Projected lineup...

Kane - Eichel - Ennis
Moulson - Reinhart - ?
Foligno - Girgensons - Gionta
Deslauriers - Larsson - (Kaleta)?

If they have a plan to go after Ryan O'Reilly in a trade, or someone like Toffoli/Saad with an RFA offer sheet, then by all means trade Hodgson and Grigorenko.

But, if they cannot find another top-6 forward, that is under 25 like Murray wants, then they need to hope Hodgson or Grigorenko can step up and take that top-6 RW spot.

I'd like to see them bring in Marcus Sorenson for that 4th line RW spot...and bring Shane Prince home to keep developing in Rochester for a year or two.

No clue why they want to re-sign Kaleta though, I don't want him there. He's made of glass, and has only played 82 games combined in 3 years. It's time to move on, or send him to Rochester to protect and mentor the kids. But, I rather see them get someone else, or let someone like Schaller try and take that spot.
- DJshnooks

Where have I seen this offer before?

And the Sabres would suddenly stop adding tallons?

You got McDavid Eichel Kane Ennis Zadurov Pysk Bognosian
What a fn core

Obviously you would continue to add pieces

Not comparable to Toronto at all... Quick who's their top 2 centers again?

Obviously not gonna happen but would be sick
That said Sabres future looks sick as it is
- doctordizzle

I'm not comparing the teams' structure. I'm comparing the teams' success. Which was nothing.

He seems to like the idea of playing in Buffalo. Had great things to say about Bylsma, the fans, the city, etc. As much as he'd like to win the NCAA tournament, he's about to fulfill a lifelong dream, so I can't see him going back.

I know a few people that are still worried he's going to do what Lindros did.
- HonkFortheGoose

Just speaking from what I'd rather do...Play 1 NHL game or win 1 NCAA championship, I pick the 1 NHL game every single time.

And the Sabres would suddenly stop adding tallons?

You got McDavid Eichel Kane Ennis Zadurov Pysk Bognosian
What a fn core

Obviously you would continue to add pieces

Not comparable to Toronto at all... Quick who's their top 2 centers again?

Obviously not gonna happen but would be sick
That said Sabres future looks sick as it is
- doctordizzle

No, it won't happen. But if that offer plops on my desk, Chiarelli says take it or leave it, I'd leave it. I don't need it and I don't think the Sabres do either. Maybe I'm in the minority, but we have some great pieces in that offer and they are very strong players/prospects. I just don't see the need to damage our structure like that.

I'll agree to disagree.

Where's homie, Reinhart sux

Agreed on keeping them. If they both start putting up numbers like expected ... why trade them? Will we get another player in return thats better ?
- cabin

I do think that Hodgson & Grigorenko will both be decent NHLers...
But they're not really "Murray type" guys
And if Grigorenko can't switch to wing, then he's just stuck behind our obvious top3 centers
And while I don't doubt Hodgson can be a consistent 20 goal guy in this league, I do question whether he'll ever be good enough defensively.

I just don't see either fitting in here long term

No, it won't happen. But if that offer plops on my desk, Chiarelli says take it or leave it, I'd leave it. I don't need it and I don't think the Sabres do either. Maybe I'm in the minority, but we have some great pieces in that offer and they are very strong players/prospects. I just don't see the need to damage our structure like that.

I'll agree to disagree.

Where's homie, Reinhart sux
- TheSabresTaco

To further your point: Yes, you're getting the best player in the deal, but that player needs a good supporting cast, and by making that trade you deplete that supporting cast too much.

Just look at the guys that have been huge in the playoffs over the past few years. There's always some depth player that has a huge amount of success. You need those guys. They aren't going to win you the championship on their own, but you do need them if you want to win one.

I'm not comparing the teams' structure. I'm comparing the teams' success. Which was nothing.
- TheSabresTaco

Penguins management screwed things up
I don't think Murray would
He would add players around them...and the players would come

Makes sense to Oilers bc they need D
They would get future top pairind dmaen in Hanifen and Ristolainen plus add high character tough guy w hands in Girgensons(not to mention Latvia and double size of Oil nation), they could also spend their own now luxury second pick on a goalie and still have Brooklyn's pick

Actually makes sense for the Oilers. They've got their skilled forwards already.

But you don't let a generational player go so the hypothetical scenario is nothing more

For me the biggest waste in there was Peca. Both sides dropped the ball and both lost out.
- Slump Buster

My father was at a party a few years ago and Peca was there. He pretty much said the same thing that both he and the team messed up and he regretted the way it went down. That said I still blame the team more for that because that was a bad indicator for Hasek about the teams commitment to keep good players and you have to believe if we had Peca against the Pens in 01 that series is over in 6 maybe 5.

To further your point: Yes, you're getting the best player in the deal, but that player needs a good supporting cast, and by making that trade you deplete that supporting cast too much.

Just look at the guys that have been huge in the playoffs over the past few years. There's always some depth player that has a huge amount of success. You need those guys. They aren't going to win you the championship on their own, but you do need them if you want to win one.
- HonkFortheGoose

Again....
With McEichel Kane Ennis Moulson etc.... Are you suddenly going to stop adding players? These players MAKE the players around them so much better

Penguins management screwed things up
I don't think Murray would
He would add players around them...and the players would come

Makes sense to Oilers bc they need D
They would get future top pairind dmaen in Hanifen and Ristolainen plus add high character tough guy w hands in Girgensons(not to mention Latvia and double size of Oil nation), they could also spend their own now luxury second pick on a goalie and still have Brooklyn's pick

Actually makes sense for the Oilers. They've got their skilled forwards already.

