Roster review: Strachan and Benoit

[dudacek]

Our player discussion series continues with a pair of UFA defencemen

 

 

 

#24 Tyson Strachan D (30-year-old UFA)

Buffalo 46/0/5/5/-30/44

 

#61 Andre Benoit D (31-year-old UFA)

Buffalo 59/1/8/9/-19/20

                     

Two defencemen whose careers epitomize the term fringe journeyman, this pair ended up spending the entire season in the NHL last year. Strachan has played for nine teams in nine pro seasons, with last year marking his first season played entirely in the NHL. Benoit's tally is nine teams in 10 years, with a 27-point campaign for Colorado in 2013-14 marking a surprise breakthrough for him.

 

Both were in and out for the Sabres last year, at times in top-four pairings, at times in the press box. Strachan is a slow-footed stay-at-home type with some jam to his game. Benoit is a smaller puck-mover.

 

Each was probably signed to be depth filler and ended up playing more than they would have under different circumstances. Will either be back to fill a depth role again? Or will the Sabres move on, consigning them to the franchise record books as footnotes in a forgettable season? 

 

Links to the rest of the series:

Anders Linback: http://forums.sabres...nders-lindback/
Pat Kaleta: http://forums.sabres...patrick-kaleta/
Johan Larsson: http://forums.sabres...-johan-larsson/
Matt Hackett: http://forums.sabres...1-matt-hackett/
Andrej Meszaros: http://forums.sabres...ndrej-meszaros/

Phil Varone, Zac Dalpe, Jerry D'Amigo: http://forums.sabres...e-dalpe-damigo/

Mikhail Grigorenko: http://forums.sabrespace.com/topic/23354-roster-review-25-mikhail-grigorenko/

Edited May 8, 2015 by dudacek

[Samson's Flow]

I'm expecting the Sabres to be attempting to contend for the last wild card spot next year, and as such they will be icing their best team they can. Players like Strachan and Benoit were there as veteran fillers to keep the wheels from falling off in a rough season. However, they don't have the talent and consistent production that a team with playoff aspirations needs. Basically, if they are on the roster in starting roles, we aren't making it next year.

[Sabres Fan in NS]

BALLS!!

 

I do like T.S. though.

[Huckleberry]

Strachan only as debt defenseman in rochester.

[MattPie]

Strachan wasn't bad when he skated with Myers, but I don't know if that was wonder-twin synergy or a glimpse into his potential. I guess the real question is: does he beat out Mike Weber for 3rd pair tough guy?

[Lanny]

I think neither. I think they have their 6 with Zadorov, Ristolainen, Bogosian, Pysyk, Gorges and Weber. Perhaps they sign a free agent D who will push Weber into the #7 spot or Zadorov to Rochester.

Edited May 8, 2015 by Lanny

[Doohicksie]

Unnecessary pieces.  If we keep Strachan I think it would be at the expense of Weber, and I'd rather keep the younger Weber.

[Taro T]

I'm ok w/ Strachan coming back as Amerk / injury callup. I don't expect either re-signed.

 

I expect at least 1, if not 2 FA D brought in and those 2 duking it out w/ the 6 mentioned above for regular duty.

[dudacek]

I think the fact these guys were regulars is a big reason why the Sabres were lousy.

Either can be an NHL 7th defenceman, but what you see is what you get.

The roster needs to be turned over by a third and these guys are two who need to be upgraded.

[MBHockey13]

I thought the plan initially was that Strachan was going to play in Rochester and be an emergency call up if necessary. Then he was needed all year.

 

I'm fine with another year on him if that is the plan.

[Rasmus_]

Neither.  Sorry.  While Strachan is an interesting case, there are others that can easily replicate his output and ability with more appeal. 

[dudacek]

Strachan only as debt defenseman in rochester.

 

Talk about your fitting typos.

[Huckleberry]

Talk about your fitting typos.

 

Fair enough i guess

[X. Benedict]

Bye and Bye. 

[North Buffalo]

I like keeping Strachan as a call up or 6/7 D. the guy is a bigger Mike Weber and at times has shown ability to skate, just very inconsistent. I think he is learning from guys like Risto and Z how to be a big skating D, almost like no one ever told him he could do it and now he is finding out skating with speed is possible. His size and physicality is his strength so I keep him and Weber as enforcers and see who plays better next year.

[dudacek]

Weber is better than Strachan

[Taro T]

I like keeping Strachan as a call up or 6/7 D. the guy is a bigger Mike Weber and at times has shown ability to skate, just very inconsistent. I think he is learning from guys like Risto and Z how to be a big skating D, almost like no one ever told him he could do it and now he is finding out skating with speed is possible. His size and physicality is his strength so I keep him and Weber as enforcers and see who plays better next year.

If he is the 6, I hate this D. If he's the 8/9, it works.

[dudacek]

Neither veteran will be back in Buffalo next year:

 

http://www.startribune.com/wild-signs-defenseman-tyson-strachan-to-two-way-deal/311490501/

http://thehockeywriters.com/andre-benoit-signs-1-year-pact-with-st-louis/