GASabresIUFAN Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 (edited) Capfriendly lists our team’s average age as 25.5. Nearly all the Sabres UFAs are among the oldest players on the roster. In fact, the only Sabre under contract older than 28 is Skinner who is currently 31. Clifton is currently 28. Here are the Sabres UFAs (current age) : Okposo 35, Eric Johnson 35, Olofsson 28, Girgensons 29, Robinson 28, and Comrie 28. I’m not expecting any of them back. Here are possible internal replacements (age next season) : Kulich 20, Novikov 21, Rosen 21, Savoie 20, and Rousek 25. RFA’s who may not return (age next season) Krebs 23, Jokiharju 25, and UPL 25. Honestly, I don’t want any of them back either, but I expect at least Krebs to return. Given KA’s stubborn adherence to his “plan,” here is what the team might look like. Forwards: Skinner TNT Tuch Benson Cozens Quinn JJP Mitts Rosen Rousek Krebs Greenway Defense: Dahlin Samuelsson Power Ryan Johnson Novikov Clifton Goalies: Levi, UPL Anybody think this roster has a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs? Edited December 28, 2023 by GASabresIUFAN 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kas23 Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 Something tells me Okposo will be back. Embarrassingly, he has shown more signs of life than most of the kids this year. 3 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doohickie Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 18 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Capfriendly lists our team’s average age as 25.5. Nearly all the Sabres UFAs are among the oldest players on the roster. In fact, the only Sabre under contract older than 28 is Skinner who is currently 31. Clifton is currently 28. Here are the Sabres UFAs (current age) : Okposo 35, Eric Johnson 35, Olofsson 28, Girgensons 29, Robinson 28, and Comrie 28. I’m not expecting any of them back. Here are possible internal replacements (age next season) : Kulich 20, Novikov 21, Rosen 21, Savoie 20, and Rousek 25. RFA’s who may not return (age next season) Krebs 23, Jokiharju 25, and UPL 25. Honestly, I don’t want any of them back either, but I expect at least Krebs to return. Given KA’s stubborn adherence to his “plan,” here is what the team might look like. Forwards: Skinner TNT Tuch Benson Cozens Quinn JJP Mitts Rosen Rousek Krebs Greenway Defense: Dahlin Samuelsson Power Ryan Johnson Novikov Clifton Goalies: Levi, UPL Anybody think this roster has a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs? Not sure if you've noticed, but there is a definite chemistry between Quinn and JJP. I don't think you separate them; you just need to get a center between them that doesn't mess up the chemistry. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerreaultForever Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 26 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Anybody think this roster has a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs? Nope. About 1/3 of that roster should be in Rochester learning to win and getting an AHL championship. 25 minutes ago, kas23 said: Something tells me Okposo will be back. Embarrassingly, he has shown more signs of life than most of the kids this year. This, as absurd as it would be, would not shock me. It would also make me watch less Sabres hockey next year. I'm browsing other teams already. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doohickie Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 1 minute ago, PerreaultForever said: I'm browsing other teams already. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob_sauve28 Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 32 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Capfriendly lists our team’s average age as 25.5. Nearly all the Sabres UFAs are among the oldest players on the roster. In fact, the only Sabre under contract older than 28 is Skinner who is currently 31. Clifton is currently 28. Here are the Sabres UFAs (current age) : Okposo 35, Eric Johnson 35, Olofsson 28, Girgensons 29, Robinson 28, and Comrie 28. I’m not expecting any of them back. Here are possible internal replacements (age next season) : Kulich 20, Novikov 21, Rosen 21, Savoie 20, and Rousek 25. RFA’s who may not return (age next season) Krebs 23, Jokiharju 25, and UPL 25. Honestly, I don’t want any of them back either, but I expect at least Krebs to return. Given KA’s stubborn adherence to his “plan,” here is what the team might look like. Forwards: Skinner TNT Tuch Benson Cozens Quinn JJP Mitts Rosen Rousek Krebs Greenway Defense: Dahlin Samuelsson Power Ryan Johnson Novikov Clifton Goalies: Levi, UPL Anybody think this roster has a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs? Eric Johnson will be back 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashsabre Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 No, if this goes the way it looks like it is going to go the rest of this season the Sabres will be forced to make some changes because when they see the season ticket sales for next year they will 💩 themselves. