Rental Players -- Good Fits

[Lethbridge Broncos]

Keith Tkachuk.

 

Would add fiber and world class experience to lineup. A still potent power forward who will bang guys and lean on them -- will also drive the net, draw penalties and pester opposing softer defenders over the course of a long series. His leadership and passion would be a nice complement and antidote to this Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde roster (this's a 500% hockey team). To boot, he can pot goals b/k he has a very accurate and heavy shot. A bull in a china shop.

 

Sean O'Donnell.

 

Former Sabre draft choice has become a sturdy defender in the National League. He would be a nice rental for depth to the defense. The Sabres have lost defenders in droves at the seasons end (Tempo is too old to play everynight and Paetch is not the answer). This guy is also physical and will drill guys around the net and behind the goal line. Smart heady stay at home type -- with a little moxie in him. Like Rivet but not as polished or mobile.

 

Bill Guerin.

 

Has played in all of the big games -- savvy leader. Adds the leadership and grit to the team. Also gives the club another hitting winger who can drive the net and make smart decisions late in games. When the score is close in a tight series, I would like to look down the bench and call #13 to the ice b/k you know he has seen it all; and will make the little play that saves the day. He will toss some goals in too.

 

Manny Malhorta.

 

This guy is physical, smart, can skate and is a playoff type. But his faceoff win percentage (58%) makes his value skyrocket. The Sabres are one of the worst faceoff teams in the league. This needs to be remedied before the playoffs. Paul Gaustud taking draws late in playoff games is scary (he is only at about 55%).

 

Rod Brind'Amour.

 

Everybody knows what a great player this guy is. But he has won 62% of his faceoffs this season. He also kills penatlies and would be a nice leader with a Cup win for the guys to rally around. Carolina is desperate to add more young players to its lineup.

 

Niclas Wallin

 

This's a premier defender who hits and can move people from infront of the net. He is very underated and can stand tall in big games. It would add size and power to the backline and allow for Sekara or Butler to get some more seasoning in the press box until 2009-10.

[bills_fan_in_raleigh]

I think Rod the Bod would be a liability more than a help. sure he is good on face offs however after knee surgery he is slow and old and something like -27 plus/minus. I like Tkachuk and Walin as prospects

[tom webster]

Keith Tkachuk.

 

Would add fiber and world class experience to lineup. A still potent power forward who will bang guys and lean on them -- will also drive the net, draw penalties and pester opposing softer defenders over the course of a long series. His leadership and passion would be a nice complement and antidote to this Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde roster (this's a 500% hockey team). To boot, he can pot goals b/k he has a very accurate and heavy shot. A bull in a china shop.

 

Sean O'Donnell.

 

Former Sabre draft choice has become a sturdy defender in the National League. He would be a nice rental for depth to the defense. The Sabres have lost defenders in droves at the seasons end (Tempo is too old to play everynight and Paetch is not the answer). This guy is also physical and will drill guys around the net and behind the goal line. Smart heady stay at home type -- with a little moxie in him. Like Rivet but not as polished or mobile.

 

Bill Guerin.

 

Has played in all of the big games -- savvy leader. Adds the leadership and grit to the team. Also gives the club another hitting winger who can drive the net and make smart decisions late in games. When the score is close in a tight series, I would like to look down the bench and call #13 to the ice b/k you know he has seen it all; and will make the little play that saves the day. He will toss some goals in too.

 

Manny Malhorta.

 

This guy is physical, smart, can skate and is a playoff type. But his faceoff win percentage (58%) makes his value skyrocket. The Sabres are one of the worst faceoff teams in the league. This needs to be remedied before the playoffs. Paul Gaustud taking draws late in playoff games is scary (he is only at about 55%).

 

Rod Brind'Amour.

 

Everybody knows what a great player this guy is. But he has won 62% of his faceoffs this season. He also kills penatlies and would be a nice leader with a Cup win for the guys to rally around. Carolina is desperate to add more young players to its lineup.

