Think they've shown us the downside: injuries. Samuelsson a few years ago. Savoie last year. If you're expected to make a strong showing in camp and contribute in the NHL, it's a gamble without much upside.

I'm surprised Johnson is there.
- Lunaion

Agreed on Johnson. 41 mostly effective games in the nhl then sent down for reasons no one can really figure out

He was easily one of the 6 best last year. No need for a prospect challenge

Moving from 11 to 14 and still drafting the guy they wanted , plus adding Beck is a top5gm move

Krebs has proven to be useless

Hiring lindy is another top5gm move imo

How did he convince a hall of fame coach to return to Buffalo ? Kudos kyvyn
- Boss34

Lol got the guy who could have likely been had for free and hiring a coach who calls buffalo home

When does the top 5 gm make the roster better?

I can see that. So Helenius and Ostlund play, the rest don't?
- QuinnFan

Think that's where I'd draw the line. Definitely wouldn't play Johnson. Probably wouldn't play Kulich or Rosen either.

I'd say they could just let them play 1 game, but they didn't invite many players this year, so they probably have to.

Going to be a few injuries, just hope it's no-names this year.

Agreed on Johnson. 41 mostly effective games in the nhl then sent down for reasons no one can really figure out

He was easily one of the 6 best last year. No need for a prospect challenge
- ieetbred

He was definitely the better Johnson on the team..

Top 5 gm subtracts scoring from the lineup and brings back the same defense group that leaves alot to be desired then sends the guy who should probably be a lock on the roster to a development challenge

We all know he is praying ruff saves his job

He was definitely the better Johnson on the team..
- DirtyDan

pervert

He was definitely the better Johnson on the team..
- DirtyDan

I heard its ok because 1 year deal

I heard its ok because 1 year deal
- ieetbred

Living in the past does nobody any favours

Living in the past does nobody any favours
- DirtyDan

Calling Ryan Johnson a lock is pretty comical. Kids played 41 games. Some good games some bad ones. Was useless on special teams. Pt totals leave a lot to be desired. Definitely has the talent and the chemistry with Power. But has shown little.

They sent him down cause they weren't going to play him like a top 4 D.

Living in the past does nobody any favours
- DirtyDan

The history of puzzling or inadequate decisions from the top 5 gm are not a past tense problem

Calling Ryan Johnson a lock is pretty comical. Kids played 41 games. Some good games some bad ones. Was useless on special teams. Pt totals leave a lot to be desired. Definitely has the talent and the chemistry with Power. But has shown little.

They sent him down cause they weren't going to play him like a top 4 D.
- DirtyDan

if they thought Johnson was a long term fixture, they probably do not trade for another LD, Byram

Calling Ryan Johnson a lock is pretty comical. Kids played 41 games. Some good games some bad ones. Was useless on special teams. Pt totals leave a lot to be desired. Definitely has the talent and the chemistry with Power. But has shown little.

They sent him down cause they weren't going to play him like a top 4 D.
- DirtyDan

Was he one of the 6 best last year? Did he give the team a better chance to win with him in the lineup?

He should be near lock for the roster this year. Absolutely no reason for him to be at the prospect challenge

if they thought Johnson was a long term fixture, they probably do not trade for another LD, Byram
- homiedclown

Think a Johnson-Clifton 3rd pair is penciled in next year....and probably earlier, when someone (Samuelsson) gets hurt.

The history of puzzling or inadequate decisions from the top 5 gm are not a past tense problem
- ieetbred

But you were talking about what other posters said not the what the GM did

if they thought Johnson was a long term fixture, they probably do not trade for another LD, Byram
- homiedclown

I don't think they correlate

He should be near lock for the roster this year. Absolutely no reason for him to be at the prospect challenge
- ieetbred

they brought back bryson and joker and traded for byram

I doubt johnson is on the ice opening night for the sabres this fall

Was he one of the 6 best last year? Did he give the team a better chance to win with him in the lineup?

He should be near lock for the roster this year. Absolutely no reason for him to be at the prospect challenge
- ieetbred

No and no. His play fell off and he didn't play well in Roch either.

Don't need to see him playing Friday, but no problem with him starting in Roch this year.

I don't think they correlate
- DirtyDan

ld depth

dahlin
power
byram
samuelsson
gilbert
bryson
johnson


for this year

No and no. His play fell off and he didn't play well in Roch either.

Don't need to see him playing Friday, but no problem with him starting in Roch this year.
- Lunaion

this

But you were talking about what other posters said not the what the GM did
- DirtyDan

Sorry

It was a decision the gm made to sign Johnson and it cost us wins for 1 year is that better?

Was he one of the 6 best last year? Did he give the team a better chance to win with him in the lineup?

He should be near lock for the roster this year. Absolutely no reason for him to be at the prospect challenge
- ieetbred

Tough to say with half a year of play. He was definitely Power's best partner not named Dahlin. Away from both of them he was very average. Metrics do favour him over some of the others. But he also didn't play special teams and when he did it was bad.

I'd only say hes a lock cause Power needs a partner and they play well together. Anyone not named Dahlin, Johnson and Samuelsson shouldn't be playing with Power.

ld depth

dahlin
power
byram
samuelsson
gilbert
bryson
johnson


for this year
- homiedclown

Dahlin-Byram played well tg and one would be playing RD so doesnt correlate IMO.

If Byram stays they stay together for the forseeable future.

BOLDED = WHO(cares)?

Tough to say with half a year of play. He was definitely Power's best partner not named Dahlin. Away from both of them he was very average. Metrics do favour him over some of the others. But he also didn't play special teams and when he did it was bad.

I'd only say hes a lock cause Power needs a partner and they play well together. Anyone not named Dahlin, Johnson and Samuelsson shouldn't be playing with Power.
- DirtyDan

I think the best 6 would be

power/dahlin
byram/samuelsson
johnson/clifton

I expect
byram/dahlin
power/joker
samuelsson/clifton

No and no. His play fell off and he didn't play well in Roch either.

Don't need to see him playing Friday, but no problem with him starting in Roch this year.
- Lunaion

Disagreed about the no and no. Echoed by many including here