Choose your fighter (added this season comparison to the last 3 seasons combined for context):
- kingcong39

It looks like everything "good" Krug has done is through PP offense. We sure don't need him there. His +/- doesn't lie. Stay the F away. I'm never going to subscribe to hoping a guy can stop his awful season this year to get back to his decent level he once had unless he's a HoFer or there are some real extenuating circumstances.

It looks like everything "good" Krug has done is through PP offense. We sure don't need him there. His +/- doesn't lie. Stay the F away.
- lacaprup

Yes sir, agreed.

He wouldn't get that time with the Sabres.

Faulk is the better option of the two. Even of the three (including Parayko)...?

Yes sir, agreed.

He wouldn't get that time with the Sabres.

Faulk is the better option of the two. Even of the three (including Parayko)...?
- kingcong39

The best option is none of the above

Yes sir, agreed.

He wouldn't get that time with the Sabres.

Faulk is the better option of the two. Even of the three (including Parayko)...?
- kingcong39

Agree, prices seem to be a little wacky. Might be hard to buy that defenseman, might not be as easy as some have stated on here instead of drafting said player.

Agree, prices seem to be a little wacky. Might be hard to buy that defenseman, might not be as easy as some have stated on here instead of drafting said player.
- Buff36

Also, whatever the Leafs have left in the ammunition stores, I expect Dubas will throw at a depth defenseman before the deadline. It's all or nothing for him this year. He has no contract next season, and he's already spent a large chunk of the Leafs' future. Gotta go 100% if you're him.

Also, whatever the Leafs have left in the ammunition stores, I expect Dubas will throw at a depth defenseman before the deadline. It's all or nothing for him this year. He has no contract next season, and he's already spent a large chunk of the Leafs' future. Gotta go 100% if you're him.
- lacaprup

Give them Lyubushkin for Timmins

Give them Lyubushkin for Timmins
- Buff36

- kingcong39

🤷‍♂️

https://www.capfriendly.c.../armchair-gm/team/3961226
So does this make us better, I know it sucks not having are picks in the first couple rnds next year. But maybe Joker, Mitts can get us a 2nd or 2. I don't care about Timo's QO, the Sabres could handle it, and the vibes should make him want to stay.

https://www.capfriendly.com/armchair-gm/team/3961226
So does this make us better, I know it sucks not having are picks in the first couple rnds next year. But maybe Joker, Mitts can get us a 2nd or 2. I don't care about Timo's QO, the Sabres could handle it, and the vibes should make him want to stay.
- Buff36

They'd be at a roughly $77M cap hit next season.

It's the season after that where things would get very interesting, as they would have work to do to be under the cap limit.

They'd be at a roughly $77M cap hit next season.

It's the season after that where things would get very interesting, as they would have work to do to be under the cap limit.
- kingcong39

Really depends on what Power signs for. Long or short and what Timo signs at with a extension. But definitely pushing it.

Sabres core now

Thompson
Tuch
Skinner
Cozens
Peterka
Quinn
Power
Dahlin
Samuelsson

Add
Kulich
Savoie


Now do the math, if none of those pieces are moved you still have your future.

8 of your top 9 forwards.
3 of your top 4 D.

Summary - GO GET CHIQORIN.

blues want scandella gone

retool

pay a little to take his "bad" contract
- homiedclown

I haven't heard that they wanted to get rid of scandella. That makes more sense.

Sabres Sunday notes: On playoff picture, goalie situation, Owen Power and more

Feb 18, 2023; San Jose, California, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Casey Mittelstadt (37) and San Jose Sharks defenseman Matt Benning (5) fight for control of the puck during the third period at SAP Center at San Jose. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
By Matthew Fairburn
Feb 19, 2023
43
Save Article
The Buffalo Sabres couldn’t have asked for a better Saturday.

With a crowded playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, the Sabres are going to need some help over the final two months of the season to end their 11-year playoff drought.

On Saturday, they got all the help they needed. The Panthers, Penguins, Islanders and Capitals all lost before the Sabres and Sharks dropped the puck in San Jose. The Red Wings ended up losing, too. That gave the Sabres a prime opportunity to make up some ground in the wild-card race.

