How would you retool this team this summer?

[Thorner]

2 minutes ago, JP51 said:

I am not going to name names, opine on theoretical trades, or pretend I understand the likelihood of those that we are trying to attract actually willing to come here. I think we need to address the broader culture, define how we move forward and take an opportunistic stance in making moves when those moves align with the overall goals.  We should not force moves that don't make sense. We must begin with the right management personnel, with the right vision, we must not skimp on resources, nor should we deal from a position of weakness and desperation to achieve a short term feel good gain. The goal is to win championships not 5 extra games before we go golfing. 

 

1. Hire well respected POHO and turn over control - Pegula

POHO - not even a step in the process... immediately fire Adams... and permanently ban him from the building

1. Allow Ruff to hire his own staff (with a mandate that a top developmental coach must be hired)

2. Shut Down the "Make the playoffs" narrative - Change it to win cup... this concept of aspiring to be middle of the pack needs to stop immediately.

3. Ignore calls of those looking for moves that will immediately get us into the playoffs so we can take a 4-1 1st rd exit

4. Identify players that we want to help us win Championships. Hockey players not figure skaters

5. Begin to move out all others for players that fit into the above category when the appropriate situation arises. We should not force our way out unless they are so detrimental to the overall plan (aka Diggs) 

6.  Do what it takes to find a Premier player sub 30 year old that will come here that fits into category 4 that will not only improve the team but demonstrate who we want to become, our identity. 

7. Hire full compliment of scouting staff and tech people etc... demonstrate that we are going to be run like a Pro team that intends to compete.

8. Rid us of bad contracts (see cat 5) and begin to reward those in Cat 4

9. Hammer the cup narrative, change the outside view by changing the inside expectations

10. No sacred cows results based performance and accountability

This is not an easy task and it will be hard to come back from... but I dont believe in skipping steps... I want a cup not an every other year playoff appearance. But sometimes when you repair you have to start foundationally...  so, I am starting there. Our problems are past our players... and move to a complete dysfunction and rudderless plan whose goal is mediocrity with the I am just happy to be here mantra... Thats the problem, not palm trees. 

 

Lots of good points but I actually think they currently do have a “not about the playoffs, it’s about the cup” mindset - and that’s a big part of the issue. There are aspects of prioritizing playoffs in the now term that, for them, are in opposition to their long term goal of winning the cup

its more “patience”, and less “do what’s necessary”  

[Weave]

20 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Ok which forward are you punting for this mythical "fix" at forward?

Any of them. Preferably several.  Incremental changes in many locations.  A big change “here” or “there” isn’t really a fix.  We need incremental changes in many spots, forward group equally included.

Do what you’ve always done and you'll get what you’ve always gotten.

[DarthEbriate]

2 minutes ago, Thorner said:

Lots of good points but I actually think they currently do have a “not about the playoffs, it’s about the cup” mindset - and that’s a big part of the issue. There are aspects of prioritizing playoffs in the now term that, for them, are in opposition to their long term goal of winning the cup

its more “patience”, and less “do what’s necessary”  

The entire idea is, "when Power is 25, look out!" Which could work. But by the time you have that, then that version of the team needs to learn how to win in the playoffs, and that's where it falls apart because this roster is in no way, shape, or form, set up to win in the playoffs. So then, you need to wait 2 more years while Adams figures that aspect of it out, by which time Dahlin is a UFA.

It's not missing the forest for the trees, it's missing the forest for the continent.

[JP51]

1 minute ago, Thorner said:

Lots of good points but I actually think they currently do have a “not about the playoffs, it’s about the cup” mindset - and that’s a big part of the issue. There are aspects of prioritizing playoffs in the now term that, for them, are in opposition to their long term goal of winning the cup

its more “patience”, and less “do what’s necessary”  

Actually, I do not at all disagree here which may be surprising... I think they have the I want to win long term desire without the plan to actually do that... I think its the fans and outside perception that needs to be adjusted... we would just be happy with the playoffs... I think people see that from the outside... I think we need to surround ourselves with the cup narrative... I think the playoffs are a logical result if we improve to contention... what I dont want is a hire whose goal is to do what it takes and make those changes that top out at playoffs and count it as success... rather a stepping stone...  Further to that... for me... and just my own opinion and tolerance level here you mentioned patience...  If we need to not make the playoffs next year but begin to move towards sustainable success then I am gonna be ok... as long as it isnt Adams at the helm...  I dont think the outside view of the organization is changed much by a 4-1 1st round exit...  and I do think we need to change that because at this point we cant even play in the sandbox with the contenders because we get shut down by the player...  that is an immense hamstrung situation... and really cuts out options for continual improvement...  

