Jets Trade:
The Sabres and Jets have been linked in the past with discussions about Rasmus Ristolainen, however, that ship has most likely sailed for both teams. But with a hole on the right side of their defense, the Jets acquired Brandon Montour along with Rasmus Asplund. In exchange, the Sabres acquire forwards Andrew Copp and Mason Appleton. Copp could help ease Dylan Cozens into the NHL while also filling a key middle-6 role. Appleton is a player who could use a change of scenery and a promotion to a bigger role. Montour could be a key D-Man for the Jets and Asplund could be an impact bottom 6 player for them.
Devils Trade:
The Devils and Sabres had conversations about Ristolainen in the past, however this time the two teams come to an agreement. The Sabres trade Rasmus Ristolainen to the Devils along with prospect Marcus Davidsson and a 4th Round pick in exchange for Jesper Bratt and the Coyotes 2021 3rd Round Pick. Bratt is a player capable of playing in the top 6 however he would play on the third line to help Cozens transition to the NHL. Ristolainen would get the change of scenery that he desperately needs while also being able to fill a top 4 roll for the devils and also be a key contributor on their power play. Marcus Davidsson is a prospect who has a chance to become a solid middle 6 option in the NHL, however, he was drafted by a different GM and it does not appear likely that the he will sign with the Sabres.
Penguins Trade:
The Penguins just lost to the Montreal Canadians in the Play In Round in the Bubble. With depth pieces Conor Sheary, Evan Rodrigues, and Patrick Marleau all being UFAs, Marcus Johansson seems like he could be a fit for them. Lawrence Pilut recently signed in the KHL for Traktor Chelyabinsk on a 2 year deal, however, that contract does have an NHL out clause. While Pilut refuse to sign with Buffalo due to the mismanagement the organization had with him, it is likely he would find a chance to play for the Penguins enticing. The Sabres would make this move because Marcus Johansson would no longer have a role on the team and Lawrence Pilut refuses to sign with the team.
UFA EXPLANATION:
Kevin Shattenkirk:
Kevin Shattenkirk has had a significant bounce back season in Tampa Bay and has proven that he is still a good NHL D-Man. While 2 years 6,500,000 is an overpayment, the Sabres have to live with the reality that they will have to overpay any worthwhile free agent to sign with them. Shattenkirk would quaterback the 2nd power play unit and play key minutes on the team.
Jon Merrill:
Jon Merrill has been a solid defensive defenseman for the Golden Knights for the past 2 seasons and would be an excellent fit for Buffalo's top 6. While 3,500,000 is an overpayment, that's what it would likely cost to get him to sign in Buffalo. Merrill would be a shutdown defender and also a key penalty killer for the team.
DRAFT EXPLANATION: (used draftprospectshockey.com draft sim for draft)
The first 7 picks went as followed:
1. Lafreniere, 2. Byfield, 3. Stutzle, 4. Perfetti, 5. Drysdale, 6. Rossi, 7. Holtz
Pick 8: Anton Lundell:
Lundell is seen as a prospect who has a low offensive ceiling by some, however, his production in Liiga as an 18 year old in his Draft Year leads me to believe that is not the case. His defensive play is the best part of his game and I believe he has Selke potential. He could play in NHL next season.
38. Jacob Perreault:
Perreault is one of the best goal scorers in this draft, however his inconsistency has lead him to fall to pick 38. He has a high ceiling but also a low floor. High risk, high reward pick here.
100. Dmitri Ovchinnikov:
Ovchinnikov has the potential to play in the NHL one day and be a high end player. But he has a lot to improve upon to get there. While this is a risky pick, if he hits, it could be a major steal.
131. Ryder Rolston
193. Hugo Styf
210. Oliver Okuliar
The problem is here that the jets don’t have a hole om the right side anymore. Demelo-pionk-poolman is good for at least next year. The only think I would upgrade on the right side is size and montour doesn’t do that. And by size I don’t mean start the ristolainen to WPG trades again. He is not a good fit in WPG because of his defensive issues.
The problem is here that the jets don’t have a hole om the right side anymore. Demelo-pionk-poolman is good for at least next year. The only think I would upgrade on the right side is size and montour doesn’t do that. And by size I don’t mean start the ristolainen to WPG trades again. He is not a good fit in WPG because of his defensive issues.
Quoting: arafay
The problem is here that the jets don’t have a hole om the right side anymore. Demelo-pionk-poolman is good for at least next year. The only think I would upgrade on the right side is size and montour doesn’t do that. And by size I don’t mean start the ristolainen to WPG trades again. He is not a good fit in WPG because of his defensive issues.
Demelo will most likely resign. The amount of responsibility and the expanded role he has in WPG likely won’t be given to him elsewhere (maybe toronto but I don’t see them having much cap space). Hamonic is option 2. I would even put ristolainen before montour imo. I just don’t think montour is a good fit.
McDavid, Connor
$250,000)
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