I Really Have No Idea How This Offseason Plays Out

[JustOutsideChicago]

The Sabres section of the 32 Thoughts podcast today was really depressing. It’s behind comprehension that this front office stays in place. 

[GoPuckYourself]

If we hire within like a Fortin then it will be 5 more years of failure, I’ll be out before then. Not dealing with this every season.

[Second Line Center]

13 hours ago, JoeSchmoe said:

If you're willing to jettison Thompson and the contract he's on, you're going need to walk out the same door as Adams.

I’m only saying he’s absolutely not untouchable.  
 

Long part of a loser franchise not remotely elite enough to say “got to keep him no matter what.”  

 

[mjd1001]

14 hours ago, JoeSchmoe said:

If you're willing to jettison Thompson and the contract he's on, you're going need to walk out the same door as Adams.

I agree 100% on Thompson.

No way he should be moved, unless you are getting something beyond the realm of belief.

 

[Drag0nDan]

1. Adams will likely be fired.  He was hired in 2020... extended in 2022 so i assume his deal was probably up either this year or next year.  He's probably among the lowest paid GM's in the league.  He needs to be fired as soon as possible if you're going to do it.  
2. I think they avoid any major deadline deals this year other than expiring contracts going out - Greenway, Zucker, Jokiharju, Bryson, Aube-Kubel.  
3. If you're going to move one of your young players - Cozens, JJP, Quinn, Power, Byram - new GM has to do it, and while i think deadline value is probably higher, i don't trust the current management to get good value out of it.

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, CallawaySabres said:

 

There is zero, and I mean ZERO chance Adams is not fired the day the season ends. It's a foregone conclusion...

I want you to be correct.  Just not sure you are.  

[Pimlach]

1 hour ago, GoPuckYourself said:

If we hire within like a Fortin then it will be 5 more years of failure, I’ll be out before then. Not dealing with this every season.

Karmanos  would be the better choice if they stay in house. 

[mjd1001]

34 minutes ago, Drag0nDan said:

1. Adams will likely be fired.  He was hired in 2020... extended in 2022 so i assume his deal was probably up either this year or next year.  He's probably among the lowest paid GM's in the league.  He needs to be fired as soon as possible if you're going to do it.  
2. I think they avoid any major deadline deals this year other than expiring contracts going out - Greenway, Zucker, Jokiharju, Bryson, Aube-Kubel.  
3. If you're going to move one of your young players - Cozens, JJP, Quinn, Power, Byram - new GM has to do it, and while i think deadline value is probably higher, i don't trust the current management to get good value out of it.

Unless Cozens turns into a different player he needs to be gone now.  What comes back in return is a bonus. This team is better without him because of all the negatives he brings.

I cannot be 100% sure, but I would assume most of the other teams in the league have watched his video quite a bit, see his mistakes, and they know his analytics are awful as is his topline production.  I think his 'value' around the league is a lot less than many in fans in Buffalo want to believe.  It would not surprise me if his 'value' is no more than 2nd round pick OR a mid-level prospect...(especially with his contract)

Even if that is true, I still want him moved, and the sooner, the better.

[Archie Lee]

1 hour ago, Drag0nDan said:

1. Adams will likely be fired.  He was hired in 2020... extended in 2022 so i assume his deal was probably up either this year or next year.  He's probably among the lowest paid GM's in the league.  He needs to be fired as soon as possible if you're going to do it.  
2. I think they avoid any major deadline deals this year other than expiring contracts going out - Greenway, Zucker, Jokiharju, Bryson, Aube-Kubel.  
3. If you're going to move one of your young players - Cozens, JJP, Quinn, Power, Byram - new GM has to do it, and while i think deadline value is probably higher, i don't trust the current management to get good value out of it.

My best guess is it is up after next season.  I think that Granato's extension and Ruff's 2-yr deal were both coordinated to end at the same time as Adams's deal.  So, I think Adams, Ruff, and Granato are all are up after 25-26. I highly doubt Pegula has any interest in paying two GMs and 3 HCs at the same time.  Adams and Ruff will get one more year.  

