Georgia Blizzard

The original 6 Passionate fan bases would be my first priority

Isn't it a good thing that a team with defensive issues has more defensive players under contract ? I understand there is the question of quality within these numbers, but, the economic structure of the defense in Buffalo will be 2 guys making $10Mish per year (Power and Dahlin), so, the rest of the D corps, given averages for compensation, need to come in around $2-3Mish each. That requires GMKA to be more selective on the vets he pays, but, also requires him to have a strong prospect pool.

Good question. For the right trade, you would absolutely trade either or both of them. My concern is that a lot of fans feel they have little or no value, which would imply selling low in a trade, just to move on from them. My main point was that, while both struggled at times, they remain promising young players.

I think it's too early to "give up" on UPL or Jokiharju. They are both only 24 and play positions where that is very young. Joker played 21+ minutes per game on 2nd pair with Power. At times Power struggled defensively as a rookie as well. I think Joker on the 3rd pair and with another offseason getting stronger will be significantly better. UPL had a typical rookie season, ups and downs. He also was injured toward end of season. I'd like to see both on the roster.

GMKA and Sabres fans both want: 1- Sustained long term success AND 2-Make the playoffs in 2023-24 season Unfortunately, some moves that help #1, hurt #2 and some moves that help #2, hurt #1. GMKA has basically made most of the moves he can make that help both or at least help one without hurting the other. Note: Trading VO and/or a low end D or F prospect might be the last ones remaining that help both. Central to the debate now, are those moves that seem to help one, but hurt the other. I think the goaltending situation is the trickiest of these to solve since both Levi and UPL are good long term prospects, but both have question marks in the short term. No matter what decision GMKA makes, it will carry significant risk. As a fan, I am more focused on #1 and form my opinions around that objective vs. #2. I do acknowledge that making the playoffs and gaining that experience enhances #1.

Which goalie were you thinking of that would make a 10 pt difference ?

I agree that Helle would give you 10pts, but he comes at a significant cost The others, like Gibson, I don't see it making much of a difference. So, in the case of Helle, under what situation are you comfortable: 1- on a rental for our 2024 1st or a forward prospect (let's say Östlund) ? 2- Sign him long term, for what is rumored as 8x$9m/yr ?

I think they have a playoff roster with the moves they've made. I don't think a move for a slightly better goaltender will make a material difference. I want this team built for sustained long term success,

I don't see a Goalie move on the near term horizon. Helle is too expensive for a short term rental and too expensive for a long term extension. The other options are NOT significant enough upgrades to warrant a move. I'm comfortable with Levi and UPL sharing net and Comrie most likely clearing waivers and staying fresh in Rochester. I think Bryson will be waived and clear and be in Rochester.

x100 !! There isn't one professional sports league that's figured out what is obvious to every fan, "We can't hear the questions reporters are asking !!"

When did I say that ? All I said is, if they are smart they'd use analytics to make their decisions I've worked for Fortune 50 companies that were worth way more than the NY Times and that were way more profitable and while they possessed the information to better manage a downsizing, they didn't use it.

If they are smart, they'd be careful on who they let go and base it on the analytics of their subscription base. I'd hypothesize that cities with significant numbers of fans that have relocated to other parts of the country would be most willing to subscribe and view articles from their home town. i.e. are there more readers for Buffalo content on The Athletic than there are for Los Angeles ? I'm now in the south due to my job, I subscribe to Athletic to get local content on Sabres and Bills. I have other sources for a national perspective. If they get rid of the local Buffalo journalists, I'd drop my subscription immediately.

Changed my vote to YES, once I realized it was Helle with an extension. I don't think they would need to include Levi in a trade, however, so, I would be a little irked if GMKA did that, if that makes sense ? The Jets basically have an asset that has a 1 year contract. That diminishes the trade value significantly. If Helle had 3 years left at $5M/year, than it's a much more valuable asset and they should demand Levi in return

Is there a place we can watch live ?

Sorry. I don't have much time today (working). My main disagreement is around coaching / GM grades. A 16 point improvement and a clear identification of a core group of forwards / defenseman and maybe a goalie warrants at least a B. I would personally give them both B+