Post Olympic Break Roster Moves

[SabresBaltimore]

We're now 8 days (and 5 more games) from the Olympic break. Assuming we're relatively healthy (including UPL in this pending what we learn later today/this week) Jarmo needs to free up some roster spots.

 

I think the defense is fairly straightforward:

Timmens -> Jones
Bryson -> Metsa

The forwards though are a lot harder to figure:
Norris -> Helenius
Danforth -> ?
Dunne -> ??

We need 2 spots.

Top candidates to go/be moved:

Greenway (he's not been healthy all year and was scratched last night. Shove him on IR)
Östlund (I personally don't put him this high on MY list but he can be sent to Rochester to buy time without worrying about waivers)
Ellis (assuming UPL is healthy, otherwise this buys you more time/one of your spots)
Kozak (he'll have to clear waivers)

I don't know that someone will claim Kozak, but he's young, so if we're deciding he's expendable you'd like to see a trade instead of waiving him.

Some of the things that factor into this is the contracts for a lot of these guys:

Kozak - 2 more years at 775k, then RFA
Krebs - RFA
Malynstyn - UFA
Dunne - UFA
Greenway - 1 more year at 4m, then UFA
Danforth - 1 more year at 1.8m, then UFA
Ellis - 1 more year at 775k, then RFA

We haven't seen Danforth play at all. Fairburn seems excited for his return but whose spot does he take? Kozak/Greenway I guess? But if Dunne is back I'd prefer:

Dunne - Krebs - Malynstyn

So if you are Jarmo how do you make this work?

We'd probably all love to trade Greenways horrible contract away, but I don't see how that happens, maybe if we retain some salary?

Do you trade Danforth? Kozak? You could currently lose all 3 of the 4th liners in the off-season and would need 1 or both to help fill those  holes.

Ellis? He was a bit shaky again last night, but made some big saves for us, and could possibly be an important piece for the future if he continues to develop.

 

Not sure if Jarmo makes a move before the break, but if he doesn't there won't be a ton of time after and he may have to at a minimum stash Östlund back in Rochester until he does something else.

Edited January 28 by SabresBaltimore

[shrader]

You would keep Dunne on the roster over Östlund? Prepare for the onslaught you’re about to face. 

Edited January 28 by shrader

[SabresBaltimore]

Just now, shrader said:

You would keep Dunne on the roster over Östlund? Prepare for the onslaught you’re about to face. 

That is not at all what I said. I said he may have to stash Östlund in Rochester to free up a spot for Dunne (or Danforth's) return. I'm not saying that is what I would do. I was asking what other people would do, and while you obviously disagree with the idea, it's an option that may well happen even if for a few days/games.

[GASabresIUFAN]

45 minutes ago, SabresBaltimore said:

Bryson -> Metsa

 

Metsa > Bryson

45 minutes ago, SabresBaltimore said:

Östlund (I personally don't put him this high on MY list but he can be sent to Rochester to buy time without worrying about waivers)

Östlund isn't coming out of the lineup.  It would be like taking Pommers out in 2005/6

[LGR4GM]

Greenway is getting a 2nd opinion on his groin injury that has been nagging him since last year. That's right kids, Adams gave a bottom 6 forward with known groin injury 2yrs at 4mil per. IMPO, they shut him down for the rest of the season. There is one open spot. 

When Norris comes back Helenius goes down and that is just logical. You don't need him with Norris here and at 19 in his 2nd NA season, you can afford to let him cook more in the AHL. 

Östlund stays. I'd waive Dunne or Kozak or Danforth or whoever to keep Östlund in Buffalo. You are trying to win hockey games, not get cute with the players under contract. 

Timmins comes back and yes Jones goes away. Bryson coming back and Metsa going down is interesting, idk how that will play out. 

To me it shouldn't be that hard. Danforth is the only WC because I think he is a Ruff requested player and I believe Jarmo also has a connection to him so I could see him supplanting Kozak. As much as I like Kozak, he probably doesn't get claimed and no offense but so what? Teams shuffle 4th liners in and out all the time. 

