Michael Pachla: Grading out the 2016-17 Sabres at the All-Star break

First.....not likein that B for disco "I parked the bus" dan...


but otherwise good blog

So true about Eichel's return.

Good blog, and the Sabres need to have a good February!

Since Ek is so convinced that Dutchy is comin to Sabreland..here's my guess at what it could look like..

Bogosian, Bailey, 2017 1st, and 2017 3rd (becomes a 2018 2nd if Sabres make the playoffs)

This is based off the rumored asking price of of a "top 4 d-man, top prospect, and no. 1 pick"

- 2017 1st is ok with me because by most accounts its not an incredibly strong draft this year and in reality we'll prolly be picking between 5 and 10

- If Bogo doesn't work then you substitute Guhle but you take the 3rd (cond. 2nd) off the table

.....Again I think any move to get Duchene would be 1 step forward, 2 steps back (so I probably wouldn't do it).
- feetontheair22

From last blog.....

Here is my take.

McCabe + 2017 1st (lottery protected) + Bailey / Baptiste for Duchene.

Then Kane for top 4 D + 3rd rounder in 2017

Then Foligno for 2nd rounder

Then Girgensons + 2nd rounder for top 4 D

Then Franson for 3rd rounder (hope for 2nd, but doubt you get that)

Maybe Ennis and 2nd for 20 year old AHL (non NHL) player, but this one I doubt.

From last blog.....

Here is my take.

McCabe + 2017 1st (lottery protected) + Bailey / Baptiste for Duchene.

Then Kane for top 4 D + 3rd rounder in 2017

Then Foligno for 2nd rounder

Then Girgensons + 2nd rounder for top 4 D

Then Franson for 3rd rounder (hope for 2nd, but doubt you get that)

Maybe Ennis and 2nd for 20 year old AHL (non NHL) player, but this one I doubt.
- Lilroot9

I don't want to lose McCabe, even for the ability to get Duchene.

That deal is impressive to say the least for the minutes he eats.

My only reasoning for McDavid setting Jack's market, is because of the potential that Eichel has.

Doughty was signed to a massive contract that took him a few years to "earn." I just see Eichel's agent using McDavid as leverage. I hope he sticks in the same light of how Toews and P. Kane were signed, but I can see it easily going the other way.

I don't want to lose McCabe, even for the ability to get Duchene.

That deal is impressive to say the least for the minutes he eats.
- thatsapickle

I don't disagree, I just think that is what the deal has to be. I do think Guhle will be better than McCabe (in a few years) and McCabe needs to be protected for Expansion draft, so losing him to gain another top 4 D (that you would need to protect) might make more sense.

There is no way that Bogo or Kulikov get it done for Duchene, but I would start there if I was Murray.

My only reasoning for McDavid setting Jack's market, is because of the potential that Eichel has.

Doughty was signed to a massive contract that took him a few years to "earn." I just see Eichel's agent using McDavid as leverage. I hope he sticks in the same light of how Toews and P. Kane were signed, but I can see it easily going the other way.
- thatsapickle

McDavid is one of the top 5 players in the NHL right now. Probably top 3.

Eichel is not in the top 20 yet.

An agent can use McDavid as leverage all he wants but it that's like an agent for Joe Pavelski using Crosby as a measuring stick.

First.....not likein that B for disco "I parked the bus" dan...


but otherwise good blog
- feetontheair22

the rash of injuries took it's toll and the team is playing much better these day...still have wrinkles to iron out

Derek Grant to a waiver claim by the Dallas Stars

I think you meant Nashville...

My only reasoning for McDavid setting Jack's market, is because of the potential that Eichel has.

Doughty was signed to a massive contract that took him a few years to "earn." I just see Eichel's agent using McDavid as leverage. I hope he sticks in the same light of how Toews and P. Kane were signed, but I can see it easily going the other way.
- thatsapickle

So I understand what you are saying, but no way Murray let's Eichel get near actual RFA staus (allowing others to throw offers in) so it depends on when McDavid gets signed.

I dont see Edmonton allowing McDavid to get that far either, unless McDavid wants to push it that far (although anything anyone offers Edmonton would match so that is a tricky game).

I guess what I am saying it the first day this summer we can offer Jack a new contract, I think we do.

the rash of injuries took it's toll and the team is playing much better these day...still have wrinkles to iron out
- Michael Pachla

I'd give Disco an incomplete...

He hasn't had a full lineup and he never will thanks to the Larsson injury.

He has opened it up a bit but he is still lacking when it comes to getting his team ready to play from the opening puck drop.

It has been an issue all season, they come out flat even if they score first most fans are just waiting for them to fall back instead of applying more pressure.

I think your B is a bit generous especially since you gave the goaltending a C...

I'd give Disco an incomplete...

He hasn't had a full lineup and he never will thanks to the Larsson injury.

He has opened it up a bit but he is still lacking when it comes to getting his team ready to play from the opening puck drop.