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It wasn’t always pretty, but they took advantage with a 4-2 win against the Sharks to finish their three-game California trip with four of a possible six points. If you measure by points percentage, the Sabres are in the second wild-card spot. Strictly by points, the Sabres are three points behind the Penguins and Islanders and two points behind the Capitals and Panthers. They have games in hand on all of them. With 28 games left in the season, the Sabres have put themselves in a position to have a real shot at the postseason.

This latest win didn’t come easy. At one point, the Sabres were being outshot by the Sharks 27-4. Coach Don Granato has talked about his team’s tendency to over-pass the puck, and that became an issue through two periods in San Jose. The Sabres kept looking for the perfect play, while the Sharks had consistent, tenacious pressure and too many scoring chances. Buffalo found its game in the third period, though. After mustering just 13 scoring chances through two periods, the Sabres had 17 in the third period alone. That helped them escape with a needed win to keep pushing their way up the standings.


Here are some big-picture takeaways from Buffalo’s three games in California.

1. Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is giving this team its best chance to win. That’s been true over a large sample size, but it became clear on this trip. He was outstanding against the Sharks, keeping the Sabres in the game while they floundered for two periods. He needed to make 25 saves on 27 shots in the first two periods, and seven of those were on high-danger scoring chances. At the end of both the first and second periods, he had to make spectacular saves to keep the score tied. The Sabres didn’t necessarily plan for Luukkonen to be the guy this year, but he’s played his way into that role. This team doesn’t have an easy road to the postseason, but Luukkonen looks like the goalie most capable of stealing a game on any given night right now.

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2. Owen Power continues to show special talent. He scored his fourth goal of the season against the Sharks, collecting a cross-zone pass from Jeff Skinner and making a smooth play to open up the goalie and beat him with a backhand shot. Power has so much confidence with the puck on his stick, whether he’s making a breakout pass or finishing off a play as he did on his goal. He has a perfect feel for when to press in the offensive zone. Power did have two turnovers in this game. Those seem to be the rare moments where he looks his age, though. Most of the time, Power is playing beyond his years at both ends of the ice.

3. Granato mixed up the defensive pairs on this trip and then shortened the bench and played five defensemen in the third period against the Sharks. He has gone back and forth between Kale Clague and Jacob Bryson as the sixth defenseman. Clague seems to have the edge, but shortening the bench Saturday showed who the Sabres can lean on when they need to.

Henri Jokiharju had a strong finish to the road trip. The Sabres allowed just five scoring chances at five-on-five when Jokiharju was on the ice against the Sharks, according to Natural Stat Trick. His 73 percent expected goal share at even strength was a team-best. The 23-year-old has dealt with injuries this season, but he looks a lot more comfortable now than he did at the beginning of the season.

4. As part of mixing up the lines this week, Granato put Casey Mittelstadt, Peyton Krebs and Jack Quinn together. In two games, that line has worked well. Against the Ducks, that group got two five-on-five goals and led the team in expected goal share. That trio again led the team in expected goal share at five-on-five against the Sharks.

This is an interesting mix of players because Krebs and Mittelstadt are both considered pass-first players. Quinn, meanwhile, hasn’t been the most aggressive shooter in his rookie season despite possessing elite skill in that area. That line has the ability to generate plenty of offense, but it will be interesting to see who emerges to finish those chances when that group is on the ice together. Mittelstadt has been more eager to shoot in recent games, including a goal against the Ducks. Quinn had four shot attempts against the Sharks and it feels like he’s due to score with how much offense he’s creating lately.

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5. The Sabres continue to get consistent play from the Tage Thompson line and the Kyle Okposo line. The two lines contribute in different ways.

Thompson’s line generated six high-danger scoring chances at five-on-five, according to Natural Stat Trick. Skinner had a goal and an assist. Thompson had an assist, and Alex Tuch had a goal (empty net) and an assist. When those three are rolling, they’re an offensive juggernaut.

Meanwhile, the line of Okposo, Zemgus Girgensons and Tyson Jost kept the Sharks off the scoreboard and had one of its strongest shifts late in the game, pinning the Sharks in their own end and extending possession. Girgensons was especially active on that shift. It seems like when the Sabres need a hard-working, physical shift like that, this group is able to deliver. That will matter down the stretch.