Keeping: 

Norris, Thompson, Tuch

Mcleod, Quinn, Zucker

Östlund, Benson, Doan

Danforth, Krebs, Malestyn, and 1 of Dunne or Kozak. 

Greenway goes on LTIR. Kulich is already out for unknown time. Helenius goes back to Rochester until needed. 

Defense is easier:

Dahlin, Power

Samuelsson, Byram

Kesselring, Timmins

Bryson or Metsa if they want another rhd but I would guess Bryson stays and Metsa and Jones go back to Rochester. 

[xzy89c1]

Östlund is one of our best 6 forwards. Dunne can go down. Greenway to IR or released. Kozak sent down. Three spots are opened. Danforth will play when healthy. Spot for Norriss and an extra one. Order is Greenway to IR, Kozak sent down then Dunne.

We really miss Timmens as he was PK and regular shift. Worried about Samuelson wearing down. 

[LGR4GM]

3 minutes ago, xzy89c1 said:

Östlund is one of our best 6 forwards. Dunne can go down. Greenway to IR or released. Kozak sent down. Three spots are opened. Danforth will play when healthy. Spot for Norriss and an extra one. Order is Greenway to IR, Kozak sent down then Dunne.

We really miss Timmens as he was PK and regular shift. Worried about Samuelson wearing down. 

This isn't football, you can't just release a player. 

[Archie Lee]

44 minutes ago, SabresBaltimore said:

That is not at all what I said. I said he may have to stash Östlund in Rochester to free up a spot for Dunne (or Danforth's) return. I'm not saying that is what I would do. I was asking what other people would do, and while you obviously disagree with the idea, it's an option that may well happen even if for a few days/games.

One thing to remember is that post-trade-deadline (which is March 6, not long after the Olympic break), there are no restrictions on roster-size.  As long as they are cap compliant, the Sabres can have 25, 26, 27, players on the roster. All the Sabres need to do at this point, is find reasons to leave Danforth, Dunne, Bryson, the next injured goalie, on IR until the trade deadline.    

[Taro T]

5 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Greenway is getting a 2nd opinion on his groin injury that has been nagging him since last year. That's right kids, Adams gave a bottom 6 forward with known groin injury 2yrs at 4mil per. IMPO, they shut him down for the rest of the season. There is one open spot. 

When Norris comes back Helenius goes down and that is just logical. You don't need him with Norris here and at 19 in his 2nd NA season, you can afford to let him cook more in the AHL. 

Östlund stays. I'd waive Dunne or Kozak or Danforth or whoever to keep Östlund in Buffalo. You are trying to win hockey games, not get cute with the players under contract. 

Timmins comes back and yes Jones goes away. Bryson coming back and Metsa going down is interesting, idk how that will play out. 

To me it shouldn't be that hard. Danforth is the only WC because I think he is a Ruff requested player and I believe Jarmo also has a connection to him so I could see him supplanting Kozak. As much as I like Kozak, he probably doesn't get claimed and no offense but so what? Teams shuffle 4th liners in and out all the time. 

Keeping: 

Norris, Thompson, Tuch

Mcleod, Quinn, Zucker

Östlund, Benson, Doan

Danforth, Krebs, Malestyn, and 1 of Dunne or Kozak. 

Greenway goes on LTIR. Kulich is already out for unknown time. Helenius goes back to Rochester until needed. 

Defense is easier:

Dahlin, Power

Samuelsson, Byram

Kesselring, Timmins

Bryson or Metsa if they want another rhd but I would guess Bryson stays and Metsa and Jones go back to Rochester. 

Why does anyone have to get put on waivers to get Danforth back in the lineup?  Wait until after the Olympic break (if he's even ready by then) and give him a 2 week condidtioning assignment to Ra-cha-cha.  Trade deadline matches up almost identically to the end of that 2 week conditioning stint.  No limit on roster size provided all the bodies keep the roster cap compliant.  Could probably BF-LTIR somebody if Kekalainen actually finds a deal that can improve on what they're already doing if it's necessary.

[SabresBaltimore]

Just now, Archie Lee said:

One thing to remember is that post-trade-deadline (which is March 6, not long after the Olympic break), there are no restrictions on roster-size.  As long as they are cap compliant, the Sabres can have 25, 26, 27, players on the roster. All the Sabres need to do at this point, is find reasons to leave Danforth, Dunne, Bryson, the next injured goalie, on IR until the trade deadline.    

