Taro T Posted July 12, 2011 Author Report Posted July 12, 2011 Wouldn't this put them at risk of Kotalik getting claimed on re-entry waivers and having half of his remaining cap hit count against them for the remainder of the year? I agree that Kotalik is probably Pominville's replacement at the beginning of the season, but I think after he goes to Rochester, he stays there. There would be a possibility that could happen. But keep 2 things in mind - 1) As the season progresses, there will be less of his contract remaining for the Sabres to have to pay 1/2 of. 2) Whichever team grabbed Kotalik would have to keep him up on the big squad for the Sabres to stay on the hook. I doubt there would be many teams that would go for that this season. At any rate there weren't any last year. And in order to have cap room to get Kotalik onto the roster, he'd most likely have to be in Rochester on day 1 at which time the Sabres could put Pomms on BF-LTIR if he's still recovering.
Taro T Posted July 20, 2011 Author Report Posted July 20, 2011 Updated through the Sekera signing. It APPEARS that the Sabres are done w/ UFA signings at this point having brought in Ehrhoff & Leino, re-signing McCormick, and making the trade for Regehr. No movement on bringing TC back, which I actually find encouraging as it implies that they are still looking for another center and realize that Tim isn't a long term answer. Darcy is on record as stating that he will look into opportunities to trade for another center if the right opportunity is there. So, I would expect to see another move either in the summer or early in the new season. But until we get there, assuming they re-sign their qualified RFA's the lineup looks something like this currently. Cap hit in () and provided by NHL#s. Vanek (7.143) - Roy (4) - Stafford (4) Ennis (0.875) - Leino (4.5) - Boyes (4) Gerbe (1.433) - Hecht (3.525) - Pominville (5.3) Kaleta (0.907) - Gaustad (2.3) - McCormick (1.2) Ehrhoff (4) - Myers (1.3) Regehr (4.02) - Leopold (3) Gragnani (?) - Weber (0.95) Miller (6.25) Enroth (?) Spares: Sekera (2.75), Adam (0.875) Ellis (0.550) 1 Ways in Ra-cha-cha: Kotalik (3), Morrisonn (2.075) Dead space: Kennedy (0.167) If that's the lineup and w/ Enroth at $1MM $0.7MM, Sekera at $1.8MM, Weber at $1MM, and Gragnani @ $0.8MM, that would give a cap hit of $63.45MM $63.62MM which is tighter than the Sabres typically like to operate. Other than needing a true #1 center, it looks (obviously) like they will be stronger than last year. A few of us have been talking about expecting to see Ennis & Sekera as part of a package for a top center. If that does happen, the Sabres absolutely will have to move another winger as they won't have the cap room otherwise. As Sekera will almost definitely be the most expensive of the young D-men, I think he's gone in a trade for the top level center. I also think that trade for a top level center will include more prospects than we'd like to see. It also looks like 1 of Hecht, Boyes, or Pomminstein would get moved or demoted in a cap clearing move if another center is brought in. My guess is that lineup as currently constituted would probably be good for 5th in the East. So, what moves do people see getting made from here? And where do you think they'd finish if they are done w/ moves until the trade deadline? (I expect to see 1 more move this summer & then a cap clearing move to go w/ it.) I'd now expect it less likely to see a trade, as Sekera's front loaded deal probably keeps him on the roster at least the next 2 years. I also could see Ellis being the spare forward if Adam doesn't have to clear waivers to move down. (I know that's been discussed here, just too lazy to look it up.) If it were Ellis up on the big roster (and I'd only expect him there because of the salary cap savings), I'd expect Adam to be the 1st call up. And, yes, this probably puts Reggie in the #5 slot w/ MAG the odd man out, but I could see that changing depending upon opponents & their play. And injuries will have both of them in the lineup sooner rather than later.