Edited yesterday at 06:27 PM by Archie Lee

[Drag0nDan]

32 minutes ago, mjd1001 said:

Unless Cozens turns into a different player he needs to be gone now.  What comes back in return is a bonus. This team is better without him because of all the negatives he brings.

I cannot be 100% sure, but I would assume most of the other teams in the league have watched his video quite a bit, see his mistakes, and they know his analytics are awful as is his topline production.  I think his 'value' around the league is a lot less than many in fans in Buffalo want to believe.  It would not surprise me if his 'value' is no more than 2nd round pick OR a mid-level prospect...(especially with his contract)

Even if that is true, I still want him moved, and the sooner, the better.

I just think you limit your suitors if you do it at the deadline just due to the nature of where a lot of teams currently sit against the salary cap.  It also means you likely get some trash contracts coming back.  I understand the sentiment of getting rid of him, and i also know he's not going to be boosting his value the rest of the way.  

[Archie Lee]

58 minutes ago, Pimlach said:

Karmanos  would be the better choice if they stay in house. 

Honestly, if I had my choice between Adams and Ruff staying on and making roster changes (trades, free agency signings, etc) or Karmanos taking over and hiring a new HC and coaching staff and running back the same roster, I would take the latter. I have more faith in the players than I have in Adams and Ruff at this point.

[Drag0nDan]

Just now, Archie Lee said:

My best guess is it is up after next season.  I think that Granato's extension and Ruff's 2-yr deal were both coordinated to end at the same time as Adams's deal.  So, I think Adams, Ruff, and Granato are all are up after 25-26. I highly doubt Pegula has any interest in paying two GMs and 3 HCs at the same time.  Adams and Ruff will get one more year.  

Makes sense - they've had overlap at both coach and GM since Regier left.  It's one of the many reason's this team is in the red every year.  

Nolan fired - Bring on Bylsma - at least 1 year paying both.  

Fire Bylsma after 2 years - Bring on Housley - At least 1 year paying both

Fire Housley after 2 years- Bring on Krueger - at least 1 year paying both

Fire Krueger 1 year and change (i think he had a 5 year deal too) - Bring on Granato

Fire Granato (extended in 2022-2023, so he's paid through 2024-2025) - Bring on Lindy

So in 2023-2024 we were paying Krueger and Granato.  This year they pay Granato and Lindy.  Pretty much every year post tank since Regier and Lindy left, they've been paying coaches not to coach.  

[Taro T]

18 hours ago, Brawndo said:

Pretty much this. 
 

Lindy will be able to bring in some new assistants and they will market this as the change.
 

Appert and Ellis probably survive though 

Htf do the cockroaches always survive?

Like that Ruff has them ready to play from the get go almost always.  Hate that the same schmucks that couldn't teach X's and O's the past 2 years (once by choice and once by ummm not choice) were brought back this past season.

Would really like to see some serious up & comers brought onto the staff and absolutely hate the idea of Appert being the heir apparent.

Back to the thread.  Expecting very minimal changes in the roster before October.  If Levi has to clear waivers, Reimer is definitely gone.  Could see Jokiharju leaving as they try to find a true vet with either stay at home or 2 way pedigree to take the 4th D role.  Not expecting any changes at F providing Zucker and Greenway are willing to come back.  Would really like to see at least one more Zucker/Greenway brought in to help teach the youth how adults play hockey in the best league in the world.  Wouldn't be surprised if we don't even get that.

100% expect Adams and Ruff both back.

[Sabres Fan in NS]

1 hour ago, Taro T said:

Htf do the cockroaches always survive?

Like that Ruff has them ready to play from the get go almost always.  Hate that the same schmucks that couldn't teach X's and O's the past 2 years (once by choice and once by ummm not choice) were brought back this past season.

Would really like to see some serious up & comers brought onto the staff and absolutely hate the idea of Appert being the heir apparent.