[LGR4GM]

Quote

12. Thompson’s lack of power-play scoring

Since 2007-08, 49 players have scored 45 goals in a season. Just one has managed the feat with fewer than 10 power-play goals: Kyle Connor in 2021-22 with eight. Tage Thompson has 44 goals this year, with just seven on the man advantage. Imagine if the Sabres could build a real power play around him?

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6267450/2025/04/10/blues-lane-hutson-canadiens-stars-nhl/?onboarded=true

[dudacek]

29 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Ok which forward are you punting for this mythical "fix" at forward?

Zucker and Greenway were just re-signed.  They aren't being traded.

TNT and Tuch are our best forwards and are on team friendly deals.  They aren't being traded.

McLeod has had a breakout season and is our best defensive forward.  He'll be re-signed.

JJP is our best young forward and is a legit top 6 forward.  He'll be re-signed.

Benson and Kulich are our best young forwards after JJP, they play the right way, play two way hockey and are improving with every game.  They aren't being traded.

That's 8 forwards who aren't going anywhere.  Norris was just acquired and Kozak is solidifying himself as the 4th line center.

So I ask again, what move are you making to improve this group?  They are 3rd in NHL in EV goals for.  Tell us your fix!

I think the part I trip over is, you ask 'what would you do' and then immediately clamp on the restriction of "Adams won't do that."

Because if it's you making the changes, it shouldn't matter what Adams will do.

You're the GM now. You can trade whoever you want. You aren't stuck with Adams' choices.

• Example 1: Trade Peterka and Samuelsson for Cuylle and Schneider
• Example 2: Trade Byram and Quinn for Rasmus Andersson and Blake Coleman
• Example 3: trade Tuch and Norris for Petterson and Demko
• Example 4: trade Kulich for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
• Example 5: Sign John Tavares, trade a young winger for help on defence
• Example 6: Sign Sam Bennett, trade a young winger for help on defence
• Example 7: Sign Mitch Marner, trade Zucker for a pick to clear salary

You aren't married to any of these current Sabres forwards. Why are you deciding to keep them?

Edited Thursday at 02:25 PM by dudacek

[GASabresIUFAN]

8 minutes ago, Thorner said:

I’m not saying to overhaul the whole team you clearly aren’t even reading the endless writing I’ve done on this. I’m saying they should be attacking the roster in BPA fashion 

Let’s try a stupid but clear analogy: think of it like punching a hole in the wall. Someone says I’ll give you a million dollars if you can do it.

Do you calculate the exact force you think you need, while assuming the wall is hopefully one of the those made of more breakable materials, and swing with the exact force you think you need, no more no less? Or do you wind up and swing as hard as you can? 

Why are we leaving anything to chance? Do we want to make the playoffs or not? Improve the team in all areas as best we can. It’s not about priority of position: it’s about priority of player 

Marino ran a poll online suggesting who we’d want to add between Marner and Ekblad. This is an absurd mindset. It’s Marner. By a mile - the better player. 

Why would Marner come here?  Why would Ekblad?  Neither of those are realistic options for this team. 

A generality of "doing everything" you can to make the playoffs is great.  Now show us how you'd do it in a cap system with 23 players under contract or control.   If you don't like my keep most of the current forwards, who are you trading and for whom? 

My point about the forwards, is that, other than Norris, most are on fair and reasonable deals or ELCs.  We are getting value for their production and they are producing.  You keep saying we don't have enough 2 way players, except we do have a bunch of guys who are good two-way or defensive forwards including Greenway, McLeod, Tuch, Malenstyn, Benson, Kozak and Kulich.  Krebs and TNT are improving in this area and even Zucker gives effort to get back.  I'm sorry, after watching this team all season, I think that argument is losing it's support.  Norris is also a solid two way forward when healthy and is excellent in the FO circle, giving us two guys capable of winning draws consistently on the PP and PK with McLeod.  Could they be better? Sure, but that isn't the problem with this franchise.

