Wouldn’t surprise me to see Dahlin, Power, Quinn, and Peterka come in at $35M combined.

Yes, I’m that bullish on the potential of Quinn and Peterka.
- Swedish_Jesus

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Dahlin, Power, Quinn, and Peterka come in at $35M combined.

Yes, I’m that bullish on the potential of Quinn and Peterka.
- Swedish_Jesus

Here's my pov: the Sabres are a cup contender instantly if they add Hellebuyck and a top-4 dman. They'll have two years of window before they even have to think about paying Quinn and Peterka and could easily bridge them when it comes.

I legitimately think they can contend for the top of the division with Hellebuyck and a d man. That’s where my head is at. They have the firepower and they have nice pieces on the backend. They're ready

Here's my pov: the Sabres are a cup contender instantly if they add Hellebuyck and a top-4 dman. They'll have two years of window before they even have to think about paying Quinn and Peterka and could easily bridge them when it comes.

I legitimately think they can contend for the top of the division with Hellebuyck and a d man. That’s where my head is at. They have the firepower and they have nice pieces on the backend. They're ready
- Hank Balling

Theyre squarely focused on being able to sustain that level of contention though. I dont think they have a problem with whatever the price tag is for hellebuyck. I think they dont want to do it for one year. And he wont want to sign for 2-4 years.

Wouldn’t surprise me to see Dahlin, Power, Quinn, and Peterka come in at $35M combined.

Yes, I’m that bullish on the potential of Quinn and Peterka.
- Swedish_Jesus

That’s close to 9M per. I don’t think they’re gonna pay wingers more than Cozens. I go with Cozens because he signed after is ELC. Quinn and or JJ are gonna need to pot 45 to get that.

Unless you think the wingers will be 14 total and each D getting 10.5.

This is probably more my style.
- QuinnFan

Chef even sings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QHL_JkVgj8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhWXmNk-jTs

Theyre squarely focused on being able to sustain that level of contention though. I dont think they have a problem with whatever the price tag is for hellebuyck. I think they dont want to do it for one year. And he wont want to sign for 2-4 years.
- Michael Ghofrani

I think that's a mistake. If you give Hellebuyck a 7 year deal, you will be contending for at least the first 4 of those while he's still in his prime. They have to choose at some point that it's their turn to win.

And I agree they won't do it because I think Terry is cheap and KA is masterful at selling the #Process (aka cheap, young labor), but this team was ready to make the playoffs this past year and they blew that chance, and the longer they wait to acquire a real goalie, they'll just keep squandering opportunities

I think that's a mistake. If you give Hellebuyck a 7 year deal, you will be contending for at least the first 4 of those while he's still in his prime. They have to choose at some point that it's their turn to win.

And I agree they won't do it because I think Terry is cheap and KA is masterful at selling the #Process (aka cheap, young labor), but this team was ready to make the playoffs this past year and they blew that chance, and the longer they wait to acquire a real goalie, they'll just keep squandering opportunities
- Hank Balling

I really dont think its a financial issue anymore with the Pegula's (tempting fate here),


I think the issue is they are so all in on Levi that they simply can't give Hellebuyck a 7 year deal.

I really dont think its a financial issue anymore with the Pegula's (tempting fate here),


I think the issue is they are so all in on Levi that they simply can't give Hellebuyck a 7 year deal.
- Michael Ghofrani

The Panthers drafted Knight and then signed Bob. The Bruins had Swayman and then signed Ullmark. I think Adams is selling the company line that they love Levi (which I do too) so they can cheap out on his partner.

I do not trust ownership to actually invest in the franchise and I think Adams acts at their behest while spinning it as development. I get it - I'm cynical when it comes to their motives, but that's what I believe.

The Panthers drafted Knight and then signed Bob. The Bruins had Swayman and then signed Ullmark. I think Adams is selling the company line that they love Levi (which I do too) so they can cheap out on his partner.

I do not trust ownership to actually invest in the franchise and I think Adams acts at their behest while spinning it as development. I get it - I'm cynical when it comes to their motives, but that's what I believe.
- Hank Balling

Im told that was temporary so we'll see. They probably wont spend like they used to but I dont think the finances are whats holding them back from doing it.

