What’s left for KA to do this Summer?

[PASabreFan]

1 hour ago, Marvin said:

A vast majority of my discomfiture is the goaltending.  I can accept that Levi can replace Anderson, but that leaves questions:

1. How much more can he play?

2. What happens once teams get some video on him?

3. For games without Levi, we have UPL and Comrie -- can either or both of them improve enough to improve the team's performance?

That is for the most important position on the ice.  I am very trepidatious about next season.

Few vocabulate better.

[K-9]

1 hour ago, Marvin said:

A vast majority of my discomfiture is the goaltending.  I can accept that Levi can replace Anderson, but that leaves questions:

1. How much more can he play?

2. What happens once teams get some video on him?

3. For games without Levi, we have UPL and Comrie -- can either or both of them improve enough to improve the team's performance?

That is for the most important position on the ice.  I am very trepidatious about next season.

All fair questions indeed. Regarding #2, that’s a two way street as Levi will also be developing intelligence on the shooters in the league as well. He’s reputed to have a very cerebral approach to the position and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he has reams of notes already.

[JohnC]

25 minutes ago, K-9 said:

All fair questions indeed. Regarding #2, that’s a two way street as Levi will also be developing intelligence on the shooters in the league as well. He’s reputed to have a very cerebral approach to the position and I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that he has reams of notes already.

After the season, it was reported on WGR that Levi went down to Florida to meet with Anderson to continue picking his wise hockey brain about playing the position. He bonded with Anderson during the season and continued his association with him even after he retired. As you point out, Levi is a smart and inquisitive individual who is constantly striving to get better. There is no such thing as a guarantee that a young player is going to succeed at the highest level of hockey. However, the odds are certainly in his favor. In his young hockey career, he's already demonstrated that he not only doesn't run away from challenges but he embraces them. I'm more concerned with the backups than with this young starter. 

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, JohnC said:

After the season, it was reported on WGR that Levi went down to Florida to meet with Anderson to continue picking his wise hockey brain about playing the position. He bonded with Anderson during the season and continued his association with him even after he retired. As you point out, Levi is a smart and inquisitive individual who is constantly striving to get better. There is no such thing as a guarantee that a young player is going to succeed at the highest level of hockey. However, the odds are certainly in his favor. In his young hockey career, he's already demonstrated that he not only doesn't run away from challenges but he embraces them. I'm more concerned with the backups than with this young starter. 

Adam’s was smart to bring in Andy.  I still wish he brought in some better goalie help along with him though (I.e. better than Toker and Comrie).  

Erik Johnson will likely have a similar impact. A player past his prime, but he will bring much needed veteran experience and know-how to the blue line.  

[Hank]

6K will be fine. He'll play at least thirty games and have a winning record. 

[PerreaultForever]

2 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Adam’s was smart to bring in Andy.  I still wish he brought in some better goalie help along with him though (I.e. better than Toker and Comrie).  

Erik Johnson will likely have a similar impact. A player past his prime, but he will bring much needed veteran experience and know-how to the blue line.  

He was smart to being him in 2 years ago. I don't consider it smart for last season. If we had had a legit #1 goalie last year we would have made the playoffs imo. It was a mistake (or cynically they never planned to make the playoffs last year).

[LabattBlue]

2 hours ago, Hank said:

6K will be fine. He'll play at least thirty games and have a winning record. 

Based on what?

Edited July 23, 2023 by LabattBlue

[JohnC]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

He was smart to being him in 2 years ago. I don't consider it smart for last season. If we had had a legit #1 goalie last year we would have made the playoffs imo. It was a mistake (or cynically they never planned to make the playoffs last year).

You don't have to be cynical to believe that the GM really didn't expect to make the playoffs last year. The team's end of the reason playoff press was probably not expected by most people associated with the franchise, including the fans. Speaking for myself, I consider them to be one year ahead of the planned rebuild timetable. Next year is a different situation. If this team doesn't make the playoffs, I will be very disappointed. No more excuses. 

[Buffalonill]

1 hour ago, LabattBlue said:

Based on what?

 

[Taro T]

19 hours ago, dudacek said:

Great post.

I read elsewhere on here today that the Sabres are putting out the vibe that “now’s not the time, we’re still a year or two away” and I don’t see that all.

Those who are buying into Adams by and large see the pieces of a playoff team assembled right now. If they cough up an 86-point year, no one is going to be OK with that, and Adams knows it.

