FrenchConnection44

I don’t see the point in resigning Girgs with the cap space and the need for more dynamic two way players on lines 3-4. Just don’t see him offering anything special or unique.

Great piece. That’s the attitude you want. Reminds me a bit of Krebs in that way. Good goals tonight by two promising youngsters.

I just don't know what to think about Middlestadt. He improved this year. But I think he's a passing center. He is fast and can pass decently, but he just doesn't have a great shot or scoring prowess. As a wing, I just don't see him taking advantage of Cozens talent, imo. I can see Savoie in that slot at C next year. But eventually I think Savoie and Kulich on a line would be ideal (not this year but in 2024-25). Both can skate fast. Savoie has lots of great tools for scoring, handle, and passing; and Kulich is a sniper. In fact, in two years - perhaps even some this season - I think our PP will include Kulich and Tage on the wings and goalies will be caught in a cross fire.

Makes sense to me. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I have to say I hope Kulich and Savoie make the team (at least to start. As Baker indicated, they could start them off a bit slow; let them play the worlds; then finish out the year strong). One thing I love about both is that they are both fast, strong skaters (and Kulich has a rocket shot! In two years he and Tage will be crushing it on the Power Play). Watching the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils, even though the Devils will have trouble getting past Carolina, speed is such a big factor. And anything that adds speed to our team will help us. I feel like, past the first couple of lines, our speed / quickness diminishes as a whole. And Krebs is such a positive intangible. Toughness. Fearless. You just want him on your team and in games. Of course, if they decide to put Tage on a wing with Cozens that shuffle things around. But I’m not so sure that’s the best way to go.

I like his potential. Hope he does well at that level.

Would be great to get a top 4 defenseman like Graves. That has to be the prime target position in free agency, imo. We have the cap space (and get a Dahlin deal done). Graves has 33 games of playoff experience and counting which is a big plus. Hard to say how much interest some of these like a Graves would have in coming to Buffalo. But roll out the red carpet. Let them talk with Tuch, Dahlin, and an others about the team. Totally agree on needing some players with Grit. And speed, of course. They don’t need to be hitters. Just tough. Mentally and physically. We have potential but both adding and within the team we need to develop more sand / toughness and players getting physically developed as well. Adding 1-2 vets who have playoff experience and grit to their game could benefit them. This was from a recent ESPN column on the Stanley Cup playoffs and the benefit of playoff experience for the Kraken: Seattle's Yanni Gourde has played 77 playoff games and won two Stanley Cups. Jaden Schwartz has played 96 playoff games, with a Cup win. Justin Schultz has played 75 playoff games, with two Cup wins. Jamie Oleksiak (51), Jordan Eberle (70) and even Philipp Grubauer(41) have ample playoff experience. Getting 1-2 players with healthy playoff experience can also help in the regular season, imo, when we have some big games we need to win. We played in a number of those down the stretch this year and wilted in several of them.

Of course, that makes sense. The issue is not hitting per se. The issue is being able to play a physical game against physical teams and not get dominated physically and, to one degree or another, wilt just a bit in the face of it. That includes taking hits and having the strength to fend off players who are trying to be physical against you New Jersey has performed well as a speed team. I’m fine with that. We do need to get faster on the whole. We shall see if they can win it all. Though they do have a physically strong, quality defender who is becoming a free agent. But I think that labeling it “hit or don’t hit” is a misnomer as well as a false dichotomy. It really is about being able to hold up physically against a physical team. Look at Victor Headman the past decade. It’s not just the hits that matter. It’s been his ability to be physical, skate, and dominate forwards coming into his zone. He can fend them off and drive them away without even necessarily laying a big hit. As well as being a generally good hockey player. He goes 6’7, 244. And he’s been a crucial player on a perennial Cup contender. I’d like to see Power get into the 230-235 range and be that kind of player on defense.

Let’s Go Oilers! Pound Eichel. Send him into hiding.

I am sure this has been posted. But Kris Baker, whose opinion I respect, is really high on Kulich and Savoie making the team. Savoie he sees as making the team, being rotated in and out of the line up; maybe sent to the World Jr. Championships. But ultimately brought back. He and the other analysts with the Sabres are very high on Kulich and his shot and his strength - while realizing he will get stronger. And they seem to see Kulich making the team. His shot is incredible. Add a strong defender in free agency (or two), those two, and another power forward, and I am pretty happy - as long as the young guys still get stronger.

