Curt

Capfriendly isn’t a depth chart. It just lists the players under contract in order of AAV.

Actually, we have a pretty solid idea of “What is a Sabre”.

But Johansson was on pace for 40 points over a full season and Sheary did produce similar to the year before he arrived, in 18-19 at least. Also, isn’t Irwin the 3LD, not Davidson?

I’ve been thinking that Reinhart does not really fit the type of game that Krueger wants to play, with a fast, aggressive forecheck. I’m wondering if they may be looking to move him based on that. On the other hand, Krueger gave him lots of ice time last season.

Welcome Chloe!

That would be very difficult to set up, as you mention, and may not be feasible right now. It’s one heck of an idea though! I like it.

Sure. He isn’t moving though. Lehner might be out for part of next season. They publicly declared that Fleury is staying. I normally wouldn’t think that’s iron clad, but their veterans have already been complaining about the callous way important players have been moved. I would think that might really push them over the edge. They already traded a 1st pair D for a 3rd round pick to move enough salary to keep Fleury instead. I think Fleury is staying put.

I would go with B. Biron (he has been an ever present figure during my Sabres fandom), and Bowman (Scotty and Stan, the family is NHL royalty)

If they brought in another goalie as good as Ullmark, I think they would be fine. Who is even available now who would be considered much better than Ullmark. Kuemper. Anyone else? I think it’s going to be mostly a 1a/1b split time type of situation. Especially with this coming season being a condensed schedule, it’s going to be more important than ever that goalie workloads are managed.

I’m not sure the characterization of “buying goals” is the right way to look at it. Makes it sound like they are just searching stat sheets sorted by goals. The Sabres certainly have filled holes in the top 6 and seem to be prioritizing improving the offense of a team that struggled to score. The forwards certainly look to be more dangerous offensively than last season. I’m not sure it’s necessary to scour much deeper than that for a strategy.

They seem to mostly be targeting forwards who can: 1) Score goals 2) Play the fast, hard forechecking and 2-way game they have mentioned they want. Eakin and Hall both play fast and aggressive.

I’m not sure that Montour signing means he is “safe”. It’s a one year deal that walks him to UFA ASAP.

Didn’t say it was definitive proof. Call it strong supporting evidence if you will.

Don’t know what you are referring to.

I’m hopeful that contracts are agreed to before the hearings. I think this is because if a player and team are unable to come to terms and are forced to go to an arbitration hearing it indicates that the two parties have a fundamental disagreement about the value of the player. That’s not likely to resolve itself at the end of the 1-2 year arbitration awarded contract, so it’s best to move on before it’s time to negotiate another contract.

Coincidence that the trade was made hours before the bonus was due to be paid?

92, 78, 104, 67? covid shortened or full season? good team, bad team, or great team nature or nurture? I don’t know man. This wasn’t really the point.

Ok, fair enough. From your original post, it sounded like you questioned whether Stevens would even be able to play today. I already acknowledged that he most likely wouldn’t be as impactful. Glad we agree that Scott Stevens would still be a good player in 2020.

Probably a little worse because some of the ways he was able to impact the game with hits and physicality has been taken out of the game. I’m confident he would still be a really good player though. I think you are discounting the type of all around player he was, on offense as well as defense.

You think Stevens couldn’t skate? He could. Maybe you are just remembering him from his late 30’s? He would still be a great hockey player, so I don’t care if he would be able to deliver the same open ice hits.

Cool. That’s fine. I think when the specific word toughness is used, a lot of people think of big slow guys and big checks. I also think that small players can be tough. To me “Toughness” just doesn’t convey the type of skills that I’m describing. Also, yes. Any team could use a Scott Stevens. Scott Stevens was a fantastically talented player and would probably be a All-Star level guy if he played today. He would certainly need to alter his open ice hits to avoid being perpetually suspended though.

Dahlin up top, Eichel on the left wall, Olofsson on the right wall, Hall in the middle, Staal/Reinhart down low. And run that elite unit out there for 1:30 of a 2:00 PP, or even more. Players generally don’t expend as much energy on the PP as ES, so I’m a believer that you should run your elite guys out there as much as possible on the PP. Plus that still leaves Risto, Skinner, one of Reinhart/Staal, and two of Okposo/Thompson/Cozens for the 2nd unit.

I think Montour or Miller. I’m not sure what they think of Miller.

Trade a RD. It should happen.

Isn’t $3M basically what was expected? Or at least $2.5-3M?