That may be the view some here have, but am quite certain that Adams doesn't agree with that.

Playoffs this year are a goal of his.  (Note, said they are A goal, not THE goal.)

And completely agree that Adams knows that nobody will find an 86 point season acceptable.

Am nearly certain that there will still be more moves this summer.  Just have no good feel whatsoever whether they're moves that'll help Ra-cha-cha, Buffalo, or both.

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said:

He was smart to being him in 2 years ago. I don't consider it smart for last season. If we had had a legit #1 goalie last year we would have made the playoffs imo. It was a mistake (or cynically they never planned to make the playoffs last year).

Which is why I added the part about bringing in a better goalie than Toker and Comrie.  

[Sabres Fan in NS]

A nice team BBQ on Labour Day!!

 

[Taro T]

18 hours ago, dudacek said:

How would you compare your confidence in Levi to your confidence in Anderson? 

We missed by one point with Anderson and I have high confidence Levi can replace his 26 games and supply another 26 at that level.

I think the experience gained and the pieces added over the 82 games last year will make a difference over the 82 games this year. I think Clifton and Johnson improve the weakest part of last year’s depth chart (PK, defensive depth) while also adding to those characteristics (experience, defence, edge) the team was lacking.

I also think it is highly unlikely the forwards will be able to repeat the scoring totals and the good health they had last year and I think the confidence in Levi needs to be buttressed with a better insurance policy.

I think they should be a playoff team as currently constructed.

I also think more can and should be done.

They did miss by 1 point last year.  But am hoping and expecting that they know they need to be 7-8 points better to be a playoff team.  (1 point better MIGHT be good enough.  But would be willing to make a small wager that 92 points won't be good enough again.)

[JohnC]

15 hours ago, Taro T said:

That may be the view some here have, but am quite certain that Adams doesn't agree with that.

Playoffs this year are a goal of his.  (Note, said they are A goal, not THE goal.)

And completely agree that Adams knows that nobody will find an 86 point season acceptable.

Am nearly certain that there will still be more moves this summer.  Just have no good feel whatsoever whether they're moves that'll help Ra-cha-cha, Buffalo, or both.

Why do you think that there will be more moves for the Sabres this summer? If a goalie trade or transaction isn't made, then what other positions do you think will be addressed? I would love to see another 4/5 defenseman added to the blueline mix. However, I'm not confident that it will happen. 

Other than the additions of Johnson and Clifton, this has been an uneventful offseason. My sense is that is what KA wanted. 

[sweetlou]

I think KA kicked the tires on a few goalies and other UFA/trade defenseman. Just didn't like the ask and wants to maintain the growth from within.  I think he is also betting on other Atlantic teams not being as good, and gaining the additional 6-8 points needed with wins against those teams.  Buffalo also had several losses to teams below them in standings the they should've picked up points.  

Games from last year that they regret not getting a point. 

11/8- lost 4-1 to Arizona at home

11/15- lost 5-4 to Vancouver at home

11/16- lost 4-1 to Ottawa at home

1/9- lost 4-0 to Philadelphia at home

1/17- lost 4-3(ot) to Chicago in Chicago

2/28- lost 5-3 to Columbus at home

3/17- lost 5-2 to Philadelphia in Philadelphia

3/27- lost 4-3(so) to Montreal at home

There may have been a few more games that we needed to win against teams above the Sabres in standings, but if they had just gone .500 in above games they have 7 more points and are in playoffs!!

[Taro T]

2 hours ago, JohnC said:

Why do you think that there will be more moves for the Sabres this summer? If a goalie trade or transaction isn't made, then what other positions do you think will be addressed? I would love to see another 4/5 defenseman added to the blueline mix. However, I'm not confident that it will happen. 

Other than the additions of Johnson and Clifton, this has been an uneventful offseason. My sense is that is what KA wanted. 

Why, because there are always late adds to the or-gan-eye-zay-shun, when camps are ready to open and then as teams shuffle around to set their lineups.  Am not expecting a lot (1-3 is the expectation) but there will still be some more.  

And as stated in the OP, no idea if they'll be moves for the Sabres, the Amerks, or both.  E.g., should Adams find that 4C faceoff/PK specialist that would be a very nice piece to add that would improve both rosters as either Rousek or Jost would find himself starting the year in Ra-cha-cha.

[PASabreFan]

Does no one remember the flop sweats KA and DG had when big old meanie Wawrow (filling for BOM Harrington) asked them to state that making the playoffs was the goal this year?

