How would you retool this team this summer?

[Mr Peabody]

I’d start with a POHO.  A Bruce Boudreau, Ken Holland type. 

[Huckleberry]

I think if you want to trade Byram, you need to look at Seatlle. 

Ask for Wright or Berniers in return,  They love Berniers there though, and not sure about Wright.

[SabreFinn]

I am all in on Dobson also. A player with more reasonable cap is Mario Ferraro. I think they would be a good second pair.

If we can't get them I think Braden Schneider would be excellent with Power. 

I am thinking if we should swap centers with Bruins, they get Norris and we take Lindholm? Would Bruins do that?

[Drag0nDan]

3 minutes ago, Huckleberry said:

I think if you want to trade Byram, you need to look at Seatlle. 

Ask for Wright or Berniers in return,  They love Berniers there though, and not sure about Wright.

I think my worry with someone like shane wright is... he's the same age as all the other guys.  Östlund and Kulich came from his draft, Rosen the year before, and Quinn and JJP the year before that.  Why would we trade for a player the same age and position as Kulich when we already have Kulich (i'm aware they have vastly different games)?

I like it better than draft compensation, but there's a lot of ups and downs with young players and you'd need to be really sure that this was the year where you expect him to break out as an NHL player.  

[Drag0nDan]

2 minutes ago, SabreFinn said:

I am all in on Dobson also. A player with more reasonable cap is Mario Ferraro. I think they would be a good second pair.

If we can't get them I think Braden Schneider would be excellent with Power. 

I am thinking if we should swap centers with Bruins, they get Norris and we take Lindholm? Would Bruins do that?

Dobson as a RFA is interesting, i just worry you're swapping overpaying byram for overpaying Dobson.

Bruins might, Lindholm won't (full NMC).  

[Palm Trees And Taxes]

If Pegula is dead set on keeping KA and there are some good qualities about him make him President Of Hockey Operations and hire me a GM with experience and savvy to work with a roster chock full of young talent, workable contracts, and assets to make moves.

RFA Decisions:

1. Peterka: Not a fan of always giving out 7-8 year deals but for Peterka I would love to do this for him. Give me 8 years 7.5M AAV if possible

2. Byrum: This ties into Owen Power: You do not see a lot of teams put so much $ into 3 defenseman like the Sabres may do here. Byrum, Power and Dahlin are excellent but IMO we have too much of this on this roster. I would look to move Byrum OR Power as a chip to get a Big Top 6 forward and look to get a more experienced defenseman with grit and more defensive prowess to balance it all out. IF i needed to sign Byrum, bridge him for 3 years, keep the AAV down and deal with him in 2 years for his UFA negotiations.

3. McLeod: Easy choice here, he can fill in at 1C and 2C when needed and still be effective and be an excellent 3C. Elite speed. Give me 6 years for McLeod. The 'Solution Is Within This Room' infamous quote from Terry applies to McLeod. Must keep.

4. Quinn: Everytime I'm ready to cut bait, I see his hands and his elite shot and and think 'patience is still needed' given his injury. I like the young man, but do the Sabres have too much of these players already? I wouldn't go more then 2 seasons for JQ, to keep his trade value OK as well (don't want to overextend) and if JQ does not meet his potential, you aren't saddled with his contract too long. Ideally part of a deal to bring in a elite Top 6 if possible.

5. Kozak: Keep him, even for a year or so, between Rochester and Buffalo. Showed some flashes when given a shot.

6. Bernard-Docker: Still scratching my head why they kept Bryson envisioned that slot for JBD here. I still say keep for a year.

Moves I would look into making:

1. Trade for G Thatcher Demko: Demko has had his injury woes we know but only 1 year left at 5M AAV I think a deal can be swung, especially given that the Canucks gave Lakinen a 3 year, 4.5M extension starting next year. Pair Demko with UPL, let Levi season even more in Rochester, and you can cut bait with Demko OR deal UPL and have Levi/Demko going forward if you decide to extend Demko.

2. Mitch Marner? Now I know this is likely a pipe-dream, but imagine the shock waves Buffalo can send not only up the QEW to Toronto but throughout the league if the Sabres made a huge splash for Marner? Players like Marner do not go to UFA very often (last player I remember was Panarian) and we all see how much the Rangers gave him. I want to see the Sabres take a legit run at Mitch. Show us you care about winning.

