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Forums :: Blog World :: Brad Lohr: Buffalo South Predators Punch a Ticket to the Finals.
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Buff36
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 10.13.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:37 PM ET
Take a shot at Reid Dyck G, he wasn't signed by Boston. Could fit in Tampa
QuinnFan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Formerly Visionville, Now Purgatory
Joined: 07.29.2021

Jun 4 @ 12:40 PM ET
The biggest question is what to do with Skinner's contract.
I don't think he is as bad defensively as the popular opinions are on him, yet he doesn't perform to the expectations of his contract. That is $9m tied up for about $5m of play. His best fit for his play is to maximize his scoring on L1 and try to get 30-35 goals.
They can't buy him out this nor next season.. so they have 2 years to go before it is reasonable to do a Buyout. Trades are very limited by the market for him at his contract, and by his full NMC (Botterils biggest blunder is that NMC).
The only other realistic option is to find a 3C who can mesh with him to maintain his scoring, while also having amthat C and RW cover for his unwillingness to play defense.
So, as far as what to do this offseason:
- Leave the D alone and see what happens there with Bryan, Power, Samuelsson and Johnson. Get Hise guys all straight or take appropriate action next offseason.
- acquire a very solid 3C... Good 200 ft game, can be a playmaker for Skinner and is good on the dot. That is alot, but there are options out there... Spend the damn assets to get it right as it is THE critical acquisition for this year and next at least.
- upgrade L4 - more specifically at C and LW. Greenway is your RW for the upcoming season as I don't see Adams being able to trade him out.

JJP Tage Tuch
Benson Cozens Quinn
Skinner Trade - Rosen/Kulich
FA FA Greenway

Now, if they wanted to sign Patrick Kane for 2 years and push that whole RW down 1 line while keeping the kids in Rochester or using them to get that 3C, that would be solid

- IonSabres


Nail on the head, Skinner complicates things. Him on the 3rd line with a solid 3C could yield some benefit without force feeding him 1LW minutes. To be honest, I like those lines and think that's pretty fair and is probably what we'll see. I think Kulich will stay down the year while Rosen gets his chance, but time will tell.

Fwiw, Kane was considering us last year despite the losing but thought we'd be out of the playoffs. Sadly he was spot on. I'm not sure he'll pass again if we give a decent offer, but I guess he's strongly considering returning to Chicago to play with CB.
QuinnFan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Formerly Visionville, Now Purgatory
Joined: 07.29.2021

Jun 4 @ 12:42 PM ET
https://dobberprospects.com/2024/06/02/2024-nhl-mock-draft/

Spoiler: I'd be surprised if the player they're predicted to take drops to 11.

- kingcong39


Agreed, if so Yakemchuk is the way.
Swedish_Jesus
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 07.02.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:42 PM ET
But but but the numbers

Just watch them play ffs. No one said they drag teams into the mud

They steamrolled Tampa, steamrolled Boston aside from times in games 5 and 6. Steamrolled the Rangers that series would have been a sweep if not for shesterkin

- ieetbred


Explains the rest of your post.
Swedish_Jesus
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 07.02.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:43 PM ET
How many times this postseason have you been watching florida and all of a sudden they are outshooting their opponent by 10 or more

Hint: its alot

- ieetbred


And this one too
DirtyDan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Why aren't more people interrigent? Rike Me? , ON
Joined: 02.03.2021

Jun 4 @ 12:45 PM ET
Each deal seems to Sabres sided to me.

Don't think either is enough.

- kingcong39


Im not sure why skinner is in the Ehlers deal. But I don't think he'd cost much more than Savoie and Joker. Hes a rental as this point.

Tkachuk trade, I would not give them Levi. If they would want him. That deal is the best we can do IMO. Top goalie prospect. 1st and second in whats being called a very deep draft. And solid defensive d-man that just cant stay healthy but still very young. I'll give em a forward prospect too i guess or pick 11.
washedup20
Location: the little apple
Joined: 08.19.2014

Jun 4 @ 12:45 PM ET
I'll take him on my team anyday:

https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/...tatus/1798022753603490081
jochfr
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Nashville , TN
Joined: 07.11.2009

Jun 4 @ 12:45 PM ET
Pavelski retired
DirtyDan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Why aren't more people interrigent? Rike Me? , ON
Joined: 02.03.2021

