FrenchConnection44

This is an important observation with Kulich. Not only was he 18 most of the year but it was his first time away from home and he started out very slowly as he adjusted to the game in the AHL. He scored 2 goals his first 16 games; 7 in his first 32. But the latter half his talent really began to shine as he felt more at home and he scored 18 goals in the final 30 games. A 0.6 goals / game clip. I think Baker’s prediction from back just after the season ended is right. Kulich and Savoie will be invited to camp and there is a good chance both will get 10 game stint’s and then go to the WJs and then back to their minor league spots unless they are needed at the end of the year and have really shown they belong. Quinn being out till likely end of December opens up some opportunity. A difference I see in Kulich from all these young guys being discussed is his shot; he is a true sniper. If he gets with the right line, he can be a deadly scorer. Killer on PP. His passing is slower in developing, though. He’s not the playmaker Quinn is.

Totally sucks. He’s a star in the making. Really solid piece. But return from Achilles is possible. Much better prospects today than 10-15 years ago. I’ve seen both NFL players and NBA players tear it and return. If it’s 6 full months that puts him right at mid-late December. So he could be in the lineup in the spring. I suspect even after December he won’t be at full speed this year. He will be healthy. It is likely 2024 before we can see him at full health. But he could well have a full recover. Cam Akers is a good example. Had a new type of surgery. https://www.thefantasyfootballers.com/articles/a-deep-dive-into-cam-akers-miraculous-recovery-from-achilles-tendon-surgery-fantasy-football/ He returned 6 months after surgery. Did not appear to be full speed. That year (2022). But last year he seemed to have returned to his usual self.

Cory Pronman’s (The Athletic) Day two rankings - we landed #4 & 5. 4. Anton Wahlberg, C, MALMO JR. (SWEDEN-JR.) July 4, 2005 | 6′ 3″ | 192 pounds Tier: Middle of the lineup player Skating: NHL average Puck skills: NHL average Hockey sense: Below NHL average Compete: Above NHL average Player comparable: Pierre Engvall Background: Wahlberg was an all situations player for Malmo’s J20 team and a top-six forward for Sweden’s U18 team. He got called up to Malmo late in the season where he played a notable role, including in their relegation-round games. Analysis: Wahlberg’s raw toolkit instantly stand out when you watch. He’s a 6-foot-3 forward who can move very well for his size and has legit offensive skills. The way he can pull pucks by opposing defensemen while moving at a fast pace looks like an NHL forward. He plays a direct style and with his frame plus speed can get to the net very well. I don’t think he’s overly physical, but he has some bite in him, gets to the net, and coaches tend to lean on him. Wahlberg’s biggest issue is a lack of vision and so-so decision making with the puck. Wahlberg played center in the J20 level but played wing with Sweden’s U18 team and in the SHL. If he can score just somewhat as a pro, with his size and speed he will have an NHL career as a middle six forward, whether down the middle or the wing, and I think he’s trending that way. 5. Maxim Strbak, RHD, SIOUX FALLS (USHL) April 13, 2005 | 6′ 1″ | 198 pounds Tier: Middle of the lineup player Skating: NHL average Puck skills: Below NHL average Hockey sense: NHL average Compete: High-end Player comparable: Ben Chiarot Background: Strbak hasn’t put up big offensive numbers in club play between the USHL and Finland’s junior league over the last two seasons. On the international stage he’s been leaned on though. Strbak played a major role on Slovakia’s world junior team, including a 22-minute performance against Canada in the quarterfinals that went to overtime. He was a leading player for Slovakia’s U18 team this season, which went to the semifinals at the worlds. Strbak was a top-four defenseman on the Slovakia team that won silver at the 2021 Hlinka Gretzky. He made Slovakia’s 2022 world junior team as a 16-year-old and was a big part of the club that got Slovakia promoted at the U18 level last spring. He is committed to Michigan State University. Analysis: Strbak is a defense-first defenseman. He’s a tall, right shot who is mobile and makes a lot of stops due to his reach, feet, physicality and excellent compete level. He brings a strong effort every night, and coaches tend to lean on him in tough situations. I don’t see him as a legit scorer and puck-mover in the NHL, but he’s good enough with the puck, can skate pucks up, and can make enough plays to survive at higher levels. I think he will be a second or third pair defenseman in the NHL depending on the level of offense he brings.

