Can't tell if....

The Sabres have just put their sh1t together and playing much improved hockey...

If the "easiest schedule post trade deadline" is showing up...

or if other teams are just shutting it down to get a better pick...


Probably a combo of all 3.

.500 is about how I would judge this season, taking wins and losses out of the picture

We knew they weren't going to win a ton. What I mean is specific players, coaching etc.

Positives :

Eichel
Reinhart
O'Reilly
Ristolainen
McCabe

Negatives:
Girgensons
Bad contracts of Moulson, Gorges, Bogosian (depending on what Bogosian shows up)
Lack of #2 defense
Lehner (Health)
Lack of secondary scoring (up until recently)
Shallow prospect depth

I think there are a ton of positives to take from the recent play. Question is does is translate to next year, or is this a mirage due to a very weak schedule
- sbroads24

1. Girgensons - Not sure of his long term viability on the team. He may be traded for your #2 Legit Dman.
2. Bad contracts - Moulson - (Will get bought out, Traded, Rochester or be the healty scratch most of next season. I don't see Gorges or Bogo's contracts as bad. That's your opinion.
3. Lack of #2 D. I'm certain it will be addressed this offseason. Probably including your# 1 problem in the package for this player.
4. Lehner will be here all off season rehabbing his injury. I'm less concerned about Goaltending since Johnson has proved recently he can step up. I fully expect a healthy intense Lehner in the net next year.
5. Secondary Scoring. It still needs some work, however it has gotten better. I think it's been more of a confidence thing and this team working together to get it going. So not too worried about it, but something to keep your eye on.
6. Shallow Prospect depth. - Not so shallow anymore with Fasching and Nelson in the picture. Plus, another draft will help add to it. Trades may also add depth.

If we trade the pick I really hope it's for a partner for Risto. I think not having a #2 defenseman is this teams biggest weakness right now. Even without signing Stamkos, a top six of Eichel, Reinhart, RoR, Kane, Ennis, and Fashing/Bailey should be able to score enough to get us into playoff contention next season.

Honestly, I think the chances are getting better and better of us not using the pick. I really believe it will end up getting traded at this point. Our 1st might be a little bit more valuable to someone else. I think we are looking for an immediate impact player with this pick and that just isn't going to happen unless we're picking in the top 3-5. I am hoping it is traded as part of a pretty big deal.
- sven233

I agree. If we could use our #1 and say Tyler Ennis+ to get a top-2 D then I'm all for it. At a certain point we don't need the next Auston Matthews anymore, we need established guys. If we somehow get Stamkos and trade for a top-2 D this team is in the playoffs next year.

No, I'm annoyed because although it is great to see our young stars doing well, we still have holes to fill and a top pick could go a long way in solidifying our future core roster. After watching the team struggle near the bottom for almost the entire season, getting a quality pick at the top of the draft seemed like a sure-fire bet. But with ten games remaining, they get it together and start shooting up the standings. It's nice to see them win, but it's still too little, too late, and seems counter-productive to the rebuild at this juncture.
- sskkoo1

Picking in the top 5 guarantees nothing. Odds are the player that is picked is not NHL ready unless you are taking Matthews. At this stage I would rather appreciate the players we suffered to get and relish in the fact that we've gone from the WORST last place team in the modern era to a respectable mediocre team in what some would view as a quick turnaround. I trust the process. I trust Murray. If I had to put money on it I would guarantee we are not going to use that first round pick. Winning meaningless games is subjective. Meaningless to who? Those young core pieces in the locker room that you want to lead us to the promised land are gaining invaluable confidence and poise. Winning now translates to winning next year. Good games/bad games/ boring games it's all the same. This is how you establish winning culture. You can't have it both ways. Edmonton fans are still "showing off" that they're (hockey gods willing) getting another first overall pick. Not calling you out specifically. We just have to enjoy it.

P.S. - potential UFAs take notice to the standings.

1. Girgensons - Not sure of his long term viability on the team. He may be traded for your #2 Legit Dman.
2. Bad contracts - Moulson - (Will get bought out, Traded, Rochester or be the healty scratch most of next season. I don't see Gorges or Bogo's contracts as bad. That's your opinion.
3. Lack of #2 D. I'm certain it will be addressed this offseason. Probably including your# 1 problem in the package for this player.
4. Lehner will be here all off season rehabbing his injury. I'm less concerned about Goaltending since Johnson has proved recently he can step up. I fully expect a healthy intense Lehner in the net next year.
5. Secondary Scoring. It still needs some work, however it has gotten better. I think it's been more of a confidence thing and this team working together to get it going. So not too worried about it, but something to keep your eye on.
6. Shallow Prospect depth. - Not so shallow anymore with Fasching and Nelson in the picture. Plus, another draft will help add to it. Trades may also add depth.
- mattsox

Just saying, he'd be a throw in piece for any real D-man. Obviously not the center of the deal and not even a nice piece. He'd be more of a "will you take him instead of player x?". That's the only reason I'd be adverse to trading him is we won't get much. If he stays and can play his role of 3rd/4th line checking forward he might be more valuable than a throw in piece. Not like he's making enough that he hurts us if he stays.