Jun 4 @ 12:49 PM ET
Pavelski retired
- jochfr


40 next month and had a very solid season. Just couldn't keep up in the playoffs anymore.
Swedish_Jesus
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 07.02.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:49 PM ET
“Word around the insider NHL rumor circle is to watch the Sabres who are currently cooking up something big #NHLDraft #FreeAgency #SummerTrades”

https://x.com/incarcerate...&t=6ozfhCixhusrXmBzHaC8-Q

And you all wonder why I’ve been delaying my jersey retirement ceremony into the Hockeybuzz hall of fame
Sabretooth9
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 05.24.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:50 PM ET
Word around the insider NHL rumor circle is to watch the Sabres who are currently cooking up something big #NHLDraft #FreeAgency #SummerTrades

https://x.com/incarcerate...&t=6ozfhCixhusrXmBzHaC8-Q

And you all wonder why I’ve been delaying my jersey retirement ceremony into the Hockeybuzz hall of fame

- Swedish_Jesus


Okposo resigning to be the janitor e5
kingcong39
Buffalo Sabres
Location: albany, NY
Joined: 02.21.2007

Jun 4 @ 12:50 PM ET
Im not sure why skinner is in the Ehlers deal. But I don't think he'd cost much more than Savoie and Joker. Hes a rental as this point.

Tkachuk trade, I would not give them Levi. If they would want him. That deal is the best we can do IMO. Top goalie prospect. 1st and second in whats being called a very deep draft. And solid defensive d-man that just cant stay healthy but still very young. I'll give em a forward prospect too i guess or pick 11.

- DirtyDan


The mythical Ehlers deal includes him signing an extension with the Sabres.
Sabretooth9
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 05.24.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:51 PM ET
I'll take him on my team anyday:

https://x.com/BR_OpenIce/...tatus/1798022753603490081

- washedup20


You realize the guy sucks …. Analytics don’t lie.

His ankle injury doesn’t make up for his lack of hockey IQ.

He’s a higher paid Risto. So type of player
Sabretooth9
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 05.24.2019

Jun 4 @ 12:52 PM ET
Rangers went 12-2 without trouba while he was out hurt.
Lunaion
Joined: 05.23.2016

Jun 4 @ 12:54 PM ET
UPL-1 year bridge contract for a Prove It deal. If he shows well for a full season, vs 1/2, then you re-sign him on a longer deal. If he proves it, I'd be good paying him say 5x $5m. If he proves inconsistent, then you have a decision to make, but at least the GM didn't screw himself for the long-term.
Krebs 1 or 2 year Bridge Deal for a Prove it basis as well. 1 or 2 @ $1.75m. He has alot, and I mean alot of work to do. I would be open to outright trading his rights as well. Either way it is good with me.
JJP - 7 x $5.5 -$6.0m...could hold out for a bit more
Quinn - Bridge Deal, 2 x $4.0-$4.5. Availability is the most important ability.
Byram - I think they may wait until next offseason. Again, alot of uncertainty about what he is and therefore his worth. Personally, I like him and think he will grow into a very good top 4.

Can't remember the rest off the top of my head

- IonSabres


I think he made a great post on what things look like after next summer. They can wait (and should wait) on most of these decisions. No question they have long term outlooks for this team. Little question it limits what they'll do this summer somewhat.


Next Summer:
A UPL bridge makes perfect sense now, then they have to agree to term (or likely move on).

They also need to agree to term or move on from Byram. Looks like a difficult deal right now.

Not sure how long they'll agree to bridge Krebs, good chance it's 2-3 years, so that won't be on the table next summer. Cost is probably more than we'd like right now, but that's what gets a multiyear done.

Johnson will be RFA. Bryson got a 1.85m bridge, Johnson will probably be in that ballpark.

Levi will be RFA. He's a huge wildcard. He could easily end the season as their #1. What's that deal look like? Not a lot out there. Swayman's 3.45m as 1B has to be on their mind.

https://www.capfriendly.c...s=caphit-1500000-20000000

Quinn and JJ are a big challenge. I think people are over-estimating bridges on them, but there just aren't a lot of bridges being signed right now. Maybe someone bridges this summer to change the landscape. Their performance next season will matter a lot.

https://www.capfriendly.c...s=caphit-2000000-20000000

Out of all of this, the main takeaway should be that they can't go long term on everyone a year from now, before you even factor in any additions this summer.
washedup20
Location: the little apple
Joined: 08.19.2014

Jun 4 @ 12:55 PM ET
You realize the guy sucks …. Analytics don’t lie.

His ankle injury doesn’t make up for his lack of hockey IQ.