Olofsson and CM for sure - I would be fine with that. But I would not want to trade Krebs yet. His compete is a huge asset. We can still find space for those guys if they show they are ready. We will see what Savoie does in camp. Should be interesting. But these are really good problems to have.

First Sabres game I watched was a 7-2 loss to the Bruins in 1970 (age 9) - they had like 983 shots and our goalie was great (actually 80 or so shots). Cried and trashed my room when we lost to the Flyers in ‘75. I was excited about the pick and feel really good about the future of this team the next 3-5 years. Love what Benson can bring. We kind of have a team a bit like Tampa Bay with a lot of forward talent and some good young defensemen to go with it. Still need a top 4 defender but that could come soon. There are a couple of RHDs at the top of round 2 I’d be interested in and would would not mind seeing us nab that huge goalie, Hrabel at some point. If we don’t use one of these picks in a trade.

Hard to believe all the complaining about too much forward talent. And he’s a two way forward. Which is lacking on this team. He’s been comp’d to Kucherov, Point, Marner, Marc Savard. Give me a 30/60-80 guy who defends any day. Not all our talent in the lower levels will pan out. And what exactly is wrong with having 12 top-6 talent players? Just means our 3-4 lines will be that much more deadly. He was the 3rd leading scorer in the WHL at age 17 most of the year. Turned 18 in May. He’s still super young. He’s 5’9.75, 170. When he gets to 180-185 (and he could still get taller), with his defensive stick skills and quick feet - plus added speed - he will be a pesky player opponents will hate and who will just make plays up and down the ice. We went BPA on our board, no doubt. In the NHL you have to go BPA. Too many players drafted in the first don’t pan out. In 2-3-4 years, odds are high we will be real happy the board fell as it did.

So many great plays. Love that he is so tenacious on D. Two of the plays I loved: When he dives to one knee, poke checks the puck, pops up, skips past the defender then passes behind him for a goal. Then the back check at center ice, turns and skates all the way in on goal and scores!

We are building our own set of Kucherov, Point, Stamkos type forwards. I’ll take that.

Talent is talent. He’s a two-way player with skill and drive. Plays pp and pk. He will need to add 15 lbs of good weight to his frame but that shouldn’t be a problem and it will enhance his speed. He will be a guy who will be pesky, play defense, and put points on the board. he’s not 6’1, but that’s been overrated to some degree; otherwise, What’s not to like? He instantly vaulted into the top scorer position among our prospects. Granted, WHL. Still … As to a logjam at forward on the NHL roster? In a year or two we have 4-5 forwards who will be departing for various reasons (age; free agency; trades). So I think the spaces will open up for the likes of him, Savoie, Kulich, et al. I am still in the trusting Adams mode. Would like to see us sign a big free agent on D.

Good piece here on the Sabres scouting process.

Imo at this point you have to go BPA over positional need at 13 given it could be a year or two to get to the club. We can always add RHD in free agency or trade. For immediate help. But if they think a D is the best player on the board, well fine. Players that seem to be trending are Simashev, Pellikka, Moore, and Perrault. Baker mentioned all but Simashev as serious targets. I would be happy with whomever they think is the best player. I see positives in all. That Moore has size, speed, and can be a two way guy is an exciting prospect. Pellikka is small but a righty. And Baker compared him to Cal Maker. link to article below has a really good breakdown on him and one pundit rated him the fifth best overall. Vancouver appears to be interested. https://twitter.com/sportsmde/status/1673885117532569602?s=46&t=EB7RmKnqTQzD3e9c8TXAGg

Potential. my problem with Casey is he’s not a scorer. His shot isn’t especially accurate or powerful. Plus I would like to see Kulich make the team. Possibly Rosen. Casey could center a line with a scorer or two and his speed and decent forecheck could come in handy. He’s a decent passer. Love pairing Quinn and Cozens. big future there imo. Also like your 3rd line a lot. Could do some real damage.