It has been an issue all season, they come out flat even if they score first most fans are just waiting for them to fall back instead of applying more pressure.

I think your B is a bit generous especially since you gave the goaltending a C...
- Stripes77

yeah, you could be right on the grading, striper, but this team has been playing a lot better and the injuries the team suffered earlier in the season, and even during the last six weeks, have really hurt and I think he's done a real good job managing that...

as for the goalies?--as a duo they're average

I don't want to lose McCabe, even for the ability to get Duchene.

That deal is impressive to say the least for the minutes he eats.
- thatsapickle

When this team is truly a contender, McCabe's deal won't be a bargain anymore. I believe he is up for a new deal this year anyway.

yeah, you could be right on the grading, striper, but this team has been playing a lot better and the injuries the team suffered earlier in the season, and even during the last six weeks, have really hurt and I think he's done a real good job managing that...

as for the goalies?--as a duo they're average
- Michael Pachla

The Sabres goalies rank 4th in the NHL in save percentage facing the most shots in the NHL...

I'd say that's pretty good. Sure it's only one stat they are 16th in GAA which is middle of the league but overall I would say they deserve better than a C

From last blog.....

Here is my take.

McCabe + 2017 1st (lottery protected) + Bailey / Baptiste for Duchene.

Then Kane for top 4 D + 3rd rounder in 2017

Then Foligno for 2nd rounder

Then Girgensons + 2nd rounder for top 4 D

Then Franson for 3rd rounder (hope for 2nd, but doubt you get that)

Maybe Ennis and 2nd for 20 year old AHL (non NHL) player, but this one I doubt.
- Lilroot9

Those first two trades are laughably bad. If Adam Larrson gets you Taylor Hall then Duchene is no where near all of that. Vice versa with Kane, who i will give you is playing well right now, but will not net you a top four d, maybe a good D prospect. I don't they are impossible trades, just highly unlikely.

When this team is truly a contender, McCabe's deal won't be a bargain anymore. I believe he is up for a new deal this year anyway.
- buffalofan19

McCabes deal goes through the 2018-2019 season at $1.6 million per year.

It's a steal

Michael Pachla: Grading out the 2016-17 Sabres at the All-Star break
- Michael Pachla

Overall this season Buffalo is 5-4 in overtime.

Grade: D+

little harsh there

overall 21 points in 15 games
9 points in last 5 games

I would agree before the 3 ot wins

Does anyone actually think we are really in on Duschene?

Overall this season Buffalo is 5-4 in overtime.

Grade: D+

little harsh there

overall 21 points in 15 games
9 points in last 5 games

I would agree before the 3 ot wins
- homiedclown

The past 3 OT wins inflated the stat.
.... Now I see your edit add on

Does anyone actually think we are really in on Duschene?
- Cup Crazy '07

No. I'm sure they talk on the phone about hockey, cured meats, and local microbrews, but that is about it. This trade makes no sense to me.

yeah, you could be right on the grading, striper, but this team has been playing a lot better and the injuries the team suffered earlier in the season, and even during the last six weeks, have really hurt and I think he's done a real good job managing that...

as for the goalies?--as a duo they're average
- Michael Pachla

torn on overage

they are 16th in goals allowed per game, which includes empty netters
they have allowed the most shots per game in nhl

they have given up 6 empty net goals against

torn on overage

they are 16th in goals allowed per game, which includes empty netters
they have allowed the most shots per game in nhl

they have given up 6 empty net goals against
- homiedclown

4th in save percentage, which is why I am giving Pach a hard time

Those first two trades are laughably bad. If Adam Larrson gets you Taylor Hall then Duchene is no where near all of that. Vice versa with Kane, who i will give you is playing well right now, but will not net you a top four d, maybe a good D prospect. I don't they are impossible trades, just highly unlikely.
- BatFan88

Fair enough, but 2 points...


The first trade for Duchene. A developed top 6 young forward (see Kane) is not cheap. If you are saying Larsson is equal (or close) to McCabe you are really wrong. I hated that deal for Edmonton, but not the same player at all.

As for the Kane deal, this goes into expansion draft, some teams wont be able to protect all D men, so if they need to move one to not lose for nothing that is where we should swoop in. We are dealing for strength here, since we dont have a forced need to move him. (just my opinion)

Fair enough, but 2 points...


The first trade for Duchene. A developed top 6 young forward (see Kane) is not cheap. If you are saying Larsson is equal (or close) to McCabe you are really wrong. I hated that deal for Edmonton, but not the same player at all.

As for the Kane deal, this goes into expansion draft, some teams wont be able to protect all D men, so if they need to move one to not lose for nothing that is where we should swoop in. We are dealing for strength here, since we dont have a forced need to move him. (just my opinion)
- Lilroot9

Ya know I do forget about the expansion draft factor, that may open some doors that wouldn't be opened. I think McCabe doesn't get enough credit, and is still young, which I think boosts his value. He could still improve, where as I think Larssons ceiling has been pretty much reached.