Excellent write up Michael.

I'm an optimist. I think all of your scenario's are possible.

I think your best point is worrying about Phil and the coaching staff. Not sure if there will be a huge improvement. Shouldn't be worse either.

Excellent write up Michael.

I'm an optimist. I think all of your scenario's are possible.

I think your best point is worrying about Phil and the coaching staff. Not sure if there will be a huge improvement. Shouldn't be worse either.
- Boss34

I think the single largest factor is staying healthy

I think the single largest factor is staying healthy
- jcragcrumple

Agreed, but a close second is just how good Dahlin, Mittelstadt, Ullmark and Guhle are this upcoming season.

We get two of them to perform at a high level we are a playoff bubble team

I think the single largest factor is staying healthy
- jcragcrumple

It's odd, the health factor never really crosses my mind.

It is very important.

Luck factor / puck luck

don't know

heard they were willing to part with a LD, a first rd pick, not ours, and a few scrubs to thin the roster


and nylander, bailey have been thrown out in discussion as well



from what I gather, they like reinhart
- homiedclown

#insider

It's odd, the health factor never really crosses my mind.

It is very important.

Luck factor / puck luck
- Boss34

If this team can stay healthy, they have a shot of being a playoff bubble team. That is a huge if considering the team has lost some of their best players for long periods of time in recent years.

Three biggest questions for Sabres:
Amount of new guys/change
Okposo
Mittlestat

https://nhl.nbcsports.com...g-the-buffalo-sabres/amp/

Hutton under pressure:

https://nhl.nbcsports.com...essure-carter-hutton/amp/

I think Sheary’s style of play makes him a better linemate for Jack than Skinner will be.

Skinner and Jack both like to carry the puck.

Sheary is a converter. He scores off the creativity of others.

https://youtu.be/YAfga9sv0m8

I think Sheary’s style of play makes him a better linemate for Jack than Skinner will be.

Skinner and Jack both like to carry the puck.

Sheary is a converter. He scores off the creativity of others.

https://youtu.be/YAfga9sv0m8
- Der Kaiser

I also like the idea of Skinner, a pure shooter, playing with Mitts, who seems to be more of a set-up guy.

I also like the idea of Skinner, a pure shooter, playing with Mitts, who seems to be more of a set-up guy.
- PrinceChill

I think Eichel needs the best LW and Mitts needs the best RW. Eichel would be passing to either Sheary/Skinner on his forehand. Whereas Mitts would be a tougher pass on his backhand. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Even JVR said when he signed in philly he was excited to play with their Right Shot Centreman

I think Eichel needs the best LW and Mitts needs the best RW. Eichel would be passing to either Sheary/Skinner on his forehand. Whereas Mitts would be a tougher pass on his backhand. Maybe I’m overthinking it. Even JVR said when he signed in philly he was excited to play with their Right Shot Centreman
- Pegullaville

I don’t believe you’re overthinking it. This is a good idea and an angle I hadn’t thought of.

I don’t believe you’re overthinking it. This is a good idea and an angle I hadn’t thought of.
- PrinceChill

I really think getting Kessel for the 2nd line would be pure gold. Yes I’m aware he’s 31, but he can still skate with the best of them. Not saying he’ll play till he’s 39 like Marleau but I think we would still be a great player for the remainder of his contract.

Skinner-Eichel-Reinhart
Sheary-Mitts-Kessel
Erod-Berglund-Okposo
Wilson-Sobotka-Pominville

That’s playoffs for sure. Heck we might even give Toronto a run for their money if Mitts and Dahlin can grow up quick.

I think we won the offseason.
- Rex Ryan

...

I really think getting Kessel for the 2nd line would be pure gold. Yes I’m aware he’s 31, but he can still skate with the best of them. Not saying he’ll play till he’s 39 like Marleau but I think we would still be a great player for the remainder of his contract.

Skinner-Eichel-Reinhart
Sheary-Mitts-Kessel
Erod-Berglund-Okposo
Wilson-Sobotka-Pominville

That’s playoffs for sure. Heck we might even give Toronto a run for their money if Mitts and Dahlin can grow up quick.
- Pegullaville

You probably would have to move one of Okposo or Pomminville to make that work. Not that I would be opposed to that, just that it would be difficult to do.

It helps sure but I am not sold on Hutton and frankly I think Sabres would have been better off keeping RoR. They traded away their 2nd line C to then go out and get Wingers for a 2nd line C they dont have anymore....

Three biggest questions for Sabres:
Amount of new guys/change
Okposo
Mittlestat

https://nhl.nbcsports.com...g-the-buffalo-sabres/amp/
- Der Kaiser

Thanks for sharing.
If you haven't subscribed to The Athletic, you may want to consider it.
The content is usually much deeper than what I just read in the NBCSports articles.
Seems like NBCsports is geared for sports fans of othet teams, surface level reporting of what the status is, rather than informative what could happen opinions.

Not all the time on TA articles, but generally better.

It helps sure but I am not sold on Hutton and frankly I think Sabres would have been better off keeping RoR. They traded away their 2nd line C to then go out and get Wingers for a 2nd line C they dont have anymore....
- xShoot4WarAmpsx

ROR is a good player, no doubt.
With Casey Mittlestat set to take over 2C responsibilities, ROR became expendable, especially at his contract value. The hope is He provides greater upside offensively, while the defensive responsibilities go elsewhere on the roster.
They got immediate help to deepen their roster and combined provide about the same production and fill the void for defensive responsibilites that rOR carried.
And they secured additional potential in the form of a young propect and 1st round draft pick.
Overally, a smart move by Botteril.

Thanks for sharing.
If you haven't subscribed to The Athletic, you may want to consider it.
The content is usually much deeper than what I just read in the NBCSports articles.
Seems like NBCsports is geared for sports fans of othet teams, surface level reporting of what the status is, rather than informative what could happen opinions.

Not all the time on TA articles, but generally better.
- IonSabres

I took advantage of the 50% discount. It's pretty decent, but I probably won't pay the full price for it when my subscription runs out.

Anyone want to tell this guy the tough reality?

Or get that Botts trade phone out...

https://twitter.com/vm_bu.../1025767116518109184?s=21

I think Sheary’s style of play makes him a better linemate for Jack than Skinner will be.

Skinner and Jack both like to carry the puck.

Sheary is a converter. He scores off the creativity of others.

https://youtu.be/YAfga9sv0m8
- Der Kaiser

Good post

When is the last time an 18 year old was the #1 defenseman on a playoff team his rookie year? Has it ever happened?
- Antilles

Phil Housley 82-83?

I think Sheary’s style of play makes him a better linemate for Jack than Skinner will be.

Skinner and Jack both like to carry the puck.

Sheary is a converter. He scores off the creativity of others.

https://youtu.be/YAfga9sv0m8
- Der Kaiser

Makes sense
But I’d imagine they both get tried with Jack at some point

Anyone want to tell this guy the tough reality?

Or get that Botts trade phone out...

https://twitter.com/vm_bu.../1025767116518109184?s=21
- Lilroot9

Well that’s not good
The season hasn’t even started yet & this guy might be a problem with his attitude
Damn it