One has to wonder what they are thinking for free agency and who might actually want to come to Buffalo without being too over paid. I’m okay with a trade as long as it’s not one of our young assets. Don’t know how much Olafsson will bring in.

We shall see if this is the right move. First and foremost we still need a significant upgrade at top 4 defenseman and a vet starter in goal to split time with and take the pressure off Levi. This should be had through free agency I was hoping for an upgrade over Girgs. Although mentioned above I don’t see him bring much physicality or toughness on the ice given his size. Certainly not much in the way of a two way forward. Which is really a need on this roster - guy who can set the tone - not with hits per se but just a physical skater and checker. Just haven’t seen Girgs do that. Only one year so not a huge cap hit. We shall see if Adams is building to slowly or not.

Going for the Panthers because I don’t ever want to see Eichel win the Cup. That said, Tkachuk is such a piss ant that I am a bit torn. But still trumps my animosity toward Jack. Let’s go Bobrovski!!

I guess I am okay with the signing. But in no universe, whatsoever, do I want Girgensons back! He offers nothing to the team. It’s just an expense and money that could be used far better. Either going toward signing our young players to long-term deals, or put toward a bigger, free agent signing. I just don’t get, the benefit of Girgensons to this team. For his size, he is not at all a very physical player. And he’s not a scorer either. If he were some sort of epic defender and a strong physical presence on the ice I could see it. But he isn’t.

Final Four has almost zero interest for me with none of these teams being in a legit hockey town. I do not want Vegas because Eichel (the guy has been playing better in the playoffs than he ever did here). If I wanted one team to win, probably the Panthers. Like others, I wish we still had Montour. That would have likely vaulted us into the playoffs. I hope Adams sees that reality and can land a top 4 defender this off season. After the Sabres - I root for the Original 6 (aside from Boston) in the cup chase or the Oilers (loved the Gretzky / Messier era there). Growing up in Buffalo (even before the Sabres arrived) I loved Hockey Night in Canada on Wednesday and Saturday. Never hated the Leafs like some on here do (probably from interaction with Leaf fans). Always enjoyed the Leafs teams of Borje Salming, Daryl Sittler, & Lanny McDonald. Bruins were the team I hated as they beat up on us early (will never forget a 7-2, 80 shot on goal drubbing). Really hated all the Boston teams. Pats. Celtics because they always seemed to beat the Braves when it mattered. I was at a great game 4 win (McAdoo was incredible) and a game six loss on a bad foul call that allowed JoJo White to sink two FTs with no time on the clock (sat just behind the stansion at those games - snuck down to sit by the ball boys!). Crushing. (though they had some amazing players to watch in Cowens, Havlicek, White). Also hate the Flyers for obvious reasons (1975). I digress. Quite Meh on this final four as I think most of Canada & the US will be.

We definitely need a veteran goalie to carry a heavy load and let Levi progress and not be overworked or over pressured. a 1A and Levi as 1B could take a lot of pressure off his shoulders and free him to push hard and improve and build confidence. I’m not for giving up a ton. But if the Sabres (Adams) thinks we are just one top tier goalie away from being bonafide Cup contenders I would question that. I think there are a couple of other pieces for sure. A top 4 defenseman would help a lot. And replacing the forwards likely to leave with a solid two way forward would be very helpful, imo.