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerreaultForever Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 15 minutes ago, Doohickie said: Haha you won't get rid of me that easily BUT, for most of the last decade I've (often painfully) watched every single Sabres game in full. If not live, on replay but every single game. This will end unless they do SOMETHING to make me believe they have a clue. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFAN Posted December 28, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 (edited) Here is what should happen with this roster if our GM is truly serious about winning. Forwards Benson TNT Tuch JJP Cozens Quinn Mitts ???? Skinner ???? ???? Greenway Defense Dahlin ???? Power Ryan Johnson Mule Clifton Goalies Levi Veteran?? I think there are 5 slots that should be filled with outside talent: Veteran Goalie, 3rd line center, 4th line center, a 4th line winger, and a top 4 D. Admittedly bringing in that many established players would probably blow KA’s budget. In addition, at least one of top 3 forward prospects will make the team. It will be easier to incorporate one of the kids by moving Mitts to center and opening a winger slot for the rookie. I can see at least one of the 3 top forwards prospects being included in a trade to get a top 4 D. Edited December 28, 2023 by GASabresIUFAN 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerreaultForever Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 16 minutes ago, bob_sauve28 said: Eric Johnson will be back They should move him (and Okposo) at the deadline. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SABRES 0311 Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 GMKA is like the guy from Dazed and Confused. That’s what I like about hockey players. I get older, they stay the same age. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GASabresIUFAN Posted December 28, 2023 Author Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 1 hour ago, PerreaultForever said: They should move him (and Okposo) at the deadline. Why wait? Shake up the locker room. Trading the Captain is a great place to start. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PerreaultForever Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 25 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Why wait? Shake up the locker room. Trading the Captain is a great place to start. Sure, but I suspect the timing/market isn't right. Johnson definitely and Okposo maybe are deadline type players for cup run teams. D depth is always a deadline concern for teams so a veteran cup winner, easy deal unless you're greedy. Okposo has a little grit so the right fit if the salary works. Maybe the Islanders would want him back? He'd be a fit on what they have and do. I'd also trade Girgs and Olofsson, all the UFAs but I doubt there'd be much interest in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowsabre Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 (edited) 3 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Here is what should happen with this roster if our GM is truly serious about winning. Forwards Benson TNT Tuch JJP Cozens Quinn Mitts ???? Skinner ???? ???? Greenway Defense Dahlin ???? Power Ryan Johnson Mule Clifton Goalies Levi Veteran?? I think there are 5 slots that should be filled with outside talent: Veteran Goalie, 3rd line center, 4th line center, a 4th line winger, and a top 4 D. Admittedly bringing in that many established players would probably blow KA’s budget. In addition, at least one of top 3 forward prospects will make the team. It will be easier to incorporate one of the kids by moving Mitts to center and opening a winger slot for the rookie. I can see at least one of the 3 top forwards prospects being included in a trade to get a top 4 D. I'm bullish on Samuelsson... The team itself isn't working at the moment. But I may just be falling into the KA mindset there... I think he might work better in another pairing, Dahlin is more of the modern offensive defenseman style, and they aren't working too well together. Or maybe it's just the team being dysfunctional in general, but in the end I don't think Samuelsson himself is a dud. 3 hours ago, SABRES 0311 said: GMKA is like the guy from Dazed and Confused. That’s what I like about hockey players. I get older, they stay the same age. Lmao, A+ reference Edited December 28, 2023 by lowsabre elaboration Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inkman Posted December 28, 2023 Report Share Posted December 28, 2023 3 hours ago, SABRES 0311 said: GMKA is like the guy from Dazed and Confused. That’s what I like about hockey players. I get older, they stay the same age. The guy? Matthew freaking McConaughey? That guy? 😀 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarthEbriate Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 The answer is yes. And they might just be better for it... (if a couple of the players first-time UFAs or a trade acquisition who legitimately fulfill a 3C and 4D and 1B goalie role). 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gatorman0519 Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 The right coach could make this team instantly competitive. If we run it back, next year is year 14. 