There is a huge difference in the stability and composition of the locker room now compared to those players were here.
Quinn, Peterka and Krebs played on an Amerks Team that won two playoff rounds last spring, with Peterka in particular being a driving force behind the teams success. The Sabres Team they are playing on now, does have eight losses currently, but with the exception of the Seattle and Vegas Games which ones did they look like they didn’t belong on the ice for the whole game with the other team?
I have questioned Granato’s Lineup Decisions at times, but the Sabres Best Two Players Development can be directly attributed to Him. Thompson and Dahlin have both taken huge strides and have become All Star Level Players under His Tutelage. Getting the New Core to develop to Their Maximum Potential is the Number One Priority for this team this season, as it should lead to sustained success in the future.
During this Past Offseason, a few posters were upset that Ottawa, Detroit and Columbus made trades and/or UFA Splashes while Adams brought back Vinnie and signed Comrie and Lyubuskin. Out of those three only Detroit is ahead of the Sabres in the standings and which team looked better in their head to head matchup?
Out of the UFA Defenseman signed this offseason, arguably only Kulak and Rutta have been good signings for there teams and both went to contenders. John Marino was almost certainly on the Sabres Radar, but they did not have a Ty Smith Level Defensive Prospect to send back in a trade. That being said, there are very few teams who could withstand losing 50% of its starting defensive corps.
If players had doubts about the future and direction of the team, Thompson could have signed His QF this coming Summer and been an UFA in 2024.
Dahlin is on track to sign an extension with the team in the 10 Million Dollar AAV Range and will probably be named the Next Captain of the Sabres. Olofsson took a two year deal rather one to walk to UFA. The Players are seemingly onboard with the direction of the franchise
As Granato mentioned in His Appearance on the Athletic Podcast the organization’s top priority this season from Pegula and Adams is player development. Based on His Early Results with Dahlin and Thompson, He seems to be successful at it and He is exactly what they need right now. Whether He will be the HC in 2-3 years when they should be ready to be a Cup Contender remains to be seen.
Adams may have zero experience in Front Office, but His Additions of Karmanos and Ventura have brought much needed experience though.
FFS