There is some sense to the positionless aspect and that may benefit him. Who knows. I'm not entirely opposed to that or certainly giving it a try. But I would not put much stock in his ability to get his shot off simply because it's been neither precise or potent. I'd like to have at least one other, if not two, goal scorer alongside Cozens. I think you'll see Quinn and Peterka pass up Middlestadt in goal scoring and shot % next year. They've had one season and nearly matched Casey (whose first full season came 5 years back in 2018-19) in goals scored. This year CM proved he can pass and set up others pretty well. But Cozens is both a goal scorer and distributor. To me CM is more of a 3rd line level - bottom 6 - player. Cozens is clearly a top 6 talent. And I think Quinn is going to be that; perhaps Peterka. But I'd say Peterka has better goal scoring quality than CM - unless CM develops a sniper shot out of the blue at age 25. I also suspect that within two years, if they continue to progress as they have, we'll see Savoie and Kulich (and perhaps even Rosen) pass up CM for offensive firepower. On the other hand, if we are going to continue to develop Krebs it might be good to put some more offensive firepower alongside him and see what happens there - so that may require fitting CM on a line with Cozens. Part of the trickiness to the equation is calculating how well and how fast these 19-22 year olds develop - relative to Casey at 24; who, given he did miss a good bit of time the past 3 years with injuries, could have a higher ceiling than it appears. But all that is also an unknown. In the mean time we have to push to win, not just develop. I'm all for whatever benefits that. New Jersey is about the same age range and they made a big jump this past year. We've progressed a bit more slowly.

I don’t see the point in resigning Girgs with the cap space and the need for more dynamic two way players on lines 3-4. Just don’t see him offering anything special or unique.

Great piece. That’s the attitude you want. Reminds me a bit of Krebs in that way. Good goals tonight by two promising youngsters.

I just don't know what to think about Middlestadt. He improved this year. But I think he's a passing center. He is fast and can pass decently, but he just doesn't have a great shot or scoring prowess. As a wing, I just don't see him taking advantage of Cozens talent, imo. I can see Savoie in that slot at C next year. But eventually I think Savoie and Kulich on a line would be ideal (not this year but in 2024-25). Both can skate fast. Savoie has lots of great tools for scoring, handle, and passing; and Kulich is a sniper. In fact, in two years - perhaps even some this season - I think our PP will include Kulich and Tage on the wings and goalies will be caught in a cross fire.

Makes sense to me. 🤷🏼‍♂️ I have to say I hope Kulich and Savoie make the team (at least to start. As Baker indicated, they could start them off a bit slow; let them play the worlds; then finish out the year strong). One thing I love about both is that they are both fast, strong skaters (and Kulich has a rocket shot! In two years he and Tage will be crushing it on the Power Play). Watching the Florida Panthers and the New Jersey Devils, even though the Devils will have trouble getting past Carolina, speed is such a big factor. And anything that adds speed to our team will help us. I feel like, past the first couple of lines, our speed / quickness diminishes as a whole. And Krebs is such a positive intangible. Toughness. Fearless. You just want him on your team and in games. Of course, if they decide to put Tage on a wing with Cozens that shuffle things around. But I’m not so sure that’s the best way to go.

I like his potential. Hope he does well at that level.

Would be great to get a top 4 defenseman like Graves. That has to be the prime target position in free agency, imo. We have the cap space (and get a Dahlin deal done). Graves has 33 games of playoff experience and counting which is a big plus. Hard to say how much interest some of these like a Graves would have in coming to Buffalo. But roll out the red carpet. Let them talk with Tuch, Dahlin, and an others about the team. Totally agree on needing some players with Grit. And speed, of course. They don’t need to be hitters. Just tough. Mentally and physically. We have potential but both adding and within the team we need to develop more sand / toughness and players getting physically developed as well. Adding 1-2 vets who have playoff experience and grit to their game could benefit them. This was from a recent ESPN column on the Stanley Cup playoffs and the benefit of playoff experience for the Kraken: Seattle's Yanni Gourde has played 77 playoff games and won two Stanley Cups. Jaden Schwartz has played 96 playoff games, with a Cup win. Justin Schultz has played 75 playoff games, with two Cup wins. Jamie Oleksiak (51), Jordan Eberle (70) and even Philipp Grubauer(41) have ample playoff experience. Getting 1-2 players with healthy playoff experience can also help in the regular season, imo, when we have some big games we need to win. We played in a number of those down the stretch this year and wilted in several of them.