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusader1969 Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 7 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said: Capfriendly lists our team’s average age as 25.5. Nearly all the Sabres UFAs are among the oldest players on the roster. In fact, the only Sabre under contract older than 28 is Skinner who is currently 31. Clifton is currently 28. Here are the Sabres UFAs (current age) : Okposo 35, Eric Johnson 35, Olofsson 28, Girgensons 29, Robinson 28, and Comrie 28. I’m not expecting any of them back. Here are possible internal replacements (age next season) : Kulich 20, Novikov 21, Rosen 21, Savoie 20, and Rousek 25. RFA’s who may not return (age next season) Krebs 23, Jokiharju 25, and UPL 25. Honestly, I don’t want any of them back either, but I expect at least Krebs to return. Given KA’s stubborn adherence to his “plan,” here is what the team might look like. Forwards: Skinner TNT Tuch Benson Cozens Quinn JJP Mitts Rosen Rousek Krebs Greenway Defense: Dahlin Samuelsson Power Ryan Johnson Novikov Clifton Goalies: Levi, UPL Anybody think this roster has a snowballs chance in hell of making the playoffs? I think you will be a playoff team if 1) move Greenway to the 3rd line in place of Rosen. Hopefully Rosen, Kulich and Savoie are close enough to fill in for injuries in the top 9 2) bring in 2 4th line wingers who play fast and bring a relentless forecheck. Don't need them to score much. Just need the opposing dmen to be wary when they are out there cause they know they are gonna hit 3) a legit top 4 dman to pair with Dahlin. Not easy to find but if anyone can make a trade happen, it's the Sabres. Picks, prospects and cap space 4) MOST IMMPORTANLY - hire Brind'amour or Copper and replace the entire coaching staff 1 hour ago, Gatorman0519 said: The right coach could make this team instantly competitive. If we run it back, next year is year 14. No doubt in my mind that with Brind'Amour at the helm of this team, we are 10 points above where they are today 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pimlach Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 24 minutes ago, Crusader1969 said: I think you will be a playoff team if 1) move Greenway to the 3rd line in place of Rosen. Hopefully Rosen, Kulich and Savoie are close enough to fill in for injuries in the top 9 2) bring in 2 4th line wingers who play fast and bring a relentless forecheck. Don't need them to score much. Just need the opposing dmen to be wary when they are out there cause they know they are gonna hit 3) a legit top 4 dman to pair with Dahlin. Not easy to find but if anyone can make a trade happen, it's the Sabres. Picks, prospects and cap space 4) MOST IMMPORTANLY - hire Brind'amour or Copper and replace the entire coaching staff No doubt in my mind that with Brind'Amour at the helm of this team, we are 10 points above where they are today Why not do 4 and let them handle 1, 2 and 3. A big name coach worth his salt will want roster control. Which might be why we don’t ever hire one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 8 hours ago, bob_sauve28 said: Eric Johnson will be back No he won't. He wants to be in Denver, so he can sleep in his bed. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoonman Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 32 minutes ago, Pimlach said: Why not do 4 and let them handle 1, 2 and 3. A big name coach worth his salt will want roster control. Which might be why we don’t ever hire one. But Pegs and his GMKA.... GMKA Pegs How much for a coach? Pegs: I already got one for 1 MILLION Dollars! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewookie1 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 Someone on CapFriendly offered us Couture at 2mil retained for Greenway and Jokiharju. Franky if he looks fine when he returns from his injury he'd be a guy who could check some boxes for a solid 2 way center with experience who can still play. Emphasis on his return this year being a caveat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidc3000 Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 (edited) On 12/28/2023 at 3:28 PM, GASabresIUFAN said: I think there are 5 slots that should be filled with outside talent: Veteran Goalie, 3rd line center, 4th line center, a 4th line winger, and a top 4 D. With who? What players that isn’t washed up or a scrub WANTS to play for the Sabres? Edited January 1 by Sidc3000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freester Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 Savoie will be in Rochester next year. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pimlach Posted January 1 Report Share Posted January 1 2 hours ago, thewookie1 said: Someone on CapFriendly offered us Couture at 2mil retained for Greenway and Jokiharju. Franky if he looks fine when he returns from his injury he'd be a guy who could check some boxes for a solid 2 way center with experience who can still play. Emphasis on his return this year being a caveat. Couture is 34. How is he better at 35 than Mitts or Cozens? He won't be. Greenway is not a guy I trade when I am looking to improve the size and grit factor on this team. We have a load of talented forwards, more than we can absorb, that we could package for vets in their prime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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