KA is holding up his end of the bargain.

[LabattBlue]

1 hour ago, Taro T said:

…should Adams find that 4C faceoff/PK specialist that would be a very nice piece to add that would improve both rosters as either Rousek or Jost would find himself starting the year in Ra-cha-cha.

Yes please. 🤞🏻

[PerreaultForever]

10 hours ago, Taro T said:

should Adams find that 4C faceoff/PK specialist that would be a very nice piece to add that would improve both rosters as either Rousek or Jost would find himself starting the year in Ra-cha-cha.

Nosek went to NJ for 1 million. That was that guy. 

At this point I don't expect they will do anything more. It is what it is now.

If I was KA I would give Briere the 2 firsts he apparently wants for Hart so that Levi has time to develop AND so the Leafs can't have him.  (and before you say that's too much, yes, it's maybe an overpay, but on the other hand, with a deep prospect pool what is better, even more top prospects or making the playoffs?)

and then I would see if Boston would part with DeBrusk for a top pick or prospect so that they have cap space for Bergeron and we have our 2nd line winger to take Quinn's spot. 

We make those 2 (or similar) moves and we are in the playoffs. We do nothing further, and it's a long shot at best. 

[Taro T]

55 minutes ago, PerreaultForever said:

Nosek went to NJ for 1 million. That was that guy. 

At this point I don't expect they will do anything more. It is what it is now.

If I was KA I would give Briere the 2 firsts he apparently wants for Hart so that Levi has time to develop AND so the Leafs can't have him.  (and before you say that's too much, yes, it's maybe an overpay, but on the other hand, with a deep prospect pool what is better, even more top prospects or making the playoffs?)

and then I would see if Boston would part with DeBrusk for a top pick or prospect so that they have cap space for Bergeron and we have our 2nd line winger to take Quinn's spot. 

We make those 2 (or similar) moves and we are in the playoffs. We do nothing further, and it's a long shot at best. 

Hart and DeBrusk would be 2 very good adds that should work with what Adams is doing currently.  And agree those moves on top of the additions on D should have the Sabres battling for 3rd and well above the WC fray.

But still believe this team, as constructed (hopefully even with Quinn out ~3 months), should be a 98 point team which should be good enough.  But personally hate the idea of having no margin for error.

[Zamboni]

Yea let’s freak out and overpay by a lot for Hart. Solid long term plan. Yikes. If Hart is even moved, one late first round pick would be the maximum he should get. And even that is an overpay. Olofsson/UPL and a 3rd or something equivalent is in the ballpark of Harts value IMO. Briere is out to lunch with his ask. And he knows it. But you can’t blame him for trying.

[LGR4GM]

12 minutes ago, Zamboni said:

Yea let’s freak out and overpay by a lot for Hart. Solid long term plan. Yikes. If Hart is even moved, one late first round pick would be the maximum he should get. And even that is an overpay. Olofsson/UPL and a 3rd or something equivalent is in the ballpark of Harts value IMO. Briere is out to lunch with his ask. And he knows it. But you can’t blame him for trying.

I can't think of any goaltender who's gone for 2 first round picks in the modern era. Luongo went for 1 and he was better than Hart.

[CTJoe]

1 hour ago, Zamboni said:

Yea let’s freak out and overpay by a lot for Hart. Solid long term plan. Yikes. If Hart is even moved, one late first round pick would be the maximum he should get. And even that is an overpay. Olofsson/UPL and a 3rd or something equivalent is in the ballpark of Harts value IMO. Briere is out to lunch with his ask. And he knows it. But you can’t blame him for trying.

Agree - Oloffson, UPL and a 3rd should be enough to get it done.  Briere can then eat some salary and trade Oloffson for a 2nd or 3rd.  I do like the tandem of Levi/Hart a lot

[dudacek]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

I can't think of any goaltender who's gone for 2 first round picks in the modern era. Luongo went for 1 and he was better than Hart.

Both Luongo trades were for players not picks. You might be thinking of Schneider, who was traded for pick 9, the highest return for any goalie post-lockout

Darcy Kuemper went for a late 1st and prospect Conor Timmins (4 years removed from being the 32nd overall pick).

Next year's 1st and Ryan Johnson is technically 2 1st-rounders and probably similar to Hart's value in the current market, in my opinion.

Edited July 25, 2023 by dudacek