That's part of what Vegas has done every year to game the system, right?

I was just wondering if we could keep Danforth or Dunne on IR. I think it's the forwards/3rd goalie that's an issue. You're going to want/need to keep 7 defenders for the most part. I don't need Byrson to return, or advocating keeping him over Metsa but in theory that's an option since Metsa can be sent down.

I think Byrson is gone after this year, if they like Metsa better maybe you shop Bryson before the deadline. Not sure you'll get any buyers though.

[Taro T]

2 minutes ago, Archie Lee said:

One thing to remember is that post-trade-deadline (which is March 6, not long after the Olympic break), there are no restrictions on roster-size.  As long as they are cap compliant, the Sabres can have 25, 26, 27, players on the roster. All the Sabres need to do at this point, is find reasons to leave Danforth, Dunne, Bryson, the next injured goalie, on IR until the trade deadline.    

Thank you.  But, with conditioning assignments for guys that have been out for a while, these guys can even head to Ra-cha-cha for 2 weeks after the Olympic break and then they're actually in game shape when they do come off IR at the trade deadline.

The Sabres, even without making a trade, can add at the deadline a top 6 C, a bottom 6 F, a 4th liner, a 6D, a 7D, and possibly a 2G (depending upon whether UPL is out a few weeks or just a handful of days).

They already have their "rental" in house too.

Would be cool if they could land Thomas, but even if they don't, this isn't like '23 when they stood pat.  There will be reinforcements coming.

And that doesn't even include Kulich who might or might not become available this season.

[tom webster]

15 minutes ago, SabresBaltimore said:

That's part of what Vegas has done every year to game the system, right?

I was just wondering if we could keep Danforth or Dunne on IR. I think it's the forwards/3rd goalie that's an issue. You're going to want/need to keep 7 defenders for the most part. I don't need Byrson to return, or advocating keeping him over Metsa but in theory that's an option since Metsa can be sent down.

I think Byrson is gone after this year, if they like Metsa better maybe you shop Bryson before the deadline. Not sure you'll get any buyers though.

I don’t think Dunne and Greenway are factors. Greenway will either be a salary dump or end up on IR. Dunne will just be sent down. If he doesn’t clear, so be it.

The interesting thing will be if they decide to trust Östlund and Helenius in the playoffs or decide to go after a guy like Coyle or Coleman. I’d also bet that they try and acquire a Luke Schenn or Erik G. I’d be surprised if they make any bigger play for anyone.

Edited January 28 by tom webster

[Carmel Corn]

25 minutes ago, xzy89c1 said:

Östlund is one of our best 6 forwards. Dunne can go down. Greenway to IR or released. Kozak sent down. Three spots are opened. Danforth will play when healthy. Spot for Norriss and an extra one. Order is Greenway to IR, Kozak sent down then Dunne.

We really miss Timmens as he was PK and regular shift. Worried about Samuelson wearing down. 

Can Dunne get sent down without going thru waivers first?

[French Collection]

2 minutes ago, tom webster said:

I don’t think Dunne and Greenway are factors. Greenway will either be a salary dump or end up on IR. Dunne will just be sent down. If he doesn’t clear, do he it.

The interesting thing will be if they decide to trust Östlund and Helenius in the playoffs or decide to go after a guy like Coyle or Coleman. I’d also bet that they try and acquire a Luke Schenn or Erik G. I’d be surprised if they make any bigger play for anyone.

Greenway to IR makes sense if he is only playing every second game at 70% capacity imo.

I like Dunne on L4 but Kozak brings way more speed. Dunne could clear and come back for the playoff run.

I haven’t watched Gudbranson play this year but that is an interesting idea. Big tough veteran RHD with a connection to Jarmo. Could be a cheap depth pick up.

No way does Östlund go back to Rochester, Lindy would turn green and start smashing things.

