taking the next step

Team: 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 3, 2023

Published: Mar. 5, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Hometown star player in Patrick Kane signs on a 2 year deal so that when the young forwards (Quinn and JJP namely) are due for extension the potential cap issues are minimized. Made the olofsson deal since with bringing in Kane and keeping the kids he becomes a bid redundant. Would be best to capitalize on adding draft capital for moving him.

At least 1-2 defensemen are needed for this roster, one top 4 defensive/two-way RHD and probably a veteran third pair left defenseman. I think Jokiharju is a good player but him and Bush could rotate in and out. Bush provides more of a physical defensive presence where Jokiharju is more of a efficient puck mover and still has additional upside.

I think a short term FA goalie add would be the most prudent move instead of a trade. With Levi in the pipeline and UPL showing some flashes of brilliance, it seems like a solid stopgap option is more what Buffalo needs, not a blockbuster trade to add a big name goalie.

A 4th line center that can play effectively in a defensive role and win faceoffs would also be ideal.

For the following season buffalo would project to have $35m in cap space with a 87m cap. Dahlin at 9.5m, Roy at 4.25, Power on long term extension at 5.5-6, UPL bridged at 2.5-3, Mitts at 4m max, and Krebs bridged at 2.5 still leaves over 5m in cap space with only a handful of depth spots to fill and that should be the worst case scenario.

I think with this roster Buffalo becomes a legitimate playoff team for years to come. Let me know if y'all think I'm crazy for this haha

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