Helly-DeMelo to Buffalo DeMelo signs a 3yr Extension
Krebs UPL Poltapov Buffalo 2nd 2023 Buffalo 1st 2024
- Buff36

They should just work on DeMelo and forget Helly for now...just 1 year or a fairly sizable new contract scares me away.

I agree, and it was by choice of the Coach until about game 72
- IonSabres

I don't agree. Don harped on defensive concepts the entire season. Considering a lot of them are still developing, I think it's more fair to pick the "can't" instead of "didn't" category when it comes to playing team defense.

I don't agree. Don harped on defensive concepts the entire season. Considering a lot of them are still developing, I think it's more fair to pick the "can't" instead of "didn't" category when it comes to playing team defense.
- TheSabresTaco

We will agree to disagree. I'm not going to search for it, but Donnie made it clear several times (print and video) that he was focused on the younger players driving offense to get their confidence high that they can indeed play in this league..he stated the D will come later.
Now that doesnt mean he wasn't teaching a 2 way game, as evidenced by having Krebs play with Giggles and Slopoke...but his emphasis was strongly on the O for building confidence.

If it is true, and I suspect it is, then good on Adams for nosing around and being involved. Exactly what he should be doing in mid-May.
Ultimately, I would think he may be in search of a 1B for 2 years or so for $4m-ish.
I'd be surprised to see him spill that Cap and those assets to get him.
- IonSabres

Agree with you. He should be calling and he should be looking for a veteran G. Levi + UPL and hoping Comrie sneaks through waivers is not a strong plan if you want to compete next season.

They should just work on DeMelo and forget Helly for now...just 1 year or a fairly sizable new contract scares me away.
- IonSabres

I agree, bunch of Jets fans would take Buffalo's 2nd and UPL for DeMelo. I would do that.

Agree with you. He should be calling and he should be looking for a veteran G. Levi + UPL and hoping Comrie sneaks through waivers is not a strong plan if you want to compete next season.
- Lunaion

Chad has a article on Anderson and Rantaa. They would fit the bill a bit.

Chad has a article on Anderson and Rantaa. They would fit the bill a bit.
- Buff36

Didn't read it, but imagine he pointed out the injury concern on both. Not my favorites, but prefer it to counting on UPL.

We will agree to disagree. I'm not going to search for it, but Donnie made it clear several times (print and video) that he was focused on the younger players driving offense to get their confidence high that they can indeed play in this league..he stated the D will come later.
Now that doesnt mean he wasn't teaching a 2 way game, as evidenced by having Krebs play with Giggles and Slopoke...but his emphasis was strongly on the O for building confidence.
- IonSabres

This means their ability to execute it well, not to simply do it. Which is true for a majority of young players.

I do agree with you that this team was the bizarro-islanders. But he still wants them to play a better team defense. The primary objective is, of course, offense. Kevo and Donnie readily admit that.

This means their ability to execute it well, not to simply do it. Which is true for a majority of young players.

I do agree with you that this team was the bizarro-islanders. But he still wants them to play a better team defense. The primary objective is, of course, offense. Kevo and Donnie readily admit that.
- TheSabresTaco

Replacing black holes like Bryson and Olof with competent players will go a long way for team defense IMO.

Didn't read it, but imagine he pointed out the injury concern on both. Not my favorites, but prefer it to counting on UPL.
- Lunaion

Personally my choices would be

Raanta
Varlamov
Hill
Andersen

in that order. As long as they're not counted on to be work horses, you have Levi there to pick up the heavy slack.
After investigating Andersen, I don't like how he's tracking, and including his injury history.

Personally my choices would be

Raanta
Varlamov
Hill
Andersen

in that order. As long as they're not counted on to be work horses, you have Levi there to pick up the heavy slack.
After investigating Andersen, I don't like how he's tracking, and including his injury history.
- TheSabresTaco

Andersen over raanta all day any day

Personally my choices would be

Raanta
Varlamov
Hill
Andersen

in that order. As long as they're not counted on to be work horses, you have Levi there to pick up the heavy slack.
After investigating Andersen, I don't like how he's tracking, and including his injury history.
- TheSabresTaco

Personally my choices would be

Raanta
Varlamov
Hill
Andersen

in that order. As long as they're not counted on to be work horses, you have Levi there to pick up the heavy slack.
After investigating Andersen, I don't like how he's tracking, and including his injury history.
- TheSabresTaco

Hill was my #1, but he's no longer under the radar good.

