FrenchConnection44

Fairburn called this largely a salary dump. I wonder if it is to keep Byram and also get a new deal for Tuch? At the same time, what is up with our “billionaire” owner? Is he just pouring so much into the Bills & the stadium that he needs frugality with the Sabres?

The best hope for these young draft picks is for the team to be able to see some success in getting to the playoffs the next couple of years and getting a series win or two. That will create additional energy and drive in them to improve and move up to the NHL with the Sabres. still need a goalie or two and still need to add another player / forward with real quality.

ESPN’s pre-draft take: 12. Radim Mrtka, D, Seattle (WHL) A 6-6, right-handed defenseman with decent mobility who plays in all situations has scouts very excited, and he could be the second defenseman drafted on Friday. He's very difficult to get around, routinely thwarting attackers in their tracks and killing plays. He projects as a top-four, shutdown defenseman because of his excellent stick work, mobility and transition defense. Mrtka uses his mobility to escape pressure, activate in the rush and make quality passes to the middle of the ice. Mrtka should develop into a strong transition defender, a reliable penalty killer and efficient puck mover. He shoots the puck hard and could become more of a scoring threat if he can pick his spots to get pucks through. While everything flowed through him in Seattle, there are well-placed concerns about his lack of offense. His size and physicality give him the tools to develop into a minute-munching, shutdown defender if his mobility continues to progress. His late birthday gives him lots of development runway to refine his skating, offensive playmaking, and physicality in all areas of the ice.

The raw talent is there. He transitioned quickly from the Czech league to North American hockey very so one hopes he can progress quickly, get stronger and will still use his body well. He already has an understated physicality to his game from what I read. From NHL.com: Mrtka compares his game to that of Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider, who was selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2019 NHL Draft. "I think it's a fair comparison [to Seider]," NHL Central Scouting senior western scout John Williams said. "When he arrived in November, he played every situation from the get-go because [Seattle] had some injuries. For a guy who's 6-foot-6, he moves very well, has a little bit of bite in his game, and can jump up on the rush. I think he'd be a very good [No. 2 defenseman] who can play with a really good, skilled player. "But he can also be on a power play, can kill penalties and can just eat minutes." As such, Mrtka already has become reliable enough to be paired with any type of defense partner. "I think he's just a guy that can get the puck out of trouble and move it out of the defensive zone," O'Dette said. "He's always going to be in a position where he can help do that, which can take a lot of pressure off a defense partner. He's always going to be in a position where he can defend and maybe help out a partner when there's some mistakes because he's got that reach, that length with his stick, and he's really smart in the way he uses that. "The way he plays, sometimes you forget he's only [18]. When he fills out and matures physically, he's going to be quite the imposing force out there."

One thing about him is he transitioned to North American style hockey very quickly. So he’s a quick learner. And he shows physicality. He needs to add weight but already has a strong frame.

Saw this snippet. He will need to add about 10-12 lbs of muscle but has a good frame. I can be down with it. https://www.mckeenshockey.com/nhl-blog/brady-martin-biggest-riser-2025-nhl-draft/#:~:text=Ranked 11th among North American,maybe even the top five.&text=At McKeen's Hockey%2C Martin climbed,high on Martin all year. Asked who he compares himself to: “Zach Hyman. He’s pretty fitting for the way I play—just really competitive and he can score goals too,” Martin said. “He’s a wrecking ball out there.” At the NHL Draft Combine, the 6-foot- 0, 187-pound centreman described himself as a blend of Tom Wilson and Sam Bennett. For anyone who watched him help Canada capture gold at the U18 Worlds in May, the comparison rings true.

Both mock Martin to the Sabres.

I never said that. You did. Not me. Try re-reading and stop putting words in people’s mouths. I’m not going to thank a player who is 23, who has been on the team for all of 3 seasons, and says he wants out before that 3rd season is up. Whatever he did do he wasn’t a contributor to a team that made the playoffs. He didn’t make a commitment to the city or the team. He whined about leaving and left before they could become a playoff team. Here’s the deal. In any sport, if a young player brought into the program by that team, doesn’t want to be a part of the team and try to bring a playoff winning tradition to the city and team, fine. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. See ya, ain’t gonna thank ya. And that’s not a defense of the management in any way.