(Photo of Buffalo’s Casey Mittelstadt and San Jose’s Matt Benning fighting for control of the puck: Stan Szeto / USA Today)

Matthew Fairburn is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the Buffalo Sabres. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he previously covered the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills for The Athletic. Prior to The Athletic, he also covered the Bills for Syracuse.com. Follow Matthew on Twitter @MatthewFairburn
43 COMMENTS
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Tim O.
· Yesterday
This team controls its destiny. Looking forward to watching the balance of the season. I have not been able to say that in February for years. Keep up the great work Sabres .

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Gary M.
· 21h 28m ago
At the very least we can say that there has been progress with the team being relevant in late February.

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Jonathan S.
· Yesterday
Getting these four points against the Ducks and Sharks was huge. I cannot wait until Tuesday night.

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Mark B.
· Yesterday
Nice win ! What is missing is Defensemen who can clear out traffic in front of our Goalie.

They don't have issues scoring, with five 20 goal forwards on the roster and many more improving. Have to play better D and that also applies to the forwards getting back and playing tougher in their own zone. Young team on the rise with actual meaningful games late in the year. Go Sabres !

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William P.
· 21h 59m ago
Would love to see GMKA make a deal for Gavrikov from Columbus. Excellent stay-at-home D who can jump up in a play when the opportunity presents itself, excellent instincts.

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Kevin T.
· 18h 50m ago
@William P. I don’t understand why people are calling him excellent at anything. Jarmo is controlling the deadline again. Please, no Gavrikov. He isn’t good.

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Gregg C.
· 12h 17m ago
@William P. I would be more inclined to see if CHI would trade either Mc Cabe or Murphy. Both have previous experience with the coach Granato and come with term

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James S.
· Yesterday
It’s really scary the development of this team from the beginning of last season to the end they improved greatly and then they made a jump this year and besides the 8 game crazy injury induced losing streak they have kept it going. Jokiharu has been noticeably good lately and Power has looked like a 1,000 game vet since he stepped on the ice. If they ever did make a move for someone like Meier and put him on Cozens wing and pushed talent down to the third line. I can’t imagine how teams would try and stop this team. The fact they are still maturing have a couple holes are the youngest team in the league and are right there for the goal scoring lead it’s crazy. Usually the defensive responsibility comes a couple years down the road so they just need to keep getting games under their belt. Exciting to watch. Tage Dahlin Tuch Skinenr and Cozens all look to clear 80 points too.

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Michael P.
· Yesterday
@James S.

Great post. Just a quick note on Tuch, he's top-10 in the league in EV points (45) and tied for 11th in EV goals (21). What he brings to the ice production-wise on the top line is obvious, but his hockey sense, speed anticipation without the puck is elite to the point where I think he's underappreciated.

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James S.
· Yesterday
@Michael P. I know he is a 5on5 beast. So is Skinner. I think Skinner is like top 10 in EV goals since he was drafted. The names around him were really shocking and that is why GMJB gave him that contract. We have a lot of play drivers and that leads to 5on5 goals if you have enough finishers. Timo Meier is a kinda both of those things. Imagine if Cozens and him were both out there and you had Dahlin or Power behind them now it’s easier to gain entry and you can’t really stop everyone. We need guys to shoot more.

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Michael P.
· Yesterday
@James S. I love Meier's game, always have and if they can get him at a reasonable price both in trade pieces (no 2013 1st, no one from the 2022 class) and in cap-hit ($8.5M max) then by all means go for it. But for this TDL just one move for a competent bottom-pairing d-man to shore up a rather shaky defense-corps and I'd be thrilled.

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James S.
· Yesterday
@Michael P. Yeah I would say Levi Kulich Ostlund are off limits and would top 10 protect a 1st this year. We have a bunch of 2nd rounders. But the cap maintained is with every player through trade or even in house. I think Dahlin will see the deals Tage and Cozens have and he could blow past that but I don’t think he does. If we can get him and Power signed long term we are set on the current core. Then by the time Skinner’s deal ends we could be coming out of a bridge deal if a prospect takes off and could afford another big money guy. I think Oloffson is gonna score his way out of town and hopefully we can get a decent return. The guy would single handedly improve a teams PP1 as of trade.

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Scott P.
· Yesterday
Dont forget Savoie, little guy with huge heart and speed to burn.