[LGR4GM]

19 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Why does anyone have to get put on waivers to get Danforth back in the lineup?  Wait until after the Olympic break (if he's even ready by then) and give him a 2 week condidtioning assignment to Ra-cha-cha.  Trade deadline matches up almost identically to the end of that 2 week conditioning stint.  No limit on roster size provided all the bodies keep the roster cap compliant.  Could probably BF-LTIR somebody if Kekalainen actually finds a deal that can improve on what they're already doing if it's necessary.

oh yea, I forgot that. Could call. 

1 minute ago, Carmel Corn said:

Can Dunne get sent down without going thru waivers first?

No he is not waiver exempt.

[SabresBaltimore]

No Dunne will go on waivers, but he's an UFA and has bounced around. I like the idea of waiving him over Kozak at this point. But I do think our 4th line is better with Dunne on it over Kozak right now and would like his size/physicality for the playoffs. But maybe Danforth gives us that? I have no opinion on him never seeing him play.

[dudacek]

Not sure what’s changed from the 13/7/2 pencilled in during camp.

Kozak and Dunne have been fine in his place. Danforth is better.

Östlund has excelled in Kulich’s place. Kulich isn’t coming back soon.

Helenius is waiver protected and not a top-9 forward on a healthy roster.

I keep Metsa over Bryson when Timmins comes back. They probably won’t but shrug.

Ellis is good depth but hasn’t taken anyone’s job. He gets the 23rd slot if injuries allow. 

Worse case scenario one of Kozak, Dunne or Ellis gets waived to make way for a better player.

This isn’t really an issue.

[tom webster]

Just now, SabresBaltimore said:

No Dunne will go on waivers, but he's an UFA and has bounced around. I like the idea of waiving him over Kozak at this point. But I do think our 4th line is better with Dunne on it over Kozak right now and would like his size/physicality for the playoffs. But maybe Danforth gives us that? I have no opinion on him never seeing him play.

If Danforth cones back, the fourth line is 

Malenstyn, Krebs, Danforth.

Kozak, Dunne, Greenway are all extra.

[SabresBaltimore]

Just now, tom webster said:

If Danforth cones back, the fourth line is 

Malenstyn, Krebs, Danforth.

Kozak, Dunne, Greenway are all extra.

I guess I'm excited for him to come back then. I think our 4th line has been good with Kozak (speed) and Dunne (size/physicality) in there. If you're saying it's that open and shut for Danforth that he must be a lot better than both.

[dudacek]

The best part of this thread is having 25 players most Spacers want to keep.

When the hell has that happened?

[PromoTheRobot]

1 hour ago, SabresBaltimore said:

That is not at all what I said. I said he may have to stash Östlund in Rochester to free up a spot for Dunne (or Danforth's) return. I'm not saying that is what I would do. I was asking what other people would do, and while you obviously disagree with the idea, it's an option that may well happen even if for a few days/games.

We were ready to tar and feather Adams for sending Östlund down for one game. Is it okay now? 

[SabresBaltimore]

4 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

We were ready to tar and feather Adams for sending Östlund down for one game. Is it okay now? 

 

When did I ever say it was ok? I said it was an option, I didn't even say it was an option I liked. It still is an option, but instead of losing their minds that I listed it as an option other people have suggested better/alternate ways to manage the issue.

[shrader]

43 minutes ago, Taro T said:

Why does anyone have to get put on waivers to get Danforth back in the lineup?  Wait until after the Olympic break (if he's even ready by then) and give him a 2 week condidtioning assignment to Ra-cha-cha.  Trade deadline matches up almost identically to the end of that 2 week conditioning stint.  No limit on roster size provided all the bodies keep the roster cap compliant.  Could probably BF-LTIR somebody if Kekalainen actually finds a deal that can improve on what they're already doing if it's necessary.

But can they carry 51 players?😉

[I Remember Imlach]

21 minutes ago, dudacek said:

The best part of this thread is having 25 players most Spacers want to keep.

When the hell has that happened?

I was just about to post: when's the last time the Sabres' problem was they have too many players?

[#freejame]

Krebs-Kozak-Danforth is our fourth line next year so I doubt they waive Kozak. Hopefully they can put Greenway on LTIR with hernia issues and solve that problem. Kozak will be 13th F when Danforth is healthy this year.