PerreaultForever

I'm not arguing that his value might be higher now than later, but lots of things factor in. Maybe a playoff bound team has a key defensive injury late in the season? That can push them to turn an offer of a 2nd to a 1st or whatever. Lots of things factor in. A player like him will have value right up until the deadline before his UFA status kicks in.

It's a pretty big pay cheque to just want to walk away from. I couldn't care less about Sheehan, but it doesn't look good for Buffalo imo regardless.

No it would just be for one season. This season, and not even a full year. What I'm suggesting is a team up against the cap would need relief for this season. Next year they'll have their own UFAs they can let go etc. and fit him in. But maybe we trade for him idk. It would signal a shift to a faster build so I'm doubtful.

I do actually. A lot of these players are friends with each other (even lowly ones like Sheehan) and the agents talk to each other and every disgruntled player matters to a team's image. There's a long list of disgruntled veterans playing in the league right now, many for better teams, a few logging big minutes, and not a one of them was happy here or did well. They are all happier elsewhere. It matters.

I don't think that's true. If you look at the Lindholm deal and even the Risto deal they still moved for substantial assets. I believe the Lindholm deal involved an agreed re-signing with Boston but Chychrun could get that too. I would not give up a 2023 1st. Draft is too good. That Philly 2nd would be as high as I'd go for 2023. They want Krebs or Mitts or Rosen or a 2024 in the package sure. I am wondering however, if the rumors are possibly because a pending deal is a 3 way and Buffalo will take on salary or a player so that some top team can fit him under the cap for this season. he doesn't make tons for a D man but most top teams don't even have that much room for this year. Boston for example was kicking the tires on him earlier but they have no space at all. Something would have to give, and maybe that's the only reason Buffalo has entered the rumor mill. Just a thought.

Looks great on the organization when the scrubs want out. Excellent work by KA on this one.

I guarantee you that maybe aside from Tuch and Skinner (the latter who would probably go to Toronto or Detroit for cheap if he was bought out) there isn't a single player who wouldn't rather play in another city if given the opportunity. Not saying they're necessarily wanting out, just that Buffalo isn't their dream destination .

You don't "get rid" of anything at the deadline, you move out UFAs for whatever you can get if you haven't re-signed them. Nothign stops you from bringing them back if you want them (or replacing them next year with other heart and soul examples as they are plentiful in that age bracket). If we'd moved Ullmark, and Skinner, and every other UFA we've ever had at the deadline we'd probably be a better team than we are now. It's just good business.

That's not winning hockey though, that's training school. What I'm saying is I see his teaching abilities, I have yet to see his winning as a head coach abilities.

I'm not convinced at this stage Granato's game planning, line match ups, clock management and so forth are all that brilliant. Lindy knows how to do those things well. Or at least as well as his roster allows. Granato seems more preoccupied with trying to find ways for individual players to improve but not necessarily to win hockey games. As I've said though, their plan is a long term plan and that is frustrating to watch as a fan. Granato may still show those skills when it's time (in their minds) to shift priorities.

Why would you trade for a few months of Horvat? He's a free agent next year. Sign him then sure (although I doubt very much he'd want to come to Buffalo) but he's going to a top contender at the deadline not a playoff longshot. I doubt very much we make ANY significant trades this year unless that's moving Kyle or Zemgus out at the deadline. MAYBE we take on a salary for somebody but I doubt that too given how bargain basement we seem to be these days.

What tone is that? I'm seriously asking, because a head coach is a lot more than that.

Granato is a good hockey coach, and a good teacher, and he helps develop youngsters, but I'm still not convinced he's a great HEAD COACH. As an assistant I think he'd be unquestionably among the best, but as a head coach it remains to be seen. Lindy as HC with Granato as an assistant here would be really good don't you think? We shall see how Granato goes as the team matures as I doubt he will be replaced any time soon regardless of their record.

I am liking Jost so far. Seems like a decent pick up as he's definitely better than a few people we already had. he takes the body occasionally and I'm hoping with him and Samuelsson maybe it rubs off on a few others and that aspect of our game improves.

They were better. They're a much more balanced team than us. We have a ways to go to get to their level but I think we are trying to develop a similar style. Lindy's a better coach. Still.

He is having a very good year so far. Both him and Krejci are thriving in Montgomery's system . There are very few Bruins looking bad right now. Probably only Craig Smith and maybe Zboril.

Well considering that whole thread about New Jersey did it why can't the Sabres do it I'm interested to see if they are actually better or maybe just have a few more things going for them at the moment. I've not seen them play this year so I am intrigued. On the surface it appears maybe this is speed vs. speed but idk.

I guess you see more in Krebs than I do. I think the Sabres plan is different. This is Mitts year to show or go. He's going to keep getting his chances all season and only then will he be re-evaluated. He's either going to rise to the challenge or eventually be replaced by Savoie or whoever. Krebs is younger and time in Rochester isn't going to hurt him. NEXT year will be his year to show or go. That's my guess anyway.

I disagree with this. I really don't think Krebs is going to make it at the NHL level as an offensive playmaking talent. I think he has IQ and some skill but he needs to accept becoming a role player and develop skills appropriate for that role. In the AHL I'd have him on the PK not the PP and play him in a checking role against top opposition. Develop his face off skills as well. Try to turn him into a solid 2 way. Also hit the weight room regularly. He's got a temper, he needs to channel it.

There's absolutely no question he's a factor. I was happy when they drafted him and was pretty confidant he'd be a solid performer down the line. He's even better than I expected but it doesn't explain to me why we suddenly played with jump and fire that was missing a number of games back. Something else changed.

Okay fair enough, and I'm not in any way debating that Samuelsson is a good player and he makes a difference, but it's such a huge contrast. Lack of depth was clearly a huge issue but he's not Bobby Orr. One guy shouldn't make that much of a difference and put that much jump in their step (collectively). idk, I'm not going to question it, just enjoy it and see if it lasts.

That felt like I'd time travelled. Black and red team, fast and tenacious, dominating at times. Like the good old days!!!!!! I honestly don't know what to make of this team. Where was this 2 weeks ago? Can we really explain the forwards playing that much better because Samuelsson is back??? It's like a night and day contrast. I have no explanation but I also have no complaints. Quinn's best game as a Sabre by far. Side note - Sabres are undefeated with Jost. Go figure.

Jost had energy and feistiness. He might realize this is his last shot . At the moment, he's a decent 4th line fit.

New guy. I claim foul 🙂

New guy gets our first fight on his first shift. Didn't see that coming. Dahlin plays bigger with Samuelsson out there. They really needed this. REALLY needed this. Hopefully it keeps going. St. Louis will be tougher.