I am not convinced the Sabres have a top line worthy of a SC contender.
So I'm more like 39 in regard to the current talent level unless 2 of these youngins absolutely explode.

Furthermore, next season is likely the last season for awhile to realistically draft top end talent.
It's a reason I would absolutely use 16 this year to take Miro. I would probably package 9, Olo and Fitz (Philly kind of guy) to move up into to 5 to grab Gauthier.
- IonSabres

If you can't hit on any of 7 recent 7th to 16th overall picks, you have no chance.

Size, grit, and character. Something they are lacking overall now. Gauthier and McGroarty would add a lot.

I'm far from a draft expert, and even less this year without worlds. USDP stats have always bothered me. The gap in competition makes them laughable.
- Lunaion

This is the concern though. The gap in competition is laughable, but his stat line is rather ordinary. Granted, like you I don't know much about these guys beyond what I can pop into a very quickly made model, so there's plenty of context Im missing. For instance, I don't have access to their eTOI which could shed some light on the production.

However, there's a decent correlation between USDP production and future production in the pros and players with Gauthier's aren't all that impressive. A recent exception would be Boldy, so I do wonder if it's a similar situation.

Not sure where to go with this. I do agree that they are lacking top end talent after trading Jack and Sam, but does that really factor into making the best picks this year? If none of their high/mid 1st F's develop into much, then sure, they have an issue. They have to hit on a few to go anywhere.
- Lunaion

you have 2 d men picked first overall

that alone should improve the offense several notches when power matures

Agreed on the team need, but if both of them end up ultimately putting up middle 6 production, that means you're trading 2 of Casey, Krebs, Peterka, Quinn, and Cozens for players that can truly output high end production, unless you believe all the current Sabres young players I mentioned will eventually be able to do that, as you can't win with a forward group that mostly produces middle six numbers.
- kingcong39

I think you could, but your window would be very small, because once they're due raises you end up in a scenario where your 3rd line that was giving middle six production now wants more money than you'd like to give a line playing 12 mins a night or whatever.

They may need to make those trades anyways. A lot of unknowns in terms of ceiling in the pipeline. Even amongst the regulars, they'll have to make a decision pretty quickly on whether they double down on certain fringe players (betting on their potential) or try to cash in on inflated league value.

If you can't hit on any of 7 recent 7th to 16th overall picks, you have no chance.
- Lunaion

I am of the opinion that players are different...skills, capabilities and character, etc.
Moving up gives one their choice of the combination they desire.
We saw it play out with Quinn in the 1st draft...kid is driven to excel (now just build muscle).

Getting a guy who is 6'4, 210lbs, skates like the wind, plays 200' game, is a leader and driven at the C position...probably (not always) is more impactful than a 5'6 , 170 guy with the same traits in a physical league.

I'd rather have my choice than sloppy seconds.

This is the concern though. The gap in competition is laughable, but his stat line is rather ordinary. Granted, like you I don't know much about these guys beyond what I can pop into a very quickly made model, so there's plenty of context Im missing. For instance, I don't have access to their eTOI which could shed some light on the production.

However, there's a decent correlation between USDP production and future production in the pros and players with Gauthier's aren't all that impressive. A recent exception would be Boldy, so I do wonder if it's a similar situation.
- Michael Ghofrani

Like I said, without worlds, I'm a prospect novice and a few people here know these guys much better than I do. It's probably dumb that their combines rose their stock so much in my mind.

Before, I had my eye on Savoie, since he seems to be dropping for no good reason.

I'd rather have my choice than sloppy seconds.
- IonSabres

At the risk of sounding a mite paranoid…in the event of a Faber/Johnson swap. Couldn’t Faber just wait out the clock, then go anywhere he wants? And as a 2nd round pick, I don’t think the Sabres get any compensation, as opposed to Johnson bringing back a late 2nd.

Theoretically, LA could get RyJo for free and still keep Faber.

Like I said, without worlds, I'm a prospect novice and a few people here know these guys much better than I do. It's probably dumb that their combines rose their stock so much in my mind.

Before, I had my eye on Savoie, since he seems to be dropping for no good reason.
- Lunaion

He'd be a great get at 9 I think, not sure if he falls that far though. Production is comparable to Reinhart and Cozens.

world juniors are such a weird thing for draft stocks, its amazing how long the effect can carry. Like nothing Lambert has done would warrant a first round selection, except for a very impressive short stint on televised games which all but guarantees he'll go in round 1.

- homiedclown

That kid line did pretty good. I was impressed...not 1OA and 2OA impressed, but impressed.

At the risk of sounding a mite paranoid…in the event of a Faber/Johnson swap. Couldn’t Faber just wait out the clock, then go anywhere he wants? And as a 2nd round pick, I don’t think the Sabres get any compensation, as opposed to Johnson bringing back a late 2nd.

