😀

Tuch on the 3rd line with greenway and mitts.....

I like that almost as much as the 4th line.
- Boss34

Not being ironic, I like Tuch off the top line and with Mitts I think that would look good. Regardless, none of the lines are written in stone so if things don't look great shake them back up and find what does work

The Sens are likely to lose two 1st-round draftees in Thomson & Bernard-Docker because they decided to extend Travis Hamonic. In no scenario is that good asset management. Classic example of a team opting for "knowing what you get (worse)" instead of "young, talented player"

It isn’t about who is better today b/c the Sens ain’t contending. The job is to develop young players so they’re better when you’re contending. Hamonic isn’t capable of playing on a contending team and probably not even a playoff team.

https://x.com/racheldoerr.../1709021660626419726?s=46

The Sens are likely to lose two 1st-round draftees in Thomson & Bernard-Docker because they decided to extend Travis Hamonic. In no scenario is that good asset management. Classic example of a team opting for "knowing what you get (worse)" instead of "young, talented player"

It isn’t about who is better today b/c the Sens ain’t contending. The job is to develop young players so they’re better when you’re contending. Hamonic isn’t capable of playing on a contending team and probably not even a playoff team.

https://x.com/racheldoerr.../1709021660626419726?s=46
- washedup20

I think the problem here is that 2019 1st rounder Lassi Thomson and 2018 1st rounder Jacob Bernard-Docker aren't better than...




Travis Hamonic.

You can say yeah, sure, this franchise should have traded these guys when they noticed that they'd probably not amount to anything. Well, other teams know it too. And then they're stuck throwing them on waivers in their own camp, all with the potential that they could lose a player and probably a late pick to boot.

By the time you realize these guys aren't going to be very good, it's much too late.

The best way to win these scenarios is to find another team that's under utilizing or putting a guy in a poor position to succeed and just hope for the best. Teams win out occasionally on these types of deals, but usually it's just a dead end for both.

The best teams will project these guys 5-8 years out, see how they fit or don't, and move forward appropriately.

Kevo has stated several times he has a plan for all of these players and it's their job to be able to project every one of them. If there's no room in the future for them, they need to go immediately. I know plenty of people worry about the logjam but they've shown to be competent in handling their assets when presented with a challenge.

They'll need to make a real decision with Benson, Biro/Rousek, Olofsson, Bryson, UPL/Comrie this season and within the next week.

You can say yeah, sure, this franchise should have traded these guys when they noticed that they'd probably not amount to anything. Well, other teams know it too. And then they're stuck throwing them on waivers in their own camp, all with the potential that they could lose a player and probably a late pick to boot.

By the time you realize these guys aren't going to be very good, it's much too late.

The best way to win these scenarios is to find another team that's under utilizing or putting a guy in a poor position to succeed and just hope for the best. Teams win out occasionally on these types of deals, but usually it's just a dead end for both.

The best teams will project these guys 5-8 years out, see how they fit or don't, and move forward appropriately.

Kevo has stated several times he has a plan for all of these players and it's their job to be able to project every one of them. If there's no room in the future for them, they need to go immediately. I know plenty of people worry about the logjam but they've shown to be competent in handling their assets when presented with a challenge.

They'll need to make a real decision with Benson, Biro/Rousek, Olofsson, Bryson, UPL/Comrie this season and within the next week.
- TheSabresTaco

So having to make decisions on 7 guys well probably 8 with Savoie is showing competence on handling assets.

Even tougher if they carry three goalies
- Hank Balling

Waive Comrie, problem solved.

Cecconi and Davies cleared
- Buff36

Good Cecconi is good depth.

So having to make decisions on 7 guys well probably 8 with Savoie is showing competence on handling assets.
- Buff36

Last year they juggled rookies playing time to fit UPL here when everyone was healthy, and ditched Fitz, the only guy worse than Bryson. So yes, they did last year.

