Sabre trend no one is talking about

[dudacek]

17 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Dahlin: 509games, experienced veteran defender

Bryson: 254games, moderately experienced defender

Byram: 246games, moderately experienced defender

Power: 242games, moderately experienced defender

Samuelsson: 212games, moderately low experienced defender

Timmins: 159games, low experienced defender

Kesselring: 156games, low experienced defender

Jones: 115games, barely experienced defender

There is one veteran defender in that room and it is Dahlin. I would say that 350-400 games on defense makes you a veteran experienced defender. 200-250 games brings you to at least a level of "knows some stuff" and below 200 you are still somewhat unknown and still learning. The fact the Sabres are entering the year with Jacob Bryson as their 2nd most experienced defender is insane. I suppose we could argue that Byram is that because this isn't counting playoff games (273 total games). Power is right in that mix too but basically Power, Samuelsson are all 1-2 years away from getting into that veteran savvy level of player. Timmins and Kesselring are 3 years from that level of player. 

Also the only guys with playoff experience are Byram and Timmins. I think the defense core has talent but I think it is very raw in terms of experience and it is lead by subpar coaching. I would love to be higher on them and might be next offseason when Byram is in the 300game zone, Power is in the 300 game zone, Kesselring and Timmins are in that mid 200 zone. Samuelsson is traded to IDC where and Bryson isn't on the roster. 

All valid concerns and I have shared them myself.

I wonder how much of "experience" is age, how much is in-game NHL experience, pro hockey experience, practice repetition, mental maturity, physical maturity, exposure to and comfort with NHL routine and lifestyle...so many variables.

But there is no doubt this group needs more experience.