Mitts and Cozens both hitting their ceilings though flips this narrative pretty quickly. Olofsson should also improve, how much remains to be seen but he’s only played 28 NHL games. Asplund should be here full time next year and Thompson can make things interesting.

We won’t have a crazy amount of cap space but definitely enough to work with to bring in a couple of notable players.
- Pegullaville

Coz and Mitts both realizing their full potential is quite an assumption to make, and is far from a given.

Olofsson is the same age as Sam. Sure, he might get better. But would you give Sam the same benefit of the doubt?

Asplund is a Murray guy.

And Tage is enjoying a level of faith from fans rarely seen in a Sabre sweater.

He had no D depth at the time, he wasn't trading Risto, now is a different story. Kane got us Montour. ROR is hard, but he got us Johnson, and I believe the other pick got us the goalie prospect. And I blame a little of that trade on ownership, probably would have gotten more if the bonus wasn't attached
- Buff36

Was used for Colin Miller.

Coz and Mitts both realizing their full potential is quite an assumption to make, and is far from a given.

Olofsson is the same age as Sam. Sure, he might get better. But would you give Sam the same benefit of the doubt?

Asplund is a Murray guy.

And Tage is enjoying a level of faith from fans rarely seen in a Sabre sweater.
- PrinceChill

Jack and Sam aren’t finished products either by any stretch of the imagination.

I think it’s safe to say whether at Center or at wing even a realistic point of view says Cozens and Mitts are both top 6 forwards in the NHL.

Was used for Colin Miller.
- Pegullaville

Sorry I thought the other pick was a 2nd from St. Louis, thought we used a 3rd and 5th to get Miller, looking at the wrong picks.

https://www.reddit.com/r/...ce=share&utm_medium=web2x

The pick he traded for Josh Gorges ended up as Alex DeBrincat

One of the picks for Fasching ended up Erik Cernak

The list is endless
- sbroads24

The Fasching trade is just insane looking back at it. Would love to know what he was thinking there.

The pile of picks he gave up is why we have so few prospects ready to play now....and why guys like Girgs, Larsson, etc are still around. As much hate as they get, no one has really pushed for their jobs.

https://www.reddit.com/r/sabres/comments/dz7ttt/mike_saves_the_sabres_part_1/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x
- U Sir Name

I really enjoyed this.

The Fasching trade is just insane looking back at it. Would love to know what he was thinking there.

The pile of picks he gave up is why we have so few prospects ready to play now....and why guys like Girgs, Larsson, etc are still around. As much hate as they get, no one has really pushed for their jobs.
- Lunaion

Right. And i don’t think it excuses Botterill completely. I think it’s ridiculous that all 4 of 28,22,21 and 17 are here. I think 2 would’ve been fine.

But Asplund hit someone on his first shift and since then could’ve swapped jerseys with 28 or 22 and no one would’ve noticed.

He will full take one of those roles next year.

Mitts-Asplund-Olofsson is an intriguing line combo I’m pleased they’re exploring.

Next Mando comes out Fridee.

Right. And i don’t think it excuses Botterill completely. I think it’s ridiculous that all 4 of 28,22,21 and 17 are here. I think 2 would’ve been fine.

But Asplund hit someone on his first shift and since then could’ve swapped jerseys with 28 or 22 and no one would’ve noticed.

He will full take one of those roles next year.
- sbroads24

I like Asplund. He's doing what you expect from a 2nd rounder....a bottom 6 guy 3 years away from the NHL. I expected some bottom 6 changes this year, but you really have to develop some of your own. Even small trades, like giving away Flynn hurt in the long run.

I like Asplund. He's doing what you expect from a 2nd rounder....a bottom 6 guy 3 years away from the NHL. I expected some bottom 6 changes this year, but you really have to develop some of your own. Even small trades, like giving away Flynn hurt in the long run.
- Lunaion

Where I think Botterill got stuck is deciding between overpaying in FA or traded for role players or just riding out the same old until cheap picks could play those roles

Asplund was terrible in Rochester last year until February. He didn’t want to count on him making the roster

So does he let Larsson walk and trade assets or overpay a 4th liner in FA?

He did the smart but annoying thing.

I personally think he should’ve paid a team to take Sobotka so he never touched the ice

Where I think Botterill got stuck is deciding between overpaying in FA or traded for role players or just riding out the same old until cheap picks could play those roles

Asplund was terrible in Rochester last year until February. He didn’t want to count on him making the roster

So does he let Larsson walk and trade assets or overpay a 4th liner in FA?

He did the smart but annoying thing.

I personally think he should’ve paid a team to take Sobotka so he never touched the ice
- sbroads24

What is his plan for next year? Overpay in FA? Because I don’t think we have enough forwards in Rochester to fill all the holes being opened up.

What is his plan for next year? Overpay in FA? Because I don’t think we have enough forwards in Rochester to fill all the holes being opened up.
- PrinceChill

I know this is a giant assumption, but say a top 6 forward is added

Eichel
Sam
Skinner
Top 6 forward
Johansson
Cozens
Mittelstadt
Asplund
Thompson
Olofsson
There’s 10 that should be here. 11 if Okposo ever plays again

Marcus Davidsson
Ruostolainen
CJ Smith
Pekar
Brett Murray

Could battle for the last 2-3. I’d like another NHL’er added.

