I expect him to make moves to improve the team at the deadline and in the offseason.

I don’t judge Adams’ success on the Sabres making the playoffs this year when the majority of the core is under the age of 23.

I’m not going to sit here and freak out about hypotheticals.
- Pegullaville

Of course not, because this is Buffalo where expectations are in the toilet and playoffs are an unattainable goal for 1 of 32 teams

If top 4 RHD are still considered highly valuable, why would a team trade one for what is spare parts?
- kingcong39

Understand, you have to find that right team, the money. You just have to be willing to pull the trigger when it happens and they don't seem to want to do that.

The Sabres are on pace to be a worse team than last year. If that continues what makes next year any different In terms of going for it.

As is stands we still don’t know what Quinn,Krebs,JJ are, will have new prospects to develop entering the system and we will be further away from making the playoffs.

Why is next year the year to make moves other than it being this arbitrary marker set for no reason.
- ImThatGuy

The Sabres were on pace to be a playoff team several times during the drought 30-35 games into the season.

There is a reason why they play 82 games.

St.Louis was on pace to hand us a top 15 pick in the ROR deal and we’re talking about blowing up the roster once upon a time in November and we all know how that ended.

I’m not going to sit here and tell you they will be a playoff team this year, but there is enough good in the first 17 games that I’ll eat crow if they finish bottom 10.

Of course not, because this is Buffalo where expectations are in the toilet and playoffs are an unattainable goal for 1 of 32 teams
- sbroads24

The Devils and Isles look pretty good for teams that didn’t make the playoffs last year.

Growth of talent already on the roster and talent acquisition as we move forward will determine next years fate.

Until Adams makes moves like signing an Okposo, Leino, Ehrhoff, or giving Skinner $72M in free agency I’m not going to panic.

How much will Matthews get on his next deal ? Getting Tage for nearly half price alone is masterful work.

Why is Adams sitting on his hands? This team struggles defensively and he doesn't even trade a low pick to get defensive help.

Its pathetic.

Why is Adams sitting on his hands? This team struggles defensively and he doesn't even trade a low pick to get defensive help.

Its pathetic.
- sabresfan69

Because Adams got his bag. He doesn’t have to do a thing

Bryson has been on the ice for 7 goals for at even strength and 19 against. If I had to bet, he's still here next year.

Bryson has been on the ice for 7 goals for at even strength and 19 against. If I had to bet, he's still here next year.
- Lunaion

Yeah, but he's fast.

Bryson has been on the ice for 7 goals for at even strength and 19 against. If I had to bet, he's still here next year.
- Lunaion

This points directly to defensive injuries and playing up a line or pairing.

This points directly to defensive injuries and playing up a line or pairing.
- Boss34

Also an obvious spot to upgrade, as he's been a negative player his entire time in the NHL.

Also an obvious spot to upgrade, as he's been a negative player his entire time in the NHL.
- Lunaion

Sometimes you have to look at players and hope they develop. Development happens with playing time.

The Devils and Isles look pretty good for teams that didn’t make the playoffs last year.

Growth of talent already on the roster and talent acquisition as we move forward will determine next years fate.

Until Adams makes moves like signing an Okposo, Leino, Ehrhoff, or giving Skinner $72M in free agency I’m not going to panic.

How much will Matthews get on his next deal ? Getting Tage for nearly half price alone is masterful work.
- Pegullaville

I have no idea what this means. You have a habit of just pointing out random teams that have nothing to do with the Sabres.

Sometimes you have to look at players and hope they develop. Development happens with playing time.
- Boss34

At some point, you have to make an honest assessment of what you have and try to improve, instead of doubling and tripling down on the guys you have. Do you honestly see something significantly different between Bryson and Pilut that makes you want to stick with him long term?

At some point, you have to make an honest assessment of what you have and try to improve, instead of doubling and tripling down on the guys you have. Do you honestly see something significantly different between Bryson and Pilut that makes you want to stick with him long term?
- Lunaion

Yes, bryson seems faster, more flashy.

Probably not making the playoffs with either on your nhl roster though.

Upgrading defenseman #5 behind
Dahlin, samuelsson, power , joker.... and maybe bush wasnt a priority

Yes, bryson seems faster, more flashy.

Probably not making the playoffs with either on your nhl roster though.

Upgrading defenseman #5 behind
Dahlin, samuelsson, power , joker.... and maybe bush wasnt a priority
- Boss34

Lyubushkin has not been good for a while now.

Hoping that turns around.

Lyubushkin has not been good for a while now.

Hoping that turns around.
- kingcong39

I agree, nothing special

Some big hits and probably playing slightly injured.

Probably what we expected for 2.5 million a year.

At some point, you have to make an honest assessment of what you have and try to improve, instead of doubling and tripling down on the guys you have. Do you honestly see something significantly different between Bryson and Pilut that makes you want to stick with him long term?
- Lunaion

A step further: Is there that much difference between either of the 2 you mentioned and Jokiharju?

How Clague played when called up seems telling.

I agree, nothing special

Some big hits and probably playing slightly injured.

Probably what we expected for 2.5 million a year.
- Boss34

Feels like it has been awhile since some of those big hits took place.

Players with his style frequently end up playing with injuries/at less than 100%.

It's a concern with Samuelsson as well.

Lyubushkin has not been good for a while now.

Hoping that turns around.
- kingcong39

That blocked shot has hurt his game.

Feels like it has been awhile since some of those big hits took place.

Players with his style frequently end up playing with injuries/at less than 100%.

It's a concern with Samuelsson as well.
- kingcong39

Yeah, so it might be beneficial to start adding to that D prospect pool.

That blocked shot has hurt his game.
- Buff36

Playing hurt is a concern with his style of play. Same with Samuelsson.

Not worth much when they're out of the lineup or playing at a reduced capacity due to being hurt.

Playing hurt is a concern with his style of play. Same with Samuelsson.

Not worth much when they're out of the lineup or playing at a reduced capacity due to being hurt.
- kingcong39

Totally agree, and Samuelsson has been hurt more than he's been on the ice. It's a concern throughout the system cause they have no depth.

Yeah, so it might be beneficial to start adding to that D prospect pool.
- Buff36

You and I are on the same page there.

I would've been looking to add 4 defensemen to the ORG last offseason.

Two via the draft, including using the 2nd round pick on one (which they did not), considering how many were still on the board, and one of their 3rd through 5th round picks as well.

Signing one, which they did.

Trading for one, which they did not.

Seems clear that they don't view it as a priority.

Totally agree, and Samuelsson has been hurt more than he's been on the ice. It's a concern throughout the system cause they have no depth.
- Buff36

The larger problem is being thin on defensive depth is a decision they made.

Feels like it has been awhile since some of those big hits took place.

Players with his style frequently end up playing with injuries/at less than 100%.

It's a concern with Samuelsson as well.
- kingcong39

For sure, big hit / big block guys end up injured.

Risto is another example.


Sabres really need to play with the lead. During the losing streak, seems like we get behind and play catch up