Should Adams bring in a starter and make Levi the backup in 23/24?

[sweetlou]

Like Iv'e stated earlier, I think the Sabres plan for this year was UPL and Comrie in Buffalo, with Levi in Roch.  When Levi played well after UPL and Comrie struggled things changed.

UPL probably feels he could be a starter if given a chance.  

Comrie only has one year left on deal, so if you trade UPL who becomes your backup next year?

If you decide to move on from both Comrie and UPL whomever you get this year is here probably for two years.

Goaltending and getting two more physical style d-man are themes important decisions this offseason.

The offense will take care of itself as there is enough talent and or prospects.

[dudacek]

Two things from the year-end presser:

• Firm support for UPL on top of Adams continuing to gush over Levi like he gushes over no other player
• Adams telling the media the Sabres front-office will be "fearless" when it comes to selecting their goaltending.

Read that into the backdrop of Sabrespace urging caution and adding an established goalie and conclude what you will.

[Buffalonill]

2 hours ago, sweetlou said:

Like Iv'e stated earlier, I think the Sabres plan for this year was UPL and Comrie in Buffalo, with Levi in Roch.  When Levi played well after UPL and Comrie struggled things changed.

UPL probably feels he could be a starter if given a chance.  

Comrie only has one year left on deal, so if you trade UPL who becomes your backup next year?

If you decide to move on from both Comrie and UPL whomever you get this year is here probably for two years.

Goaltending and getting two more physical style d-man are themes important decisions this offseason.

The offense will take care of itself as there is enough talent and or prospects.

It worked so great last year.

 

[Pimlach]

8 hours ago, dudacek said:

Two things from the year-end presser:

• Firm support for UPL on top of Adams continuing to gush over Levi like he gushes over no other player
• Adams telling the media the Sabres front-office will be "fearless" when it comes to selecting their goaltending.

Read that into the backdrop of Sabrespace urging caution and adding an established goalie and conclude what you will.

Dude,  I don't think being fearless is adding an established goalie.  I think that is typical and prudent.   

Fearless would be trying to go with Levi/UPL as the 1/2.  

 

[Taro T]

19 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Dude,  I don't think being fearless is adding an established goalie.  I think that is typical and prudent.   

Fearless would be trying to go with Levi/UPL as the 1/2.  

 

Pretty sure he's agreeing with you.  Believe he expects Adams to run with 2 of the 3 heads of the 3 headed goalie monster.  AKA, he's going to be fearless of the criticism he'll receive all off-season as we watch guys that could solidify the goaltending as Levi's partner in crime get signed by teams playing in barns not located on the shore of Lake Erie.

[Pimlach]

3 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Pretty sure he's agreeing with you.  Believe he expects Adams to run with 2 of the 3 heads of the 3 headed goalie monster.  AKA, he's going to be fearless of the criticism he'll receive all off-season as we watch guys that could solidify the goaltending as Levi's partner in crime get signed by teams playing in barns not located on the shore of Lake Erie.

Oh,  Sarcasm ... 

[GASabresIUFAN]

14 hours ago, Taro T said:

Pretty sure he's agreeing with you.  Believe he expects Adams to run with 2 of the 3 heads of the 3 headed goalie monster.  AKA, he's going to be fearless of the criticism he'll receive all off-season as we watch guys that could solidify the goaltending as Levi's partner in crime get signed by teams playing in barns not located on the shore of Lake Erie.

So you’re saying “Fearless” = “Stupid”.  

Jonas Johansson’s numbers are infinitely better than UPL’s and he’s a AAAA goalie at best.  KA’s faith in UPL is a strange.  It’s like he has blinders on.

I wish someone had some advanced stats that document why anyone could believe that   UPL is an NHL goalie.

Edited April 25, 2023 by GASabresIUFAN

[Taro T]

5 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

So you’re saying “Fearless” = “Stupid”.  

Jonas Johansson’s numbers are infinitely better than UPL’s and he’s a AAAA goalie at best.  KA’s faith in UPL is a strange.  It’s like he has blinders on.

I wish someone had some advanced stats that document why anyone could believe that   UPL is an NHL goalie.

Am on record as wanting the Sabres to make a push for Varlamov.  And ftr, it was @dudacek who made the observation about what Adams likely means when using the term "fearless."  Hope his interpretation is off, but expect he nailed it.

And also, have said numerous times that UPL's issues seem to be mental not physical so it IS possible (especially at this age) that he can and will figure it out.  If he does, he could be better than Ullmark.  Won't put a single penny down on it actually happening as the expectation is he won't figure it out.  But if he does, he won't be the 1st to take a long time to figure it out.  Thomas and Roloson are the poster boys for figuring it out later in life.  Dubnyk, to a lesser degree as well.  If he's still a Sabres come October, hoping he joins their ranks.  (Again, not betting on it happening.)

Adams, Granato, and Bales are around the guy every day.  Hoping whichever way they go on him, they get it right.  It literally could be the difference between year 1 of a playoff streak and year 13.