I really think one solid top 6 move and infusing Cozens and giving Mitts linemates might be enough

I know this is a giant assumption, but say a top 6 forward is added

Eichel
Sam
Skinner
Top 6 forward
Johansson
Cozens
Mittelstadt
Asplund
Thompson
Olofsson
There’s 10 that should be here. 11 if Okposo ever plays again

Marcus Davidsson
Ruostolainen
CJ Smith
Pekar
Brett Murray

Could battle for the last 2-3. I’d like another NHL’er added.

I really think one solid top 6 move and infusing Cozens and giving Mitts linemates might be enough
- sbroads24

Get ready for a big-time overpay if it’s a top 6 UFA forward. Buffatax tanker fees will be applied to join this squad.

Get ready for a big-time overpay if it’s a top 6 UFA forward. Buffatax tanker fees will be applied to join this squad.
- PrinceChill

That’s the tough part.

Zucker for 3 more years would be nice at 5.5

That’s the tough part.

Zucker for 3 more years would be nice at 5.5
- sbroads24

Very nice indeed, but they’re not just going to give him to us. JB has stated “it’s imperative we keep our depth on defense.” So it doesn't sound like he’d be willing to part with a defenseman.

Here’s what surprised me: Vesey, Sheary, Girgs,Larsson, all on the last year of their contracts. You’d think there’d be more motivation to produce and play well. Even Olofsson’s cold streak is going to cost him some money.

But what I imagine their agents would say something like this: “They were playing on the Sabres. How could you expect them to produce at all?”

Get ready for a big-time overpay if it’s a top 6 UFA forward. Buffatax tanker fees will be applied to join this squad.
- PrinceChill

They need a couple quality trades. Can't expect a top 6 from UFA.

If Lazar, Smith, and Asplund were the 4th line next year, it would be tolerable. Have to expect Pekar to spend a season in Roch.

They need a couple quality trades. Can't expect a top 6 from UFA.

If Lazar, Smith, and Asplund were the 4th line next year, it would be tolerable. Have to expect Pekar to spend a season in Roch.
- Lunaion

Expecting multiple trades involving top 6 forwards coming in is quite a tall order.

Very nice indeed, but they’re not just going to give him to us. JB has stated “it’s imperative we keep our depth on defense.” So it doesn't sound like he’d be willing to part with a defenseman.

Here’s what surprised me: Vesey, Sheary, Girgs,Larsson, all on the last year of their contracts. You’d think there’d be more motivation to produce and play well. Even Olofsson’s cold streak is going to cost him some money.

But what I imagine their agents would say something like this: “They were playing on the Sabres. How could you expect them to produce at all?”
- PrinceChill

If you believe the bolded is true, I have a bridge to sell you. Of course he will be trading a defenseman.

Expecting multiple trades involving top 6 forwards coming in is quite a tall order.
- PrinceChill

Not really what I meant.

In all honesty I think this is a caveat to making trades.

Buffalo GM’s have to find guys who are signed long term, with no NTC/NMC’s.
Most guys don’t want to be here
I truly think Botterill thought he’d get a Hall for Risto type of trade offer and it just never happened. So he hung on hoping maybe injuries would force a teams hand.

I’m giving Botterill a few weeks. If he doesn’t do anything by then he’s dead to me
- sbroads24

So if he brings in Brad Boyes or Steve Bernier he's absolved?

Except both have magically started scoring off line 4.

Armia has 76 games with Montreal- 20 goals. 13 at 5 on 5. Which is 2nd line rates.

You can’t say how this Gm failed to get any forwards and then pretend the ones the other traded away, who could very well still be here, for cheap are useless
- sbroads24

Thing is Mitts could absolutely turn into that and yet everyone's clamoring to get rid of him. Armia was dogpoop when he was traded, just like Mitts is now. You do not get the luxury of hindsight on what a player or pick becomes. Botterill seems utterly paralyzed by this.

I know this is a giant assumption, but say a top 6 forward is added

Eichel
Sam
Skinner
Top 6 forward
Johansson
Cozens
Mittelstadt
Asplund
Thompson
Olofsson
There’s 10 that should be here. 11 if Okposo ever plays again

Marcus Davidsson
Ruostolainen
CJ Smith
Pekar
Brett Murray

Could battle for the last 2-3. I’d like another NHL’er added.

I really think one solid top 6 move and infusing Cozens and giving Mitts linemates might be enough
- sbroads24

I know this is very presumptuous, but is the above good enough to win a title? I have my doubts.

Trading talent for talent: I might be looking to see what kind of talented player I can bring back for any or all of Olofsson, Reinhart, and Mittelstadt.

I understand being patient is key, but they've been spinning their wheels for so very long.

Botterill better have several aces up his sleeve.

Is the potential following good enough next year?

Skinner - Eichel - Ondrej Kase or Tyler Tofolli (trade for a defenseman)
Hoffman (FA) - Johansson - Tuch (trade for Reinhart)
Olofsson - Mittelstadt - Cozens
Girgensons - Asplund - Lazar

Dahlin - Montour
Pilut - Jokiharju
McCabe - Miller
Gilmour

They need a couple quality trades. Can't expect a top 6 from UFA.

If Lazar, Smith, and Asplund were the 4th line next year, it would be tolerable. Have to expect Pekar to spend a season in Roch.
- Lunaion

Agreed, but is Mike Hoffman a realistic, not going to break the bank target?