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James S.
· Yesterday
@Scott P. Yeah he is off limits too. I know we are starting to sound like NYR fans and it makes me sick. Except the guys we say are off limits aren’t 1st and 2nd overall picks who have 50 point ceilings and you trade away a guy who scores almost 90 points for a little sandpaper cause Tom Wilson might beat up one of your guys. Savoie would replace Ostlund. I would say Levi Kulich and Savoie everyone else should be available. Ostlund is having the best season of 3 first round picks on his Swedish team. So he might be a valuable piece. We could also take 3 swings on defensemen in the 2nd round this year and hope we hit a double or triple.

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Michael P.
· Yesterday
@James S.

I'm thinking Dahlin at around $10.5M (probably looking more towards $11M) on an 8yr. deal and I can see Power in a $7-8M range but term might be interesting with him. Not sure how many years to UFA, but if five-year bridge deal keeps him as a RFA at the end of it, then that might be a way for the Sabres to go.

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Scott P.
· Yesterday
Agreed, this is so freaking fun

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James S.
· 23h 57m ago
@Michael P. That is what I was thinking but Dahlin penned that letter to Buffalo on the Players Tribune so he might go lower than we think on a 7-8 year deal. I think Power would sign for $6 over 7 years. Maybe they all get the Tage/Cozens deal. Brady was getting $9 million a year the same time guys were getting $25 million. So that was him basically paying for a Tackle and 2/3 of the interior OL himself. They spend a couple draft picks and he could have paid for the entire line. If we had guys thinking like that. This could get interesting.

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Ben L.
· 16h 2m ago
@James S. You only start to sound like NYR fans when you declare everyone off limits AND insist that other teams should trade valuable pieces for your afterthoughts.

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Paul S.
· 2h 26m ago
@James S. Dahlin is probably getting $10m plus. He signed the bridge deal and this season has taken his game to another level.

My concern is the demise of the TV company that looks after quite a lot of the teams. That could have an impact on revenue and then you have the much hoped for cap increase put off for a year or two at least. Doesn’t bother me now but I’d be worried to commit money for Timo M. when we have upcoming deals for a few such as Power who is already showing like he’s another elite D man.

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James M.
· Yesterday
What’s more likely, a majority Sabres crowd next game or making the playoffs?

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James S.
· Yesterday
@James M. If I was a betting man. The playoffs. I also think last year we were the Leafs Kryptonite we beat em combined 15-4 I think the last 3 times we played em. Including the stadium game where we rolled em on the scoreboard and physically too.

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Harold K.
· Yesterday
Weird thing about Tuesday is there are still tickets left. Are the Sabres restricting sales to Canada for this game? A Leafs game is usually sold out way in the future.

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James S.
· Yesterday
@Harold K. That was when there was a season ticket waiting list 10,000 deep and season ticket holders would sell off their leafs tickets and get like 30% or more of their money back for missing a couple games.

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Jonathan S.
· Yesterday
@James M. Playoffs

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Michael P.
· Yesterday
Really solid win last night.

Dahlin and Power, oh my what a pair of d-men the Sabres have moving forward. Although I understand why Chick-run is desired, with those two logging the minutes they do and with the quality of play they bring to the ice, a competent, complimentary d-man is all that's really necessary when putting together the top four. Finding a d-man that can excel in a bottom-pairing role while also being able to move into the top-four on an interim basis might be ideal for Buffalo. Hope GMKA can add one at the TDL.

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Tom M.
· Yesterday
@Michael P. You're right. They need a shut-down defensive defenseman. Can you imagine what that would do to this group. Someone hard-nosed and very tough to play against, who is just mobile enough to stay with this group. Find him Kevin!

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Michael P.
· Yesterday
@Tom M. Love this idea.

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Paul S.
· Yesterday
@Michael P
They may have exactly that when Johnson signs.

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Scott P.
· Yesterday
Luke Schen

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Brian B.
· 22h 44m ago
Ryan Mcdonagh in Nashville, best plus minus on the team by 10, wons cups, righty, maybe he would be worth giving up some assets for?

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Paul N.
· 20h 18m ago
@Brian B. McDonagh shoots left but is capable of playing on the right side. You're right, he is a winner and would be a good get. And adding another guy from Saint Paul would be a big plus.

