[Sabres Captain and Alternates 2018-19]

1 minute ago, Hoss said:

Jack - C

Reinhart - A

Risto - A

 

Okposo, Bogo and Scandella are other A options.

If Jack doesn’t get the C something is wrong.

Agree.    Sam gets an A unless his RFA does not go well and he signs a two year bridge.   Then maybe KO or Bogo.

[Trade Speculation and Rumors 2018-19]

11 hours ago, Alkoholist said:

So we've already wasted the ELC's of Ristolainen, Eichel, and Reinhart and now we're already planning to waste the ELC's of Mittelstadt and Dahlin waiting for more of these bums to free up money to be competitive? Or are we gonna wait for Berglund and Okposo to be gone as well?

This team is on a timetable of Rasmus, not Jack.  I would think that after 3 years, Rasmus will surpass the play of Drew Doughty circa 2012 on the Kings ascent.   Kopitar was I believe three year older than Drew, as Jack is to Rasmus.  I don’t think the Kings worried about Kopitar not being on an entry level deal.  He was 25 and 27 during their cup runs and dominated in scoring, as will Jack.  The next two years are going to be Tampa vs Toronto whether we like it or not.  By 2020 all the bad contracts save KO and Berglund are off the books.  The Kings also had some 30+ guys contribute (Stoll and Williams).   So all is not lost. It’s possible that two of our three first round picks next year will be contributing in the 2021 playoffs.....on entry level deals.   The question is other than the two Rasmus’, who else is playing D on that 2021 team.  Guehle and some of the Rochester Americans from 2018?

[Trade: Ryan O'Reilly to St Louis Blues]

5 hours ago, TheCerebral1 said:

It will be a win if we can some how move Berglund with other assets for an upgraded piece as a salary component.  On WGR, Jeremy White brought up 1st, 2nd Berglund and Nylander for Skinner.  I think I could be okay with this as Skinner provides speed on the wing, addition by subtraction and to be honest the fact that Nylander didn't skate at the camp and questions being dodged around him, proves he's out of favor.  He'll be traded by the deadline IMO. 

I like most of what Jeremy says, however this idea is shite.   The Sabres are not trading for a soon to be UFA to serve as mentor.   The inherent value of a UFA is a cap friendly value and a win now mentality you need for a playoff run.   There is a reason why no bottom 5 team ever signs these players (until Murray did with ROR).  It makes no sense to waste assets for player only to overpay in the future if you are willing to resign them.   The O’Reilly signing clearly made us a better team as evidenced in that seasons record, but it was not going to elevate us to a playoff position.  In hindsight had the Sabres waited one year, controlled those assets they moved, realized a higher draft selection than 8, then overpaid after he became a UFA they might have secured a winger like Laine or Tkachuk instead of Nylander whom you are recommending we give away with a first or a second.   But Murray  did make this horrible trade and JBotts will not.   He will accept the results from this season and it may result in a top 5 pick.  And the draft capital will be used as intended, not to accelerate the rebuild with pending UFA’s.   Its clear that some of are still in the denial phase of this loss.  Acceptance is step 5 and can take an eternity for some.  Remember, those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.  Let’s choose to remember Tim’s mistakes and move towards depression then acceptance.