I agree though it's in their best interest to commit to another goalie as well. But I think they handled the initial negotiations with levi kinda poorly and now that's more or less his crease. Doesn't mean I don't think they'll add someone though.

If I had to make an educated guess, someone like Carter Hart. You'd have to pay up, but at least you'd have him for a few years, which is what they want ideally.

That’s close to 9M per. I don’t think they’re gonna pay wingers more than Cozens. I go with Cozens because he signed after is ELC. Quinn and or JJ are gonna need to pot 45 to get that.

Unless you think the wingers will be 14 total and each D getting 10.5.
- SDSabre

Dahlin- $10-11M
Power- $8-9M
Quinn- $7-8M*
Peterka- $7-8M*

*2025/2026 I expect that to be going rate for top 6 winger long term.

Im told that was temporary so we'll see. They probably wont spend like they used to but I dont think the finances are whats holding them back from doing it.

I agree though it's in their best interest to commit to another goalie as well. But I think they handled the initial negotiations with levi kinda poorly and now that's more or less his crease. Doesn't mean I don't think they'll add someone though.

If I had to make an educated guess, someone like Carter Hart. You'd have to pay up, but at least you'd have him for a few years, which is what they want ideally.
- Michael Ghofrani

I'd absolutely take it. He's an upgrade over what they have but this has been their MO since Botterill: they pay a pretty high cost in assets and salary for something that's OK or good instead of paying a lot for something that's undoubtedly great or even elite. This team hasn't acted like they're serious about winning since Terry flew to see Robyn Regehr 15 years ago.

I know that didn't work out but they actually acted like winning was important then

The Panthers drafted Knight and then signed Bob. The Bruins had Swayman and then signed Ullmark. I think Adams is selling the company line that they love Levi (which I do too) so they can cheap out on his partner.

I do not trust ownership to actually invest in the franchise and I think Adams acts at their behest while spinning it as development. I get it - I'm cynical when it comes to their motives, but that's what I believe.
- Hank Balling

The Sabres are not a budge team.

They have bought into drafting and developing through the draft.

The “cheap” players were fillers while kids were developing. They brought in “good guys” that could turn around the culture.

Craig Anderson is a good example

Hinostoza, Lybuskin, Comrie, Bryson and etc.

Players like tage, cozens, samuelsson aka if you are part of the core. You will get paid.

Dahlin and power also need to get paid.

So adams is being smart about cap space and even trades

Sabres

Are

Not

A

Budget

Team

The Sabres are not a budge team.

They have bought into drafting and developing through the draft.

The “cheap” players were fillers while kids were developing. They brought in “good guys” that could turn around the culture.

Craig Anderson is a good example

Hinostoza, Lybuskin, Comrie, Bryson and etc.

Players like tage, cozens, samuelsson aka if you are part of the core. You will get paid.

Dahlin and power also need to get paid.

So adams is being smart about cap space and even trades

Sabres

Are

Not

A

Budget

Team
- Sabretooth9

They literally "paid" Ben Bishop not to play instead of signing a real defenseman who could have gotten them in the playoffs

The Sabres are not a budge team.

They have bought into drafting and developing through the draft.

The “cheap” players were fillers while kids were developing. They brought in “good guys” that could turn around the culture.

Craig Anderson is a good example

Hinostoza, Lybuskin, Comrie, Bryson and etc.

Players like tage, cozens, samuelsson aka if you are part of the core. You will get paid.

Dahlin and power also need to get paid.

So adams is being smart about cap space and even trades

Sabres

Are

Not

A

Budget

Team
- Sabretooth9

Give me a break, dude. They won't even fix their arena. WHERE ARE THE GODDAMN JALAPEÑOS!