But you don't let a generational player go so the hypothetical scenario is nothing more
- doctordizzle

No it doesn't. They're very, very set at center. Only player they actually need is Risto.

Is this an automatic censor?
- buffalofan19

I did that on my own...

I do think that Hodgson & Grigorenko will both be decent NHLers...
But they're not really "Murray type" guys
And if Grigorenko can't switch to wing, then he's just stuck behind our obvious top3 centers
And while I don't doubt Hodgson can be a consistent 20 goal guy in this league, I do question whether he'll ever be good enough defensively.

I just don't see either fitting in here long term
- jdfitz77

Good points. What is this Murray type ? I understand the role players need to have and do. But a good mix should be more able to change to the way the other team is trying to play and capitalize on it. Too many of the same players will have its short comings.

what about Arizona's high second (#32) in a deep 2015 draft?
- Michael Pachla

Intriguing.


I think I would definitely go for this option

Again....
With McEichel Kane Ennis Moulson etc.... Are you suddenly going to stop adding players? These players MAKE the players around them so much better
- doctordizzle

You're still missing the point both Taco and I are making. The players you're moving are very strong depth pieces that you already know are going to be NHL contributors. There's no guarantee that the guys you bring in to replace them can do what we know they already can. It's not like Girgensons and Risto are guys that have 0 NHL experience. Girgensons has 2 full seasons under his belt. Risto has a portion of one and then a full year. They're also still ridiculously young and haven't hit their ceiling yet.

So no, I want no part of that trade in any way, shape, or form.

Didn't you suggest this before? Not trying to be a richard cranium but I remember this post from someone...
- jochfr

Just conversation Richard

Gartharenko

Just conversation Richard
- Irish 14

I see....

Has anyone mentioned Grigs for ROR yet today....?

Taco?

You're still missing the point both Taco and I are making. The players you're moving are very strong depth pieces that you already know are going to be NHL contributors. There's no guarantee that the guys you bring in to replace them can do what we know they already can. It's not like Girgensons and Risto are guys that have 0 NHL experience. Girgensons has 2 full seasons under his belt. Risto has a portion of one and then a full year. They're also still ridiculously young and haven't hit their ceiling yet.

So no, I want no part of that trade in any way, shape, or form.
- HonkFortheGoose

Tampa's strength as a an Org right now is the fact they have loads of talent that has developed into excellent role players/true performers at a young age. Could they trade the triplets line for a proven stud like Seguin (hypothetical don't take this to seriously)? Sure but instead of having a complete line like the triplets to go with Stamkos you now just have 2 elite centers that still need players around them.

I would rather have Tampa's roster then Pitt's right now. Tampa is far more complete and deep. I see Buffalo being very similar if Eichel develops accordingly.

Has anyone mentioned Grigs for ROR yet today....?

Taco?
- jochfr

I'm hearing some whispers that GMTM is interested in RoR

Tampa's strength as a an Org right now is the fact they have loads of talent that has developed into excellent role players/true performers at a young age. Could they trade the triplets line for a proven stud like Seguin (hypothetical don't take this to seriously)? Sure but instead of having a complete line like the triplets to go with Stamkos you now just have 2 elite centers that still need players around them.

I would rather have Tampa's roster then Pitt's right now. Tampa is far more complete and deep. I see Buffalo being very similar if Eichel develops accordingly.
- cmsabres48

Who is this guy you speak of?
I don't see him on the sabres roster anywhere.

You're still missing the point both Taco and I are making. The players you're moving are very strong depth pieces that you already know are going to be NHL contributors. There's no guarantee that the guys you bring in to replace them can do what we know they already can. It's not like Girgensons and Risto are guys that have 0 NHL experience. Girgensons has 2 full seasons under his belt. Risto has a portion of one and then a full year. They're also still ridiculously young and haven't hit their ceiling yet.

So no, I want no part of that trade in any way, shape, or form.
- HonkFortheGoose

Agreed. To win in this league you need not only great balance but you need great depth.

Moving that many pieces for one Superstar isn't going to help this team. Not to mention you lose assets you could move to help round out the team.

I love McDavid I had dreams of drafting both McDavid and Eichel but only if the Islanders flopped. They did not.

You're moving our 2 C, 3 C, our #1 D, pick #21.

So instead of having:

Kane Eichel Ennis
Moulson Reinhart Hodgson?
Foligno Girgensons Gionta
Deslauriers Larrson McCormick

Risto Bogo
Pysyk Gorges
Zadorov Weber

You are left with:
Kane McDavid Ennis
Moulson Eichel ?
Foligno ? Gionta
Deslauriers Larrson McCormick

? Bogo
Pysk Gorges
Zadorov Weber

Too many holes and no more assets to fill them. Thanks but no thanks, nothing to see here.

Good points. What is this Murray type ? I understand the role players need to have and do. But a good mix should be more able to change to the way the other team is trying to play and capitalize on it. Too many of the same players will have its short comings.
- cabin

When he acquired Kane & Bogosian he mentioned how they were "hard to play against"
He likes Reinhart's "hockey sense"
He's mentioned size & speed before as well

Hodgson & Grigorenko don't really seem to fit

But guys like Girgensons & Ennis have some of the above characteristics.
And we've got guys on the way who do as well...
Larsson, Baptiste, Bailey, Fasching & Compher all seem to fit in to the style of team Murray is looking to build

Jeff Blashill to coach Detroit

Spikes done as a pat next is jail