 

Niclas Wallin

 

This's a premier defender who hits and can move people from infront of the net. He is very underated and can stand tall in big games. It would add size and power to the backline and allow for Sekara or Butler to get some more seasoning in the press box until 2009-10.

 

Tkaczuk and Guerin failed miserably as rental players two years ago and neither is going to approve going anywhere they don't want to go.

Columbus is finally fighting for a playoff spot and is not trading Malhorta.

Carolina is not going to trade rentals to a team they are fighting with for a playoff spot.

O'Donnell would't be bad, but they will be looking for a more offensive defensemen.

[deluca67]

I asked this previously, when has a rental player ever led a team to the Stanley Cup? If the Sabres are going to make a deal they should go out and get a player who will be here beyond this season. This team needs long tern solutions not band-aids.

[sjb012]

Hossa almost did it last year for the Penguins(Rental leading team to Cup). Also, Stuart on the Wings blueline turned out to be a nice fit. Though, now I guess we can't say Stuart was a rental.

[shrader]

I asked this previously, when has a rental player ever led a team to the Stanley Cup? If the Sabres are going to make a deal they should go out and get a player who will be here beyond this season. This team needs long tern solutions not band-aids.

 

Doug Weight and Mark Recchi, Carolina Hurricanes

 

I'm sure we can also come up with some deals that either got a team into the playoffs or improved the results of a stagnant team. I know you said Stanley Cup, but pushing a team into the playoffs can be a huge gain as well.

[will]

I asked this previously, when has a rental player ever led a team to the Stanley Cup?

 

doug weight, '05-'06. and he did it with a separated shoulder (thank you versus, for rubbing that in).

[deluca67]

Doug Weight and Mark Recchi, Carolina Hurricanes

 

I'm sure we can also come up with some deals that either got a team into the playoffs or improved the results of a stagnant team. I know you said Stanley Cup, but pushing a team into the playoffs can be a huge gain as well.

I hear what you're saying. If a player can be brought in to secure a playoff spot the Sabres need to make that deal. I would prefer the deal have positive long term effects not just the quick fix for this one season especially if they have to part with prospects.

[shrader]

I hear what you're saying. If a player can be brought in to secure a playoff spot the Sabres need to make that deal. I would prefer the deal have positive long term effects not just the quick fix for this one season especially if they have to part with prospects.

 

Yeah, perfectly reasonable. It really depends on who you end up moving though. Even though it didn't work out, I'm sure most around here really couldn't have cared less abot moving Novotny in that Zubrus deal. The first round pick stings a bit more, but really, if you can find an impact rental for a package like that one, I have no problem with that deal.

[Lethbridge Broncos]

The right rental player can push a team over the top -- there is NO doubt about this. There are tons of variables that go into a team advancing in the playoff (i.e., injuries, a hot goalie standing on his head, home ice advantage, a lucky bounce, special teams coming alive (PP), etc). However, a solid vet can add great substance to a cusp team like the Sabres who will probably come in as the 7th or 8th seed. There are too many examples of late season rental players to mention.

 

Some stated that Guerin and Tkachuk have already failed as rentals. While that may be, I for one am willing to try again. The fact remains that both have some tread left on them and can add the veteran leadership and savvy approach. The Sabres have a very young team still with little leadership outside of Rivet and Tempo. When I say leadership and a vet pressence, we are talking about guys coming to Buffalo who have played in multiple playoff series, have won cups or seen come close. Guys that have played with great players, on the big lines, over 10-15 years. Guys with track records of performance and respect in the league. Brind'Amour, Tkachuk and Guerin all fit this bill.

