McCabe is going to be a good player. I think even in 2 years we could see

Myers/McCabe
Gorges/Risto
Pysyk/Zadarov

McCabe is going to be a good player. I think even in 2 years we could see

Myers/McCabe
Gorges/Risto
Pysyk/Zadarov
- sbroads24

He's looked good at every level we've seen him play so that's promising but it is still early.

On another note, I have to think (perhaps dependant on where we draft this year) one of those 3 will be dealt.

You could get better value in a Zadorov package trade then having him as your 5/6, and if we really need the help up front...

I think this is what Nolan's roster is going to look like for the opener:

Moulson-Ennis-Stafford
Hodgson-Grigorenko-Stewart
Foligno-Girgensons-Gionta
Deslauriers-McCormick-Flynn

Gorges-Myers
Benoit-Risto
Meszaros-Weber(Ugh!!!)

Enroth-starter
Neuvirth

Captain- Gionta
Alternate's- Stafford, Myers

healthy scratches- McCabe, Mitchell


Reinhart and Zads go back to Jr

Nolan likes playing vets and I expect a rotation early on between playing Weber or McCabe. He'll be careful how many young guys he puts in there.

He's looked good at every level we've seen him play so that's promising but it is still early.

On another note, I have to think (perhaps dependant on where we draft this year) one of those 3 will be dealt.

You could get better value in a Zadorov package trade then having him as your 5/6, and if we really need the help up front...
- Sabresfan-365

Or you keep all of them if they pan out and we have the deepest depth on the blue line.

Why downgrade your blue line with a trade? The only way I would move any of them in that scenario is if our forward depth is awful and in 2 years the depth on forward could be massive. Guys like Armia, Bailey, Lemieux, Compher, and Fasching will be pushing for spots on the roster.

I think this is what Nolan's roster is going to look like for the opener:

Moulson-Ennis-Stafford
Hodgson-Grigorenko-Stewart
Foligno-Girgensons-Gionta
Deslauriers-McCormick-Flynn

Gorges-Myers
Benoit-Risto
Meszaros-Weber(Ugh!!!)

Enroth-starter
Neuvirth

healthy scratches- McCabe, Mitchell


Reinhart and Zads go back to Jr

Nolan likes playing vets and I expect a rotation early on between playing Weber or McCabe. He'll be careful how many young guys he puts in there.
- mhp

I think they would keep Reinhart for 9. They can keep him and be at the 23 man roster limit with injured guys on IR

Or you keep all of them if they pan out and we have the deepest depth on the blue line.

Why downgrade your blue line with a trade? The only way I would move any of them in that scenario is if our forward depth is awful and in 2 years the depth on forward could be massive. Guys like Armia, Bailey, Lemieux, Compher, and Fasching will be pushing for spots on the roster.
- Stripes77

You can find a capable #6 d-man in free agency who could do the same job. Zadorov is talented but at 12/13 minutes a night there's not a whole lot he could do that a veteran signing couldn't.

To be clear, Im talking about a package deal that brings in a game changer, not a trade for the sake of trading.

Edit: There's a good chance none of the above players will be 1st line forwards, if so murray will have to get creative and having this surplus of good prospects on d helps.

Good morning hockey enthusiasts. Preseason is over and I have to say that I am really impressed with some of our young players. Grigorenko, McCabe, and Ristolainen have all made very strong cases that they are NHL ready and should make this team. I expected Grigo and Risto to show well, but I was surprised by just how good McCabe has been.

Tim Murray and Ted Nolan have promoted the idea that there will be, or rather has

What I am sure about is that I don't want any of the kids(Ristolainen, McCabe, Pysyk, Grigorenko) to ever be a healthy scratch. I would rather them play in Rochester.

- SabresPanacea

I can't help but feel, despite their efforts, that's politics will inevitably play a role and guys like McCabe won't be here right away. Not that the Sabres would be wrong for doing it, but what if we keep all these young guys and 3 weeks in they aren't cutting it.

I think they would keep Reinhart for 9. They can keep him and be at the 23 man roster limit with injured guys on IR
- Stripes77

With Grigorenko's emergence, it almost assures, at least in my view that Reinhart is going back to Jr. If he stays, he'll be a healthy scratch.

Think Nolan names the captain before the weekend is over?

You can find a capable #6 d-man in free agency who could do the same job. Zadorov is talented but at 12/13 minutes a night there's not a whole lot he could do that a veteran signing couldn't.

To be clear, Im talking about a package deal that brings in a game changer, not a trade for the sake of trading.
- Sabresfan-365

I know what you are talking about but look at who could be on the 2016-2017 Sabres:

Reinhart, McEichel? (if not you are still looking at a top 5 pick this year), Girgorenko, Ennis, Hodgson (I think one of them will be moved), Stewart?, Stafford? Girgensons, Gionta, Moulson, Armia, Fasching, Compher, all of these guys will be fighting for top 6 spots and the rest will be playing top 9 forward roles.

McEichel is your game changer no need to sacrifice depth on the blue line something Sabres fans cringe when you bring up the 2006 playoffs.