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Christopher L.
· 12h 41m ago
@Scott P. Absolutely agree, and have been of this opinion for weeks. Likely costs a 2nd to beat out the other expected suitors... and with how deep the system is right now, sending one to bring in a rock for the 3rd pairing seems like draft capital well spent.

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Charlie P.
· 23h 52m ago
We need 36 more points for the playoffs. Tough week ahead, really need 4 out of 6. Tuesday will be a big game with ROR back in town. Go Sabes!

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Tommy R.
· 18h 39m ago
@Charlie P. based on pace right now 32 might do it, but i agree i’d feel safer at 35/36. gonna be tough to get there

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Warren N.
· 20h 56m ago
I'm watching this team from afar with growing interest. I understand 11 years missing the playoffs is along time, but the management has been building this team the right way. They need to keep doing this. Give this young group of players the experience of trying to make the playoffs on their own - if they make it or not this year, either way its a great learning experience for them. This team will be a dominant team within the next couple of years - its so obvious! Don't try to rush it by making a bad decision in trading young players/draft picks for highly paid older players.
In 3 years winning the Eastern Conference will be a toss up between the Sabres, Devils, Blue Jackets and Red Wings - that is when you make your move.

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Tommy R.
· 18h 40m ago
that girgensons shift was awesome

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Vegas, Dallas, Edmonton mentioned as Kane landing spots on 32 thoughts today.

The day before Toronto made their trade, 32 Thoughts had Toronto possibly asking for the 2 Blues they did.

I really think Kane is a FA option next year. Perfect timing for him. Maybe Adam's knows and it's why he isn't making a big trade. I would take kane on our #2 line for 3 years
- Fattony1187

According to NHL 23 Franchise SIM - adding him (9 Mil x 2) and Severson (6 Mil x 6) still misses the playoffs next year ;x - UPL steps up from an 80 to an 83 even. 2 years though we find our stride lol.

Vegas, Dallas, Edmonton mentioned as Kane landing spots on 32 thoughts today.

The day before Toronto made their trade, 32 Thoughts had Toronto possibly asking for the 2 Blues they did.
- lacaprup

Will the Sabres be one of the teams laundering a cap hit for a middle round pick, like Minnesota did in the O'Reilly trade?

Kane's base salary is only $2.9M this season.

Will the Sabres be one of the teams laundering a cap hit for a middle round pick, like Minnesota did in the O'Reilly trade?

Kane's base salary is only $2.9M this season.
- kingcong39

I love how you used laundering there. Good writing deserves praise.

I love how you used laundering there. Good writing deserves praise.
- lacaprup

Did the rough math based on how many days are left in the season, and it would cost a team around $200K to retain 25% of Kane's salary.

That's pricey.

Is it worth it for a 4th or 3rd round pick?

Did the rough math based on how many days are left in the season, and it would cost a team around $200K to retain 25% of Kane's salary.

That's pricey.

Is it worth it for a 4th or 3rd round pick?
- kingcong39

As long as it's Chicago's 3rd

Vegas, Dallas, Edmonton mentioned as Kane landing spots on 32 thoughts today.

The day before Toronto made their trade, 32 Thoughts had Toronto possibly asking for the 2 Blues they did.
- lacaprup

Kane on Cozens wing would be a home run. Cozens is basically a young version of Toews

I will take Nick Leddy.

Very good contract, acceptable cap hit for 3 more years and is better than Clague, Boosh and Bryson

Will the Sabres be one of the teams laundering a cap hit for a middle round pick, like Minnesota did in the O'Reilly trade?

Kane's base salary is only $2.9M this season.
- kingcong39

if they feel they can make the playoffs, why would they help the rangers or leafs?

Kane on Cozens wing would be a home run. Cozens is basically a young version of Toews
- lulags

What I was thinking. Having a Stanley cup winner added to a young core makes sense to me too. And other then cap hit next year we don't give up assets. Bridges us to our you g guys, and he's gone when we need the cap.

Hope Johnson signs, then trade for a RD2. Put Johnson and Joker on line 3. That's a solid top 6

if they feel they can make the playoffs, why would they help the rangers or leafs?
- homiedclown

You want to talk about “vibes”.

8 Sabres players are having career best years. Points % they are in a playoff spot.

Hey guys i know you’re busting your asses but we’re going to use our cap space to help other teams ahead of us get better so we can acquire more picks.