The area where we aren't getting positive contract value is on defense.  Samuelsson and Power's deals are a huge drag on our cap space. Even Clifton's deal is under water for what he produces.  Now add that everyone outside of Dahlin is positionally terrible, and the weight of issues with this team is on the defense.  Talk about fixing the forwards all you want, but until the defense is actually capable of playing defense, no changes upfront are going to elevate this team.

   

[DarthEbriate]

2 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Why would Marner come here?  Why would Ekblad?  Neither of those are realistic options for this team. 

The only reason would be $$$$$$$$$.

Which is too bad, because as a hockey market it's good and as the beginnings of a team (Dahlin, TNT, Tuch, Benson, and even Power with the right partner)... it's also good. The potential is still here.

[dudacek]

16 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

 You keep saying we don't have enough 2 way players, except we do have a bunch of guys who are good two-way or defensive forwards including Greenway, McLeod, Tuch, Malenstyn, Benson, Kozak and Kulich.  Krebs and TNT are improving in this area and even Zucker gives effort to get back.  I'm sorry, after watching this team all season, I think that argument is losing it's support.  Norris is also a solid two way forward when healthy and is excellent in the FO circle, giving us two guys capable of winning draws consistently on the PP and PK with McLeod.  Could they be better? Sure, but that isn't the problem with this franchise.  

Not saying these evaluations are out to lunch, I am saying there is an issue with the mix: it's too callow.

You can have Benson and Kulich on the team but not at the same time as you have Quinn and Peterka (and Kozak and/or Krebs).

McLeod for Savoie was a big step in correcting that. Norris for Cozens might be another step. I think at least one more shoe has to fall.

The fact you can't count on Norris and Greenway to stay healthy amplifies that.

 

Edited Thursday at 02:50 PM by dudacek

[LGR4GM]

Buffalo should look at offer sheets. Bouchard in Edmonton is someone you could target aggressively. Noah Dobson also falls into this area. Could go cheaper with a Conor Timmins or a Sam Malinski. 

[Thorner]

25 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Why would Marner come here?  Why would Ekblad?  Neither of those are realistic options for this team. 

A generality of "doing everything" you can to make the playoffs is great.  Now show us how you'd do it in a cap system with 23 players under contract or control.   If you don't like my keep most of the current forwards, who are you trading and for whom? 

My point about the forwards, is that, other than Norris, most are on fair and reasonable deals or ELCs.  We are getting value for their production and they are producing.  You keep saying we don't have enough 2 way players, except we do have a bunch of guys who are good two-way or defensive forwards including Greenway, McLeod, Tuch, Malenstyn, Benson, Kozak and Kulich.  Krebs and TNT are improving in this area and even Zucker gives effort to get back.  I'm sorry, after watching this team all season, I think that argument is losing it's support.  Norris is also a solid two way forward when healthy and is excellent in the FO circle, giving us two guys capable of winning draws consistently on the PP and PK with McLeod.  Could they be better? Sure, but that isn't the problem with this franchise.

The area where we aren't getting positive contract value is on defense.  Samuelsson and Power's deals are a huge drag on our cap space. Even Clifton's deal is under water for what he produces.  Now add that everyone outside of Dahlin is positionally terrible, and the weight of issues with this team is on the defense.  Talk about fixing the forwards all you want, but until the defense is actually capable of playing defense, no changes upfront are going to elevate this team.

   

I don’t really have much interest in doing so: as mentioned, that’s your video game 

Adams doesn’t even put in the requisite effort and he’s paid millions 

Asking me to come up with a roster and being like “see! It’s impossible.” is an exceptionally weak argument, if it’s an argument at all. “Can YOU skate faster than Matt Ellis? No? Then withdraw your complaint.” 

lol Adams is a *professional*. Do I need to say it again? He’s a *pro-fess-ion-al*. He is supposed to be uniquely qualified to address the cap issues WHILE fielding a good team. That’s, LITERALLY, the job 

Edited Thursday at 02:58 PM by Thorner

[LGR4GM]

5 minutes ago, dudacek said:

Not saying these evaluations are out to lunch, I am saying there is an issue with the mix: it's too callow.

You can have Benson and Kulich on the team but not at the same time as you have Quinn and Peterka (and Kozak and/or Krebs).

