It's a good argument for keeping it for sure. I go back and forth daily it seems.

Question though: if the choice was dealing 8 OR making the playoffs, which do you pick? In other words, if Monahan got us over the hump, but it cost 8, without him we're sunk, do you pull the trigger?
- RhinoFan

I would choose to make the playoffs.

However, I think it’s possible to keep 8OA and overpay in other ways for roster talent.

At this point we need quality over quantity.

Two of Montour/Risto/Miller (obviously we all have our preferences on whom we’d like to keep) should be used to improve the roster up front if need be.

The 2021 first rounder should most definitely be in play.

If we need to move Olofsson or Kahun as a secondary piece in deal then so be it.

Any prospect not named Cozens should be available (including Mitts and Thomson).

I happen to believe we have enough ammo between tradable assets, and cap space in terms of offering short term deals to UFA’s to make the playoffs without having to move 8.

Then plan the Eichel trade at the deadline or next offseason?
- kingcong39

He costs a lot of money so who knows. The Pegula's do not give a fack about this team right now

asplund loaned to vasteras ik, a team he's been practicing with...now he's allowed to play in games

edit: forget it...(real) old news

*shrugs*

Ahhh, get it. Misread.

I was surprised to hear Dallas only spent 76M last season and San Jose 72M. Need some good players on ELCs and to not overpay for middle6 scoring.
- RhinoFan

Hence why trading the 8th OA is a mistake, IMO.
Need a pipeline of players on their ELC.

If they do impose an Internal Budget of say ~$72m that will of course severely limit their capacity to bring in a number of quality players needed for upgrades at 2C, 2RW, 3C, 1RhD, 2LhD, and G.

They do have redundancy at the 2/3RhD position (Risto, Monte, Joker, Miller), as well as at LW (Olo, Skins, Mojo, Kahun) in the Top 9 ... so, if they can find trade partners for hopefully 3 of the higher priced guys (Risto, Monte, Mojo) then they could leverage that to fill say 2 spots this offseason and save the rest to reduce the Cap/Salary hit. But, I am not in favor of trading the 8th in the event an Internal Budget is adopted.

He costs a lot of money so who knows. The Pegula's do not give a fack about this team right now
- sbroads24

Is this just an "IMO" or do you know something.

Then plan the Eichel trade at the deadline or next offseason?
- kingcong39

Why?

I believe this whole make 5he playoffs or else trade me is overblown.
I believe Jack is frustrated, yes...and I believe he gas expressed his opinion rather directly, no doubt.

However, I also believe that if Jack sees say that 20 teams pulling back financially, AND that Adam's listened and is taking decent action to reshape the team..but just not there yet given the financial restrictions based on a once in 100 year pandemic, I believe he will factor that in.

Sure, if Adam's sits on his hands ... then sure.

I would choose to make the playoffs.

However, I think it’s possible to keep 8OA and overpay in other ways for roster talent.

At this point we need quality over quantity.

Two of Montour/Risto/Miller (obviously we all have our preferences on whom we’d like to keep) should be used to improve the roster up front if need be.

The 2021 first rounder should most definitely be in play.

If we need to move Olofsson or Kahun as a secondary piece in deal then so be it.

Any prospect not named Cozens should be available (including Mitts and Thomson).

I happen to believe we have enough ammo between tradable assets, and cap space in terms of offering short term deals to UFA’s to make the playoffs without having to move 8.
- Pegullaville

Agreed on the supporting evidence, but would not trade 8...and they can still make the moves to greatly improve the team.
Jack has to know that making the Playoffs this season is somewhat on his shoulders as the Captain...he must find ways to make the team gel and compete at 110%.
Filling 5 or 6 holes in one offseason is a huge task...getting 14 players to up their game is just as necessary.
Has Jack called Mitts to see what he is doing to improve his game to at least 4 line NHL level?

Why?

I believe this whole make 5he playoffs or else trade me is overblown.
I believe Jack is frustrated, yes...and I believe he gas expressed his opinion rather directly, no doubt.

However, I also believe that if Jack sees say that 20 teams pulling back financially, AND that Adam's listened and is taking decent action to reshape the team..but just not there yet given the financial restrictions based on a once in 100 year pandemic, I believe he will factor that in.

Sure, if Adam's sits on his hands ... then sure.
- IonSabres

Conspiracy theory time:

Owners are crying poor now to drive down (R)(U)FA prices

Agreed on the supporting evidence, but would not trade 8...and they can still make the moves to greatly improve the team.
Jack has to know that making the Playoffs this season is somewhat on his shoulders as the Captain...he must find ways to make the team gel and compete at 110%.
Filling 5 or 6 holes in one offseason is a huge task...getting 14 players to up their game is just as necessary.
Has Jack called Mitts to see what he is doing to improve his game to at least 4 line NHL level?
- IonSabres

Untouchables: Eichel, Dahlin

Would have to be blown away to the point that they are pretty much untouchable: Joker, Cozens, 8th OA, Reinhart.

Guys we are stuck with: Skinner, Okposo.

