the key IMO is still addition by subtraction

girgens, lockport larry, okposo, sobotka, scandella, bogo, nelson

we need to keep 2, maybe 3 of them at most


and skinner has so much implication on this off season, more then most will acknowledge
- homiedclown

Skinner-Eichel-______
Olofsson-_____-Reinhart
Sheary-Mitts-Nylander/Thompson
Smith-Erod-Okposo

Dahlin-Montour
Pilut-Risto
McCabe-Nelson/Borgen/Bogo

Even with resigning Skinner (assuming $9M per) and lets say the cap goes up $1-2M we would have approximately have $18M to play with without removing Sobotka, Scandella which would clear another $7.5M. Plus we are adding 7OA to that mix as well who will eventually fit into that puzzle. Bogo and Sheary would come off the books next offseason. We have so many different avenues we can go with this offseason to improve the team it will be interesting.

Skinner-Eichel-______
Olofsson-_____-Reinhart
Sheary-Mitts-Nylander/Thompson
Smith-Erod-Okposo

Dahlin-Montour
Pilut-Risto
McCabe-Nelson/Borgen/Bogo

Even with resigning Skinner (assuming $9M per) and lets say the cap goes up $1-2M we would have approximately have $18M to play with without removing Sobotka, Scandella which would clear another $7.5M. Plus we are adding 7OA to that mix as well who will eventually fit into that puzzle. Bogo and Sheary would come off the books next offseason. We have so many different avenues we can go with this offseason to improve the team it will be interesting.
- Pegullaville

The bigger problem is that group is soft, easy to play against, and terrible defensively. We need considerable improvement internally, but the composition of the current group simply needs to change.

karlsson, karlsson, trouba and malkin
- homiedclown

i'd be happy with one of those four

The bigger problem is that group is soft, easy to play against, and terrible defensively. We need considerable improvement internally, but the composition of the current group simply needs to change.
- Lunaion

Lots of work to be done but we have the cash and assets to make moves too. We need to make an under the radar type trade. Carolina got Teravinen for a second rounder and a fourth to take Bickell as well. Something along those lines would be great.

Lots of work to be done but we have the cash and assets to make moves too. We need to make an under the radar type trade. Carolina got Teravinen for a second rounder and a fourth to take Bickell as well. Something along those lines would be great.
- Pegullaville

I question the assets. I think we're a bit light on picks and tradeable prospects. I agree there's a good opportunity to leverage cap space again this year. They need a 'hockey trade' or two in addition. I still think they need some fundamental changes to the core.

Ah so we'll sign Roustarousailaakssonnin, a 21 year old to a guaranteed NHL contract.

What could possibly go wrong with that?

Sorry,
Arttu Rasmus Ver Magnus Roustaillianenlaaksalainnensson.

Good luck with that one RJ.

Nickname: Arttu D-2

I question the assets. I think we're a bit light on picks and tradeable prospects. I agree there's a good opportunity to leverage cap space again this year. They need a 'hockey trade' or two in addition. I still think they need some fundamental changes to the core.
- Lunaion

I think our other first rounder will be available if it’s in the 28-31 range. It may be available even if the Stars win Tuesday and it’s pick 19. That alone could bring in a valuable player considering a team like Winnipeg doesn’t have a first rounder this year and multiple teams are up against the cap.

I think our other first rounder will be available if it’s in the 28-31 range. It may be available even if the Stars win Tuesday and it’s pick 19. That alone could bring in a valuable player considering a team like Winnipeg doesn’t have a first rounder this year and multiple teams are up against the cap.
- Pegullaville

It might be, but we have no 2nd, so it's not some kind of surplus asset to me. If we deal more picks, without recouping any, it's shortsighted in my book. Our prospect pool isn't strong enough.

It might be, but we have no 2nd, so it's not some kind of surplus asset to me. If we deal more picks, without recouping any, it's shortsighted in my book. Our prospect pool isn't strong enough.
- Lunaion

I wouldn’t move it unless it was for a young player that fit our timeline. Think the forward version of Montour. Young C or winger in the 22-25 range with RFA eligibility left.

