Offseason Baseline

Team: 2021-22 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: May 9, 2021

Published: May 9, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I liked Reinhart at center but I think you have to at least try and see if 53-9-23 can get back to being an elite first line. For now, though, I'll leave him with the line he finished the season with. Let Eichel and Cozens push the puck to the middle and maybe Skinner can score like he used to with Eichel, being crafty around the net and not having to drive play within the zone. Mainly, I think Reinhart scored more because he trusted his shot more, much like Jack did last season, and not as much because he played center. Personally, I think VO-Mittelstadt-Reinhart would be a great line.
Casey with his zone entries and crafty short area passing game along with the shooting ability of VO and Reinhart would be consistently dangerous. I think Skinner will waive and help us protect one more youngster. I don't like the idea of sending a pick to steer Seattle to a player. We're going to lose a good depth piece, that happens. Unlike with Vegas, our goalie situation is fine, and we if we lose Borgen, Thompson, Asplund, Bjork or even Ristolainen or Miller, so be it. The sneaky thing is Borgen isn't that much younger than Ristolainen. I think Seattle will get to choose between Borgen and Asplund and opt for the younger defenseman. I think they can get players similar to Asplund elsewhere. There are free agents to be had and maybe even a trade to help bolster the middle six and get Reinhart back to the wing. I also wouldn't rule out a McCabe return if the price is right.