They will need to continue this trend. Next year will be a bigger test because you'll have 5-6 guys making a real push for the roster.

Waive UPL, problem solved.
- QuinnFan

yeah I'd think so

You can say yeah, sure, this franchise should have traded these guys when they noticed that they'd probably not amount to anything. Well, other teams know it too. And then they're stuck throwing them on waivers in their own camp, all with the potential that they could lose a player and probably a late pick to boot.

By the time you realize these guys aren't going to be very good, it's much too late.

The best way to win these scenarios is to find another team that's under utilizing or putting a guy in a poor position to succeed and just hope for the best. Teams win out occasionally on these types of deals, but usually it's just a dead end for both.

The best teams will project these guys 5-8 years out, see how they fit or don't, and move forward appropriately.

Kevo has stated several times he has a plan for all of these players and it's their job to be able to project every one of them. If there's no room in the future for them, they need to go immediately. I know plenty of people worry about the logjam but they've shown to be competent in handling their assets when presented with a challenge.

They'll need to make a real decision with Benson, Biro/Rousek, Olofsson, Bryson, UPL/Comrie this season and within the next week.
- TheSabresTaco

I don't think this is always true.

There's usually a team out there who also loved that prospect in their draft year and think they can develop them.

It's why you have to make that call early enough.

You can say yeah, sure, this franchise should have traded these guys when they noticed that they'd probably not amount to anything. Well, other teams know it too. And then they're stuck throwing them on waivers in their own camp, all with the potential that they could lose a player and probably a late pick to boot.

By the time you realize these guys aren't going to be very good, it's much too late.

The best way to win these scenarios is to find another team that's under utilizing or putting a guy in a poor position to succeed and just hope for the best. Teams win out occasionally on these types of deals, but usually it's just a dead end for both.

The best teams will project these guys 5-8 years out, see how they fit or don't, and move forward appropriately.

Kevo has stated several times he has a plan for all of these players and it's their job to be able to project every one of them. If there's no room in the future for them, they need to go immediately. I know plenty of people worry about the logjam but they've shown to be competent in handling their assets when presented with a challenge.

They'll need to make a real decision with Benson, Biro/Rousek, Olofsson, Bryson, UPL/Comrie this season and within the next week.
- TheSabresTaco

Please provide an example.

Last year they juggled rookies playing time to fit UPL here when everyone was healthy, and ditched Fitz, the only guy worse than Bryson. So yes, they did last year.

They will need to continue this trend. Next year will be a bigger test because you'll have 5-6 guys making a real push for the roster.
- TheSabresTaco

They did it by doing paper transactions last year and then injuries helped. Last year wasn't that hard. Fitz should have been dumped a lot earlier than he was. It's hard now because players that they evaluated are pushing earlier than they expected. They missed on how much growth would happen and with the signings they made and players they kept Bryson Olofsson they will probably have to kick the can down the road on players that should be here, or better yet lose them on waivers. And make there decisions even tougher because of the wealth of talent that will be in Rochester over the next 3 years.

I don't think this is always true.

There's usually a team out there who also loved that prospect in their draft year and think they can develop them.

It's why you have to make that call early enough.
- sbroads24

I meant that more figuratively, as in, the value of that player, assuming he's maybe a former 1st round pick, has absolutely tanked.

Wow! McDermott wasn't shy about dropping some Suttle hints for Elam. Doesn't sound like a given that he will be active. McDermott basically said he better have his head in it this weak.

Please provide an example.
- washedup20

I did above. The handling of waiver-exempt rookies last season. I also stated it would be far more difficult next year.

They did it by doing paper transactions last year and then injuries helped. Last year wasn't that hard. Fitz should have been dumped a lot earlier than he was. It's hard now because players that they evaluated are pushing earlier than they expected. They missed on how much growth would happen and with the signings they made and players they kept Bryson Olofsson they will probably have to kick the can down the road on players that should be here, or better yet lose them on waivers. And make there decisions even tougher because of the wealth of talent that will be in Rochester over the next 3 years.
- Buff36

You're right, it wasn't. Like I said, a much bigger challenge awaits them as soon as next season.

