I also re sign Bodie, Khokhlachev (gives Buchnevich somebody to talk to), possibly Megna, and involve Nieves as 4th line C whilst Lindberg is out injured. Some nights you rotate Graves and McIlrath, moving McDonagh or Skjei to RD. In fairness, i may have to retain some of Staal's salary, say as much as 25% max (£1,425,000). I considered not resigning Stalberg but losing Nash we need somebody competent on the PK.

Just my two cents.

Do you think the Sabres can afford (or want to) Nash at 7.8m.? Ference would never agree to his NTC just to be bought out. Although it might be OK for the Oilers for the first two years, carrying Staal for a total of 5 years at 5.7m is the exact reason why you have traded him, and the Oilers wouldn't want the deal.

Absolutely the Sabres can, and they need/want veteran scoring to play with Eichel. Ference has no future in Edmonton, at least this way he gets a fresh chance a la Richards who ended up on a 1yr $2M deal with Chicago and won a cup. Edmonton's defence is awful, albeit the future is brighter, and although the contract isn't great with 25% retained it is certainly more appealing. He's not Girardi. The only other place I see him being offloaded is Carolina, for obvious reasons, and I would be happy with a mid range draft pick and a similarly poor return (say Hainsey off the top of my head, LD to make room and free up cap space).

Like I say, just my two cents. Wishful thinking though I appreciate. Moving Staal will be the issue, and whether Gorton is brave enough to move all 3 (Girardi, Nash and Staal).

OK Sabres need/want a scoring veteran. At 7.8m for 2 years...15.6 m total the Sabres can find much better value in the UFA market and keep their two assets. You mentioned Ference had no future in Edmonton and he has a fresh start in New York....well you bought him out. How is that a fresh start? Ference might be bought out Edmonton, but part of NTC deal if he is moved....is no buy out.
Same with Michalek in Toronto when he waived his in the trade to Ottawa. It's also holding up any Bickell trade. Bickell will likely be bought out be Chicago, but he is not going to waive to NTC to be bought out by another team.