To recap the above, his plan of slow playing things sucked, going back as far as the offseason 2 seasons ago, and he's been subpar at the players he's brought in.

How does he still have a job?
- kingcong39

I think he was doing fine until last offseason began. Then every facet of the organization let itself down.

GMs aren't usually canned after one 'bad' season. He has 1-2 years left to show playoff progress.

Another flat or backstep will get him fired in 12 months. his contract is for 24 more months as well.

Agreed overall.
Big FA signings don't have a high success rate, hence why I went the Trade route in suggesting Ehlers/Necas, Stephenson...then FA for lower level signings like Joshua and Stephenson ( low as in 3C, not celery which ~$6m.)
- IonSabres

I agreee. A lot of the free agents are older. If im Adams. I’m not throwing another Kyle pipes contract out there

Trade is the way to go

Agreed overall.
Big FA signings don't have a high success rate, hence why I went the Trade route in suggesting Ehlers/Necas, Stephenson...then FA for lower level signings like Joshua and Stephenson ( low as in 3C, not celery which ~$6m.)
- IonSabres

I'd argue that it's broader than UFA. Long term deals for anyone 27+ (taking them well into their 30's) usually ends poorly.

Dahlin is the only reason it's a C
- Buff36

He's propping it up? or 11m is dragging it down? or he's the next C?

He's propping it up? or 11m is dragging it down? or he's the next C?
- Lunaion

What would Dahlin be if he had the Right Partner ?

What would Dahlin be if he had the Right Partner ?
- Buff36

If Power or Byram aren't the answer, then this experiment is doomed.

What grade does Tage + Cozens + Dahlin + Power + Samuelsson long term deals get today? C? Feels like it went down a full grade in the last year.
- Lunaion

I'd say at this time last season, immediately after most on that list were having a banner season, that grade was a solid A.
Now with most on that list having a down year, coupled with the big money signing of Dahlin the shine has worn off and a "C" grade is probably fair.
It could work itself back to a B with Tage, Cozens and Power play closer to their '22-'23 season play.

All is not lost. I don't think one can forget Donnie's negative impact on the team with line combinations, over-reliance on washed vets, style of play / implementation of the system. Couple that with injuries to top players and it was overall disappointing results (to say the least).

If Power or Byram aren't the answer, then this experiment is doomed.
- Lunaion

Guess we will find out, still think Johnson should be tried there.

I'd say at this time last season, immediately after most on that list were having a banner season, that grade was a solid A.
Now with most on that list having a down year, coupled with the big money signing of Dahlin the shine has worn off and a "C" grade is probably fair.
It could work itself back to a B with Tage, Cozens and Power play closer to their '22-'23 season play.

All is not lost. I don't think one can forget Donnie's negative impact on the team with line combinations, over-reliance on washed vets, style of play / implementation of the system. Couple that with injuries to top players and it was overall disappointing results (to say the least).
- IonSabres

Pretty much where I'm at too. Lot of hope in the coaching aspect. Concerned that building around LD and possibly not having an elite forward in the mix doesn't work in today's NHL.

What would Dahlin be if he had the Right Partner ?
- Buff36

At $11m now, it is upon him to improve the results with less than high end players as his partner.
Of course, chemistry comes into consideration, not just with Dahlin and his partner, but chemistry between 2nd Pairing as well.

Just like I said when Eichel signed his $10m deal..."To whom much is given, much is expected"

Guess we will find out, still think Johnson should be tried there.
- Buff36

Meaning Power and Byram are your 2nd pair?

I expect a lot more Dahlin + Power moving forward.

Pretty much where I'm at too. Lot of hope in the coaching aspect. Concerned that building around LD and possibly not having an elite forward in the mix doesn't work in today's NHL.
- Lunaion

Did you read the recent article on The Athletic about how the Lottery Teams roster stack up against the typical rosterconfiguration of SC winners?

Buffalo did not fare well as we know from last seasons play...but, if those guys return back closer to '22-'23 performance, then the gap closes considerably...but still away from be a serious contender.

Meaning Power and Byram are your 2nd pair?

I expect a lot more Dahlin + Power moving forward.
- Lunaion

I just want a strong 6, and with who we have at this Point
Johnson Dahlin
Power Byram
Samuelsson Clifton
I think Johnson is a fabulous skater and can use his feet to make Dahlin even more of a Force with being able to cover Space.

I just want a strong 6, and with who we have at this Point
Johnson Dahlin
Power Byram
Samuelsson Clifton
I think Johnson is a fabulous skater and can use his feet to make Dahlin even more of a Force with being able to cover Space.
- Buff36

We know that's not how they see it. Have Joker today and want to upgrade the group, so that takes multiple moves. Multiple moves is not KA's specialty.

We know that's not how they see it. Have Joker today and want to upgrade the group, so that takes multiple moves. Multiple moves is not KA's specialty.
- Lunaion

Yep

this experiment is doomed.
- Lunaion

Song of the week ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjz6l_4MqHM

Rats on the west side
(heading) Uptown....

Bite the Big Apple....

Main page Eklund asking if Sabres are gonna buy out skinner.




Eklund source is Gerbe.

Main page Eklund asking if Sabres are gonna buy out skinner.




Eklund source is Gerbe.
- Ratsreign

It's part of his prediction from last offseason about a Good Day

It's part of his prediction from last offseason about a Good Day
- Buff36

What does a buyout look like, cap-wise, for Buffalo?

Is it worth it?

Nice little raining sideways afternoon t-storm coming thru. Sounds like some hail hitting the roof.

We’re off to see the Wizard.....


Yeah, I see it bouncing in the grass, friggin hailing out there

What does a buyout look like, cap-wise, for Buffalo?

Is it worth it?
- Powerslave

https://www.capfriendly.c...t-calculator/jeff-skinner

https://www.capfriendly.com/buyout-calculator/jeff-skinner
- Buff36

That last year. Yikes.