Well all he really did was benefit himself, ultimately. He didn’t do all that work to commit to the Sabres organization and the fans to make them a winning playoff caliber team. He said, I don’t want to be part of this I want to pursue my own interests. In the final analysis— he contributed to his own development and advancement. That was his choice. And right at the time he could be maturing into a really good player who could help us get to the playoffs, not just one flashing future talent, he leaves. So, if he doesn’t want to be part of the solution with the Sabres then fine. But no reason to thank him. Or be appreciative of that.

Kesselring is the right-shot defenseman Adams has coveted for his entire tenure as general manager. He’s 25 years old, stands 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds and has the toughness to match. But he also skates well and has one of the heaviest shots in the league. He looks like an ideal partner for Owen Power and is under contract for one more year at $1.4 million before becoming a restricted free agent. Right-handed defensemen tend to be among the most difficult players to find and acquire. The Sabres clearly needed to add a tough defender to their blue line this summer, and Kesselring is that. Doan, the son of former NHLer Shane Doan, had only 19 points in what was mostly a bottom-six role for Utah last season. But the 23-year-old also acquitted himself as one of the most tenacious forecheckers in the league last season. According to AllThreeZones, Doan was among the league leaders in forecheck pressures per 60 and recovered dump-ins per 60. Utah controlled 61 percent of the expected goals when Doan was on the ice at five-on-five. He plays a smart, well-rounded game and has room to get better offensively. He’s in the third year of his entry-level contract. —— In my view, we need to get both of these under longer term deals for this to be value. Of course part of the issue is coaching. We need a good coach from a good system. I don’t like that we are running it back with Ruff. But even if we can make it to the playoffs (or if not) we need to clean house (even at the GM level) and consider a top assistant like Jamie Kompon from the Panthers. If we can build a gritty, competitive team that may become a bit more attractive to some other players.

Who knows. Given the way things have transpired with Sabres trades in recent years I expect Peterka to be a 50 goal scorer in 2-3 years and going deep in the playoffs with Utah. Lol. That said, they got the kind of players they need. I know it’s not all that meaningful but Kesselring had 89 minutes in penalties last season. The most on the Sabres was Cozens with 62. After that Benson with 60. He has good size at 6’5, 215. Was positive in plus minus the past two seasons. Appears we got two players who bring a solid two-way, physical mentality who play with some grit. Which is one of the characteristics missing from the team. Not the be all but I asked ChatGPT about both: Michael Kesselring is a tall (6’5”), mobile, right-shot defenseman who blends physicality, puck-moving ability, and improving offensive instincts—an ideal modern two-way NHL blueliner. Defensive Strengths & Physicality Strong, physical presence: Known for delivering hits, engaging in board battles, and using his size effectively. He logged 106 hits and 59 blocked shots in 65 games with Arizona in 2023–24 . Solid one-on-one defender: Coaches praise his defensive fundamentals and ability to consistently win battles . 🚀 Mobility & Skating Smooth-skating for his size: Scouts say he “moves the puck,” transitions well, and is agile despite being a big body . Reliably energetic: Regularly logs 18–20 minutes per game, with early-season top-pair minutes and power-play duty in Utah . 🎯 Offense & Puck Skills Rising offensive upside: In the AHL (Bakersfield) he erupted with 13 goals and 22 points in 49 games, and at one point in the NHL had 14 points and nearly 50 shots through 26 games . Point-shot threat: Coaches encouraged him to “get your shot through,” and he has responded with a hard release and increased scoring from the point . Here is what ChatGPT said about Doan: Mentality & Hockey IQ Elite mindset: Coaches describe him as singularly focused and mentally tough—emotionally resilient, hardworking, and adaptable . Leadership qualities: Skated with responsibility from college days to the pros; even as a freshman he had captain’s qualities . Summary Type of player Power-scoring winger with strong puck instincts Key strengths Fast, physical forechecking; quick release; high response to adversity Potential role Middle-6 winger who contributes energy, goals, and grit nightly Mental makeup Dedicated, focused, and coachable—a true competitor. In short, Josh Doan plays with a blend of physicality, grit, and scoring savvy—a modern NHL winger who works hard on all three zones. With his relentless forecheck, willingness to crash the net, and mental toughness, he’s quickly built a reliable, middle-six role.