 

The great fear is that Regier and the front office THINK they have a team that can advance in the playoff -- and don't want to change anything. Front offices can get fooled by a team that strings 3 or 4 wins together and then shits the bed for 2 or 3. Sometime a GM will let his club drift into the playoffs and then hope it catches fire -- as he thinks the players on the roster (which he usually drafted and thinks he knows are playoff types) will shine in a series. But make no mistake about it, the Sabres are NOWHERE NEAR the top teams. Can someone with a sober eye really see this team winnnig the Stanley Cup? No way, they lack they lack the layers of players on all four lines to sustain 20-25+ games of hockey played every other night. You look at the Cup teams and they have layers of solid players with depth and players who can play different styles of play and in great adversity. When the ice space drys up in the neutral zone and the hitting takes place everyshift and the pressure mounts and the defenses lock down teams for no scoring chances, only a few rosters can excell. These rosters are built with various types of players with size, skill and are not one demonsional. The Sabres still seem unbalanced. They are experimenting still -- and it is January. That is why they are a 500% hockey team. No matter how well they play as a unit and team, they still are unbalanced, loose and inconsistant. There are some bright spots on the roster and some guys who look the part. But tehy still need to add 3 or 4 guys to really make a push this season. They have extra prospects to deal and it is time to go for it. Add the depth on the blueline and two or three vets up front. Send Ellis, MacCarthur and Mair to the pressbox and use them as subs.

[Lethbridge Broncos]

Deadline Deals of note:

 

2000: Boston Bruins trade Ray Bourque and Dave Andreychuk to the Colorado Avalanche for Brian Rolston, Samuel Pahlsson, Martin Grenier and a first-round draft pick

 

 

1997: Toronto Maple Leafs trade Larry Murphy to the Detroit Red Wings for future considerations

 

 

1994: Chicago Blackhawks trade Stephane Matteau and Brian Noonan to the New York Rangers for Tony Amonte and the rights to Matt Oates

[Two or less]

Here's a few other names, i wish Buffalo would consider-

 

1. Andy McDonald. Yeah, he's a small center, but he's a playmaking wiz. He would be great for Thomas Vanek and he's a faceoff specialist. I think he's got a 61% faceoff percentage which is pretty unreal. I know it's only in limited games but still. He should be back any day now from injury. He had 51 assists two seasons in a row and this year was averaging over a point/game until his injury. He's a UFA after the season.

 

2. Jere Lehtinen. He's 35 years old and also a UFA after the season. He's a injury liability but Dallas and Buffalo have been trade partners in the past. Dallas is struggling and probably not going anywhere so it's pointless to keep this guy. Ever since he returned from injury, he's had 2 goals, 9 assists in 15 games. He's still one of the leagues premier defensive forwards. He can score a few goals, add leadership and help our defense.

 

3. Nick Boynton. Only 29 years old and a UFA after the season. He would be a cheap rental and a player Buffalo could even re-sign if they get rid of several d-men in the summer. He can hit. He fights. He's a rock on defense. And this season has 4 goals. As of now, Florida is in the race for playoffs, but come deadline day if they are out of it, no doubt Boynton will be available.

 

4. Ville Koistinen. He's young, only 26 and a UFA after the season. He seems unhappy in Nashville because they are loaded with puck moving defensmen. Koistinen was a good scorer in Finland, and had a good scoring record in the AHL (9goals, 32assists/51 games) as a rookie. He has unreal speed and is smart on defensively. He;d also be a cheap pick-up. He only makes $700k this season. Nashville will almost certainly lose him in the summer, and could gain a prospect for him. Gragnani for Koistinen? Hunter for Koistinen? Something along those lines.

[Foligno's Nose]

Now why wouldn't have Shanahan fit into the lineup here?

800 K for the rest of the year?

 

I don't see how he would be anything less than a good fit.

Multiple Stanley Cup winner.

Great leader.

 

What am I missing?

[bottlecap]

what we need is a butch goring down the stretch.

[carpandean]

Now why wouldn't have Shanahan fit into the lineup here?

What am I missing?

Probably -- I'm guessing -- the part where he told his agent that he was only willing to play for the Rangers, Devils or Detroit.