Lots of work to be done but we have the cash and assets to make moves too. We need to make an under the radar type trade. Carolina got Teravinen for a second rounder and a fourth to take Bickell as well. Something along those lines would be great.
- Pegullaville

Our under the radar type trade from last year that scored 40 hasnt signed yet. They should be focusing on that

Do not be taking on any more salary just to get a guy who 'fits the timeline' because, what is the timeline? Im tired of the timeline. Its time to shed the rest of the dead salary and bring in players who will help grow the young core we have by winning

I agree on the 2C.

If we can’t resign Skinner then I agree we are in trouble on the wings. However if resign Skinner, between Olofsson, Smith, Nylander, and Thompson I think we are better off then some think. We have the cash to splurge on a vet or two and hope Sheary is better with improvement from Mitts in year 2 for immediate help.

This team with 25 games left had a legit chance at the playoffs with he current roster we have already. Eichel is going to take another step, Reinhart has more to give, Dahlin is going to have a statement year, full year of Montour, Mittelstadt will get better. I think McCabe can hold down the #4 spot. Pilut should be here full time next year.

Better coaching will help the special teams and defensive play as well.
- Pegullaville

What you’re describing is a “playoff” contender
Not a CUP contender

What you’re describing is a “playoff” contender
Not a CUP contender
- jdfitz77

2020-2021 is the most realistic season for this team to take the next step into that sort of realm of contending. Hopefully this coming season we can finally make the playoffs and see all of our younger players continue to improve.

Honestly, we really need to make a play for Duchene, as this will fill the 2c need

They wold need a huge offseason if you think there’s any chance of them getting to be contenders that soon

Honestly, we really need to make a play for Duchene, as this will fill the 2c need
- GErbe75ptz

he's having fun in Columbus and I think they'll make him a sweet offer to stay, including an 8th year...doesn't necessarily mean he'll re-sign, but the Sabres are gonna need to go real big to even be in the mix

Honestly, we really need to make a play for Duchene, as this will fill the 2c need
- GErbe75ptz

No thanks
He’s going to be severely overpaid
Go check out his stats
You’ll be surprised how much lower they are from year to year than you’d expect

Probably take 9mil per to sign a guy that gets 55ish points per season
That’s a terrible idea imo

2020-2021 is the most realistic season for this team to take the next step into that sort of realm of contending. Hopefully this coming season we can finally make the playoffs and see all of our younger players continue to improve.
- Pegullaville

Not if we are overpaying the guys ppl want on these boards

The bigger problem is that group is soft, easy to play against, and terrible defensively. We need considerable improvement internally, but the composition of the current group simply needs to change.
- Lunaion

BINGO.

I agree on the 2C.

If we can’t resign Skinner then I agree we are in trouble on the wings. However if resign Skinner, between Olofsson, Smith, Nylander, and Thompson I think we are better off then some think. We have the cash to splurge on a vet or two and hope Sheary is better with improvement from Mitts in year 2 for immediate help.

This team with 25 games left had a legit chance at the playoffs with he current roster we have already. Eichel is going to take another step, Reinhart has more to give, Dahlin is going to have a statement year, full year of Montour, Mittelstadt will get better. I think McCabe can hold down the #4 spot. Pilut should be here full time next year.

Better coaching will help the special teams and defensive play as well.
- Pegullaville

What have you seen from them so far to lead you to this conclusion?
Perhaps with more development they each could contribute, but again they are soft players being added to an already soft team.
Once/if Bogo goes, this roster has zero toughness.
They need to add that element soon.

What you’re describing is a “playoff” contender
Not a CUP contender
- jdfitz77

Please explain the difference of a playoff vs cup contender

he's having fun in Columbus and I think they'll make him a sweet offer to stay, including an 8th year...doesn't necessarily mean he'll re-sign, but the Sabres are gonna need to go real big to even be in the mix
- Michael Pachla

So you're saying size matters?

IMO - I agree with you, I don't see Botts having an easy time selling the city and organization to a player in win now mode.

So you're saying size matters?

IMO - I agree with you, I don't see Botts having an easy time selling the city and organization to a player in win now mode.
- washedup20

Money is always the ultimate aphrodisiac.

Money is always the ultimate aphrodisiac.
- kingcong39

Did you see that aphrodisiac behind the Stars bench last game?

Money is always the ultimate aphrodisiac.
- kingcong39

Not in all cases.
See Stamkos, JT, Kucherov.
all took less to be where they wanted...serious money for each, but discounted non the less.