McLeod for Savoie was a big step in correcting that. Norris for Cozens might be another step. I think at least one more shoe has to fall.

The fact you can't count on Norris and Greenway to stay healthy amplifies that.

 

Im confused. Why can't we have Kulich, Benson, and JJP on the team? Peterka is going to be 24 next season, has 244 games played, is looking at his 2nd 20g season and is over 60pts. He's an established NHL player at this point. If you limit it to you can't have Benson, Kulich, and Quinn, I see that argument. 

[GASabresIUFAN]

25 minutes ago, dudacek said:

I think the part I trip over is, you ask 'what would you do' and then immediately clamp on the restriction of "Adams won't do that."

Because if it's you making the changes, it shouldn't matter what Adams will do.

You're the GM now. You can trade whoever you want. You aren't stuck with Adams' choices.

• Example 1: Trade Peterka and Samuelsson for Cuylle and Schneider
• Example 2: Trade Byram and Quinn for Rasmus Andersson and Blake Coleman
• Example 3: trade Tuch and Norris for Petterson and Demko
• Example 4: trade Kulich for Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
• Example 5: Sign John Tavares, trade a young winger for help on defence
• Example 6: Sign Sam Bennett, trade a young winger for help on defence
• Example 7: Sign Mitch Marner, trade Zucker for a pick to clear salary

You aren't married to any of these current Sabres forwards. Why are you deciding to keep them?

I also never said that Adams would keep those forwards.  I think any GM would keep those forwards given our cap situation and their on ice performance.  Gm's don't trade away 60+ point 23 year old forwards like Peterka.  GM's don't move 19 & 20 year old forwards like Kulich and Benson on ELCs when they've proven they can play in the NHL.  

Most of your examples also don't make sense under the cap.  You want to trade Kulich for RNH who is 31 has declining production and has another 4 years at 5.125 per season?  He is also now exclusively a RW, not a center.   You want to move a young forward for RNH, ok what about Rosen and something for him?  However where does RNH play?  Didn't signing and re-signing Zucker accomplish the same thing and for less $

RNH 31 - 76gms 20g 29a - cap 4 years 5.125

Zucker 33 - 68 gms 21g 30a - cap 2 years 4.75

You most intriguing idea is Tuch & Norris for Petterson and Demko.  You are trading 13 mill in liability for 16+, but Demko only has 1 year left on his deal @ 5 mill.  To make this deal work, you'd have to get Demko signed to an extension.  I like the idea of Petterson feeding TNT and I agree that Demko is an upgrade over UPL for similar money.  I'd hate to lose Tuch, but if I were the GM, I'd listen to this idea.  It still doesn't fix the alleged "center" problem for the Sabres.

You want to sign Tavares.  Ok he's 34 still productive, but why would I a guy desperate for a Cup sign here at 34?  Also why would Marner sign here?  

I'd love to bring Sam Bennett in, but again why would he sign here, what is the term and $.  He will be one of the most in demand UFAs.  

I also don't think we have to move young rostered forwards to fix the defense.  You retool the defense by buying out Samuelsson, trading Power or Byram for a stay at home D and other assets.  You then sign a FA stay at home D or acquire one in trade using those other assets and maybe some prospects. 

Your idea of moving Byram for Andersson doesn't really accomplish anything.  Andersson is a 28 year old version of Byram and isn't good defensively either.  He's just another puck mover but R shot.  How does that improve an area of problem for this roster?  If we can get a stay at home D for Quinn, I would listen to that as well, as I now consider Quinn our 10th top 9 forward.

 

 

[dudacek]

36 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

Im confused. Why can't we have Kulich, Benson, and JJP on the team? Peterka is going to be 24 next season, has 244 games played, is looking at his 2nd 20g season and is over 60pts. He's an established NHL player at this point. If you limit it to you can't have Benson, Kulich, and Quinn, I see that argument. 

It's situational and more about having all 4 in the top 9.

It's not really a knock on Peterka in and of himself, its because that mix forces Peterka to be your 3rd-best forward, with probably Norris, McLeod and Zucker as your 4/5/6.

I think I'd be good with JJ at 3F if we had a few more McLeods behind him to lean on when we're up a goal. But Norris comes with availability questions and Zucker is more properly a 7F.

I don't think Peterka manages pucks well enough yet to be a go-to in a protecting leads scenario. Wouldn't matter so much if there are multiple Mike Griers deeper in the lineup, but it does when the next guys up are Quinn and Kulich.