Now if this team doesn't get McEichel then sure you look at trading one of them but Zadorov playing 15 minutes and getting PP time is better than some who isn't gonna hurt you but isn't gonna help you either veteran IMO

With Grigorenko's emergence, it almost assures, at least in my view that Reinhart is going back to Jr. If he stays, he'll be a healthy scratch.
- mhp

He could be a healthy scratch absolutely but I think he will get his 9 game tryout

Or you keep all of them if they pan out and we have the deepest depth on the blue line.

Why downgrade your blue line with a trade? The only way I would move any of them in that scenario is if our forward depth is awful and in 2 years the depth on forward could be massive. Guys like Armia, Bailey, Lemieux, Compher, and Fasching will be pushing for spots on the roster.
- Stripes77

I am really excited for this year...not because I think they will be a good team...but beCause I want to watch the team develop into contenders and this is the start of that campaign.
It reminds me of the 1971 year, te first year of being a Sabres fan...watching Punch masterfully build a contender over the next 3-4 years. Those were great memories.
We have the same thing going on now. Moreover, the pipeline of youngin's coming up is unbelievablly deep?..with more to come in a top heavy draft to which I expect theM to have a top 3 pick, a top 10 (hopefully higher) and another late 1st rounder...not to forget the 2nd rounders. Man, it is just unnelievable..Not to,emotion theupcomi g manuevers by GMTM in trades and FA's.
Exciting times to be Sabres fans!

Oops I just accidentally reported someone's post. Dam ipone.

I am really excited for this year...not because I think they will be a good team...but beCause I want to watch the team develop into contenders and this is the start of that campaign.
It reminds me of the 1971 year, te first year of being a Sabres fan...watching Punch masterfully build a contender over the next 3-4 years. Those were great memories.
We have the same thing going on now. Moreover, the pipeline of youngin's coming up is unbelievablly deep?..with more to come in a top heavy draft to which I expect theM to have a top 3 pick, a top 10 (hopefully higher) and another late 1st rounder...not to forget the 2nd rounders. Man, it is just unnelievable..Not to,emotion theupcomi g manuevers by GMTM in trades and FA's.
Exciting times to be Sabres fans!
- IonSabres

It's hard to say what we will be this year as a team. My realistic best case scenario is we are better than last year. At least compete and threaten teams. New guys show growth. Finish 26th, win the lottery.

Think Nolan names the captain before the weekend is over?
- stashu

Gionta gets an A, stafford gets an A, Hodgson gets the C

Gionta gets an A, stafford gets an A, Hodgson gets the C
- jaumiller

Hodgson? Really?

I'd be all for that actually

I think this is what Nolan's roster is going to look like for the opener:

Moulson-Ennis-Stafford
Hodgson-Grigorenko-Stewart
Foligno-Girgensons-Gionta
Deslauriers-McCormick-Flynn

Gorges-Myers
Benoit-Risto
Meszaros-Weber(Ugh!!!)

Enroth-starter
Neuvirth

Captain- Gionta
Alternate's- Stafford, Myers

healthy scratches- McCabe, Mitchell


Reinhart and Zads go back to Jr

Nolan likes playing vets and I expect a rotation early on between playing Weber or McCabe. He'll be careful how many young guys he puts in there.
- mhp

They're not going to keep McCabe here and then scratch him. It's a terrible idea IMO. If he's not going to play, send him to Rochester for top pair minutes.

They're not going to keep McCabe here and then scratch him. It's a terrible idea IMO. If he's not going to play, send him to Rochester for top pair minutes.
- HonkFortheGoose

An immediate upgrade from Weber. It's not like he came from Jrs. Between Weber and if Enroth is injured, we assured last place.

An immediate upgrade from Weber. It's not like he came from Jrs. Between Weber and if Enroth is injured, we assured last place.
- sippyd

He's definitely an upgrade from Weber. But if he's not going to play, don't keep him here. That's going to hurt him more than help him.

McCabe is going to be a good player. I think even in 2 years we could see

Myers/McCabe
Gorges/Risto
Pysyk/Zadarov
- sbroads24

I still laugh how McCabe got looked over after the Risto/Zads draft and prior to the McNabb trade when talking about our D depth. McCabe will be a solid contributor on the blueline in the near future. Ive been saying that since he was drafted.

He's definitely an upgrade from Weber. But if he's not going to play, don't keep him here. That's going to hurt him more than help him.
- HonkFortheGoose

As well as hes played this preseason, I agree. Let him be the man in Rochester.

Gionta gets an A, stafford gets an A, Hodgson gets the C
- jaumiller

Gionta gets the C, Gorges gets an A and so does Hodgson

Gionta gets the C, Gorges gets an A and so does Hodgson
- theblueandgold

i think this is how it goes with a 2nd and 3rd A going to Moulson and Stafford. Hodgson would be a real shock for me

Gionta gets the C, Gorges gets an A and so does Hodgson
- theblueandgold

I believe that Zem-the-gem has to have an A. Need to reward the youth who has shown consistency, dedication, team play...plus Ted loves him. I'll be shocked if they don't give him one just to send the message to the youth.
Gionta and Gorges are my other two.
That said, I could see any of Moulson, Stafford, Ennis as well.
I'm not sure about Hodgson...I just don't see it, especially after two years of being told he needs to be more responsible in the D-zone, and him not improving upon it.

Matt Ellis -C
Mike Weber- A
Cody McCormick -A


My dream Rochester captains