It's a little shocking to look at how few games Raanta has started.

The Sabres should absolutely pay the PRICE for Hellebuyck if the cost is Mittelstadt and UPL. You'd be insane not to

Replacing black holes like Bryson and Olof with competent players will go a long way for team defense IMO.
- DirtyDan

While that can definitely be true (with correct replacements) the real change comes when the core of this team develops their game into their mid 20s and start playing responsible 2-way hockey. Cozens Mitts Krebs Quinn Peterka, then Savoie Kulich? Add to that our entire top line is average at best in their 2 way game, no wonder our team D is so bad. Those guys need time to develop that side of the game.

It would absolutely help to get a few guys who can play it well.

Go buy Noel Acciari, Jesper Fast or JT Compher.

Nah. Vegas vs. Seattle. I want to see the traditional hockey world blow a gasket.
- buffalofan19

Kraken Panthers would have a 0.3 rating

- Hank Balling

For a split second I thought that was Tage.

You'd have to know he's willing to extend. If he is, I'd absolutely be interested. He is what you hope Levi can become.

Seems like a pretty big reversal from KA, so I'd guess this is the typical Sabres interest and isn't serious.
- Lunaion

That's not very sabrery IMO.

Sabres management believes they found their #1 goalie in levi. I expect him to be 1A , with possibly a vet 2B.

Definitely see levi and upl next season

Hill was my #1, but he's no longer under the radar good.

It's a little shocking to look at how few games Raanta has started.
- Lunaion

Has Raanta ever been the 'starter'? A year or 2 in Arizona I think was it.

Wonder what Boston does with their guys. And who needs a 'starter' today?
Pittsburgh
LA
Ottawa
Buffalo, with other moves
Chicago if they don't want Mrazek.

The field is very small for starting hopefuls.

The Sabres should absolutely pay the PRICE for Greiss if the cost is Mittelstadt and UPL. You'd be insane not to
- Hank Balling

You hit the nail on the head

You hit the nail on the head
- TheSabresTaco

The PRICE is GREISS

While that can definitely be true (with correct replacements) the real change comes when the core of this team develops their game into their mid 20s and start playing responsible 2-way hockey. Cozens Mitts Krebs Quinn Peterka, then Savoie Kulich? Add to that our entire top line is average at best in their 2 way game, no wonder our team D is so bad. Those guys need time to develop that side of the game.

It would absolutely help to get a few guys who can play it well.

Go buy Noel Acciari, Jesper Fast or JT Compher.
- TheSabresTaco

If they had effectively replaced at the least Bryson by the deadline we make the playoffs this year IMO. Forget goaltending. That guy cost us a hand full of games.

Most of the guys you mentioned showed they can play a solid 2-way game. Some showed flashes. Some showed some inconsistency (Cozens). Krebs, Mitts, Quinn all showed some stellar defense by years end. It will come with time and experience but replacing your bottom defensive players at this moment would plug up some glaring holes that sink the ship on their own.

I agree, bunch of Jets fans would take Buffalo's 2nd and UPL for DeMelo. I would do that.
- Buff36

Me too, do it Kevy

That's not very sabrery IMO.

Sabres management believes they found their #1 goalie in levi. I expect him to be 1A , with possibly a vet 2B.

Definitely see levi and upl next season
- Boss34

Sabres move would be finding a 49 year old backup/mentor for Levi. We've been told for 2 years how important that is.

Replacing black holes like Bryson and Olof with competent players will go a long way for team defense IMO.
- DirtyDan

Yes, and getting rid of Slopokeso would help as well.
As much as I want KA to dump Girgs, I am quite sure he won't

A mistake IMO, but whatever...hopefully he gets pushed to 13F midway through the season