Projected Opening Day Roster

[inkman]

For that matter, I'd be happy to see Kennedy on the 4th line instead of Paille with Kaleta and Ellis.

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but if Paille belongs anywhere on this team (which he doesn't), it's on the 4th line. His skill set isn't suited for anywhere else.

 

Kennedy with Kaleta and Ellis would make a nice 4th line.

Not in my book. Too remeniscent of the "4 scoring lines" approach Lindy tried to use when Connolly came back from injury in the playoffs. Weren't the Sabres eliminated in 5?

 

Sure, any experience is good for him, but he doesn't exactly round out a fearsome crash and bang checking line, now does he?

Not at all.

 

I think the 3rd line is the checking line.

Then what is our 4th line supposed to be? ...3rd shut down line

I think you are arguing semantics here. Lindy likes to refer to his 4th line as the "energy" line. While I find the term somewhat moronic, that's what he uses.

 

Not sure if I've heard him ever refer to a line as defensive or shut down but if push came to shove, he may call that line a checking line. As in, they check the opponents top offensive line. I think checking, in the truest sense of the word, is supposed to mean this but somehow it has morphed into a shortened version of body checking.

[end the curse]

They should already know what their plans for Myers are. If they need additional games at this point there is a problem. It is as we spoke of earlier in the preseason. If Myers isn't a Sabre for the entire season it will have more to do with Tallinder's pay than Myers play.

 

Too much is made of the opening day roster. With injuries and Lindy's need to juggle lineups at the first sign of trouble it's safe to say that the lineup for game 10 may look a lot different than it does on opening night. As long as Miller and Vanek are healthy for opening night I'm happy. Keeping Miller healthy and Vanek are the two top priorities this season if playoff hockey is to return to Buffalo.

I agree...remember that Weber made the cut last year, was sent back down to Portland after a few games, got injured repeatedly, and was not heard from again. I think that Myers is a lock, Weber is going back to the AHL, and they are agonizing over Kennedy and Gerbe...especially Kennedy, because he's really looked great all through camp and pre-season, and looks ready to play now on the NHL level.

 

Question is, if Kennedy stays who goes and who sits? They also love Ellis, and he plays the same position as Kennedy and is the perfect 4th line player. Kennedy looks much better than Hecht, but Hecht has that $100 billion deal that's stuck in his way. MacArthur just signed a new deal and has been slated for the 2nd line. Paille seems to be the one that he's competing with for space, but they like the way he's looked, too, and don't want to keep him out of the lineup at this stage of his career.

 

Tough decisions. I think Kennedy stays on the roster and rotates into the lineup based on injury, opponent, and poor performances of veterans on the hot seat like Paille, MacArthur and Hecht.

[inkman]

Paille seems to be the one that he's competing with for space, but they like the way he's looked, too, and don't want to keep him out of the lineup at this stage of his career.

Darcy has moved players in the past, when opening up a roster spot for a kid with potential (see Pyatt trade). I believe he was moved to allow Stafford a roster spot, but me and remembering...not so much. I just wish Darcy would have pulled the trigger by now. Maybe he's not as sure about Kennedy as some posters here are, he is still a bit of an unkown commodity.

[nfreeman]

I can't believe I'm going to say this, but if Paille belongs anywhere on this team (which he doesn't), it's on the 4th line. His skill set isn't suited for anywhere else.

I think we'll have to disagree on this. Paille doesn't seem to be answering the bell. I'd rather have Kennedy in the lineup. I also don't think putting him on the 4th line instead of Paille would neuter that line. Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis would be a harder line to play against than Paille-Kaleta-Ellis.

[korab rules]

I think by tomorrow early afternoon (Wednesday 2 pm) is when rosters have to be finalized. It took a lot of searching to find that out - finally saw it listed on another team's board so don't even know if it's accurate. You'd think that the NHL might publish something like this but I sure couldn't find it if they did - ditto for Sabres news - nada about the roster finalization deadline unless it was buried somewhere.

 

As for contracts, best thing I could recommend would the nhlnumbers.com web site - not sure if it shows 2 way status but gives a lot of info. The NHLPA web site used to have a bit more info on contract status but not anymore from the looks of it.