Theoretically, LA could get RyJo for free and still keep Faber.
- PrinceChill

Yes it could happen
Most of these kids want to play in NHL and earn a paycheck. What's the choice don't draft NCAA players

Not sure where to go with this. I do agree that they are lacking top end talent after trading Jack and Sam, but does that really factor into making the best picks this year? If none of their high/mid 1st F's develop into much, then sure, they have an issue. They have to hit on a few to go anywhere.
- Lunaion

The three words you mentioned were size, grit, and character when calling out Gauthier and McGroarty.

There is more to their game then that, but unless you think the other players available at 9 and 16 are equal and that is the differentiator, why would you take lesser talented players with intangibles over more talented players?

I can assure you that players like Nazar and Howard have ample character and grit.

Like you said, they should be making the best picks possible, not solely focusing on the intangibles.

This would be a very young D corps.

Dahl-Samuel
Power-Faber
Bryson-Joker
Fitz
- DirtyDan

Would Love it, surprised Faber would be moved, thought a Johnson for Grans would be fair, definitely take Faber. Saw him play maybe 10 times last year, kid is a fantastic skater.

He'd be a great get at 9 I think, not sure if he falls that far though. Production is comparable to Reinhart and Cozens.

world juniors are such a weird thing for draft stocks, its amazing how long the effect can carry. Like nothing Lambert has done would warrant a first round selection, except for a very impressive short stint on televised games which all but guarantees he'll go in round 1.
- Michael Ghofrani

I thought the Sabres were one of a very few who were using Spector3000 Vision system for scouting.

I think you could, but your window would be very small, because once they're due raises you end up in a scenario where your 3rd line that was giving middle six production now wants more money than you'd like to give a line playing 12 mins a night or whatever.

They may need to make those trades anyways. A lot of unknowns in terms of ceiling in the pipeline. Even amongst the regulars, they'll have to make a decision pretty quickly on whether they double down on certain fringe players (betting on their potential) or try to cash in on inflated league value.
- Michael Ghofrani

St. Louis is the example many point to, but they needed a big time Binnington goaltending heater to win the cup.

Without that, what have they been?

Something Buffalo desperately wishes they were? Fair 😆😅😂

Yes it could happen
Most of these kids want to play in NHL and earn a paycheck. What's the choice don't draft NCAA players
- Anderdog

Oh, I was just exploring the possible consequences of this particular deal. And how Johnson’s situation does come with some small insurance.

Never drafting college-bound players would be idiotic.

St. Louis is the example many point to, but they needed a big time Binnington goaltending heater to win the cup.

Without that, what have they been?

Something Buffalo desperately wishes they were? Fair 😆😅😂
- kingcong39

Lol probably, although the blues played very well in front of him, gave him the best chance to go on a heater.

The three words you mentioned were size, grit, and character when calling out Gauthier and McGroarty.

There is more to their game then that, but unless you think the other players available at 9 and 16 are equal and that is the differentiator, why would you take lesser talented players with intangibles over more talented players?

I can assure you that players like Nazar and Howard have ample character and grit.

Like you said, they should be making the best picks possible, not solely focusing on the intangibles.
- kingcong39

Right now, it sounds like they'd be lucky if Gautheir and McGroarty were left at 9 and 16, so I don't think I'm reaching here. Combines really made them stand out, and they just feel like great fits.

You know these guys much better than I do.

I am not convinced the Sabres have a top line worthy of a SC contender.
So I'm more like 39 in regard to the current talent level unless 2 of these youngins absolutely explode.

Furthermore, next season is likely the last season for awhile to realistically draft top end talent.
It's a reason I would absolutely use 16 this year to take Miro. I would probably package 9, Olo and Fitz (Philly kind of guy) to move up into to 5 to grab Gauthier.
- IonSabres

Definitely agree. Besides goaltending. We need an elite forward.

Our best center is cozens and at best. He’s a 2C.

Definitely agree. Besides goaltending. We need an elite forward.

Our best center is cozens and at best. He’s a 2C.
- Sabretooth9

wildcard quinn

wildcard quinn
- gerbe75pts

Good call Gerbe's

https://sabrenoise.com/20...-proposals-chicago/amp/1/

https://sabrenoise.com/2022/06/22/buffalo-sabres-trade-proposals-chicago/amp/1/
- Buff36

While this seems like a lot, we need to remember that McCabe had arguably the best season of his career in 2021-22. He set a career-high in points (22), blocks (167), and hits (166). For the second time in his career, McCabe’s ice time hit the 20-minute mark. He also has nine seasons of NHL experience, and he will be just 29 when the season begins.

I've always thought McCabe was underrated but the Sabres need a righty, not a lefty, for their top-4

https://spectrumlocalnews...ect-profile--marco-kasper

I've always thought McCabe was underrated but the Sabres need a righty, not a lefty, for their top-4
- Hank Balling

I didn't read the Kane Trade proposal, he lost me there.
Overall, his trades are too expensive IMO, especially for McCabe...like the player, not the trade values .
Move along, nothing to see here.

Edit: McCabe at $4m screams of top 4; he would became 3rd Pair here.
Easy pass.