SabreFinn

I think his ambitions is leading a cup contender first line. At least he could lead a Sabres first line from day one. I think it takes Savoie and a 2nd, or Savoie and another prospect to get him.

4th line player with size. One out of four accomplished.

I understand the pain you are feeling in western NY, and pro sports is about winning, and when the spirit not is winning, it makes fans pissed off. I feel pretty calm about the roster build for next season. This was the last season of dissapointment in a while. Even if there are no trades this weekend, the off season and UFA market will bring all that's needed.

My thoughts on the draft this far are that we made a good first pick in a draft that was very unpredictable. I had no clear dream choice myself and might have choosen differently, but I am happy with Helenius. e. Having a player that has been compared to Datsyuk in our system to develop properly for four years (even longer if we want) , what is not to like about that! And who knows, we might have choosen same player even if we had not traded down. I do not think we had picked Helenius if Adams not intend to use prospects in a coming trade, then again I hesitate about Adams determination to get a deal done, but there are both assetts and capspace and a new coach so something will happen.

They may not be the next former Sabre to win a cup on another team, but with Thompson, Cozens signed long-term and prospects Helenius, Savoie, Östlund being C, someone will be moved. So the guess is Östlund, but I think before him Skinner or Krebs.

If he is the next Datsyuk, we'll see about that, but it is promising. I remember a situation in IIHF WC, where he defended against Hischier, and Hischier could not have done it better himself.

You are absolutely right about the way hockey in Liiga, I don't like it at all. It is very much focus on tactic. On the other hand, to play against men in that age in a league like that demand smartness and hockeysense. Speed is easier to work on.

And if Ehlers sign an extension at same numbers as current, that is a deal to me.

And Lundell traded to Sabres!?

We sure needs the toughness. Unfortunately I hear some Eric Johnson bells ringing. I hope Trouba still got more to give than Johnson.

Sharks also got Grundström from Kings. I wanted Grundström to Sabres.

Never thought it that way, but it makes sence, the 2nd as a sweetener. And a trade is better than a buyout. Let's hope you are right.

Why??

Weird. Think the Walman - Seider pair was their best.

I think they try with a Swayman Korpisalo duo. Korpi has always been better in the backup role.

I would be excited if we pick Miettinen or Pulkkinen in the 2nd round. Think they both bring us what we are missing in the bottom six. A third line with Benson, Wahlgren and Miettinen could be really good in 3-4 years.

Farabee is in the trade block due to rumours.

Att least the talk of buying out Skinner sends a message to contracted players that it is time to get to work and do summer practice properly.

Absolutely! And one year left at a reasonable salary. A package with him and Jensen would be even better.

And Dellandrea for a 4th round pick. Two good adds to their bortom six and they only have up a late pick.

Laine lost his dad that suddenly passed away. And his dad was also his best friend, his biggest support and advisor. Laine tried to be professional and also had some injuries to deal with. I am not suppriced it went the way it did with Laines health. But I think he will be back almost as good as ever. A team change on the other hand could do good. He is not just a PP specialist, but the pp goals he get are important for his coinfidence, and competing with Thompson for those goals is not good for neither of them imo. I would pass on Laine even if we traded Skinner for him.

Since Sabres has invested money in young promising players and also have a promising prospect pool, the next thing is to invest in is two or three players that help the youngsters take the next step. It is like real estate business, you invest and then ad something to the investment to get some profit. How you do the complementary investment is what makes the difference, and unfortunately those are the skills I have doubts in at Sabres hockey management. And it can't go wrong this time.

I came up with an outsider as 3C. Teuvo Teräväinen is smart enough to play center, he has a decent two way game and can play both pp and pk. He played center when they won the world juniors. I don't know how he is on faceoffs, we need to approve there, otherwise I think he could be perfect. And if one of our prospect centers make it to the line-up later, he could easily move back to wing.

Jokiharju, Savoie and a 3 round pick?

A defender like Pesce who would bring a balance to the roster and play big minutes when ever needed is definitely worth 8milj. Or Stephenson about 7 like our other centers. I don't know if that is what you meen with overpay, but it is my ceiling. It might be it makes resigning some Rfa difficult in coming years, but I think that is what the cap is for all of the teams that want to be competitive. The good thing is that the balance they bring, gives a possibility to go cheaper in some other part of the roster.