Not as bad as people think

Team: 2020-21 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 1, 2020

Published: Jun. 1, 2020

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Sabres situation isnt as bleak as everyone on hear states. With average goaltending they would have been in the top 24 this year. With above average goaltending they probably would snuck into the regular playoff format. Moving forward the need to shore up goaltending and complete their 2nd line.
To fix the 2nd line woes there are two ways they could do it.
They can find a stop gap 2c someone who can play a 2c role but wont break the bank and can shuffle down to 3c when cozens or mitts is ready. Or of it's a ufa someone they can sign for 2 or 3 years.
Or they can go after an established 2c making cozens or mitts expendable in the trade to acquire that piece.
From hearing botts presser they will keep their young talent and utilize them. So I dont see cozens or mitts being traded. However the 1st rd pick could be available at the right price.
I know shark fans wont like it but Hertl sounds like he is on botts hot list and will try to pry him free. I would like that move but dont see how they can strike a deal without mitta or cozens going the other way.

With the line up constructed I think cozens and mitts are interchangeable but cozens presentation a different skill set on the top line as a wing compared to mitts. Defense is solid. Not spectacular but should be formidable. Markstrom shore's up goaltending and allows UPL to develop.
I think rutaolainen and thompson get up in the line up at some point as well but I think this is a balanced team overall.

The Hertl trade is ambitious but a top 7 pick should not be over looked. Other picks could be involved