Everyone else is fair game to me.

I would choose to make the playoffs.

However, I think it’s possible to keep 8OA and overpay in other ways for roster talent.

At this point we need quality over quantity.

Two of Montour/Risto/Miller (obviously we all have our preferences on whom we’d like to keep) should be used to improve the roster up front if need be.

The 2021 first rounder should most definitely be in play.

If we need to move Olofsson or Kahun as a secondary piece in deal then so be it.

Any prospect not named Cozens should be available (including Mitts and Thomson).

I happen to believe we have enough ammo between tradable assets, and cap space in terms of offering short term deals to UFA’s to make the playoffs without having to move 8.
- Pegullaville

This is a good post. I disagree with you (re: 8oa) but your logic is solid. Id rather move 8 than Olofsson. I'd want all current offensive talent at my disposal

Conspiracy theory time:

Owners are crying poor now to drive down (R)(U)FA prices
- jcragcrumple

The above is hardly a conspiracy theory as every business, especially the larger ones, does this when 'times are perceived as tough'.

It's a way to shed salary to still make money.

Is this just an "IMO" or do you know something.
- ImThatGuy

I know Jack Eichel is demanding a trade by mid season if we aren’t firmly in the playoff picture, and I know the owners have hired a Mickey Mouse GM and have given him nothing

I know Jack Eichel is demanding a trade by mid season if we aren’t firmly in the playoff picture, and I know the owners have hired a Mickey Mouse GM and have given him nothing
- sbroads24

Why?

I believe this whole make 5he playoffs or else trade me is overblown.
I believe Jack is frustrated, yes...and I believe he gas expressed his opinion rather directly, no doubt.

However, I also believe that if Jack sees say that 20 teams pulling back financially, AND that Adam's listened and is taking decent action to reshape the team..but just not there yet given the financial restrictions based on a once in 100 year pandemic, I believe he will factor that in.

Sure, if Adam's sits on his hands ... then sure.
- IonSabres

he has had enough time to make a few minor moves, or get a contract or 2 done


the boards should be fixed by now

he has had enough time to make a few minor moves, or get a contract or 2 done


the boards should be fixed by now
- navinrjohnson

Kim has had her focus on the bills and podcasts. Now that the bills season has started and Adams has finished his “melting ice 101” course, which was of course taught by Kim Pegula. Now. Now they can start to maybe, think about having discussions surrounding the Sabres.

Trust the process.

I would choose to make the playoffs.

However, I think it’s possible to keep 8OA and overpay in other ways for roster talent.

At this point we need quality over quantity.

Two of Montour/Risto/Miller (obviously we all have our preferences on whom we’d like to keep) should be used to improve the roster up front if need be.

The 2021 first rounder should most definitely be in play.

If we need to move Olofsson or Kahun as a secondary piece in deal then so be it.

Any prospect not named Cozens should be available (including Mitts and Thomson).

I happen to believe we have enough ammo between tradable assets, and cap space in terms of offering short term deals to UFA’s to make the playoffs without having to move 8.
- Pegullaville

Can't knock the logic.

Hence why trading the 8th OA is a mistake, IMO.
Need a pipeline of players on their ELC.

If they do impose an Internal Budget of say ~$72m that will of course severely limit their capacity to bring in a number of quality players needed for upgrades at 2C, 2RW, 3C, 1RhD, 2LhD, and G.

They do have redundancy at the 2/3RhD position (Risto, Monte, Joker, Miller), as well as at LW (Olo, Skins, Mojo, Kahun) in the Top 9 ... so, if they can find trade partners for hopefully 3 of the higher priced guys (Risto, Monte, Mojo) then they could leverage that to fill say 2 spots this offseason and save the rest to reduce the Cap/Salary hit. But, I am not in favor of trading the 8th in the event an Internal Budget is adopted.
- IonSabres

Agreed on the last part for sure. If we have an internal cap, you have to save draft picks out of necessity.

asplund loaned to vasteras ik, a team he's been practicing with...now he's allowed to play in games

edit: forget it...(real) old news

*shrugs*
- Michael Pachla

You didn't see me in Toronto
When I first tried out some hash
Smoked through a pen and I'd do it again
But I didn't have the cash

I know Jack Eichel is demanding a trade by mid season if we aren’t firmly in the playoff picture, and I know the owners have hired a Mickey Mouse GM and have given him nothing
- sbroads24

I think it's crazy to think you can fix this team and cut the budget. If that's the directive, I feel sorry for KA.

MoJo to the Wild

Eric Staal coming back

MoJo to the Wild

Eric Staal coming back
- RhinoFan

Holy poop!

MoJo to the Wild

Eric Staal coming back
- RhinoFan

No goddamn way

(frank) YES

Lmao. A 36 year old

Holy poop!
- kingcong39

I don't get it. He's less expensive and more productive, Staal had a NMC I believe. Just weird, but Dreger says it's a done deal.

MoJo to the Wild

Eric Staal coming back
- RhinoFan

I will toot my own horn. I called this