Not the Sabres.

I'd rather trade JJP and Power (and a prospect) in a Robertson deal. Is that not feasible?

One can only imagine what Tkachuk would have done if that happened to a teammate.

Agree. And basketball is very different from hockey in that a hockey player like McDavid barely plays over 1/3 of the game and is not the goaltender. Whereas Jordan, especially in the playoffs, could play the entire game if necessary and be a force on offense and defense with only 5 players. At the very least he's playing 3/4 of the game. It gets even worse when the media makes a big deal about a QB winning a title. Yeah, he's the most important player but there are 22 players (really 30 with specialists), the OL is a huge factor, and he doesn't play defense or special teams. If Josh Allen never wins a title it doesn't mean he wasn't a great player. Same thing with Marino. Or Dan Fouts.

And just think, the Oilers drafted Jesse Puljujarvi 4th in 2016, with Matthew Tkachuk on the board. Lol. That was a big time fail. Had they taken Tkachuk, along with what they have now? I think they would have won one if not two cups. You just can’t make mistakes like that drafting 4th and get away with it very often.

This is an incredible team. Just so all around. They are tough (especially with the addition of Marchand). Physical. They play exceptional defense. They skate really well. They have multiple quality scorers. They are deep with 4 lines. They are extremely intelligent and disciplined. They are selfless and play together. They have a great goaltender. And they have guys who can intimidate and defend players ... no one is really going to mess with this team. And they make great trades at the GM level. What more could you ask? They may not have a Gretzky or Lemieux or Crosby or McDavid, they are not a flashy offensive team but really what a great grinding team. And how far are the Sabres from all those qualities? Hard to even imagine. Light years.

Are you saying you agree with me that we need size and grit players, who are a few badass players? If so we are fine. The problem is—which you completely ignore—is every time someone brings up size (meaning size and toughness) you denigrate it. But no one is simply arguing for size. They are arguing for tough players with size. Are you saying you think that Zach Benson could put this kind of hit on McDavid as well? And be tough enough to handle himself when someone comes after him? That is grit and size. physicality. And they have the horses to put not only hits on players but if anyone starts something they aren’t going to get beat down so bad they take a year to get the little grit they had back (as with the “workhorse from whitehorse”). Benson doesn’t have the size or the level of nasty grit that is required for this. That is not to say Benson isn’t a nice player. But he is far from a first line player. He doesn’t have the grit they need to do the dirty work. And he is no Brad Marchand. Who is a rarity. Once in a generation. Benson is never going to be an 80-100 minute a year penalty player because he agitates guys Take Pat Maroon. He polices the ice for the Lightning when they were winning. And there isn’t anyone like that on this team and that is exactly what the Sabres need among other items. Nor is there a Victor Hedman who is so rugged no one is going to challenge him. My point all along, for a couple of years, (as well as others on here), has been that we need toughness of all sizes but also size and physicality to go with it. Not every player has to be big. Not every player has to be able to stand up to other teams’ tough guys. But the Sabres need several players with physicality and size to handle the likes of a Tkachuk. And to go into corners and have the strength to take the puck away or protect it. Or to physically dominate at times. If they want to be competitive for a Cup. They haven’t been physically dominant or had a player of that type since Evander Kane left.

2 former Sabres in the top 5. Fail. 🤦‍♂️ Speaking of coaches and coaching staffs (obviously has talent on the team, but still).

Barkov is a beast. So strong. There is no one on the Sabres who is close to having the strength, skill, and skating ability to be able to make that play.

I wouldn’t doubt that for several that is a crucial factor. Still, I suspect there are many who are choosing not to because of the absurd, political climate the orange megalomaniac despot has created.

Totally. He’s a dysfunctional owner. Seems like he’s got some sort of personality problem or something.

