Broken Ankles

Did we demand a "kings ransom" for Brayden McNabb? I believe it was Hudson Fashing (who was a wash out - and TM gave up 2 #2's to LA to boot). McNabb went on to play top pairing minutes with Drew Doughty. What I'm suggesting is that Ristolainen's upside (scoring, power play minutes) is already replaced by a younger, better skating defender. His strength and D-zone will continue to grow. What we need is a compliment to Dahlin's game. Not necessarily another teams #1 D-man. I don't buy into the idea that your two best defensemen always have to be on the same pairing. My argument is not that Risto is bad. I think some elements of his game are desperately needed by other teams. I just happen to think that we have two players on the roster that can fill those voids, and IF the return from another team can bolster another area of need, then it's something you must consider. What am I willing to give up? See McNabb trade above, or Nick Leddy, or Boychuck as other comps. Nothing significant. I would even suggest Dan Giaradi as a UFA as an option. If you go down the path of Trouba it will be a good prospect, a first and a player. I'm advocating the former.

As soon as I wrote this, I knew I opened up to criticism. Agreed. The fact we have a 3 line D in Bogo and 4th line forward in KO earning $6M AAV is one of many reasons why we are not in great cap shape. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel (at least with Hunwick, Bogo, Vlad and Scandella). I have no reason to expect a Ryan O'Reillyesque return, but I think Risto brings back something something useful to the top six. And like Liger said, Montour slots in as Second line Right pair, so I expect another move to find a dance partner for Dahlin.

Disagree. Not a good complimentary fit with the other Rasmus, and to be clear our Defense begins and ends with Dahlin. As stated, Montour is a RD, and therefore not a need there. We cannot pay $5.4m AAV to a third line D, especially when guys like Nelson or Bogo can fill that hole. These facts coupled with the expected return lead me to believe he is expendable. His cap figure will be replaced by a top six forward we desperately need. Yes the compliment to Dahlin is missing but I expect that in a trade or Free agency.

Well stated. He’s expendable b/c of those reasons.

I agree with your position that the Leafs will not have to pay that much to move Marleau but that is separate from a reason why we should do it. The cap space would be better served taking on Callahan and getting something valuable in return. Marleau is the iron horse of hockey but Father Time is catching up. Thirty six might be a ceiling. I like the Vanek idea if $2.5 and one year.

5.4 + 4 + 2 + 910k = $12.31M. Six of one..... I think we under estimate what Ristolainen can return. If the cost is to throw back a prospect along with Ristolainen but Scandella must be included, then I’m all in. I want him off roster more than any other player not name Vlad.

If you can bundle Scandella in a deal with Rasmus, buyout Vlad and bury Hunwick you just found $12.4 million. I think the Callahan/Miller trade is going to happen. But I still have confidence another top 6 is coming. Zucker or someone who hasn’t been rumored. I also think a mid level UFA defenseman is added if Rasmus is traded.

Not sure if it deserves its own thread or not but lots of talk the last 24 hours on Zucker and the Sabres. https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/video/insider-trading-are-perry-s-days-numbered-with-the-ducks~1703053 https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/nhl-trade-rumors-sabres-contacted-wild-about-winger-jason-zucker/1psohkeocrzg718mjt6c64e6ep What is the return he would demand? Also, as another LW, presumably playing second line minutes does Olafsson slide to third line and Sheary to the 4th? Is it possible Scandella could be sent back as part of this package? The TSN video was added to 2019 trade thread by Hoss.

If a Callahan cap trade happens the extra $2m will benefit the team far better than $900 savings you get to bury. And a $1m hit next year will be insignificant with so many others coming off. And to GA’s point the real savings is $1,000,000. If the Sabres utilize the space great, if not save 12% of Ops Expense from the P&L. Hunwicks saving is only $580k and another $1m in space this year. I could see him being moved in a deal where we overpay a bit or buried.

I’ve argued that Vlad will be a buyout for three months now with more knowledgeable that I arguing for a waive/bury option. We will see on June 15th. Cap Space this year is more important than next with Bogo et al coming off books. I’ll maintain the Buyout route is best and what’s JB actually does.

What is... a 'B level' prospect, a late first rounder, a second round pick in 2029, and two salary dumps Alex?

you can go back 5 more years and you will find Foligno, Byron, Gerbe, Kaleta and Butler. Zero home runs but much better than the last 9 which is non-existent. I selected 9 b/c it covers JB's two draft whihc are Incomplete, three for TM and Darcy's last 4 which were part and parcel why he was fired.

Actually the data shows they do NOT do well in that regard. These two summaries are of Sabres Draft selections in the last 9 years. Overall (my data includes round #1) the Sabres draft more frequently, with a much higher average selection in each round (average #), and yet they are middle of the pack in Games played and points. If you look only at rounds 4-7 Buffalo is league worst in points and second worst in Games played (Ulmark affecting this positively - otherwise they would be 30th). I'm not going to comment on the performance of JB's sections thus far. The early reports look promising. But this definitely suggests that Darcy's last few drafts and TM's three are less than desirable.

