My initial approach of rebuilding the Sabres

Team: 2021-22 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: May 18, 2021

Published: May 18, 2021

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I don't think this team is about to turn it around. This is an ACGM made around the premise of accepting that. Otherwise I'd try to sign some lucrative FA's like Coleman and Saad that might get more in Buffalo than elsewere, and are both underrated yet great 1st liners.

I think the way to get the most out of an Eichel trade is to do it 3 ways. One team can hardly part with the required assets, and it might make more sense for two teams to upgrade at C.

Strome had a really good season, he just didn't score a lot of points. Kravtsov has been really good on every level up until the NHL, and I wouldn't be discouraged from some 20-odd games with below average stats - it's pretty typical for rookies, in fact Kravtsov probably did a fair bit better than most rookies.

Maybe Flyers fans feel very strongly about Sanheim over the others? I think he's sneakily their best defenseman, so I wouldn't make this trade if I were them, but if that's consensus, maybe Myers, or another team like Vancouver with Eriksson is an option.
I get the sense on this board that Chicago wants to push for another competitive window with Kane. If they know they have the cap space from Toews that might be possible. Reinhart will both allow them to give it a go now, but also stay with them long-term if it doesn't work out next year. Worst case, they could send Keith too, although I don't get the sense they want to part with him for sentimental reasons. Seabrook is of course an option but will cost a bit on their end.
The Washington trade should seem straight forward - they kind of do what they did with Vrana and Mantha - improve at a position at the cost of futures.
The Rangers have been looking for that serious punch at C, and while parting with Kravtsov might hurt the West-Russian empire they're building - adding Kuznetsov will help. They have tons of young, talented wingers regardless. I'm not sure how they'd view this but it's assuming the pick is 15 oa. Any higher and it'd have to be reworked.


As for the team itself, Olofsson should not play meaningful minutes at 5on5.
Eakin is in contention for the worst player in the league. He shouldn't play at all unless you're tanking hard.
Kravstov, Bjork and Asplund, along with the young trio at C gets to rotate with a cast of veteran wingers. Hopefully one of them regains form - I assume this will be Skinner since his underlying numbers are really good. Jeff is playing defensively solid hockey and I would expect scoring to come if he's not dragged down by 4th liners. Regardless, this hopefully provides some developmental help for the youngsters.

This leaves you with plenty of break-out potential, a really interesting non-roster top line, and a plethora of draft picks. If Buffalo wants to rebuild seriously I'd consider a route like this.

Let me know how I've somehow gotten too little and too much for Eichel at the same time down below. Thanks for reading!

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