I wouldn't say they missed as much as they were surprised by UPL. We had this discussion the other day.

Their goalie situation surprised them I think on all fronts. Grandpa being the best, UPL breaking through, Comrie tanking.

The rest was at least pretty planned out.

You're right, it wasn't. Like I said, a much bigger challenge awaits them as soon as next season.
- TheSabresTaco

Understand what you are saying Taco, I just want to see this plan really work, I actually think it's a decent plan he is evolving. He just seems hesitant on things, hope it doesn't come back to haunt him.

Next season should be pretty fascinating to say the least. A lot depends on the strength development of Savoie, Benson and Rosen, the two way impacts of Kulich. Can Rousek and Biro lock down bottom 6 NHL minutes in the next 12 months? Will the Sabres continue to ask veteran players to join their roster like Kyle and Erik?

Think everyone not mentioned above outside of RJ are in Rochester at least the next two seasons.

You're right, it wasn't. Like I said, a much bigger challenge awaits them as soon as next season.

I wouldn't say they missed as much as they were surprised by UPL. We had this discussion the other day.

Their goalie situation surprised them I think on all fronts. Grandpa being the best, UPL breaking through, Comrie tanking.

The rest was at least pretty planned out.
- TheSabresTaco

Not really even talking UPL really and more about missing this offseason than last. Biro looked fantastic last year in Rochester, Rousek is there just waiting. It doesn't seem they moved forward in players aspect.

Understand what you are saying Taco, I just want to see this plan really work, I actually think it's a decent plan he is evolving. He just seems hesitant on things, hope it doesn't come back to haunt him.
- Buff36

Some people are demanding answers right now for questions that can't be answered right now.

Next season should be pretty fascinating to say the least. A lot depends on the strength development of Savoie, Benson and Rosen, the two way impacts of Kulich. Can Rousek and Biro lock down bottom 6 NHL minutes in the next 12 months? Will the Sabres continue to ask veteran players to join their roster like Kyle and Erik?

Think everyone not mentioned above outside of RJ are in Rochester at least the next two seasons.
- TheSabresTaco

Think Kozak might have something to say.

Not really even talking UPL really and more about missing this offseason than last. Biro looked fantastic last year in Rochester, Rousek is there just waiting. It doesn't seem they moved forward in players aspect.
- Buff36

I mean we both know looking fantastic in Rochester doesn't mean they're even ok in Buffalo.

Biro had earned a callup and was expected to play some games here. Rousek actually did.

At this very moment in time, it appears Biro is the only one ready to play here when we're talking about Rochester guys. RJ will be the first defensive callup, hopefully before Bryson and Clague.

Understand what you are saying Taco, I just want to see this plan really work, I actually think it's a decent plan he is evolving. He just seems hesitant on things, hope it doesn't come back to haunt him.
- Buff36

They look to be giving Benson a real shot, which is what we hoped would happen if someone earned it. So that is encouraging. I don't think Johnson will be far behind but playing top minutes in Roc for a few weeks/months might benefit him and the team moving forward. Hopefully he can make the tough decision when he has to.

The depth will be good this year. Forward goes down, guys like Jost can play or guys like Kulich, Rosen, or Rousek can take a spot. Defenseman goes down, Johnson. Goalie? We have 3 of them already with other backups in the wings. 82 game season means a lot of attrition and depth is a nice thing to have for sure.

Some people are demanding answers right now for questions that can't be answered right now.
- TheSabresTaco

Well still a lot of Questions with this team.

Think Kozak might have something to say.
- Buff36

I knew you'd say that. I hope he does, but he definitely has one year in Rochester minimum. Guys that are still here today are obviously the closest to the Buffalo roster.