Team: 2018-19 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Mar. 27, 2018

Published: Mar. 27, 2018

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

Buffalo wins the draft lottery and selects Rasmus Dahlin, I personally don't think this will happen, but a man can dream. Because of this Buffalo doesn't need to overpay a UFA defensemen, although they may still go that route and make some trades. Buffalo signs JVR, this is unlikely however buffalo is in dire need of a LW and the cap is available. If JVR can't be signed Buffalo signs Vanek. Raanta is signed to be the veteran goalie for Ullmark, but also being flexible enough to have a timeshare. Lehner's rights are traded to the NYI. This trade can go many ways and depends on Tavares. If Tavares is interested in staying in NY, NYI might be pressured into trading for assets they need (goaltending). If he walks this trade might still happen, but for less return. As for the final 6th and 7th D spots there are so many options. Bogosian can be moved but at a price GMB probably won't take, Antipin, McCabe and Beaulieu are all trade candidates. Very unsure of what GMB will do with that mess. Personally I'd rather keep McCabe. Buffalo signs 2 college free agents, I have no clue who with GMB saying buffalo is out of the running for Brickley, but he likes college players. Victor Olofsson signs and unless he's even better than I think he starts in Rochester. Alex Nylander's season is completely dependant on preseason, he either starts in rochester or bounces back and fourth. Cliff Pu has a year in rochester. Kane Continues his success in SJS and resigns. Larsson is traded to make room for better AHL guys, really to anyone that will take him.

Preseason lines: ERod - Eichel - O’Regan, because why not, Eichel brings up the value of everyone he plays with maybe he can pull a Crosby and make that a good line (also ERod would complement eichel nicely). Mittelstadt - ROR - Nylander, again why not, ROR is a good leader and can help them grow. JVR - ROR - Bailey/Baptiste. A more realistic line that would benefit the younger players more. CJ - Mittelstadt - Okposo. Okposo adds a veteran and played with casey last summer, also most people see Casey excelling as a third line centre with the way he can control the game. Pommer - Zemgus - Bailey/Baptiste. Other options are: CJ - ERod - Okposo, JRV - Eichel - Nylander. Lots of possibilities. Defensively I think is much more open because I’m really unsure of what buffalo will actually do at draft and in the offseason.

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