Back to the thread.  Expecting very minimal changes in the roster before October.  If Levi has to clear waivers, Reimer is definitely gone.  Could see Jokiharju leaving as they try to find a true vet with either stay at home or 2 way pedigree to take the 4th D role.  Not expecting any changes at F providing Zucker and Greenway are willing to come back.  Would really like to see at least one more Zucker/Greenway brought in to help teach the youth how adults play hockey in the best league in the world.  Wouldn't be surprised if we don't even get that.

100% expect Adams and Ruff both back.

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[gilbert11]

On 3/2/2025 at 12:14 PM, Second Line Center said:

So, because the young guys we forced to play so soon are now officially stunted as far as their growth - most should be traded.  
 

Because no one on this team of significance knows how to win.  
 

So I’d be making a lot of trades for players under team control and draft assets and completely start again.   
 

You need a core to build around.  
 

Here is my core I’d keep:

Dahlin 

Benson

Kulich 

 

 

Ok so knowing that I’d trade everything else.  And if Rasmus wants no part of it then I’d trade him too. 
 

We can completely rebuild a good team in 2-3 seasons.  Maybe emerge with a few top 3-5 picks in the process.  
 

This all has to be done under new management of course.   

Add to the kids playing well in Rochester.  
 

That’s how I see it.  

You expect to get good things back with Adams doing the trading.?  What big trade has he pulled off to the Sabres advantage?

[Carmel Corn]

GMKA will keep his job despite the overwhelming evidence that he's not very good at it.  Pegula is too stubborn in his ways to look at this objectively.  The only way Adams gets fired is if he does something to pi$$ off the Pegula family....which he won't.

[Flashsabre]

IF Adams stays how does he even spin this disaster? He stood up last offseason and said it was playoffs or bust this season, time to compete. Imagine if they bring the exact same coaching staff back again because he can’t fire anyone and bring on more $$$. What a clusterf&@k of an organization. The Pittsburgh Pirates and NY Jets of hockey.

Edited 7 hours ago by Flashsabre

[Archie Lee]

44 minutes ago, Flashsabre said:

IF Adams stays how does he even spin this disaster? He stood up last offseason and said it was playoffs or bust this season, time to compete. Imagine if they bring the exact same coaching staff back again because he can’t fire anyone and bring on more $$$. What a clusterf&@k of an organization. The Pittsburgh Pirates and NY Jets of hockey.

I'm looking forward to Friday.  Not because I expect us to do anything meaningful before the deadline, but because we will get a glimpse into the general outlook of the organization and those who cover it for a living.  It won't be pretty either way.  I assume Adams will be made available for questions.  If not, that will be more telling than anything.  If so, what is his demeanor?  To what extent is the non-state-run prepared to hold his feet to the fire?  Will Adams be willing to engage them honestly? Somebody needs to ask Adams how he can reconcile the expectations for this season with the outcome, and what he has to say to fans who can't fathom that he will be brought back for a 6th season.  I'm not expecting any great revelation in his answers. But the questions need to be asked in order to establish the obvious: it is absurd that there is even a remote possibility that he will return as GM.

[JustOutsideChicago]

1 hour ago, Archie Lee said:

I'm looking forward to Friday.  Not because I expect us to do anything meaningful before the deadline, but because we will get a glimpse into the general outlook of the organization and those who cover it for a living.  It won't be pretty either way.  I assume Adams will be made available for questions.  If not, that will be more telling than anything.  If so, what is his demeanor?  To what extent is the non-state-run prepared to hold his feet to the fire?  Will Adams be willing to engage them honestly? Somebody needs to ask Adams how he can reconcile the expectations for this season with the outcome, and what he has to say to fans who can't fathom that he will be brought back for a 6th season.  I'm not expecting any great revelation in his answers. But the questions need to be asked in order to establish the obvious: it is absurd that there is even a remote possibility that he will return as GM.

Fairly certain Adams already said that there will be no presser Friday 

[mjd1001]

22 hours ago, Pimlach said:

Karmanos  would be the better choice if they stay in house. 