I’d be open to Tage moving to Defense before moving Ristolainen to the wing. A few reasons. First it was successful with Burns. Two, Tage can learn in Rochester for a year or two while he builds strength. No risk. Ristolainen requires an immediate transition and learning on the job with the big club while burdening our cap would only hurt us. Lastly, don’t we already have a RW burning $6m in salary while playing 4th line minutes.

1.) Mostly agree. Our weakness was in bottom six. However as I alluded to in an earlier post, the reason why my position changed was due to the fact that the return of Vlad, Tage and Berglund were all below average. In theory it should have helped. But it didn't. The Berglund circumstances were unique, but still hurt team overall. If you factor in the the 1st round pick drops to 31st overall, it only strengthens the case against the trade. 2.) Yes, Berglund's absence hurt Casey's development. But JB/PH lose points for continuing to play him in that role. He should have been in Roch by January. Or playing 4th line with the Sabres acquiring a veteran Center. 3.) It is subjective, but I too agree. Perhaps only b/c I want to believe it. 4.) Their record was actually better this year than last. It only seemed worse b/c the last 4 months of the season. I cannot say the fact it was slightly better was due to the trade. I also would not suggest it was addition by subtraction. The numbers suggest the pieces that came from STL hurt the team and were below replacement level. The uplift was due to Dahlin, Skinner, and a nice step by Sam. I agree with your argument about anchor's. Anchors away my friend. So no reason not to make better use of that money this season. 5.) If Sheary, Okposo, Casey, Tage or Nylander are playing 2nd line minutes next season, we are doomed. The only player on the roster that I could see in a top 6 role is Olofsson, if he is protected by a strong center (Hayes?) and Sam on the right side. And that means another UFA/Trade assumes the first line RW role. I don't believe anyone offer sheets Marner. Panarin wants $11M+. You might get a Hayes & Skinner in a best case scenario, but you certainly cannot afford Panarin & Skinner. That's over $30M on your top line. And it will not be long before Rasmus will need something to 'wet his beak'.

I’ve changed my position on this trade. I defended it earlier this year, but it’s definitely one sided. ROR was one of many things that came together for this team. Goaltending and a new coach didn’t hurt. I only hope this ‘swing and miss’ does not affect JB in his aggressiveness this summer. He needs to use that aggression on a team that is Salary Cap challenged. I wish our pick was better but I would no sooner cheer for a Boston team than drink my own urine. I despise their organization and all other sports team of that city. Best of luck ROR. FU Boston.

If he projects to be a Bo Horvat would you be OK with that? 2013 Draft, #9 overall? Goes back to Junior draft year, followed by - 25 pts, 40 pts, 52 pts, 44 pts and 61 pts this year at age 24. There are your Monahan's, Ehler's, Tkachuk, Rantanaan's and Meier's, that show big gains between year 2 and 3 of their draft. Then there are those that stagnate and show no growth like Bennett, Virtanen, Zacha and Jost. I think CM's trend line will be slower and steady like Horvat. So I'll predict 42 in a 3C role next year. Although I'd be happy with something more explosive.

is that Paul Hammy in the WGR55 offices?

'Gone Girl'?

Before this announcement it was extremely low (<2%). Apparently Vanek speaks highly of RK, so if you believe that we want a big shake up (which I do), and this team is going to move on from Girgs, Larson, Pommers, Vlad. Then factor in Skinner signing is in question, and Tage clearly not qualified, it increases the odds to maybe 20%. What was Vanek's cap hit last year? $3M. Safely assume it decreases to maybe $2.5M this year? Not a bad bridge. Low risk, high reward. And unlike the other UFA's (Hayes, Duchene, Simmons, Ferland, Zuccarello, etc) it would not require a long term contract. I think it's entirely plausible they have 6 new forwards next season. I pencil (not pen) in Olafsson and Nylander for two. I assume that a second line Center is coming back for Risto. I also assume one more UFA, maybe two if Skinner does not sign. Still leaves at least one forward spot open.

How bout Falco. It will be great when Vanek scores.

Completely agree. I never interview anyone that is not “in consideration” for a position. Maybe you give a look to someone who on paper might not measure up to others but you want to see and hear them. Otherwise it’s a waste of time. Botterill taking time to interview a candidate that clearly would be a step back is a curious and concerning decision. And I was a huge fan of his in the day. Next to Scotty my favorite. But no.

I'm more in line with school of thought that Keefe is the heir apparent in Toronto. But it would be interesting to see him take a meeting. To force the hand of Dubas if you will. There are also rumors that he is in no hurry and would wait for the right position....and Buffalo does not meet that criteria. And if that's the case, he can pi$$ off. https://theleafsnation.com/2019/04/27/is-sheldon-keefe-about-to-be-buffalos-new-head-coach/

Do not lose faith in the Stars attempt to upset the Blues. Apparently the team was "distracted" during the game. Rest assured. There is no chance this will occur in St. Louis on Tuesday. Stars win.

Unless you want to have Rodrigues bookend that, it probably ends draft weekend. Risto will be traded.