Porous Five Hole

I would love to pry Hagel or Robertson. I would also offer Quinn or something to Vegas for Nick Hague (can play LD or RD). That might not get us to the cap max, but it makes this team a lot better.

To be fair, this is not exclusive to Buffalo.

The Sabres have 21.7M in cap space right now. This includes the Skinner buyout. RFAs: Quinn McLeod JBD Byram (traded) A goalie (or Levi). Give Quinn 2MM, JBD 1.5MM, McLeod 4.5MM, and 1.5M on backup goalie. That leaves the Sabres with at least $11MM to spend. Or maybe they flip Quinn for a pick just to move on…now more cash to spend and a roster spot to fill. We know the team needs more than hoping Kulich will be a top six forward and could use someone high end now that JJP is gone. -Want to buy out Muel and give Marner 14MM? Done. -Prefer Ehlers and someone else? Go ahead. -Brock Boeser to help the center spine? Sure. -Overpay for Ekblad? All set. Other teams are desperate for cap space. Byram can be part of this trade, or the Sabres can move futures and prospects to cap strapped teams. -EP40? -Jason Robertson? -Maybe work out something with the Aves since they have no space and no picks in rounds 1-3 for 2025 and 2026? -Right the wrong by re-acquiring Brandon Hagel from cap strapped Tampa? The Peterka cap savings gives the Sabres options to be aggressive. For the purpose of this, I’m assuming the Sabres are spending to the cap (I know, how dare me). Who do you want?

Here comes the craps. I can’t answer until I see what the Sabres do with the acquisition of more than 5MM in cap space. Great, got a RD and physicality. But they moved the better player. The key to determining if this was a good trade or not is how the Sabres spend the savings. Like, if they got Robertson now…good trade! And if they don’t spend it? Well, they flipping better.

Yes you nailed it

Rochester Americans General Manager Jason Karmanos announced today that the team has re-signed forwards Brendan Warren and Graham Slaggert, and defensemen Noah Laaouan all to two-year American Hockey League contracts. Additionally, forward Jagger Joshua has re-signed a one-year deal with the Amerks. https://www.amerks.com/news/detail/amerks-re-sign-foursome-to-ahl-contracts?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLKUqJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHj50Pr346n4u55PmrjcIzwS8plPFgLzjaIdZJl9Hcp4TSLSqL4ULy_Q4tl46_aem_mMS0q4rOrN2dVduT4EDhmw

On the one hand, a 6’5 RHD is probably more valuable than an undersized C for roster construction. But there is a lot to like in Rossi.

lol I started a thread on this thinking we could get some spicy takes

https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/countdown-to-free-agent-frenzy-vancouver-canucks-to-stay-busy-1.2327076

This exactly. Peterka produced only with premium deployment last year. He was too quiet anywhere else in the lineup.

This trade only makes sense if the Sabres are reeling in a big fish this offseason. Instead of spending 7MM on JJP, the Sabres added physicality and RD. That’s what folks wanted this summer and they did it inexpensively. Kesselring, 1 year @ $1.4 million Josh Doan, 1 year @ 900k (ELC) I doubt it is Marner, but if this paves the way for Robertson, I’m good. If this was done for EEE considerations, then this franchise is truly cooked. Have to hope it’s the former.

“If I’m being honest, I feel bad for the fans (for the internet misinformation and rumors).” Maybe my frustration is making me too emotional. But just that Kevyn? That’s the thing you feel bad about with Sabres fans in mind?

Pre-draft press conferences are annual.

Jarmo will be working remotely. He didn’t deny the JJP trade rumor, so you can assume a trade was asked for.

I don’t agree with “big time” because the shooting percentage isn’t some bonkers number, but with JJP’s defense being bad AND to expect some 5 on 5 scoring regression…is it possible we would be selling high?? Not even saying I buy this, but worth considering.

Same for all the national guys and local beat alike. This front office does not leak anything.

What, “trust us bro” isn’t a good enough plan to the players?

Or not? Now he’s contradicting himself

Tomas Hertl, you are a Carolina Hertlcane https://xcancel.com/ettedguidavid/status/1937527084881936845 He is age 31 now, had 32G & 61 PTS last year for Vegas. Maybe the Marner rumors are more than rumors.

Not that anyone was worried, but the Rochester Amerks have locked themselves in for five more American Hockey League seasons at Blue Cross Arena. “Monday, the Amerks and the city are officially announcing a five-year lease agreement with a company called VenuWorks, and the 70-year-old hockey franchise will now simply be a tenant.” This is pertinent given the Pegula’s had given up their rights to run the arena and own the Knighthawks. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/lacrosse/2025/06/23/rochester-knighthawks-looking-for-new-owners-after-pegula-divest/84319445007/

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/lacrosse/2025/06/23/rochester-knighthawks-looking-for-new-owners-after-pegula-divest/84319445007/ More info here, but soft paywall. This coincides with the Pegula’s giving up control of the arena, so it makes sense for them. I can confirm the Pegula’s made their intentions known with the NLL a long time before today. “I can confirm there are local entities that have interest in keeping the team in Rochester,” Guelli said. “That’s the goal…The league is basically taking over those conversations, with the goal of getting someone in place before next season starts. They’re pretty bullish that they can get somebody in here and take over.” Personally, I think this franchise is cooked, unfortunately. They may play in ROC for one more year, but the love for this team left when the Hawks relocated the first time. It was never the same after that.

And 6MM in cap space. I also would have passed on this. Zegras is a fun concept…but has been both injured and ineffective the last two years.

I thought Brännström signed in Switzerland?

https://www.tsn.ca/chl/rick-westhead-osic-urges-hockey-canada-to-push-ban-on-fighting-in-ohl-whl-1.2324440 “In a sweeping set of recommendations aimed at overhauling the culture of hockey, a team of researchers commissioned by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) is urging Hockey Canada to push for a ban on fighting across all junior leagues and implement a national sanctions registry to inform the public about people who have been banned or suspended for serious maltreatment.” The Q is not mentioned because they’ve already banned fighting. Guys who get in fights are automatically ejected & subject to suspensions. Hockey has to decide to either keep fighting as a deterrent for crappy on ice behavior or ban fighting and call infractions like they do in every other sport. There’s no in between. I don’t expect this to be popular with hockey fans. Especially fans reading this given that we are mostly older hockey fans on Sabrespace. But one thing is for certain: not having fighting in Juniors is what's better for kids' long term health. If this happens at the lower levels, it’ll eventually make its way to the pros. Guys in the pros are already trying to punch under a a hard visor and I bet we can agree that’s stupid. Is it time to ban dropping the gloves?

Anyone else surprised at the potential value of Toews contract?