[tom webster]

Here's a few other names, i wish Buffalo would consider-

 

1. Andy McDonald. Yeah, he's a small center, but he's a playmaking wiz. He would be great for Thomas Vanek and he's a faceoff specialist. I think he's got a 61% faceoff percentage which is pretty unreal. I know it's only in limited games but still. He should be back any day now from injury. He had 51 assists two seasons in a row and this year was averaging over a point/game until his injury. He's a UFA after the season.

 

2. Jere Lehtinen. He's 35 years old and also a UFA after the season. He's a injury liability but Dallas and Buffalo have been trade partners in the past. Dallas is struggling and probably not going anywhere so it's pointless to keep this guy. Ever since he returned from injury, he's had 2 goals, 9 assists in 15 games. He's still one of the leagues premier defensive forwards. He can score a few goals, add leadership and help our defense.

 

3. Nick Boynton. Only 29 years old and a UFA after the season. He would be a cheap rental and a player Buffalo could even re-sign if they get rid of several d-men in the summer. He can hit. He fights. He's a rock on defense. And this season has 4 goals. As of now, Florida is in the race for playoffs, but come deadline day if they are out of it, no doubt Boynton will be available.

 

4. Ville Koistinen. He's young, only 26 and a UFA after the season. He seems unhappy in Nashville because they are loaded with puck moving defensmen. Koistinen was a good scorer in Finland, and had a good scoring record in the AHL (9goals, 32assists/51 games) as a rookie. He has unreal speed and is smart on defensively. He;d also be a cheap pick-up. He only makes $700k this season. Nashville will almost certainly lose him in the summer, and could gain a prospect for him. Gragnani for Koistinen? Hunter for Koistinen? Something along those lines.

 

MacDonald and Lehtiinen would be great rentals.

You answered your own question with Boynton but I would love him.

Koistinen would be a good addition long term, not just rental.

[Foligno's Nose]

Aside from that.

I know he probably did not want to leave the tri-state area. (and the Islanders were obviously not an option)

 

It just seems that Darcy could have sweetened the pot a little.

We're not too far removed from NYC and Jersey.

 

Oh well.

It is the Devils gain.

He will make a difference for them.

I hope it does not eventually make that difference in a important (playoff?) game with our boys.

 

We will see.

[carpandean]

I know he probably did not want to leave the tri-state area. (and the Islanders were obviously not an option)

I picked those three teams because they are in the playoff hunt and his former teams. If you add in the tri-state area limitation, he was going Devils, if they wanted him. Had the Devils, like the Rangers, passed on him, we may have been an option, but who knows what he would have done.

[calti]

what we need is a butch goring down the stretch.

very very true...we need tough grinder guys for this soft bunch we have now

[carpandean]

Not a rental per se, but there has been a lot of talk about Atlanta trading Todd White. He would give some decent scoring-line center depth and comes with a friendly $2.35 million cap hit and $2.5 million per in salary for the next two years. If they have any thoughts of extending Connolly, even for a one-year low-salary deal, we need to have another option like that on the roster. For a second-line, play-making center, that's hard to beat.

[tom webster]

Not a rental per se, but there has been a lot of talk about Atlanta trading Todd White. He would give some decent scoring-line center depth and comes with a friendly $2.35 million cap hit and $2.5 million per in salary for the next two years. If they have any thoughts of extending Connolly, even for a one-year low-salary deal, we need to have another option like that on the roster. For a second-line, play-making center, that's hard to beat.

 

They are about to play a team full of good rentals. Halpern, Jokinen, ......

[SabresFan526]

Here's a few other names, i wish Buffalo would consider-

 

1. Andy McDonald. Yeah, he's a small center, but he's a playmaking wiz. He would be great for Thomas Vanek and he's a faceoff specialist. I think he's got a 61% faceoff percentage which is pretty unreal. I know it's only in limited games but still. He should be back any day now from injury. He had 51 assists two seasons in a row and this year was averaging over a point/game until his injury. He's a UFA after the season.

