Hoffman & Dadonov have had similar stats for the past 3 years now, both 30

Sounds like you’d prefer Hoffman
Style of play? Or just a little better overall?
What do u think about their fit as a 2nd line scoring winger for us?
- jdfitz77

Idk, early in the year I would've said keep Dads over Hoff. Hoffman's shot is a sight to behold, but Dadonov was better all around player. As I said, it was kinda assumed that Hoff would be the one not signed, if not traded before/at the deadline. Tallon said something to the tune of I'll trade anybody who isn't fully buying in, and that seemed to light a fire under Hoffman's ass. He's been solid all around player, and now I'm not sure if they let him walk or not. Hoffman's effort seemed to show he wants to be a part of it in FL, but then again, it is his contact year. Dadonov has been steady if not spectacular, and I guess would be the safe play to keep. But, I think I'd like them to keep Hoffman, the shot is unreal and he can rip it past very good goalies even when they see it coming. But, at the same time I don't want them going crazy on the term. My opinion may change tomorrow, lol.

I think the Sabres are playing the right way, but lack a couple high end offensive pieces.

The Bruins, Blues, and Stars (who would have beaten the blues last year if not for poopty luck in missing a wide open net) all play a strong defensive team game and all had very successful seasons last year and this year.

Teams like the Leafs and Panthers score at will yet both seemed like they were handing each other a playoff spot on a silver platter.

Washington with Trotz played the right way and won a cup, they were suffocating defensively.

Contrary to popular belief, Pittsburgh under Mike Sullivan have been one of the best teams at defending high danger chances and are actually a very strong defensive team. They just happen to have Crosby and Malkin who are able to flip the game in one shift. That’s why guys like Matt Murray and now Tristan Jarry have been able to step in and put up strong numbers.

Botts was responsible of the hiring of Sullivan and moulding that AHL system to produce players like Simon, Ashton-Reese, Blueger, Gunetzel that are all strong 200 foot players. Every player has a role and they do it well.

The Sabres play the right way, we just need goaltending that aren’t saving 20 goals less than expected and Botts needs to give Kreuger another offensive weapon or two to score a few more goals.
- Pegullaville

Yes, given the poop roster Botts assembled.
Lack of scoring led them to play like the Devils, again save for Jack.
Boring.

Yes, given the poop roster Botts assembled.
Lack of scoring led them to play like the Devils, again save for Jack.
Boring.
- IonSabres

Sure, and look at all the so call considered Cup Contenders this year and tell me where they all rank in GAA, SV%, Corsi, and High Danger scoring chances against.

I’ll save you the trouble, it’s exactly who you’ll think it is.

Play a strong defensive team game and get a few game breakers up front.

That’s because the Norris always goes to the best offensive d-man. Brodin isn’t a point producer but if your top 4 consists of Dahlin (who is going to improve exponentially it’s only a matter of time), Joker (who will also improve greatly), Brodin and Montour that’s the best if not one of the best d-corps in hockey.
- Pegullaville

Even if he’s among the best “defensive” defensemen,
that’s still an overpay

And i do like him. Would love him here

Idk, early in the year I would've said keep Dads over Hoff. Hoffman's shot is a sight to behold, but Dadonov was better all around player. As I said, it was kinda assumed that Hoff would be the one not signed, if not traded before/at the deadline. Tallon said something to the tune of I'll trade anybody who isn't fully buying in, and that seemed to light a fire under Hoffman's ass. He's been solid all around player, and now I'm not sure if they let him walk or not. Hoffman's effort seemed to show he wants to be a part of it in FL, but then again, it is his contact year. Dadonov has been steady if not spectacular, and I guess would be the safe play to keep. But, I think I'd like them to keep Hoffman, the shot is unreal and he can rip it past very good goalies even when they see it coming. But, at the same time I don't want them going crazy on the term. My opinion may change tomorrow, lol.
- Ratsreign

How does Dadonov score most of his goals?
And by “all around” do u mean defensively?

Even if he’s among the best “defensive” defensemen,
that’s still an overpay

And i do like him. Would love him here
- jdfitz77

If that’s the price for a 25 year old horse in his prime I do it.

It’s time to put all the chips in.

Especially if we get one of Byfield/Rossi

If that’s the price for a 25 year old horse in his prime I do it.

It’s time to put all the chips in.

Especially if we get one of Byfield/Rossi
- Pegullaville

Maybe see if they would throw Hartman in, add a little sandpaper to the 4th line

How does Dadonov score most of his goals?
And by “all around” do u mean defensively?
- jdfitz77

😉 He plays with Barkov and Huberdeau, and he's smart enough to keep his stick on the ice...
He scores a lot from right in the slot, both PP & ES.
Yes, I mean defensively, but also all around effort like going to the net and taking a beating but standing your ground, or forechecking hard and making good things happen. He just keeps steadily going.

you guys will be ready for june first

we are about 3 weeks behind you down here
- homiedclown

His business may be ready, but how comfortable with the public feel resuming everything as normal? Especially after the vast array of often conflicting information.