As for Moulson, I'm not sure we don't see him next year. Murray's a politician so he says what he has to but he seems to think Moulson will come back more like he was last year than this year. Not sure where he'd slot in even if he did recapture his scoring touch since he doesn't have the speed to keep up with Jack. I suppose you could put him with ROR but he'd really need to find that magic again to be on the top line.

All in all we're on the right track

1. Girgensons - Not sure of his long term viability on the team. He may be traded for your #2 Legit Dman.
2. Bad contracts - Moulson - (Will get bought out, Traded, Rochester or be the healty scratch most of next season. I don't see Gorges or Bogo's contracts as bad. That's your opinion.
3. Lack of #2 D. I'm certain it will be addressed this offseason. Probably including your# 1 problem in the package for this player.
4. Lehner will be here all off season rehabbing his injury. I'm less concerned about Goaltending since Johnson has proved recently he can step up. I fully expect a healthy intense Lehner in the net next year.
5. Secondary Scoring. It still needs some work, however it has gotten better. I think it's been more of a confidence thing and this team working together to get it going. So not too worried about it, but something to keep your eye on.
6. Shallow Prospect depth. - Not so shallow anymore with Fasching and Nelson in the picture. Plus, another draft will help add to it. Trades may also add depth.
- mattsox

This is just absurd honestly. Our prospects are ranked in the top 3 in all of the NHL. I think him typing this is just a matter of lack of knowledge of these kids rather than anything else.

Everyone just looks at "prospects" as guys who are in Rochester but that's not the case with this team. We are HEAVILY spread out.

Holy!

Green light the red light.
- Der Kaiser

driving back from mints and seductions in the day, my friend and I would play a game on a rainy night, get the hookers to come up to us and get soaked in the rain.

When they think they have the deal closed, we drive away and they curse like crazy and flip us off, while being soaked

Enough with the picks it's time to move forward, we have enough picks.
- SABRES 89

1 guy up front for top 6

2 d men, top 4


get johnson locked up for 1 more year

honestly I am fine bringing legwand back for 1.5 mil for 1 year


trim the fat and move on

This is just absurd honestly. Our prospects are ranked in the top 3 in all of the NHL. I think him typing this is just a matter of lack of knowledge of these kids rather than anything else.

Everyone just looks at "prospects" as guys who are in Rochester but that's not the case with this team. We are HEAVILY spread out.
- JVince11

their top 2 "prospects" are playing top 6 minutes in the nhl under 20 years old

that alone is going to make the pool look shallow

I am not sure risto is a top pair d man

he is fine with a jet rotation of 4, not sure he is the man yet

I am not sure risto is a top pair d man

he is fine with a jet rotation of 4, not sure he is the man yet
- homiedclown

I mean he is only 21 years old.... how many 21 year olds are already pegged as "the man" in the NHL?

Look at how long it took Hedman to become the Man and he was a #2 pick I believe. Is Ekblad even "The man" yet... everyone struggles some nights and looks magical others.

I honestly just think Risto looks tired. LOTS AND LOTS of minutes every night. I think he is the only player to have played EVERY game this year too

I mean he is only 21 years old.... how many 21 year olds are already pegged as "the man" in the NHL?

Look at how long it took Hedman to become the Man and he was a #2 pick I believe. Is Ekblad even "The man" yet... everyone struggles some nights and looks magical others.

I honestly just think Risto looks tired. LOTS AND LOTS of minutes every night. I think he is the only player to have played EVERY game this year too
- JVince11

he seems more well rounded then myers was, but he has been having many lazy moments lately

again, fine with a rotation of 4

I would not hesitate to get a player like shat to take over the top pair though

I mean he is only 21 years old.... how many 21 year olds are already pegged as "the man" in the NHL?

Look at how long it took Hedman to become the Man and he was a #2 pick I believe. Is Ekblad even "The man" yet... everyone struggles some nights and looks magical others.

I honestly just think Risto looks tired. LOTS AND LOTS of minutes every night. I think he is the only player to have played EVERY game this year too
- JVince11

That is correct. Moulson and Jack are next with 79/80. Risto can be a top pair D, but that doesn't mean he'll be a Doughty. He might not be a premier top defenseman but he can get the job done more times than not if he has a competent partner. We get that and it'll help mask some of his mistakes.

That's not to say Gorges has been bad, Gorges just isn't the guy that should be top 2 long term.

he seems more well rounded then myers was, but he has been having many lazy moments lately

again, fine with a rotation of 4

I would not hesitate to get a player like shat to take over the top pair though
- homiedclown

Lazy moments are I think just him being tired and beat down from a long season. I do agree with you though...

I don't take the last 10 games to try to divert away from the giant accomplishments he has achieved this season as a whole however.