I'd absolutely take it. He's an upgrade over what they have but this has been their MO since Botterill: they pay a pretty high cost in assets and salary for something that's OK or good instead of paying a lot for something that's undoubtedly great or even elite. This team hasn't acted like they're serious about winning since Terry flew to see Robyn Regehr 15 years ago
- Hank Balling

Lol that was bad. I was lowkey a little embarrassed but in fairness, the perception around the league was that he was still really good or whatever (I think, I was tiny I dont remember)


I dont know how many instances there were where they actively chose this though, high cost for OK instead of elite (other than potentially now). Like from what I remember, they mostly never had a shot, especially the last few years

They literally "paid" Ben Bishop not to play instead of signing a real defenseman who could have gotten them in the playoffs
- Hank Balling

Yeah they definitely were a budget team for a bit. The hope is they wont be moving forward, but I mean need to see it to believe it.

I dont even need them to be big spenders, just a little more than CAR so you retain your top end talent instead of letting it go to free agency to a division rival.

Lol that was bad. I was lowkey a little embarrassed but in fairness, the perception around the league was that he was still really good or whatever (I think, I was tiny I dont remember)


I dont know how many instances there were where they actively chose this though, high cost for OK instead of elite (other than potentially now). Like from what I remember, they mostly never had a shot, especially the last few years
- Michael Ghofrani

This is going to unleash a hellfire of Botterill apology posts but he spent a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th on Montour, Miller and Vesey while Marcus Johansson was playing 2nd line center.

Get one good thing and pay for it. Don't buy a bunch of peripheral ok stuff. Buy one good thing.

This is going to unleash a hellfire of Botterill apology posts but he spent a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th on Montour, Miller and Vesey while Marcus Johansson was playing 2nd line center.

Get one good thing and pay for it. Don't buy a bunch of peripheral ok stuff. Buy one good thing.
- Hank Balling

ahh okay gotcha, I may have mis understood a bit. Yeah that I totally get, especially when they had the opportunity to sell high on ristolainen. But thats a move I expect this management group to make, because I don't anticipate them being fooled like the previous. Better hockey judgement. It's their bailiwick, finding the right moves that pull it altogether even if it's not necessarily the biggest name.

They literally "paid" Ben Bishop not to play instead of signing a real defenseman who could have gotten them in the playoffs
- Hank Balling

They also were planning on picking top 10 this year until every core player they had put their nuts on the table and almost made the playoffs this year.

They also were planning on picking top 10 this year until every core player they had put their nuts on the table and almost made the playoffs this year.
- Swedish_Jesus

I think that's retconing the situation considerably. Everyone outside of Buffalo assumed they'd be terrible but those who were following knew they had talent and firepower with no goalie. I picked em to finish with 85 points and I know I wasn't alone in that.

They were always a decent team this past year, they just had a thin defense and zero goaltending. That was a cheapness choice imo

They literally "paid" Ben Bishop not to play instead of signing a real defenseman who could have gotten them in the playoffs
- Hank Balling

Keep that on the down low, don't want him loosing that Dallas job.

Give me a break, dude. They won't even fix their arena. WHERE ARE THE GODDAMN JALAPEÑOS!
- Wetbandit1

The Sabres don’t own the arena …. Erie county does. Pegula years ago tried to buy and Erie county said no.

Delaware North does the food / beverage

That is not on the pegulas. But good try

Keep that on the down low, don't want him loosing that Dallas job.
- Buff36

I'm done being negative for the day. Let's hope they invest in the team this offseason and make a real push for next year

They literally "paid" Ben Bishop not to play instead of signing a real defenseman who could have gotten them in the playoffs
- Hank Balling

Still spent the money. The Sabres aren’t “all in” on just making the playoffs.

You are thinking too short sighted

In hindsight, Meier was mehhh for the devils and chicken man got hurt (like he always does)

So I mean ….

The Sabres don’t own the arena …. Erie county does. Pegula years ago tried to buy and Erie county said no.

Delaware North does the food / beverage

That is not on the pegulas. But good try
- Sabretooth9

And yet, Pegula funded the remodeling of the Sabres' locker room the summer after he bought the team. If they wanted a top notch experience for Sabres fans, they could get it. The Pegulas slowly started caring less and less about the Sabres once they purchased the Bills and realized how much more elite company they were in.