3. Trade Mattias Samuelsson at ALL costs: Even if you need to attach a young asset or picks to make it happen, do it. Clear the 4+ million off the cap and spend it wisely somewhere else. Samuelsson is a poster boy IMO of what is wrong in Buffalo. We need a defenseman here with more physicality and grit.

 

 

 

[North Buffalo]

On 4/8/2025 at 10:29 AM, thewookie1 said:

This time I'm going for a relatively realistic approach.

UPL & Muel to Philly for Hathaway and a 3rd (maybe more?)

Quinn for Demko; when healthy he's a juggernaut if not then likely Levi gets pushed into duty earlier than I'd like.

Byram for Jared Spurgeon + pick - You'd have to convince Spurgeon to waive his 10 team NTC more than likely but he fits the perfect sort of vet defenseman that is aging gracefully and perhaps he could teach Power how to play defense. Plus Spurgeon plays bigger than he is while Power plays smaller than he is.

interesting idea... 

[SabreFinn]

21 minutes ago, Drag0nDan said:

Dobson as a RFA is interesting, i just worry you're swapping overpaying byram for overpaying Dobson.

Bruins might, Lindholm won't (full NMC).  

Oh, didn't remember the NMC.

Granlund is a player I think would be useful, can play both center and wing, up and down the line-up, on both PP and PK. He is also a really good mentor to young players. Unfortunately I think he will take a discount to play the last years of his career in a warm place, much nicer when his kids come to voisit.

[HumanSlinky39]

Hang a "Hockey Heaven" banner outside KBC and wait for elite players to be banging down the door to sign up.

[North Buffalo]

I think you need adjust on D and goalie... Im ok moving Muel if you can get a more mature strong D less injury probe.

[LGR4GM]

50 minutes ago, Drag0nDan said:

Dobson as a RFA is interesting, i just worry you're swapping overpaying byram for overpaying Dobson.

Bruins might, Lindholm won't (full NMC).  

Dobson is better than Byram and plays the right, so I am more inclined to overpay him a bit compared to overpaying Byram. Dobson is 1 year removed from a 70pt season and has positive possession numbers. 

Bowen Byram: 23yrs old, 6'1" 205lbs, LHD: 7g, 31a, +13, 110 blocks, 71hits, -4.8xGF

Noah Dobson: 25yrs old, 6'4" 200lbs, RHD: 9g, 28a, -15, 113 blocks, 56hits, +9.1xGF

This is Dobson's worst season in 3 years (51pts, 49pts, 70pts compared to 37pts). This is Byram's best season. Since 2021, Byram does not have a + xGF whereas Dobson only has 1 negative. I think that Dobson is playing on a bad Islanders team that plays boring hockey whereas Byram is playing on a top scoring Sabres team. I think Dobson would do more with Byram's minutes in Buffalo than what Byram has done and I get a RHD. Idk if Lou would trade Dobson for Byram but I would start there and see what you can do, especially if Dobson prices himself out of the NYI. 

 

Edited Wednesday at 06:23 PM by LGR4GM

[LGR4GM]

Dobson's projected contract on capwages is 10.5x8yrs

Byram's projected contract on capwages is 7.27x7yrs

[JohnC]

10 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Dobson's projected contract on capwages is 10.5x8yrs

Byram's projected contract on capwages is 7.27x7yrs

Based on the figures you posted I would keep Byram. Better value and more cap flexibility. 

[thewookie1]

16 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Dobson's projected contract on capwages is 10.5x8yrs

Byram's projected contract on capwages is 7.27x7yrs

Yeah I can't do that, I have zero interest in having 2 defenseman at 10.5mil +

[LGR4GM]

2 minutes ago, JohnC said:

Based on the figures you posted I would keep Byram. Better value and more cap flexibility. 

Dobson plays better defense and I am willing to pay for that. If I get rid of Samuelsson and Byram, I basically pay for Dobson's contract. Even if I get rid of only Byram, I am almost at Dobson's deal so I can leave with that. I also wonder if Dobson having a down year helps keep that cap # under 10. 37pts doesn't get you 10mil a year for a defender. If you can get him at 9.5, I think you are getting a better player. 

