I think the problem is numbering lines. All three lines could play 17-20 mins. Nobody is on a typical 3rd line. You'd just have 3 scoring lines
- Khymlev13

I would agree that the numbering of lines is past history to an extent but the top 6 will get the bulk of 5 on 5 play. When Ruff was here I think he rolled 3 lines fairly consistently during those good seasons but not sure it would be as effective today. If you had Eichel and Reinhart on the 3rd line ultimately that would be a pretty pricey 3rd line.

I would prefer to use my example of moving ROR to wing. It offers up flexibility during the game or in case of an in game injury, you can always move them over to center. I like the versatility of that.

No way Eichel and Reinhart gets pushed down to the 3rd line if we get Stamkos. Your best option is have Stamkos and Eichel center top 2 lines, keep Reinhart at RW and move ROR to LW.

ROR-Stamkos-Reinhart
Kane-Eichel-?
- mhp

Too many true #1 centers?

Too many true #1 centers?
- Buffalo--Sabres

Yeah just one winger.

I would agree that the numbering of lines is past history to an extent but the top 6 will get the bulk of 5 on 5 play. When Ruff was here I think he rolled 3 lines fairly consistently during those good seasons but not sure it would be as effective today. If you had Eichel and Reinhart on the 3rd line ultimately that would be a pretty pricey 3rd line.

I would prefer to use my example of moving ROR to wing. It offers up flexibility during the game or in case of an in game injury, you can always move them over to center. I like the versatility of that.
- mhp

I agree there is a ton of versatility. I'm more reluctant to put ROR on a wing because out of those three he is the only one that isn't a shoot first center. And center is so important in a defensive role. It's also why he makes 7.5. As a winger he's no more than $6 per year.

I think my main feeling on spreading out the talent to three lines is because you can put someone like Fasching or Bailey on a line with ROR/Kane and they will likely produce. But if the bottom 6 are young guys mixed with the gionta's and Larsson's of our lineup, we're going to have similar issues where we have two lines that simply don't produce enough

I agree there is a ton of versatility. I'm more reluctant to put ROR on a wing because out of those three he is the only one that isn't a shoot first center. And center is so important in a defensive role. It's also why he makes 7.5. As a winger he's no more than $6 per year.

I think my main feeling on spreading out the talent to three lines is because you can put someone like Fasching or Bailey on a line with ROR/Kane and they will likely produce. But if the bottom 6 are young guys mixed with the gionta's and Larsson's of our lineup, we're going to have similar issues where we have two lines that simply don't produce enough
- Khymlev13

Excellent points here. Maybe your idea of spreading those guys out over 3 lines could be a workable idea. We'll need 2 LW and a RW within the top 9. Too many holes. You can get a winger in a trade or free agency I guess.

Kane-ROR-?
?-Stamkos-Fasching
?-Eichel-Reinhart

ROR is probably the most natural center of the three. Best at Faceoffs, best defensively. He came here to be a center and stamkos hates playing wing. So the only option when you try to jam all the talent in the top 6 is to put Eichel on the wing. Personally I don't like that
- Khymlev13

I would have no problems with Stamkos, RoR being our 1-2. Reinhart has proven and thrived on the wing, and Eichel I'm sure can play there too. Besides, with Stamkos opening up time and space for Eichel I think he can pot 50 goals by his third year.

I agree there is a ton of versatility. I'm more reluctant to put ROR on a wing because out of those three he is the only one that isn't a shoot first center. And center is so important in a defensive role. It's also why he makes 7.5. As a winger he's no more than $6 per year.

I think my main feeling on spreading out the talent to three lines is because you can put someone like Fasching or Bailey on a line with ROR/Kane and they will likely produce. But if the bottom 6 are young guys mixed with the gionta's and Larsson's of our lineup, we're going to have similar issues where we have two lines that simply don't produce enough
- Khymlev13

Keep Larsson as the 4th line center.
There will always be injuries as well.

I would have no problems with Stamkos, RoR being our 1-2. Reinhart has proven and thrived on the wing, and Eichel I'm sure can play there too. Besides, with Stamkos opening up time and space for Eichel I think he can pot 50 goals by his third year.
- sskkoo1

50?

Excellent points here. Maybe your idea of spreading those guys out over 3 lines could be a workable idea. We'll need 2 LW and a RW within the top 9. Too many holes. You can get a winger in a trade or free agency I guess.

Kane-ROR-?
?-Stamkos-Fasching
?-Eichel-Reinhart
- mhp

In 6 months if Satmkos is a Leaf, how many of you will deny even ever wanting Stammer as a Sabre?

In 6 months if Satmkos is a Leaf, how many of you will deny even ever wanting Stammer as a Sabre?
- TheIronSheik

Who is Satmkos? Never heard of him.

