What will be the Sabres approach at the trade deadline?

[North Buffalo]

Cozens needs to go... and a D for a scorer... love him but god he has hands of stone.

[gilbert11]

19 hours ago, Mr. Allen said:

I hope I’m wrong, but I think these trade rumours are going to get the fans all excited and then the trade deadline will come and go with no real movement.  Adams will then give another speech about how he tried but we don’t have palm trees.  

And the best path to improvement is from within

[mjd1001]

For all the talk about Cozens and Bryum being the pieces many think are most likely to be traded....

Bryam led all players in ice time last night (ahead of even Dahlin).  Cozens was 2nd in forwards ice time only behind Tuch (and only 46 seconds behind him).

I think the coaching staff likes those players and might be against a trade, based on usage.

[JohnC]

9 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Getting out from under at least one of the bad contracts (Cozens, Mule and Power) should be a deadline priority.  Whether we end up with a top 6 forward or a partner for Byram or Dahlin is gravy.  Admittedly moving one of these contracts will be easier in the offseason, but given the rumors maybe there is a smidgeon of hope Adams gets a deal done.   

Moving Power would be a mistake that would follow/plague this franchise for a long time. I simply don't understand your zealous animus toward him. I seem him as being one of our anchor players for a very long time. He's playing well as a young second-pairing defenseman who still has a lot of potential to draw from. The current GM has made a lot of mistakes, however, I don't see him being receptive to your jaundiced view of him. And that would be the right position to take. 

I would also add that I do like how Byram has been playing. Keeping him should be a priority for the congenial GM. It also should be a priority to add at least one or maybe two veteran defensive blueliners to better balance out the unit.  

[Broken Ankles]

6 hours ago, PerreaultForever said:

Not moving Zucker and Greenway would be just pure stupidity. Move out all the UFAs and any other crap you can. You can always bring them back next year if they are actually interested and there are no better options. 

There is an argument to be made about keeping a Veteran like Zucker to ensure the locker room doesn’t regress further (if that’s possible).  But I agree Zucker could be a nice chip and would have to consider.  Hopefully we don’t see a JBot/Scandella move and the return is shite. 
What is Greenways value?  A 4th? Injury prone yeah? 

[GASabresIUFAN]

@JohnC  Power is a $8 mill defender who can’t defend.  That makes him useless.  He is positionally terrible, does not engage physically and turns the puck over constantly.   

His offense is worth about $3-4 million but he is so bad defensively that he is a near worthless player as he causes more harm than good.   He is Ristolsinen 2.0 without the physicality.  

The Sabres need to win now and can no longer afford to wait another 5 years for Power to figure it out.   

Byram is the better player now, in the near future and maybe always.  He also needs a new contract which will likely be in the $7 mill area (also too much for another bad defender but at least he tries). Investing $27 million in 3 offensive LHD, two of which are liabilities on defense, is stupid and a waste of cap space.  Management has to make a choice between Power and Byram.  I’d trade Power and reallocate his money to partners for Byram and Dahlin.  
 

I honestly don’t know how anyone can watch Power’s play this season and think wow there goes a good player.  

Edited yesterday at 02:27 PM by GASabresIUFAN

[Broken Ankles]

1 hour ago, North Buffalo said:

Cozens needs to go... and a D for a scorer... love him but god he has hands of stone.

Speaking of hands of stone.  The man who I originally called Manos de piedra, Zemgus has 49 games played this season for TB.  Having about the same ATOI as in Buffalo, he has 52 shots and zero goals.  He saw what Dylan is trying to do in the 716 and said hold my beer. Cozens actually has an 8.5% shooting percentage, so while not nearly where he was two years ago, it’s right where he was in 21 & 23.  It’s who he is.

[mjd1001]

14 minutes ago, Broken Ankles said:

There is an argument to be made about keeping a Veteran like Zucker to ensure the locker room doesn’t regress further (if that’s possible).  But I agree Zucker could be a nice chip and would have to consider.  Hopefully we don’t see a JBot/Scandella move and the return is shite. 
What is Greenways value?  A 4th? Injury prone yeah? 