He’s a higher paid Risto. So type of player

- Sabretooth9


I finally figured you out, it all makes sense now:

QuinnFan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Formerly Visionville, Now Purgatory
Joined: 07.29.2021

Jun 4 @ 12:58 PM ET
“Word around the insider NHL rumor circle is to watch the Sabres who are currently cooking up something big #NHLDraft #FreeAgency #SummerTrades”

https://x.com/incarcerate...&t=6ozfhCixhusrXmBzHaC8-Q

And you all wonder why I’ve been delaying my jersey retirement ceremony into the Hockeybuzz hall of fame

- Swedish_Jesus


washedup20
Location: the little apple
Joined: 08.19.2014

Jun 4 @ 12:58 PM ET
I think he made a great post on what things look like after next summer. They can wait (and should wait) on most of these decisions. No question they have long term outlooks for this team. Little question it limits what they'll do this summer somewhat.


Next Summer:
A UPL bridge makes perfect sense now, then they have to agree to term (or likely move on).

They also need to agree to term or move on from Byram. Looks like a difficult deal right now.

Not sure how long they'll agree to bridge Krebs, good chance it's 2-3 years, so that won't be on the table next summer. Cost is probably more than we'd like right now, but that's what gets a multiyear done.

Johnson will be RFA. Bryson got a 1.85m bridge, Johnson will probably be in that ballpark.

Levi will be RFA. He's a huge wildcard. He could easily end the season as their #1. What's that deal look like? Not a lot out there. Swayman's 3.45m as 1B has to be on their mind.

https://www.capfriendly.c...s=caphit-1500000-20000000

Quinn and JJ are a big challenge. I think people are over-estimating bridges on them, but there just aren't a lot of bridges being signed right now. Maybe someone bridges this summer to change the landscape. Their performance next season will matter a lot.

https://www.capfriendly.c...s=caphit-2000000-20000000

Out of all of this, the main takeaway should be that they can't go long term on everyone a year from now, before you even factor in any additions this summer.

- Lunaion


How long do you believe Adams can keep this same group together, especially if they fail to make the playoffs next season?

Does Adams continue his sign early and long term on JJ and Quinn, why are they treated differently if they are part of his core?

Same goes for Levi and Krebs, IMO.
washedup20
Location: the little apple
Joined: 08.19.2014

Jun 4 @ 1:00 PM ET

- QuinnFan



Everyone loves watching the Sabres get the steal of the draft.
Buff36
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 10.13.2019

Jun 4 @ 1:00 PM ET
Rangers went 12-2 without trouba while he was out hurt.
- Sabretooth9

So they won 43 games with him in the lineup
TheSabresTaco
Buffalo Sabres
Location: For me. jack Eichel is bobby ryan….that's it. - Octavarium, NY
Joined: 05.05.2011

Jun 4 @ 1:01 PM ET
That 3 year 7.3M contract for Joe Pavelski is all but assured
TheSabresTaco
Buffalo Sabres
Location: For me. jack Eichel is bobby ryan….that's it. - Octavarium, NY
Joined: 05.05.2011

Jun 4 @ 1:03 PM ET
“Word around the insider NHL rumor circle is to watch the Sabres who are currently cooking up something big #NHLDraft #FreeAgency #SummerTrades”

https://x.com/incarcerate...&t=6ozfhCixhusrXmBzHaC8-Q

And you all wonder why I’ve been delaying my jersey retirement ceremony into the Hockeybuzz hall of fame

- Swedish_Jesus


that guy is a bigger loser than that nhldailyrumors dork
Buff36
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 10.13.2019

Jun 4 @ 1:03 PM ET

- QuinnFan

Be Nice if it finally did come true, not the 1st time
QuinnFan
Buffalo Sabres
Location: Formerly Visionville, Now Purgatory
Joined: 07.29.2021

Jun 4 @ 1:04 PM ET
Everyone loves watching the Sabres get the steal of the draft.
- washedup20


I'll be happy with Yakemchuk, Iginla, Catton or a trade. I'd prefer the latter, but you just don't give up that kind of asset for chump change either.
Hank Balling
Buffalo Sabres
Joined: 05.18.2021

Jun 4 @ 1:07 PM ET
“Word around the insider NHL rumor circle is to watch the Sabres who are currently cooking up something big #NHLDraft #FreeAgency #SummerTrades”

https://x.com/incarcerate...&t=6ozfhCixhusrXmBzHaC8-Q

And you all wonder why I’ve been delaying my jersey retirement ceremony into the Hockeybuzz hall of fame

- Swedish_Jesus


Adams has been working nonstop to re-aquire John Hayden
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