In 6 months if Satmkos is a Leaf, how many of you will deny even ever wanting Stammer as a Sabre?
- TheIronSheik

You know Sabres fans well

Excellent points here. Maybe your idea of spreading those guys out over 3 lines could be a workable idea. We'll need 2 LW and a RW within the top 9. Too many holes. You can get a winger in a trade or free agency I guess.

Kane-ROR-?
?-Stamkos-Fasching
?-Eichel-Reinhart
- mhp

Ennis, Girgs, free agent?

I think of Pitt and how they could put someone like Dupuis or Kunitz with Crosby and those players could put up numbers you'd like out of a top 6 winger without the price tag of a Kessel.

Who is Satmkos? Never heard of him.
- mhp

Some bum

Who is Satmkos? Never heard of him.
- mhp

Speelling error , you clever bastard.

Ennis, Girgs, free agent?

I think of Pitt and how they could put someone like Dupuis or Kunitz with Crosby and those players could put up numbers you'd like out of a top 6 winger without the price tag of a Kessel.
- Khymlev13

It will be an interesting off season with regard to Ennis and Girgs. Does one of them get moved for a d man. If not, I could see Ennis easily in the top 6. Lots of options.

You know Sabres fans well
- Buffalo--Sabres

Not just Sabres fans....

Just for sh!ts and giggles and please don't throw your egg mcmuffin or chicken mcnuggets at me...

With Stamkos

Kane-ROR-Eichel
Ennis-Stamkos-Reinhart
Foligno-Larsson-Fasching
Moulson-Schaller-Gionta

Without Stamkos (for ironsheik)

Kane-ROR-Reinhart
Boedker-Eichel-Fasching
McGinn-Girgs-Gionta
Moulson-Larsson-Bailey

It will be an interesting off season with regard to Ennis and Girgs. Does one of them get moved for a d man. If not, I could see Ennis easily in the top 6. Lots of options.
- mhp

I like both players but feel like at least one will be moved before next season.

Just for sh!ts and giggles and please don't throw your egg mcmuffin or chicken mcnuggets at me...

With Stamkos

Kane-ROR-Eichel
Ennis-Stamkos-Reinhart
Foligno-Larsson-Fasching
Moulson-Schaller-Gionta

Without Stamkos (for ironsheik)

Kane-ROR-Reinhart
Boedker-Eichel-Fasching
McGinn-Girgs-Gionta
Moulson-Larsson-Bailey
- mhp

Looks good but still a lot of players currently not under contract with the Sabres.

I like both players but feel like at least one will be moved before next season.
- Khymlev13

Agreed. If I recall correctly, Bob Murray has had interest in Ennis in the past.

Looks good but still a lot of players currently not under contract with the Sabres.
- TheIronSheik

True. It's certainly possible we get none of those guys and work in our #1 pick, Fasching and Bailey into the mix. I still think we can sign a FA and maybe a trade for a player there.

True. It's certainly possible we get none of those guys and work in our #1 pick, Fasching and Bailey into the mix. I still think we can sign a FA and maybe a trade for a player there.
- mhp

A great offseason would be either signing stamkos or getting a top 5 pick. A winger in the draft plus a trade for a dman is ideal for this team. Stamkos is the long shot part of all this but would essentially end the term 'rebuild'.

A great offseason would be either signing stamkos or getting a top 5 pick. A winger in the draft plus a trade for a dman is ideal for this team. Stamkos is the long shot part of all this but would essentially end the term 'rebuild'.
- Khymlev13

I'm honestly 50/50 on us getting Stamkos and it wouldn't bother me if we didn't. If we end up with Laine, a D man and Boedker or a FA winger, great. Pieces to fill in spots to move the rebuild along would be a good off season plan.

Kris Baker thinks Fasching would be an ideal winger for Eichel. If that gets him in the top 6, I'm ok with that as well.

Not Hockey related but Nancy Regan just passed R.I.P. Awesome lady.

I'm honestly 50/50 on us getting Stamkos and it wouldn't bother me if we didn't. If we end up with Laine, a D man and Boedker or a FA winger, great. Pieces to fill in spots to move the rebuild along would be a good off season plan.

Kris Baker thinks Fasching would be an ideal winger for Eichel. If that gets him in the top 6, I'm ok with that as well.
- mhp

Same here. Either we get a 40-50 goal scorer in his prime or have that $11 mill to add to the pieces we have. I think overall this year is a success.

- Eichel proving he is a special talent with enormous upside
- Reinhart stepping up to be a valuable piece w/ ability to adapt as a winger and net front presence
- Risto handling 25 mins/night against top competition
- ROR being perfect fit as likely future captain
- Lehner showing promise to be answer in net

Its easier to build around a team that has some of those key roles getting locked down. It would be a steal if we can improve 25 points and pick top 5