And maybe he gets better, or maybe Kulich and Benson and Quinn do.

But betting on all of them is what got us to where we are this year.

Edited Thursday at 03:34 PM by dudacek

[Thorner]

57 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

Why would Marner come here?  Why would Ekblad?  Neither of those are realistic options for this team. 

A generality of "doing everything" you can to make the playoffs is great.  Now show us how you'd do it in a cap system with 23 players under contract or control.   If you don't like my keep most of the current forwards, who are you trading and for whom? 

My point about the forwards, is that, other than Norris, most are on fair and reasonable deals or ELCs.  We are getting value for their production and they are producing.  You keep saying we don't have enough 2 way players, except we do have a bunch of guys who are good two-way or defensive forwards including Greenway, McLeod, Tuch, Malenstyn, Benson, Kozak and Kulich.  Krebs and TNT are improving in this area and even Zucker gives effort to get back.  I'm sorry, after watching this team all season, I think that argument is losing it's support.  Norris is also a solid two way forward when healthy and is excellent in the FO circle, giving us two guys capable of winning draws consistently on the PP and PK with McLeod.  Could they be better? Sure, but that isn't the problem with this franchise.

The area where we aren't getting positive contract value is on defense.  Samuelsson and Power's deals are a huge drag on our cap space. Even Clifton's deal is under water for what he produces.  Now add that everyone outside of Dahlin is positionally terrible, and the weight of issues with this team is on the defense.  Talk about fixing the forwards all you want, but until the defense is actually capable of playing defense, no changes upfront are going to elevate this team.

   

There is no “the problem” 

that’s your major hang up. Your insistence on dialing down the issues to the smallest variables you can possibly get them is exactly the mindset that causes the team to miss the playoffs continually. Your ideas are strategically bankrupt 

a mid pack forward group (differential - way more important than goals for) being “not the problem”, to you, is the problem 

I’ve said this for 2 years, continually proven right, and it just doesn’t matter lol: hockey is a *fluid* game. Our offence is so good BECAUSE the D is bad. The forwards aren’t actually elite. If we had a better F unit that didn’t have to continually sell out systematically to maintain their scoring rates, we wouldn’t have such trouble 

Edited Thursday at 03:31 PM by Thorner

[Big Guava]

Get a goaltender that can at least be league average.

[dudacek]

15 minutes ago, GASabresIUFAN said:

I also never said that Adams would keep those forwards.  I think any GM would keep those forwards given our cap situation and their on ice performance.  Gm's don't trade away 60+ point 23 year old forwards like Peterka.  GM's don't move 19 & 20 year old forwards like Kulich and Benson on ELCs when they've proven they can play in the NHL.  

Most of your examples also don't make sense under the cap.  You want to trade Kulich for RNH who is 31 has declining production and has another 4 years at 5.125 per season?  He is also now exclusively a RW, not a center.   You want to move a young forward for RNH, ok what about Rosen and something for him?  However where does RNH play?  Didn't signing and re-signing Zucker accomplish the same thing and for less $

RNH 31 - 76gms 20g 29a - cap 4 years 5.125

Zucker 33 - 68 gms 21g 30a - cap 2 years 4.75

You most intriguing idea is Tuch & Norris for Petterson and Demko.  You are trading 13 mill in liability for 16+, but Demko only has 1 year left on his deal @ 5 mill.  To make this deal work, you'd have to get Demko signed to an extension.  I like the idea of Petterson feeding TNT and I agree that Demko is an upgrade over UPL for similar money.  I'd hate to lose Tuch, but if I were the GM, I'd listen to this idea.  It still doesn't fix the alleged "center" problem for the Sabres.

You want to sign Tavares.  Ok he's 34 still productive, but why would I a guy desperate for a Cup sign here at 34?  Also why would Marner sign here?  

I'd love to bring Sam Bennett in, but again why would he sign here, what is the term and $.  He will be one of the most in demand UFAs.  

I also don't think we have to move young rostered forwards to fix the defense.  You retool the defense by buying out Samuelsson, trading Power or Byram for a stay at home D and other assets.  You then sign a FA stay at home D or acquire one in trade using those other assets and maybe some prospects. 