Rico4Hall12 Posted July 20, 2011 Report Posted July 20, 2011 Updated through the Sekera signing. I'd now expect it less likely to see a trade, as Sekera's front loaded deal probably keeps him on the roster at least the next 2 years. I also could see Ellis being the spare forward if Adam doesn't have to clear waivers to move down. (I know that's been discussed here, just too lazy to look it up.) If it were Ellis up on the big roster (and I'd only expect him there because of the salary cap savings), I'd expect Adam to be the 1st call up. And, yes, this probably puts Reggie in the #5 slot w/ MAG the odd man out, but I could see that changing depending upon opponents & their play. And injuries will have both of them in the lineup sooner rather than later. I would not have a problem with Roy #1, Leino #2, Gaustad #3 and Ellis #4 to start the season.
inkman Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I would not have a problem with Roy #1, Leino #2, Gaustad #3 and Ellis #4 to start the season. McCormick is #4.
Weave Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 McCormick is #4. My money is on Hecht in the #3 center spot and Gaustad is #4. McCormick will be on the left wing 4th line.
X. Benedict Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 My money is on Hecht in the #3 center spot and Gaustad is #4. McCormick will be on the left wing 4th line. I'm betting Gerbe-Boyes-Hecht as the 3rd line- with committee center duties- with Boyes and Hecht sharing the face-offs.
korab rules Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 My money is on Hecht in the #3 center spot and Gaustad is #4. McCormick will be on the left wing 4th line. I think this is likely as well, unless someone really shows something in the preseason that makes them go another way.
BuffaloSoldier2010 Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I think this is likely as well, unless someone really shows something in the preseason that makes them go another way. Assuming someone does show up at camp (Adam) and does make a case for a spot, which i think is not all that unreasonable, who goes down? I'd take Gerbe's heart speed and grit over Hecht any day, and Boyes seems to have a knack for catching rebounds when playing the wing. I think third line duty would do Boyes a lot of good. He's definitely a talent, and could cause mayhem for other teams third liners. Does Hecht get pushed to the fourth line and share time between himself and Kaleta?
TheChimp Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Assuming someone does show up at camp (Adam) and does make a case for a spot, which i think is not all that unreasonable, who goes down? I'd take Gerbe's heart speed and grit over Hecht any day, and Boyes seems to have a knack for catching rebounds when playing the wing. I think third line duty would do Boyes a lot of good. He's definitely a talent, and could cause mayhem for other teams third liners. Does Hecht get pushed to the fourth line and share time between himself and Kaleta? Will that mean Hecht will always be 'beside himself'?
korab rules Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Assuming someone does show up at camp (Adam) and does make a case for a spot, which i think is not all that unreasonable, who goes down? I'd take Gerbe's heart speed and grit over Hecht any day, and Boyes seems to have a knack for catching rebounds when playing the wing. I think third line duty would do Boyes a lot of good. He's definitely a talent, and could cause mayhem for other teams third liners. Does Hecht get pushed to the fourth line and share time between himself and Kaleta? Adam is the one who I hope really makes a push. We need another true center. Hecht can play it, but he is much better on the wing. I don't see Boyes playing on the third line. He tends to get a little sloppy in his own end. I think he floats around the roster a lot, and spends time in the press box next year as well. He just doesn't seem to have a clearly defined role. He had better come to play in his contract year, or he could be spending a lot of time in a suit. I would love to see a third line of Hecht-Adam-Pominville. A good checking line with some offensive upside. Would allow Ruff to keep Adam's minutes at a manageable level, as the other two will pick up extra minutes on the PK, and pommers on the PP.
korab rules Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Will that mean Hecht will always be 'beside himself'? I know I am beside myself watching him try to play center.
nfreeman Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I'm betting Gerbe-Boyes-Hecht as the 3rd line- with committee center duties- with Boyes and Hecht sharing the face-offs. So Pommer on the 2nd line with Roy and Ennis? Very possible, but for some reason I'd rather see Roy-Ennis-Boyes and Hecht-Gerbe-Pommer. Probably it's because I'm hoping Boyes is good enough to earn that #2 RW slot, and because I think Hecht-Gerbe-Pommer has a ton of potential.