Zucker and Greenway.

Zucker is more talented offensively, but in terms of veteran intangibles, do they bring the same thing? I don't know.

In an ideal world I guess you want to keep both, but I can see moving one of them, NOT for a 2nd or 3rd round pick, but if they are a critical part of a much bigger package that the other team insists on.

As far as Power/Bryum/Cozens.  My feelings on Cozens are well known...he needs to be moved. For the sake of the team and himself.  If the Sabres will not move him to wing and take him off the PP, then he hurts this team UNLESS he scores 30+ goals for you to make up for all the other parts of his game.

Power...he has good games and bad games. But the fact that he has some REALLY good games, shows that his ceiling is still there.  He certainly is not worth his contract now, but I'm hesistant to move him.  

Byrum...what is it going to take to re-sign him?  If he is moved for a big return, I won't be upset, but if he stays here, I won't be upset either.

[mjd1001]

1 minute ago, Broken Ankles said:

Speaking of hands of stone.  The man who I originally called Manos de piedra, Zemgus has 49 games played this season for TB.  Having about the same ATOI as in Buffalo, he has 52 shots and zero goals.  He saw what Dylan is trying to do in the 716 and said hold my beer. Cozens actually has an 8.5% shooting percentage, so while not nearly where he was two years ago, it’s right where he was in 21 & 23.  It’s who he is.

I agree 100%, and that is the problem.  He IS a 20 goal scorer on average, maybe slightly above.  He has the potential to give you 30 again, just like he has the potential to give you 15. But the rest of his game is BAD.

My issue with him is he is no longer developing (not sure his entire game every did). He doesn't see the ice well. He actually brings DOWN his teammates and the powerplay....not making them better.  He is almost totally un-aware of what is going on around him. Remember when Gretzky said go to where the puck is going to be, not where it is? Well, Cozens is the antithesis of that...he almost ALWAYS goes to where the puck is when he starts, he is unwilling or unable to adust once he makes a decision, and by the time he gets there he misses the puck, and he (and his teammates) are now all scrambing because they are out of position.

I THINK Cozens has the potential to reach 30 goals again. My fear is they are keeping him around for that when, at this point, the other awful aspects of his game are not developing (or simply can't be developed, maybe they aren't there), and the 20 goals he does give you isn't enough to make up for the negative.

[WhenWillItEnd66]

The Sabres will approach like they always do. Uneducated and inept. 14 and counting

[JohnC]

7 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

@JohnC  Power is a $8 mill defender who can’t defend.  That makes him useless.  He is positionally terrible, does not engage physically and turns the puck over constantly.   

His offense is worth about $3-4 million but he is so bad defensively that he is a near worthless player as he causes more harm than good.   He is Ristolsinen 2.0 without the physicality.  

The Sabres need to win now and can no longer afford to wait another 5 years for Power to figure it out.   

Byram is the better player now, in the near future and maybe always.  He also needs a new contract which will likely be in the $7 mill area (also too much for another bad defender but at least he tries). Investing $27 million in 3 offensive LHD, two of which are liabilities on defense, is stupid and a waste of cap space.  Management has to make a choice between Power and Byram.  I’d trade Power and reallocate his money to partners for Byram and Dahlin.  
 

I honestly don’t know how anyone can watch Power’s play this season and think wow there goes a good player.  

You and I are riding different buses that are going in the opposite direction. You have allowed your general frustration (that I also have) to jaundice your views on some  player you have singled out. Acting out of frustration will not only not get this franchise moving forward but it will sink it further. What you don't appear to recognize that when a player plays in a dysfunctional franchise it creates an environment where it is more challenging to play. That is why so many of our players thrive when they relocate to more normally functioning franchises. 

[MISabresFan]

I would not allow any of this staff to make any decsions on the roster until new personnel is brought in.

[Scottysabres]

The trade deadline has historically been buyers using picks/maybe A prospects for a here & now NHL asset to bolster a run into the playoffs.