 

Thanks for this - so tomorrow we will have a little more info.

[end the curse]

I think they like the depth they have, and are hoping one of these under 25 kids takes the next step, and are waiting to see which one it will be. I think Hecht is the one who should be afraid, because if he starts becoming a healthy scratch during the year his bloated contract will not save him forever. Granted he'll be a huge 3.5 million hit for 3 more years, but even spendthrifts like Quinn/Galisano will have to consider buying him out or assigning him to Portland if he pulls another no-show season.

 

Time will tell.

[shrader]

I agree...remember that Weber made the cut last year, was sent back down to Portland after a few games, got injured repeatedly, and was not heard from again. I think that Myers is a lock, Weber is going back to the AHL, and they are agonizing over Kennedy and Gerbe...especially Kennedy, because he's really looked great all through camp and pre-season, and looks ready to play now on the NHL level.

 

If I remember correctly, Weber survived that last round of cuts, but they sent him down before the first game. They've done that a bit recently to start the season. They keep a guy around for a couple practices but then send him down and carry the absolute minimum to start the year. I'm drawing a blank on the name, but I remember them doing just that with one of the young forwards a couple years back (06-07 or 07-08 season).

 

Darcy has moved players in the past, when opening up a roster spot for a kid with potential (see Pyatt trade). I believe he was moved to allow Stafford a roster spot, but me and remembering...not so much. I just wish Darcy would have pulled the trigger by now. Maybe he's not as sure about Kennedy as some posters here are, he is still a bit of an unkown commodity.

 

If I'm reading you right, it looks like you're implying that Pyatt was traded at the start of the season. He was moved during the offseason while he was a RFA. It seemed like more of a cap move to me, as that was 06-07, the year they were right up against the cap.

 

If that wasn't what you were implying, just completely ignore me and go flirt with spndnchz... or you could randomly insult me. Either works.

[inkman]

I think Hecht is the one who should be afraid, because if he starts becoming a healthy scratch during the year his bloated contract will not save him forever. Granted he'll be a huge 3.5 million hit for 3 more years, but even spendthrifts like Quinn/Galisano will have to consider buying him out or assigning him to Portland if he pulls another no-show season.

If recent history tells us anything, he'll be here for the duration. The Max Afinogenov experiment ended 2 years too late, and I can't envision Hecht's situation playing out any different.

[korab rules]

I think we'll have to disagree on this. Paille doesn't seem to be answering the bell. I'd rather have Kennedy in the lineup. I also don't think putting him on the 4th line instead of Paille would neuter that line. Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis would be a harder line to play against than Paille-Kaleta-Ellis.

 

Paille has put himself in a difficult position. He has the talent to be a 3rd liner, maybe some day a 2nd liner. Problem is that his effort is insufficient to allow his skill to show. Effort is an absolute requirement, maybe even the most important requirement, to play on the 3rd and fourth line. He is playing himself right back into the AHL at this point.

 

The problem that I have with Kennedy on the 4th line is that it robs that line of the ability to do anything particularly well. Is it a crash and bang line? maybe 2/3 of one. Is it a scoring line? Not with Paille, Ellis, Kaleta or whoever isn't named Gerbe on a wing. Its a jack of all trades master of none line that will have difficulty affecting the outcome of games.

 

I thought Kennedy looked great in the little bit of pre-season I saw, and would love to see him get some game time, but it should be in a spot where he can do what he does well. Maybe he should go back to Portland, and play every night until Connolly goes out with a missing spine.

[inkman]

If I'm reading you right, it looks like you're implying that Pyatt was traded at the start of the season. He was moved during the offseason while he was a RFA. It seemed like more of a cap move to me, as that was 06-07, the year they were right up against the cap.

 

If that wasn't what you were implying, just completely ignore me and go flirt with spndnchz... or you could randomly insult me. Either works.

I guess it was more wishful thinking than anything (trading Paille), it may have been more of a cap move but IIRC, it did open the door for Stafford.