You are nothing if not an expert in employing the Straw Man fallacy. I’m not equating size with toughness, nor am I saying we need only 6’2, 220 players. Never have said that. So you’ve had enough practice with the straw man. What I am saying is that you still need tough guys with size to be able to handle the physicality in the NHL - in checking and enforcing — and to be able to take on other teams players when they go after one of our guys. you keep touting Zach Benson as though he’s the next Marchand or something. He’s not. He’s not a tough guy. There’s not a single player on the Sabres or in their farm system with both the size and toughness who’s gonna take on the likes of a Tkachuk or Reaves or Xhekaj. Or several other players in a similar mold. It’s not the only thing but it’s a factor. Just look at the history of hockey dude - instead of filling your constant need to stroke your ego with a contrarian mentality. It is also not just fighting but the willingness to go after guys, beat on them and not be afraid to handle their own business. To defend your teammates when someone goes after them. We need several of them. We have none. Even if Benson were a mean SOB, he’s not going to be able to handle a Tkachuk or other player who could pummel his 5’10, 170 lb frame— he’s not a physical player. You can have all the 5’9, 170 pound players you want — you still are going to need some bigger, mean guys so that you can get after others. And I’m not arguing as I’ve said many times before in multiple posts that every player has to be 6’4 240 who can punch like Mike Tyson. The fact that this has to be spelled out for you in detail only unveils the hubris. this team needs multiple physical, tough players that teammates will respect, to up their intensity and physicality. They need to trade some of the softer players, especially the big ones who are soft and don’t really bring any physicality to their game, like Power or Samuelsson. and certainly they can still utilize smaller players who are quick or who are pesky, no one is arguing. They don’t need those guys so stop exaggerating everybody’s argument out of context and employing straw man arguments about size. The very fact that this needs to be spelled out for you in so much detail just shows the lack of integrity in the argument you’re proffering. there is no problem with any number of 5’9 180 pound players. But a successful team needs players with length, strength, size, and physical toughness and nastiness. They don’t have to all be fighters. If they are great. But every GM in this league (aside from perhaps the Sabres GM) would kill to have a Zdeno Chara or Victor Hedman.

I mentioned Marchand in the post as a once in a generation exception because he is small. I don’t have to look it up. He is 5’9. Real slow, take some remedial reading lessons. 😝 But Marchand is less an enforcer and more of an agitator and instigator. Look up the difference. And he has played on teams with larger enforcers throughout his career, which helps. Like Chara or AJ Greer, or Trent Frederic, or Tkachuk. Bennett is a tough player whom any team could use including the Sabres but he’s not an enforcer. Though he is 6’1 and close to 200. But he is also playing on a team with other guys who will mix it up. Tkachuk, however is both agitator and enforcer. However, Buffalo has no one who is any of the above. Look at the entire roster. Not one. They have 1-2 pesky players like Benson or Krebs but neither are mean enough or strong enough or intimidating or dirty enoughto be a Marchand. Not one player on last year’s roster is anything like Marchand — who plays dirty and gets in cheap shots— nor anything close to a Tkachuk or even Greer. Benson plays with a smile on his face most the time. If you think he or Helenius are the next Marchand who are going to get multiple — what is it, 8-10?— suspensions for dirty play, good luck with that! And no one on this team is like an AJ Greer or a Tkachuk or even Bennett. Who is more of just a tough agitator than pure enforcer. A team needs both. They need 3-4 guys who are tough and get under the skin of opponents. A couple can be smaller. But a couple at least need to be physically capable of both intimidating and handling things should one of their players take a cheap shot. 1-2 5’10 guys who are mean SOBs are great. You still need 1-2 players that no one really wants to mess with — and you know if you take a shot at Thompson or Peterka — you better be ready cause you are going to get taken on. The problem with your argumentation on this is you create an exaggerated false dilemma (which turns into ad hominem) toward anyone who says the Sabres need an enforcer with size and power (which they do), by either pointing out an exception to the rule. Like Marchand (whom I noted as an a generational exception in terms of size). But a Marchand or Tiger Williams come along once ever 25-30 years. If that. And Marchand was never pure enforcer. Or that those who argue for an enforcer are saying we only need bigger players. They do need bigger, tougher players but that’s not the sole point being made. One could go down the line of tough physical players on the Panthers, whose identity really changed when Tkachuk arrived as an enforcer. But it’s Tkachuk, Greer, Mikkola, Bennett, and recently Marchand. The Sabres don’t have even one of those. 3 are big enough and willing to take on most anyone, four are 6’1 plus, and two (Tkachuk & Marchand) are nearly insane rabid maniacs when the set foot on the ice. Even the Oilers have a couple of those types on their team in Kane, Frederic, or Nurse. All big enough and mean enough to handle themselves in a scuffle. And willing to.