I don’t see the Sabres as needing picks or more prospects, they need high end/upper mid end NHL veteran talent with some type of controlling term.

Therefore, I see the Sabres doing very little to nothing outside of the UFA’s unless a surprise partner is willing to deal the above mentioned.

[GASabresIUFAN]

6 minutes ago, JohnC said:

You and I are riding different buses that are going in the opposite direction. You have allowed your general frustration (that I also have) to jaundice your views on some  player you have singled out. Acting out of frustration will not only not get this franchise moving forward but it will sink it further. What you don't appear to recognize that when a player plays in a dysfunctional franchise it creates an environment where it is more challenging to play. That is why so many of our players thrive when they relocate to more normally functioning franchises. 

You’re missing the broader point.  Whether Power is good or not doesn’t change the fact that we are  misallocating resources by keeping Power, Byram and Dahlin.  We honestly can’t afford to keep all 3 and still fix the other areas of the team.  It’s also a waste as there isn’t enough PP time for all 3.  To get the most out of these guys and their bloated contracts, each needs to anchor their own D pair and qb PP1 or PP2. 

Management needs to make a choice.  For me that choice is obvious; dump the defensively inept Power while he still has excellent trade value and get out from under his terrible contract.   I honestly don’t care if he blossoms elsewhere.  

[Broken Ankles]

2 minutes ago, JohnC said:

You and I are riding different buses that are going in the opposite direction. You have allowed your general frustration (that I also have) to jaundice your views on some  player you have singled out. Acting out of frustration will not only not get this franchise moving forward but it will sink it further. What you don't appear to recognize that when a player plays in a dysfunctional franchise it creates an environment where it is more challenging to play. That is why so many of our players thrive when they relocate to more normally functioning franchises. 

Brick (Bruins broadcaster) made a comment last night about the 13 year drought and attributed a lot of it to the lack of leadership and Vets to play alongside the kids.  Develop properly. The blue line specifically has been way, way, way too young.  And has been for all of Adams time here.  In GA’s defense, doubling down on a third Left handed puck moving defender under 23 is just bonkers.  You can take your pick which one has to go but they need to move on from one.  Power provides a bigger reward, bc as you astutely noted, Power has been tainted by the franchise.  The flashes of greatness, raw talent, and size makes him sought after.  And he also has contract certainty.

[inkman]

1 hour ago, mjd1001 said:

For all the talk about Cozens and Bryum being the pieces many think are most likely to be traded....

Bryam led all players in ice time last night (ahead of even Dahlin).  Cozens was 2nd in forwards ice time only behind Tuch (and only 46 seconds behind him).

I think the coaching staff likes those players and might be against a trade, based on usage.

I’ve been told by many folks instances like this are called “show casing” your players.  Hockey GMs don’t make trades based on informed opinions of hockey scouts who watch thousands of hours of hockey from every player, they make trades solely based on their last game performance.  
 

On a related note, there is a trade rumor involving Tage & JJ and a certain couple of Edmonton Oilers.  More at 11.  E5.

[Archie Lee]

8 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

You’re missing the broader point.  Whether Power is good or not doesn’t change the fact that we are  misallocating resources by keeping Power, Byram and Dahlin.  We honestly can’t afford to keep all 3 and still fix the other areas of the team.  It’s also a waste as there isn’t enough PP time for all 3.  To get the most out of these guys and their bloated contracts, each needs to anchor their own D pair and qb PP1 or PP2. 

Management needs to make a choice.  For me that choice is obvious; dump the defensively inept Power while he still has excellent trade value and get out from under his terrible contract.   I honestly don’t care if he blossoms elsewhere.  

The truth is in the middle. If Power was half as bad as you indicate, his trade value would already have tanked. If we trade Power and don’t get in return a player who provides us with top of the line-up performance for at least 4-5 years, then it will most likely end up being a bad trade. If we can get such a player for Power and find suitable partners for Byram and Dahlin (I don’t love the two together), then I think we are a better team. 