 

 

BTW, you are a smelly pirate hooker.

[LabattBlue]

Granted he'll be a huge 3.5 million hit for 3 more years, but even spendthrifts like Quinn/Galisano will have to consider buying him out or assigning him to Portland if he pulls another no-show season.

I disagree! LQ and OSP will never buy out a contract this size. Hecht is here for the duration unless they find a sucker for his contract. The only thing you can hope for, is that last year was an aberration.

[shrader]

I guess it was more wishful thinking than anything (trading Paille), it may have been more of a cap move but IIRC, it did open the door for Stafford.

 

 

BTW, you are a smelly pirate hooker.

 

Is there any other kind?

 

Anyway, Stafford was a rookie in 06-07, the first year after Pyatt was traded. He started most of the first half of that season in Rochester, so it doesn't look like Pyatt was moved to open a spot for him.

[korab rules]

If recent history tells us anything, he'll be here for the duration. The Max Afinogenov experiment ended 2 years too late, and I can't envision Hecht's situation playing out any different.

 

+1 - I don't ever see the cost conscious sabres buying out a contract or paying someone that much to play in Portland, even if it is completely justified.

 

On a positive note, Hecht looked better than last year in the little bit of pre-season I was able to catch. Just keep him on the 3rd line as he is NOT currently a top six forward on a playoff contending team.

[end the curse]

I disagree! LQ and OSP will never buy out a contract this size. Hecht is here for the duration unless they find a sucker for his contract.

I hope you are wrong...though I fear you may be right.

[nfreeman]

The problem that I have with Kennedy on the 4th line is that it robs that line of the ability to do anything particularly well. Is it a crash and bang line? maybe 2/3 of one. Is it a scoring line? Not with Paille, Ellis, Kaleta or whoever isn't named Gerbe on a wing. Its a jack of all trades master of none line that will have difficulty affecting the outcome of games.

It's an interesting question -- is the jack-of-all-trades 4th line better or worse for a team than a pure banger 4th line? I guess I think it's better. Remember that most of the time the 4th line is going to be matched up against the opposing 4th (or 3rd) line. If you're an opposing coach, would you rather have your 4th line going against Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis or Paille-Kaleta-Ellis?

 

Also, in the last couple of years, when the Sabres haven't had any talent to speak of on the 4th line, that line has often gotten 3-5 minutes per game. I can see Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis getting 8-10 minutes and keeping the other 3 lines rested (and hungry).

 

One more thing on this: injuries are inevitable, and as XB noted, Kennedy can (hopefully) slide in to fill any hole. He'll be more ready to do so if he's practicing and playing with the big club.

 

My bottom line is that Mac seems like he's played well enough to earn a spot on the top 2 lines, to start with anyway, while Paille seems headed for another year of just taking up space. The Goose-Grier-Hecht line has looked pretty good, so that leaves the 4th line. It's not perfect, but I still want Kennedy in the lineup instead of Paille.

 

Maybe Darcy will solve this problem by dumping Paille and Tallinder for draft picks.

[...]

Used to be, not too long ago, that the Sabres could roll four lines and ALL were a scoring threat. It would be very nice for them to have that again. Kennedy on the fourth line would bring them that much closer. Now, they'd just need to address the third line.

[end the curse]

McCormick is very close to making that 4th line, too. To tell you the truth, I'd rather see Ellis/McCormick/Kaleta than Paille/Ellis/Kaleta. Having a bruising 4th is more an important to me than a balanced 4th.

[korab rules]

It's an interesting question -- is the jack-of-all-trades 4th line better or worse for a team than a pure banger 4th line? I guess I think it's better. Remember that most of the time the 4th line is going to be matched up against the opposing 4th (or 3rd) line. If you're an opposing coach, would you rather have your 4th line going against Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis or Paille-Kaleta-Ellis?

 

Also, in the last couple of years, when the Sabres haven't had any talent to speak of on the 4th line, that line has often gotten 3-5 minutes per game. I can see Kennedy-Kaleta-Ellis getting 8-10 minutes and keeping the other 3 lines rested (and hungry).