That is correct. Moulson and Jack are next with 79/80. Risto can be a top pair D, but that doesn't mean he'll be a Doughty. He might not be a premier top defenseman but he can get the job done more times than not if he has a competent partner. We get that and it'll help mask some of his mistakes.

That's not to say Gorges has been bad, Gorges just isn't the guy that should be top 2 long term.
- Zschalberg

I am sold on

?? - Risto
Bogo - McCabe

I think that we solve that question mark and then our top 4 is pretty set as long as consistency is there.

Picking in the top 5 guarantees nothing. Odds are the player that is picked is not NHL ready unless you are taking Matthews. At this stage I would rather appreciate the players we suffered to get and relish in the fact that we've gone from the WORST last place team in the modern era to a respectable mediocre team in what some would view as a quick turnaround. I trust the process. I trust Murray. If I had to put money on it I would guarantee we are not going to use that first round pick. Winning meaningless games is subjective. Meaningless to who? Those young core pieces in the locker room that you want to lead us to the promised land are gaining invaluable confidence and poise. Winning now translates to winning next year. Good games/bad games/ boring games it's all the same. This is how you establish winning culture. You can't have it both ways. Edmonton fans are still "showing off" that they're (hockey gods willing) getting another first overall pick. Not calling you out specifically. We just have to enjoy it.

P.S. - potential UFAs take notice to the standings.
- 50GinosIn07

There is absolutely zero proof of this. There are too many variables that goes into the start of a season that would make finishing the previous season strong a legit advantage, and a five month layoff doesn't keep chemistry going. By this logic I should be expecting the Bills to be a Super bowl contender because they also finished their season on a positive note.

I am sold on

?? - Risto
Bogo - McCabe

I think that we solve that question mark and then our top 4 is pretty set as long as consistency is there.
- JVince11

fowler/shat
bogo/risto
mccabe/pysyk/nelson

fowler/shat
bogo/risto
mccabe/pysyk/nelson
- homiedclown

Well at least mine was realistic though....

I don't know what in the world we would have to trade for them two. You'd be parting with some key guys in our top 6 and picks for that. we're a .500 team right now and need more offense. Doesn't seem like a solid trade off.

There is absolutely zero proof of this. There are too many variables that goes into the start of a season that would make finishing the previous season strong a legit advantage, and a five month layoff doesn't keep chemistry going. By this logic I should be expecting the Bills to be a Super bowl contender because they also finished their season on a positive note.
- sskkoo1

You're not wrong, but the point is almost moot now. We did our tank last year and got the guy that we wanted. Eventually you need to take that step forward and this was when we did it. It's hard to go from bottom of the standings to playoffs but easier to get there from near the middle.

Do these past 5 games mean anything for the future? No. Do they doom this franchise for picking 8th instead of 6th? Nope. Jack was the goal. We reached the goal. Anything this year was a bonus.

There is absolutely zero proof of this. There are too many variables that goes into the start of a season that would make finishing the previous season strong a legit advantage, and a five month layoff doesn't keep chemistry going. By this logic I should be expecting the Bills to be a Super bowl contender because they also finished their season on a positive note.
- sskkoo1

So much more can go wrong in an NFL season so I'm not going to compare two different sports. However, I have a strong feeling that pick is going to be gone come draft day. I for one hope they finish 19th, which I believe is the highest they can finish mathematically.

I care more at this point about what UFAs think of us.

fowler/shat
bogo/risto
mccabe/pysyk/nelson
- homiedclown

Fowler I can see but I'm still not sold on Shattinkirk. If Murray can pull it off though, wow that's a top 6.

I see it being more
Risto-Fowler
Bogo-McCabe
Pysyk-Ruhwehdel/Nelson
Franson

I'd like that great defense but like I said before we're like 16th in goals against. If we can get at least Fowler that should help over Gorges.

So much more can go wrong in an NFL season so I'm not going to compare two different sports. However, I have a strong feeling that pick is going to be gone come draft day. I for one hope they finish 19th, which I believe is the highest they can finish mathematically.
- 50GinosIn07

Yeah, I don't really hope for that. Even if we're trading the pick the higher it is the better. We're 25 point better than last year. 2 wins puts us at 29. 25 is a great improvement and stopping now would be okay.

Fowler I can see but I'm still not sold on Shattinkirk. If Murray can pull it off though, wow that's a top 6.

I see it being more
Risto-Fowler
Bogo-McCabe
Pysyk-Ruhwehdel/Nelson
Franson

I'd like that great defense but like I said before we're like 16th in goals against. If we can get at least Fowler that should help over Gorges.
- Zschalberg

Risto's partner has to be a great skating defensive d-men, which fowler is not (well the last part)

Yeah, I don't really hope for that. Even if we're trading the pick the higher it is the better. We're 25 point better than last year. 2 wins puts us at 29. 25 is a great improvement and stopping now would be okay.
- Zschalberg

Realistically it doesn't matter. I just enjoy watching our core in it's infancy. You can tell something special is forming. I'm just letting it ride.