[GoPuckYourself]

2 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

For all the talk about Cozens and Bryum being the pieces many think are most likely to be traded....

Bryam led all players in ice time last night (ahead of even Dahlin).  Cozens was 2nd in forwards ice time only behind Tuch (and only 46 seconds behind him).

I think the coaching staff likes those players and might be against a trade, based on usage.

Or trying to showcase them in a trade. 

[mjd1001]

2 minutes ago, GoPuckYourself said:

Or trying to showcase them in a trade. 

I guess that makes sense, I just thought 'showcasing' didn't really happen anymore.

There is so much tape on Cozens, teams that might be interested in him have scouted the entire team in the past through advanced scouting or just routine scouting visits.  I'm not sure an extra 1-3 minutes of ice time to 'showcase' someone makes a difference.  At least I THINK it shouldn't make a difference, but maybe it does.

[LGR4GM]

2 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

For all the talk about Cozens and Bryum being the pieces many think are most likely to be traded....

Bryam led all players in ice time last night (ahead of even Dahlin).  Cozens was 2nd in forwards ice time only behind Tuch (and only 46 seconds behind him).

I think the coaching staff likes those players and might be against a trade, based on usage.

I think the coaching staff sucks then. Cozens has tanked every single line he has been on. I won't argue about last night because every 4th or 5th game Cozens is solid but even still you see the mistakes and the inability to win pucks. 

Byram I think is fine but the Sabres should not keep a trio of LHD that take up... about 29% of the cap. So who are we moving to improve the team, Byram, Power, or Dahlin? 

[GoPuckYourself]

10 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

I guess that makes sense, I just thought 'showcasing' didn't really happen anymore.

There is so much tape on Cozens, teams that might be interested in him have scouted the entire team in the past through advanced scouting or just routine scouting visits.  I'm not sure an extra 1-3 minutes of ice time to 'showcase' someone makes a difference.  At least I THINK it shouldn't make a difference, but maybe it does.

I have no clue, it is my only explanation why Cozens is getting so much time on the ice that he doesn’t deserve.

[LGR4GM]

I suppose you could move Samuelsson and offset the Byram deal but I don't think you get as good a return so another option at least.

[CallawaySabres]

It won't matter what they do or do not do because whatever the direction will be, it will be the wrong one. The people in charge are completely incapable of drafting, trading and coaching. I fully expect this team to be even worse next year and for the NHL to possibly intervene and offer guidance. 

[GASabresIUFAN]

1 hour ago, Archie Lee said:

The truth is in the middle. If Power was half as bad as you indicate, his trade value would already have tanked. If we trade Power and don’t get in return a player who provides us with top of the line-up performance for at least 4-5 years, then it will most likely end up being a bad trade. If we can get such a player for Power and find suitable partners for Byram and Dahlin (I don’t love the two together), then I think we are a better team. 

His trade value is fine.  He is a former 1st overall pick, with size and good skill. Many teams are going to believe that they can fix his poor D play or they have a defensive D partner for him to cover for his mistakes.  Around the league scoring D are at a premium.  Unlike most teams, the Sabres don't lack for scoring D and are therefore trading from strength.  

That said, the most important thing is getting out from under that contract.  If we are able to fix one of our roster holes all the better.  

[GASabresIUFAN]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

I suppose you could move Samuelsson and offset the Byram deal but I don't think you get as good a return so another option at least.

It's more likely Samuelsson gets bought out as @Brawndo pointed out in another thread.  His buyout would be $714K for 10 years according to Puckdepia.com.  This results in a cap savings of 3.571 million annually for the next 5 years.  That pays for 50% of Byram's next contract.  

If you can trade Cozens and Power and then buy out Samuelsson, even if you re-sign Byram for $7 mill, you are still nearly 12 million to the good.  That cap can be re-directed toward defensive D partners for Dahlin and Byram and/or adding someone like EP.  My preference is 2 RHD defensemen who can play defense.

 

Edited yesterday at 04:49 PM by GASabresIUFAN