2 minutes ago, thewookie1 said:

Yeah I can't do that, I have zero interest in having 2 defenseman at 10.5mil +

I have 0 interest in giving Byram anything over 7mil. 

[thewookie1]

1 minute ago, LGR4GM said:

I have 0 interest in giving Byram anything over 7mil. 

I agree

[JohnC]

9 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Dobson plays better defense and I am willing to pay for that. If I get rid of Samuelsson and Byram, I basically pay for Dobson's contract. Even if I get rid of only Byram, I am almost at Dobson's deal so I can leave with that. I also wonder if Dobson having a down year helps keep that cap # under 10. 37pts doesn't get you 10mil a year for a defender. If you can get him at 9.5, I think you are getting a better player. 

I have 0 interest in giving Byram anything over 7mil. 

I don't think it is likely that Samuelsson gets moved. The inhibiting feature of his potential movement is his swollen contract. 

[GASabresIUFAN]

11 minutes ago, JohnC said:

I don't think it is likely that Samuelsson gets moved. The inhibiting feature of his potential movement is his swollen contract. 

That's why he gets bought out.  

[GASabresIUFAN]

51 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Dobson's projected contract on capwages is 10.5x8yrs

Byram's projected contract on capwages is 7.27x7yrs

Now add Power's current deal.  If you could only have one of Power, Byram or Dobson which would you keep?  I don't want Dobson for that kind of money.  

I also think we can re-sign Byram for less on a smaller term contract like 5 years for around 6.5 mill.

Edited Wednesday at 07:17 PM by GASabresIUFAN

[JohnC]

3 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

That's why he gets bought out.  

I'm not saying you are wrong but I don't see that happening. Also, he isn't playing up to his contract value but his game as of late has been stabilized and consistent. I'm sure it can be attributed to the Dahlin pairing. The bigger issue is who will be paired with Power and where will that player come from? 

[North Buffalo]

4 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

That's why he gets bought out.  

nah you dont crap the bed on a young defender... who is learning to deal with playing hurt... yes still need another big tough D but If you can get two then sure.

[PerreaultForever]

I'm not going to list specific names cause I don't see the point. None of it's going to happen. But I WANT:

1. all the assistant coaches fired and replaced by Ruff's own choices. 

2. I want a real goalie. Don't say it can't be done. Colorado switched both of theirs in mid season. 

3. I want defensive D added. Minimum one top 4 guy. Other people do why can't we?

4. I'd like to upgrade Lafferty with more of a feisty gritty and maybe even fighting type guy.

That's it. I think that's all it takes but it does take all of that. 

I see Norris as a huge potential trade chip along with numerous picks and prospects. More than enough assets to do anything you want to do if you have the will to do it. 

In my dream world I want Adams fired but I can see it's not happening and Pegula would just hire the next loser so it's nightmares instead.

[GASabresIUFAN]

3 hours ago, North Buffalo said:

nah you dont crap the bed on a young defender... who is learning to deal with playing hurt... yes still need another big tough D but If you can get two then sure.

^ has been the organization’s philosophy for 14 years.  How has that worked so far?  Samuelsson needs to move on. 

Edited Thursday at 02:52 AM by GASabresIUFAN

[dudacek]

10 hours ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

3) Tinker only with the Forwards  - There is much to like in our forward group.  TNT and Tuch are studs.  JJP is developing into a terrific scoring forward.  Benson and Kulich are contributing now, play the right way and have massive upside.  Greenway and Zucker add veteran presence and are good in their roles.  McLeod has run with his opportunity in Buffalo after a slow start.  That’s 8 of my 12 that I’m not messing with.  I also like Kozak as the 4th line center.  

 

Benson Kulich TNT

JJP Norris Tuch

Zucker McLeod Greenway

Krebs Kozak Malenstyn 

 

 

 

Jiri Kulich pencilled in as 1st-line centre is the plan?

Dude has played 57 NHL games and recorded 22 career points. He's never put up more than 46 points in any league anywhere.

He has 8 assists, playing a majority of his year alongside one of the best goal scorers in the world. He should have 10 assists just from off pucks bouncing off his shins.

Isn't this the kind of thing Kevyn Adams would do?

 

[LGR4GM]

4 minutes ago, dudacek said:

Jiri Kulich pencilled in as 1st-line centre is the plan?

Isn't this the kind of thing Kevyn Adams would do?

 

Yes