Your idea of moving Byram for Andersson doesn't really accomplish anything.  Andersson is a 28 year old version of Byram and isn't good defensively either.  He's just another puck mover but R shot.  How does that improve an area of problem for this roster?  If we can get a stay at home D for Quinn, I would listen to that as well, as I now consider Quinn our 10th top 9 forward.

 

 

I don't want to do any of these moves specifically. I'm just providing examples of the types of moves that could be made to address holes.

Of course only your way works when it's your video game, with your player and GM codes.

[Drag0nDan]

21 hours ago, LGR4GM said:

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. 

 

I don't hate it - i just worry they'd add another 8M+ contract at defense.  If they did it, it seems like he could at least help with keeping some pucks out of the net as well.  

[Thorner]

7 minutes ago, Big Guava said:

Get a goaltender that can at least be league average.

“What goalie is realistically signing here, though?” - GA/Adams 

We have to shape these rosters *keeping in mind* the wielder of the plan is incompetent

Please keep that in mind re: the spirit of the thread 

the budgetary cap constraints prevent an immovable obstacle for only buffalo, regardless of seeing 31 other teams successfully navigating them 

what can Kevyn Adams do, really, when it comes down to it 

Edited Thursday at 03:38 PM by Thorner

[Thorner]

On 4/2/2025 at 8:32 AM, LGR4GM said:

Adams lacks imagination and the will to make the hard choices.

Took me a little while to hone in on how salient this particular point is 

[LGR4GM]

15 minutes ago, dudacek said:

It's situational and more about having all 4 in the top 9.

It's not really a knock on Peterka in and of himself, its because that mix forces Peterka to be your 3rd-best forward, with probably Norris, McLeod and Zucker as your 4/5/6.

I think I'd be good with JJ at 3F if we had a few more McLeods behind him to lean on when we're up a goal. But Norris comes with availability questions and Zucker is more properly a 7F.

I don't think Peterka manages pucks well enough yet to be a go-to in a protecting leads scenario. Wouldn't matter so much if there are multiple Mike Griers deeper in the lineup, but it does when the next guys up are Quinn and Kulich.

And maybe he gets better, or maybe Kulich and Benson and Quinn do.

But betting on all of them is what got us to where we are this year.

I think you are confusing top 3 in points with has to play to close out games. I don't think the next guy up is Quinn and Kulich, it is McLeod, Krebs, Benson, Greenway. 

[Thorner]

 

[GASabresIUFAN]

11 minutes ago, dudacek said:

Of course only your way works when it's your video game, with your player and GM codes.

Not at all. I open to any idea that improves the team, but adding guys like Marner, Tavares and Ekblad is the definition of video game because they won't realistically sign here.  I'm fine with our idea of Pettersson and Demko for Tuch and Norris as that is a deal that could happen and it would give us a legit No .1 center and playmaker and it's an upgrade in goal.  I love @LGR4GM idea of signing Gavikov.  He'll be in demand also, but it something that $ might swing a deal to get him here, especially with all the young Russians in our organization.   I'm not fine with dumping a good young player for a declining vet on a long-term contract.  

You gave ideas where we trade JJP or Kulich, while also giving an idea to acquire Cuylie.  Cuylie is only  3 weeks younger than JJP and not nearly as productive.

Cuylie

23/24 81 gms 13g 8a  21 pts

24/25 78gms 18g 22a 40 pts (turned 23 Feb 4th)

JJP 

23/24 82 gms 28g 22a  50 pts

24/25 72 gms 24g 38a 62 pts (turned 23 Jan 14)

Also Cuylie's rookie season as 21/22 years old looks nearly identical as Kulich's 20 year old rookie season so far of 14g 8a in 57 games (He turns 21 on April 14th), except Kulich accomplished it younger and in less games.

 

 

[GASabresIUFAN]

20 minutes ago, LGR4GM said:

I think you are confusing top 3 in points with has to play to close out games. I don't think the next guy up is Quinn and Kulich, it is McLeod, Krebs, Benson, Greenway. 

Also Norris and Tuch assuming they are on the roster.  

[SabreFinn]

1 hour ago, LGR4GM said:

Buffalo should look at offer sheets. Bouchard in Edmonton is someone you could target aggressively. Noah Dobson also falls into this area. Could go cheaper with a Conor Timmins or a Sam Malinski. 

Matthew Knies