when you add skill and talent. if you ranked all prospects on talent and skill in the entire world, the top 2 would probably be Mittelstadt and Dahlin. That's a good place to start....

In theory thats great but I don`t see a solution. What asset do the Sabres have to trade besides ROR? I think McCabe is a possibility but he isn`t bringing a 1st line winger. Any UFA`s? I don`t see a great fit. So you either trade ROR and create a hole at Center or have 2 young speedy wingers for Jack. I would rather Erod and Bailey than Girgensons and KO.

only because they are still under contract, I won't shed a tear to see either or both being traded / waived. At this point, I don't see anyone else? any suggestions?

I like the infusion of youth onto the roster you proposed. I think the Sabres should give the kids an opportunity, find out who is part of the long term. The summer of 2019/20 can be used to fill any holes with UFA's or trades or vets scandella and or ROR. Though I do think Bailey will grab the bull by the horns and finally make the jump to full time NHL player. Erod Eichel Bailey XXX ROR Reinhart Smth Mittlestand Okposo Girgs Larsson Baptiste Pominville 13th forward Scandella Risto Dahin Bogo Guhle Nelson Pilot 7th Dman McCabe traded for xxx No matter which way you slice it, still has a ways to go before we can start seriously thinking about Play-offs.

What about trading Scandella? Leaves you with Dahlin, Guhle, McCabe and Pilut on the left side.

Is Jake McCabe as good as gone? What's his trade value?

winning next year would be huge. I have a hard time believing they were talking about him. why do you say that? Would they really play a guy 30 mins a night if he wasn't listening to the coach?

ISS May Rankings: https://www.isshockey.com/iss-hockey-releases-iss-top-31-may-rankings-top-prospects-2018-nhl-draft/

I still believe in Nylander to be a good NHL player, maybe never reaching the level of his brother but certainly better than any of the wingers the Sabres had on their team last season (save Samson). Not all 8th overall picks become stars, we are extremely lucky to get Mittlestadt last year at 8.

No Tychonic? its early but he is the leader at the moment for pick #32 for me.