This is the best observation of the thread. Hands down... wherever they wind up. 😉

Gotta improve the defense. IMHO, we have 3 solid defenders. I'm okay with Joker as a #5-6. But at the least we need a strong veteran defensive player in free agency to pair with Power. Maybe another to play with Joker. I don't have confidence in Johnson at this point as a # 5-6 - and it may be best he moves on and we pick up a 2nd round comp pick - but who knows.

Unsure where he will fit but Krebs is a guy I want on my team. He has to get stronger and more physical - as well as 90% of the team - but his scrappiness and his toughness is something this team needs. He's one of those guys that can be a thorn in the oppositions side. I want him there. And I think he can make it. It's a tough call because of the talent entering with an NHL future. But we gotta find a space for him. He has a bit of Brad Marchand in him (not the same player; but the same kind of pesky nature). If he can get to 200 lbs in a year or so he can be a really tough fourth line center or forward. He may be someone we need to trade but I hope there is space for him.

Good breakdown. Going to have to see what’s up next year. But the only thing I am unsure about is Mitts at $6 million? Not a hater. He’s improved. But still some question marks as far as his shot and overall play. Would like to see Heim become stronger, more physical, a better two way guy, and work on his shot velocity / accuracy.

I’ve never felt the hatred on that basis. I have fam in NC and they are big fans. But I generally dislike root against most of the southern teams / expansion teams including the Hurricanes (I am an old school original six; plus the late 60s early 70s expansion teams; and the WHA additions; - Buffalo, of course; and okay with the Kings - with fond memories of 11:00 pm games against Dionne and Rogie Vachon). The one original 6 team I can’t ever root for is Boston. First Sabres game I ever saw was on TV vs Bruins in 1970. Lost 8-2 and if I recall, they had 72 shots on goal. Lol. It was actually a good goaltending game from Daley. Hated them ever since.

McDavid is amazing. So aggressive and quick. What a beast. Love the Oilers team.

Gavrikov would be a really good addition.

Definitely need a top 4 defenseman. Imo, we have 3 bonafide starting calibre defensemen. Joki and Bushkin are serviceable. But they are 5-6 at best. A top tier D is essential, imo. A two way forward (center or wing) is also significantly important. A two-way center would be nice; but I'd take a two-way forward as well.

Is it SabreSpace 2003 or 2023? 2023 is the one I joined. Bracket in. Happy if I lose because I have Boston winning it all. The one team I had to pick against based on emotional ties / hatred ... was Vegas. The rest of the way I went with my mind over heart.

Man. We need serious improvement on D. both our defenders were packed in and checking no one. Need better coaching and discipline. And … A free agent defenseman has to be the priority in the off season.

He’s really benefitted from the line changes. He’s a much better passer than scorer. That said, he needs some improvement. 1. He doesn’t have a strong shot. Or deadly accurate. Has to get stronger on the shot. 2. He has to get stronger and more physical. Both on face offs and in general. I think he can do both and become a real positive for the team. But still has some off season work to do. I was down on him early but he’s proven me wrong.

Players gotta stay positive. A goal for us will change the complexion

Man. Bad goal. Levi looked like he was peering around then stopped and it went right past his glove. But bad give away by Jokiharu in the Devils zone. just gave them a 3 on 2 and set up the trailer.

To me, as long as he progresses physically, hitting the weights to add muscle and getting up to 230ish+ in weight over the next few years, and improving his skating/balance, he will be a stud. He should look to Hedman as his model. Though not quite as tall (Hedman is 6’6+; but was only 220 when he entered the league. For years he’s gone 240), Power can become that kind of defenseman.

Works for him. Don’t see the benefit for the club. If he were first team or second team All-American I’d think differently. But I have watched several games of Minnesota hockey. I don’t see the value of giving him just what he wants. I would just as soon have the second round comp pick. Save the money and go after a top tier free agent D man to help the club immediately in 2023-24. Draft a high rated defenseman. And we have a couple in the system who could come on. Well … if so, hope he is great. I have doubts about him becoming anything special. Jmo.

Dahlin was amazing in this game. And that shot by Thompson was other worldly.