Weave Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 So Pommer on the 2nd line with Roy and Ennis? Very possible, but for some reason I'd rather see Roy-Ennis-Boyes and Hecht-Gerbe-Pommer. Probably it's because I'm hoping Boyes is good enough to earn that #2 RW slot, and because I think Hecht-Gerbe-Pommer has a ton of potential. I am hoping for Roy-Ennis-Boyes and Hecht-Gerbe-Pominville as well. The HGP line would be primarily a checking line but with good offensive potential. I can see Gerbe offering a type of game that Hecht and Pommer haven't been lined up with and I think it'll help their game in the O zone. Gerbe is a puck possession guy who can make alot of room for Pommer especially. And Gerbe's tenacity will be beneficial on a checking line IMO. Hecht and Pominville have had good chemistry in the past too. I really like the idea of developing Gerbe into a checking line forward. The kid has so much grit in his game that I think if he really succeeds, it'll be in that kind of role, a checking line forward with a scoring touch, Pominville with attitude. REB doesn't give me any great thrill but I think it is a natural 2nd line choice. Roy and Ennis buzzing around should result in Boyes getting more room to set up. I'm not fond of having 2 playmakers (Ennis and Roy) and one scorer on a line but IMO it makes more sense than any other #2 line combo I've seen.
nfreeman Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I am hoping for Roy-Ennis-Boyes and Hecht-Gerbe-Pominville as well. The HGP line would be primarily a checking line but with good offensive potential. I can see Gerbe offering a type of game that Hecht and Pommer haven't been lined up with and I think it'll help their game in the O zone. Gerbe is a puck possession guy who can make alot of room for Pommer especially. And Gerbe's tenacity will be beneficial on a checking line IMO. Hecht and Pominville have had good chemistry in the past too. I really like the idea of developing Gerbe into a checking line forward. The kid has so much grit in his game that I think if he really succeeds, it'll be in that kind of role, a checking line forward with a scoring touch, Pominville with attitude. REB doesn't give me any great thrill but I think it is a natural 2nd line choice. Roy and Ennis buzzing around should result in Boyes getting more room to set up. I'm not fond of having 2 playmakers (Ennis and Roy) and one scorer on a line but IMO it makes more sense than any other #2 line combo I've seen. I like the way you described the Hecht-Gerbe-Pommer line. It kinda made me think of Luce-Ramsay-Gare. For Sabres fans of a certain age, this was a terrific line. Many people tend to think of Ramsay solely as a defensive forward, but he was a great 2-way player. He had 20 goals EIGHT seasons in a row for the Sabres, with five 60-point seasons and two 70-point seasons. Pommer would kinda be the equivalent of Ramsay, Gerbe would be the Gare and Hecht would be the Luce (although Hecht would need to be a much better faceoff man). As for the Roy line, while I have plenty of issues with Roy, he can score goals and doesn't mind shooting. Ennis is the one who I think needs to improve his finishing the most out of those 3. I think this would be a pretty interesting line.
dudacek Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I love the idea Hecht between Gerbe and Pominville. You could put them out against atop line and they would hold their own. And they would dominate most third lines. I like the Stafford Ennis combo and would put Roy between them. Boyes is the epitome of a complementary player on a skilled line. He can ride shotgun for the new Vanek Leino combo if they can hold their own defensively. And who doesn't like Cody Patty and Goose as a fourth line?
shrader Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I'm not completely sold on Gerbe's ability to play a defensive game. I can't say that I've seen enough of it yet to be sure. Then again, like they say, you can always teach someone to play D. If nothing else, it can always revert late in games to the other idea floating around here where Gaustad gets bumped up late in the game.
BetweenThePipes00 Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I'm not completely sold on Gerbe's ability to play a defensive game. I can't say that I've seen enough of it yet to be sure. Then again, like they say, you can always teach someone to play D. If nothing else, it can always revert late in games to the other idea floating around here where Gaustad gets bumped up late in the game. I have a few concerns about Gerbe (and even Ennis) avoiding a kind of "sophomore slump" ... we (and I do mean WE, I have to catch myself doing it) seem to be assuming that Gerbe will automatically play as he did in the second half and put up 50-60 points, and that Ennis will take a step up and get into the 60-point range at least ... But history seems to indicate at least one of them will struggle. Myers struggled for half a season. Stafford plateaued until he was 25. Will one of them (Ennis or Gerbe) be a big disappointment this season? The only thing that makes me feel better about it is that the guys who struggled (Myers and Stafford) are the guys who didn't put in the time in the AHL ... Gerbe and Ennis both did. So hopefully that does make a difference. (It could be argued Kassian should not be rushed for that reason ... but every guy is different, and if you are making a run you have to do what you have to do ... Stafford was "rushed" because they were going for it in 2006-07.)
