There's no way they go into next year with the roster looking like this. At a minimum they need to find out whether Olofsson or Nylander can be 2LW, and then they need at least a 2RW. They need a 3C for sure. That will most likely necessitate creatively moving contracts. Cycle out a few of the bottom guys too
- jcragcrumple

The 1st things that jumps out at you when you look at F contracts is how few commitments they have. It's not going to take much creativity.

Do they think anyone in Rochester is going to be top6/top4? I have no clue.

There's no way they go into next year with the roster looking like this. At a minimum they need to find out whether Olofsson or Nylander can be 2LW, and then they need at least a 2RW. They need a 3C for sure. That will most likely necessitate creatively moving contracts. Cycle out a few of the bottom guys too
- jcragcrumple

If we go with Sobotka as 3C again... ugh

Olofsson & Nylander have played RW as well
So if we go 2 for 2 there,
it would obviously help our offense quite a bit
Probably a lot to ask though

Pommers 36 playing like a 35 year old.

I see him with jack soon - again - finally

Noted, thanks for correcting what I thought you were implying.

I retract the ROR statement.

I think anyone seriously believing that Mitts was a strong candidate for the Calder was way over estimating. I get hoping, but truly thinking that I don't understand.

However one felt about ROR being traded, he would have been a (statistically) solid 2C. You can't just think a rookie with less than 10 games would produce like that.

If JB was, that was a grave mistake. 2C's are hard to find, and if you part with one, you have to replace him.
- gcomella34

To be fair...
it was certainly possible that Mitts could step in and be a Calder Candidate
But it seemed like Botts was DEPENDING on that to happen
And if so, that was risky,
with a pretty weak backup plan

It shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that it hasn’t worked out

I do think Mitts will be ok though
Just needs time, and some better linemates

I will say this. Last year we were worried about getting first line talent. At least it looks like we have that.

Now we're worried about the second line, which would push the players on that down to where they belong line three or four.

Pommers 36 playing like a 35 year old.

I see him with jack soon - again - finally
- Boss34

Lol
You really love Pommer

To be fair...
it was certainly possible that Mitts could step in and be a Calder Candidate
But it seemed like Botts was DEPENDING on that to happen
And if so, that was risky,
with a pretty weak backup plan

It shouldn’t be that big of a surprise that it hasn’t worked out

I do think Mitts will be ok though
Just needs time, and some better linemates
- jdfitz77

Right, I think he tried pushing him to 2c a year or so early. The skills seem to be there, similar to Thompson. They just need time to mature. Tage could turn out to be a solid second line winger or a really good third line winger if he puts it all together.

I will say this. Last year we were worried about getting first line talent. At least it looks like we have that.

Now we're worried about the second line, which would push the players on that down to where they belong line three or four.
- gcomella34

If Skinner walks, were pretty much back to where we were last season.

We are years away from keeping up with the Leafs, Bolts, Caps, Pens and others.

The 1st things that jumps out at you when you look at F contracts is how few commitments they have. It's not going to take much creativity.

Do they think anyone in Rochester is going to be top6/top4? I have no clue.
- Lunaion

We all thought at least Guhle & Nylander were
Now that’s in question

Right, I think he tried pushing him to 2c a year or so early. The skills seem to be there, similar to Thompson. They just need time to mature. Tage could turn out to be a solid second line winger or a really good third line winger if he puts it all together.
- gcomella34

I’ve never been a Tage fan,
but that could be true about him as well
Hopefully he works out

We are years away from keeping up with the Leafs, Bolts, Caps, Pens and others.
- SABRES 89

A Scott Wilson call up disagrees 😂😂😂

If Skinner walks, were pretty much back to where we were last season.
- PrinceChill

But with a ton more cap space. That's worth something

But ...but but we are supposed to give him another 2-3 of years of excuse making to make things right, right?
- Over50

Why, are you on the committee that oversees the hirings and firings? 😉

We are years away from keeping up with the Leafs, Bolts, Caps, Pens and others.
- SABRES 89

When you have #DarcyPartDeux, indeed you are.

Excuses will be fed and eaten.

A viscous never ending cycle.

For all the flak Mittelstadt is taking, who is the 4th best forward on this team right now?

Why, are you on the committee that oversees the hirings and firings? 😉
- Powerslave

I wish that I were.

For all the flak Mittelstadt is taking, who is the 4th best forward on this team right now?
- Lunaion

He has looked a lot better lately. Finding space

Some of this falls on Botterill, he put this team together, he put Mitts as 2nd line center when he isn't ready.
- SABRES 89

As it should.... good to hear. I’m actully Encouraged to hear there is some accountability.

Thanks
Hopefully it was just a frustrated kid making a mistake
I’m glad McCabe stepped in
I could see him wearing an “A” for us once we move on from Okposo &/or Bogo
- jdfitz77

If it even happed...

As it should.... good to hear. I’m actully Encouraged to hear there is some accountability.
- gordong

There should be accountability on every front, yes, but if anyone thought this was a finished product, they shouldn't watch hockey anymore.

Sh!t takes time.

(and I'm not sticking up for Botts. This is just reality)

LOOSE FOR HUGHES. ANY ATTEMPT TO MAKE THE LAST WILD CARD SPOT IS FRUITLESS.
- MLew65

Time is an illusion and existence is fleeting...

We are years away from keeping up with the Leafs, Bolts, Caps, Pens and others.
- SABRES 89

That’s why I think we need to keep the picks and draft. If Botts wants to take a swing then bring in Duchene/Stone in FA.

He has looked a lot better lately. Finding space
- TheHank

and generally speaking, he's making the proper reads and doing the right thing whether it's knowing when to chip and chase or bustin ass on the back check...he still has problems thinking that some of the stickhandling he used in high school and college work at this level...however, he's cut that back significantly

Twitter guy has brought up Duchene and Buffalo again. As well the Senior Advisor to Doug Armstrong in St.Louis was scouting the Sabres last night.