Summer 2025: NHL Offseason

[Night Train]

On 8/13/2025 at 3:07 PM, LGR4GM said:

There is a good reason Mittelstadt isn't here and no, I wouldn't trade for him, even draft picks. 

Colorado bailed on him quickly after paying him. His D is horrid. Ack ! No ! 

[Weave]

1 hour ago, Taro T said:

 

But would rather have him in the lineup than Rosen and he's close to the next man up right now.

This I will agree with.

[Archie Lee]

1 hour ago, Weave said:

Who are you displacing with him that improves the roster?

Let’s assume the following:

- a team’s goal is to win now; and

- salaries aren’t an issue .

Given those parameters, if you polled every NHL GM and HC in the NHL and told them they could have only one of Quinn, Kulich, or Mittelstadt, I believe the vast majority would take Mittelstadt. 
 

 

[dudacek]

6 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

Let’s assume the following:

- a team’s goal is to win now; and

- salaries aren’t an issue .

Given those parameters, if you polled every NHL GM and HC in the NHL and told them they could have only one of Quinn, Kulich, or Mittelstadt, I believe the vast majority would take Mittelstadt. 
 

 

There’s little doubt Mitts is the most proven player, but it would be very hard for me to predict which one would help the Sabres most this year.

As bad as Jack Quinn was last year, he probably had a better season than Casey and I think he’s got a higher ceiling.

What’s more likely: Kulich taking a step offensively or Casey defensively? Because there is no doubt the Sabres need the more reliable player.

[dudacek]

23 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

Let’s assume the following:

- a team’s goal is to win now; and

- salaries aren’t an issue .

Given those parameters, if you polled every NHL GM and HC in the NHL and told them they could have only one of Quinn, Kulich, or Mittelstadt, I believe the vast majority would take Mittelstadt. 
 

 

There’s little doubt Mitts is the most proven player, but it would be very hard for me to predict which one would help the Sabres most this year.

As bad as Jack Quinn was last year, he probably had a better season than Casey and I think he’s got a higher ceiling.

What’s more likely: Kulich taking a step offensively or Casey defensively? Because there is no doubt the Sabres need the more reliable player.

Not sure what happened to Casey this year because he’s better than what he showed.

But how does a player go from +12 in 60ish games in Buffalo to -12 in 60ish games in Denver to -17 in 18 games in Boston?

I mean he’s certain to bounce back with a career year with the Bruins because Boston, but in Buffalo?

Edited 1 hour ago by dudacek

[PerreaultForever]

2 hours ago, Weave said:

Im not convinced Mitts is going to be much of an upgrade over Quinn anymore.

Danforth, he’s your grit and forecheck upgrade, right?  So much for that.

He’s a roster spot, and one with a 3rd contract cap hit.  He needs to displace someone.

Do you honestly think this roster will stay healthy all year?

Your playoff reliance is all on 3 youngsters stepping up all at once (Benson, Kulich, Quinn). If they don't, or only one does, it's nowhere near enough. 

Do you not value depth and internal competition?

45 minutes ago, dudacek said:

There’s little doubt Mitts is the most proven player, but it would be very hard for me to predict which one would help the Sabres most this year.

As bad as Jack Quinn was last year, he probably had a better season than Casey and I think he’s got a higher ceiling.

What’s more likely: Kulich taking a step offensively or Casey defensively? Because there is no doubt the Sabres need the more reliable player.

Not sure what happened to Casey this year because he’s better than what he showed.

But how does a player go from +12 in 60ish games in Buffalo to -12 in 60ish games in Denver to -17 in 18 games in Boston?

I mean he’s certain to bounce back with a career year with the Bruins because Boston, but in Buffalo?

If you don't add one more solid veteran (be it Mitts or whoever) how do you sit underperformers without depleting the line up? Isn't that an ongoing issue with this team? 

[Weave]

2 minutes ago, PerreaultForever said:

 

Do you not value depth and internal competition?

 

I don’t value Casey Mittlestadt.  I don’t see him as a “solid” veteran.  Very unsolid in my eyes.