Weave Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I have a few concerns about Gerbe (and even Ennis) avoiding a kind of "sophomore slump" ... we (and I do mean WE, I have to catch myself doing it) seem to be assuming that Gerbe will automatically play as he did in the second half and put up 50-60 points, and that Ennis will take a step up and get into the 60-point range at least ... But history seems to indicate at least one of them will struggle. Myers struggled for half a season. Stafford plateaued until he was 25. Will one of them (Ennis or Gerbe) be a big disappointment this season? The only thing that makes me feel better about it is that the guys who struggled (Myers and Stafford) are the guys who didn't put in the time in the AHL ... Gerbe and Ennis both did. So hopefully that does make a difference. (It could be argued Kassian should not be rushed for that reason ... but every guy is different, and if you are making a run you have to do what you have to do ... Stafford was "rushed" because they were going for it in 2006-07.) I don't expect 50pts out of Gerbe. 40 is closer to it IMO. And I think 40 pts is reasonable if he isn't stuck with Goose and Kaleta as linemates for most of the season (and he doesn't have a sophomore slump of course). If he can get 40 to go with Pominville's 65 and Hech's 40 we would have a pretty dangerous checking line. If Ennis slumps it is going to put ALOT of pressure on Vanek and Roy. It would also make a decent scoring 3rd line a necessity if we are going to challenge Boston this year.
waldo Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I am hoping for Roy-Ennis-Boyes and Hecht-Gerbe-Pominville as well. The HGP line would be primarily a checking line but with good offensive potential. I can see Gerbe offering a type of game that Hecht and Pommer haven't been lined up with and I think it'll help their game in the O zone. Gerbe is a puck possession guy who can make alot of room for Pommer especially. And Gerbe's tenacity will be beneficial on a checking line IMO. Hecht and Pominville have had good chemistry in the past too. I really like the idea of developing Gerbe into a checking line forward. The kid has so much grit in his game that I think if he really succeeds, it'll be in that kind of role, a checking line forward with a scoring touch, Pominville with attitude. REB doesn't give me any great thrill but I think it is a natural 2nd line choice. Roy and Ennis buzzing around should result in Boyes getting more room to set up. I'm not fond of having 2 playmakers (Ennis and Roy) and one scorer on a line but IMO it makes more sense than any other #2 line combo I've seen. Gerbe is 5'2" in skates? checking line? alla Martin St Louis?
Weave Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Gerbe is 5'2" in skates? checking line? alla Martin St Louis? I don't mean checking as in energy line. I mean checking as in the line that is responsible for guarding the other teams' #1 or #2 line.
carpandean Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I don't mean checking as in energy line. I mean checking as in the line that is responsible for guarding the other teams' #1 or #2 line. I always like to say "checking" as in keeping the other team's top line in check, not as in throwing around body checks (as you mentioned, that's usually called the energy line.)
shrader Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Gerbe is 5'2" in skates? checking line? alla Martin St Louis? St Louis towers over him.
waldo Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 I don't mean checking as in energy line. I mean checking as in the line that is responsible for guarding the other teams' #1 or #2 line. I knew what you meant ... not even a smile? I thought my response was humorous if not funny.. (pom+gerbe+hecht as a physical/energy line.If Pom threw his weight around would anybody notice :clapping: )
Robviously Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 St Louis towers over him. Gerbe is short but he's pretty heavy for his height. So he does have that going for him. He's not an emaciated little dweeb; he's fairly strong. Also, I hear he can play center because he used to play center in college. And we need centers.
spndnchz Posted July 21, 2011 Report Posted July 21, 2011 Gerbe is short but he's pretty heavy for his height. So he does have that going for him. He's not an emaciated little dweeb; he's fairly strong. Also, I hear he can play center because he used to play center in college. And we need centers. Why didn't anyone mention this? Jeez.
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