If they do make a change, I think staying in house is a big mistake.

Sure its a different voice. Yes, Granato was in 'in house' hire than ended up being better than who he replaced. But I think/fear it will just be more of the same.  Not much will really change.

[Flashsabre]

1 hour ago, Archie Lee said:

I'm looking forward to Friday.  Not because I expect us to do anything meaningful before the deadline, but because we will get a glimpse into the general outlook of the organization and those who cover it for a living.  It won't be pretty either way.  I assume Adams will be made available for questions.  If not, that will be more telling than anything.  If so, what is his demeanor?  To what extent is the non-state-run prepared to hold his feet to the fire?  Will Adams be willing to engage them honestly? Somebody needs to ask Adams how he can reconcile the expectations for this season with the outcome, and what he has to say to fans who can't fathom that he will be brought back for a 6th season.  I'm not expecting any great revelation in his answers. But the questions need to be asked in order to establish the obvious: it is absurd that there is even a remote possibility that he will return as GM.

I predict he walks in the room, angrily points at a picture of a palm tree in his hand and storms out without uttering a word. 😀

[DarthEbriate]

I think this is the offseason we see some offer sheets. The cap is rising, so UFA prices might be alarming, and St. Louis snagged a couple guys out of Edmonton last summer. If you are a GM and want that guy entering his prime and you've got a mid-to-late 1st round pick... and there are the Sabres with a bunch of guys who could be interested in getting out and playing for a real franchise.

Maybe a team looks at McLeod's season and sees he'd actually be a 2C behind their top guy. $6.8M offer sheet for 1 year. That's only a 1st and a 3rd for a plug-and-play fast 2C who is also a good PK guy. The Sabres can match, but the clock is ticking.

Winnipeg (1st will be after pick 24 barring a complete collapse) could take a look at JJP with Ehlers' contract coming off the books.

A whole bunch of teams could fancy Byram.

If any Sabres signs an offer sheet it's an obvious "I don't want to be here" and now Adams has to start looking into trade options. And no other GM fears Adams in trade negotiations. Maybe the best offer was a 1st and a 3rd?

[Mr Peabody]

If it was my billions I’d at a minimum bring in a POHO.  The question I can’t answer is who that would be. 

[Mr. Allen]

22 hours ago, mjd1001 said:

Unless Cozens turns into a different player he needs to be gone now.  What comes back in return is a bonus. This team is better without him because of all the negatives he brings.

I cannot be 100% sure, but I would assume most of the other teams in the league have watched his video quite a bit, see his mistakes, and they know his analytics are awful as is his topline production.  I think his 'value' around the league is a lot less than many in fans in Buffalo want to believe.  It would not surprise me if his 'value' is no more than 2nd round pick OR a mid-level prospect...(especially with his contract)

Even if that is true, I still want him moved, and the sooner, the better.

If Adams is indeed gone after the season, I say give all the ammo to the new GM.  Let’s say Adams trades Cozens for a player, then Adams gets fired, then new player doesn’t fit new GM’s plan.  Would be a waste. 

[mjd1001]

6 minutes ago, Mr. Allen said:

If Adams is indeed gone after the season, I say give all the ammo to the new GM.  Let’s say Adams trades Cozens for a player, then Adams gets fired, then new player doesn’t fit new GM’s plan.  Would be a waste. 

Or he could trade Cozens for the best offer, even it is futures.  This team is not making the playoffs, Cozens has been so bad this year that sometimes the team is better with him not playing. Either way, Cozens on the team or off the team, there won't be a postive end result if he is here.

So why futures?  If you get a good offere for him, you take the prospect/draft pick...and then whether its Adams, or someone else, that prospect/draft pick can be used to make that move in the offseason.

The question is this....is Cozens worth more now? Or in the offseason. If he is worth more, you take what you can get and then use that 'chip' to make more moves in the offseason.  Not worth letting him continue to hurt the team on the ice just to wait til the offseason.