If that’s the price for a 25 year old horse in his prime I do it.

It’s time to put all the chips in.

Especially if we get one of Byfield/Rossi
- Pegullaville

Ok, gotcha
Just think it’s an overpay
Especially considering he’s UFA after 1 year
And no guarantee he doesn’t wanna test the market

if casey, or cozens cant's fill the second line center slot this fall, we need a new GM right now
- homiedclown

They can in the future, but doubtful next year. Why rely or plan on one of them being fully ready for the 3rd reason in a row? Why do that again?

😉 He plays with Barkov and Huberdeau, and he's smart enough to keep his stick on the ice...
He scores a lot from right in the slot, both PP & ES.
Yes, I mean defensively, but also all around effort like going to the net and taking a beating but standing your ground, or forechecking hard and making good things happen. He just keeps steadily going.
- Ratsreign

Cool. Thanks dude
Appreciate the insight

Based on your descriptions,
i think Dadonov brings a little more of what we are missing
But I’d be happy with either

The Sabres could take a giant step next year with the right off-season moves. It's funny you mention and describe how the Sabres "play the right way". That is coach Q's go to phrase, "we wanna/we're gonna play the right way". Their forwards were/are a big part of their defensive struggles. Imo, it's big part of why Trocheck was traded. Getting Haula and Wallmark in return has given them two defensively responsible forwards. It took a few games after the trade, but their last several games before virus stoppage were the most solid teamwide defensive efforts to date. They played an impressive defensive game against Boston, losing 2-1 in OT. Then they smothered the Habs before going to St Louis and beating the Blues in another low scoring game. It seems they may have figured out how to play "the right way" that Q's been talking about all season. It sucks they had to stop, it was going to get very interesting.
- Ratsreign

Watching the heavily focused on defense style of incredibly boring to me. I watch for entertainment, and the low event games are easy 15 minute fast forward watches after games. They are not worth watching live at all.

Botts may get fired immediately after the nhl season gets officially cancelled
- Boss34

Best thing for this franchise.
I don't want him anywhere near Reinharts contract negotiations, nor the roster re-construction at large.

Cool. Thanks dude
Appreciate the insight

Based on your descriptions,
i think Dadonov brings a little more of what we are missing
But I’d be happy with either
- jdfitz77

Dadanov is surprisingly old. He’s 31 already

Dadanov is surprisingly old. He’s 31 already
- sbroads24

I would stay away

They can in the future, but doubtful next year. Why rely or plan on one of them being fully ready for the 3rd reason in a row? Why do that again?
- kingcong39

Hopefully Mitts is busting his a$$ right now & will be in the weight room all summer
Just doing that & working on his skating will lead to a huge leap for him imo

I know we are all programmed to some degree to expect the worst
But what if Cozens is 2C ready,
AND
this is the break through season for Mitts...

Then how good does the top6 look?!?!

Dadanov is surprisingly old. He’s 31 already
- sbroads24

He went back to Mother Russia for a few years, came back a better player because of it but yea he’s no spring chicken

If that’s the price for a 25 year old horse in his prime I do it.

It’s time to put all the chips in.

Especially if we get one of Byfield/Rossi
- Pegullaville

He's going to be 27 this July, and 28 when his next deal starts. Are you ok giving a 28 year old Brodin an 8 year deal for $56M total ($7M per)?

He's not so easy to give up a lot for in a trade with that in mind.

Dadanov is surprisingly old. He’s 31 already
- sbroads24

He was in the KHL for a bit
Hoffman turns 31 in November

Both are a few years older than I’d like,
but also UFAs we don’t have to give up assets for

4 or 5 year deal?

Hopefully Mitts is busting his a$$ right now & will be in the weight room all summer
Just doing that & working on his skating will lead to a huge leap for him imo

I know we are all programmed to some degree to expect the worst
But what if Cozens is 2C ready,
AND
this is the break through season for Mitts...

Then how good does the top6 look?!?!
- jdfitz77

Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and a little bit of luck.

If I'm Botterill, I'm going after 2 quality centers this offseason. One that is a short term answer and one that is longer term.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best, and a little bit of luck.

If I'm Botterill, I'm going after 2 quality centers this offseason. One that is a short term answer and one that is longer term.
- kingcong39

I still think Mitts will be a top 6 complimentary winger whenever this organization realizes that he can’t handle playing Center. Not good enough defensively nor does he have the speed. Reinhart 2.0

https://twitter.com/yasha.../1246277479175618560?s=19

https://twitter.com/yashar/status/1246277479175618560?s=19
- kingcong39

2, 6, 8

Best thing for this franchise.
I don't want him anywhere near Reinharts contract negotiations, nor the roster re-construction at large.
- IonSabres

Solid post ion

I just think a fresh step of eyes is needed at this point.

Like pegulaville reminds us, this is an important time for the franchise. These contracts need to be cost effective.