 

One more thing on this: injuries are inevitable, and as XB noted, Kennedy can (hopefully) slide in to fill any hole. He'll be more ready to do so if he's practicing and playing with the big club.

 

My bottom line is that Mac seems like he's played well enough to earn a spot on the top 2 lines, to start with anyway, while Paille seems headed for another year of just taking up space. The Goose-Grier-Hecht line has looked pretty good, so that leaves the 4th line. It's not perfect, but I still want Kennedy in the lineup instead of Paille.

 

Maybe Darcy will solve this problem by dumping Paille and Tallinder for draft picks.

 

It is a good question. The answer depends on the situation and score, and the fancy of the coach. Good point about a 4th line LR feels some confidence in allowing the top lines to get a blow. Situations like after a PP or PK, where someone off of each of the top two was on the ice, is a good spot for the new and improved 4th line to get an extra shift in.

[korab rules]

McCormick is very close to making that 4th line, too. To tell you the truth, I'd rather see Ellis/McCormick/Kaleta than Paille/Ellis/Kaleta. Having a bruising 4th is more an important to me than a balanced 4th.

 

 

I'm torn - I like the thought of a nasty 4th line that plays limited minutes and crushes everything in opposing colors. At the same time, I want those players to play in the other team's end and chip in the occasional goal. High effort bangers are relatively easy to find. 4th liners who can chip in the occasional goal are relatively easy to find. Some would say we have a team full of them.

 

The problem is what I am looking for, 4th liners who are high effort bangers AND can chip in with some offense, aren't called 4th liners, they are called 3rd liners

 

I guess what I really want is two 3rd lines who will play a responsible defensive game, get the puck deep and forecheck the ever living #%^$#! out of the other team. The problem is assembling two 3rd lines in a salary cap world.

[end the curse]

We are just bloated with under 25 skilled leftwingers that all want and deserve a roster spot, and with Ennis waiting in the wings, too, we have a real glut and something needs to give. How can we not make a trade?

[end the curse]

Per Ruff interview on Sabres.com, McCormick was sent to Portland and Kennedy is the 2nd coming. No way he gets sent down after the praise Ruff just heaped upon him.

[shrader]

You want the ultimate solution to that question over what type of 4th line a team should have? Enough versatility so that you can form either type of line on a game by game basis. How many teams can claim they have that though?

[Two or less]

McCormick is very close to making that 4th line, too. To tell you the truth, I'd rather see Ellis/McCormick/Kaleta than Paille/Ellis/Kaleta. Having a bruising 4th is more an important to me than a balanced 4th.

 

I really like what McCormick brings to the team and have been impressed with his play this pre-season, however, Danny Paille has IMO been one of the better players. No way anyone has earned a spot over Paille through this pre-season so far with the guys he has been battling over with. He's hit and played hard in every game. I think as soon as he becomes the Paille that we've all known, he'll be out of the lineup and McCormick will be up. But for the time being, i like the move. Paille needs a break out season and he's showing so far he's ready.

[SteamRoller72]

Of the "top 6" Sabres forwards, how many crack the top six of bulk of playoff teams in the league. Vanek for sure and a healthy Connoly for most. Roy and Pommer on some, maybe half. And I doubt Clack Mc. and Stafford make very many. Looking at these guys as the top forwards of the future doesn't fill me with Stanley Cup dreams. We need to find out of Kennedy and Gerbe can be the other guys in this nucleus sooner than later. I'd like to see them on a line with Ellis or Kaleta and see what happens. I hope McArthurs strong camp will carry over to a consistent season and Stafford will make the leap to a 30+ goal scoring power forward, but I'm not holding my breath. Can't wait for the season to start though.

 

What?

Do you have NHL Center Ice? Watch some of these awful offensive teams play.

The league is devoid of quality #2 centers and wingers. Roy would be a top 6 forward on every team in the NHL, including Detroit, Pittsburgh and San Jose.

Pommer is much closer to a marginal top 6 than Roy.

[spndnchz]

With Lydman down with a hand injury and Stafford nursing a concussion it may well be Myers and Kennedy starting the season.