 

2. Jere Lehtinen. He's 35 years old and also a UFA after the season. He's a injury liability but Dallas and Buffalo have been trade partners in the past. Dallas is struggling and probably not going anywhere so it's pointless to keep this guy. Ever since he returned from injury, he's had 2 goals, 9 assists in 15 games. He's still one of the leagues premier defensive forwards. He can score a few goals, add leadership and help our defense.

 

3. Nick Boynton. Only 29 years old and a UFA after the season. He would be a cheap rental and a player Buffalo could even re-sign if they get rid of several d-men in the summer. He can hit. He fights. He's a rock on defense. And this season has 4 goals. As of now, Florida is in the race for playoffs, but come deadline day if they are out of it, no doubt Boynton will be available.

 

4. Ville Koistinen. He's young, only 26 and a UFA after the season. He seems unhappy in Nashville because they are loaded with puck moving defensmen. Koistinen was a good scorer in Finland, and had a good scoring record in the AHL (9goals, 32assists/51 games) as a rookie. He has unreal speed and is smart on defensively. He;d also be a cheap pick-up. He only makes $700k this season. Nashville will almost certainly lose him in the summer, and could gain a prospect for him. Gragnani for Koistinen? Hunter for Koistinen? Something along those lines.

I agree on just about all of these as great rental players for Buffalo. But here's my take.

 

I've been on the McDonald bandwagon for a long time. When I found out that all it took was Doug Weight to get him out of Anaheim, I was pissed Darcy didn't make that trade last year. He's a really good player whom I would love to have in Buffalo, even if it's just as a rental. The Sabres desperately need a second line centerman and he brings an insurance policy in case Connolly gets hurt, even though he's currently hurt himself. I've always believed that you can never have enough centers, though.

 

I love Jere Lehtinen. However, Dallas is only 4 points back from the last playoff spot, so I don't see them making a deal and I think they are more likely to be buyers than sellers if they continue to keep pace with the rest of the playoff teams.

 

The same is true with Boynton and Florida. Florida is very much in the playoff picture right now and I don't see them trading away Boynton.

 

Koistinen is another guy that I'm a huge fan of whom I think would be a great fit in Buffalo. If he were an RFA, you don't even think twice, you make that deal for him because Nashville's slowly making their way out of the playoff picture this year. Koistinen is a very good offensive defenseman and is kind of caught in a numbers game in Nashville. I'd love to have him here.

 

If Darcy could somehow acquire McDonald or some other second line centerman and Koistinen, this would be an absolute coup, especially if all he had to give up were Max, Tallinder, picks, and prospects like Zagrapan, Gragnani, etc. I think all of this speculation is highly unlikely, but I like the four guys you've named.

[Foligno's Nose]

Todd White?

Sure. Bring him in.

Never can have enough centers, and our current centers all have some flexibility to move to the wing.

We are 19th in goals scored.

Time to stop ignoring our production deficiencies.

 

What would we have to give up?

 

Bryan Little would be a second choice.

[Foligno's Nose]

And does McDonald's recent injuries concern anyone?

[Lethbridge Broncos]

McDonald was incredible for the Ducks during their Cup run. He was the Conn Smyth winner IMO. And for a little guy he is a 60% guy on draaws. So he fits the cup winning, faceoff guy. For a pivot however, he is smurfy. The Ducks won with him because they had huge wingers to skate with him (Penner, Getz, and all the other 6'3, 220 guys that club has). In Buffalo I fear a long series where he gets pounded out there. Any deal has to bring in size for the 20+ games they would have to win. No smurfs allowed. More rugged bangers with 10-15 yrs experience are needed. MacCarthur is too much like McDonald in Regier's eyes. Better off to add size and layers to the 3rd and 4th lines with Guerin types. Look at San Jose who added Claude Lemieux to their lineup today. Size and grit...wins Cups.

 

Another guy to go after would be Fredrick Modin who is finally healthy. He is a load like Franzen -- for the Wings. When he plays hard, he is a top power forward.