i feel like there are some options out there that can actually play. Okposo is horrid.

Okposo was a top 10 pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

k. and?

I mean he had 45 points 3 years ago and 44 points 2 years ago. last year was bad but whod he play with? He looks worse on a 7 year 42m contract but i wouldnt hate okposo at 4m if he can get you close to 50 points and 20 goals.

what makes you think you can?

Okposo’s main centremen last season were Sobokta and Girgensons, two players that can’t drive the play.

the same optimism that says bobby ryan can produce still, the same optimism that says corey perry can produce still, the same optimism that says the backes contract can be moved. Idk ide rather okposo at 4x4 than backes at 2x6.

Sabres are already tight to the cap once we sign our RFAs. Odds are we trade stuff to Seattle to take Ox. We aren't retaining on him especially if the guy we are trading for has the same cap hit. Basically were paying 8m/season for 2 years instead of 6m for 3. Actual dollars isn't an issue for us, and Backes is not an upgrade over Ox, so no reason Buffalo does this.

Ox is a solid 4th liner and I would absolutely love him on my 4th line at 2m per season.

except ox isnt at 2m he is at 6m. which is why the sabres would be inclined to move a guy who just had a 29 point season and looks to be grossly overpaid. to bring in a veteran presence that is definitely missing in that locker room. Backes could drive your 4th line, give you maximum effort he had 20 points himself last season playing on any line he could. Instead of trading stuff to seattle to take okposo, backes contract would be up.

And Nail was a #1 OA pick ....so what lol

He also saw his TOI get cut by 4-5 minutes a night...that probably had something to do with his dip in production. Even still not worth it for Boston.

Not even close. We're not going to swap bad contracts and retain, especially at equal value...or with a division rival we're trying to catch. Like I said Ox is a solid overpaid 4th liner, but were not going to swap him for a guy who gives us less points, is 4 years older and on top of it, pay him more. We have 8 players signed for next season including Ox. We have plently of room and space to deal with him for his contract.

Ox hasn't been the same since his concussion 2 years ago. He was getting back to form last year but had another concussion and we thought his career may be over. If he were to sustain 1 more, I think his career is over.

Idk, i feel like he could do the exact same thing as RoR did in st. louis. Granted RoR is far far better but okposo could easily rebound and have a 50+ point year if you stick him on a line with bergeron and marchand. gives you solid line combos. brings back a guy that at least has played top line minutes before in his career. idk if the kids truly arent ready yet and cant hack it i wouldnt hate it is all im saying.

You could put Heinen on the Bergeron line and he'd get 50+ points lol.

Honestly, even without the contracts, I’d probably rather have Backes.

Ox isn't the same player he used to be. He didn't get worse by playing in Buffalo, he got worse because of a concussion that nearly ended his career. If you put him on the top line you are killing yourself.

Also I like to use RAPM charts as an easily accessible way of comparing players. According to those, Backes is the better player.

So let me get this straight. youde rather have a guy who is 1 concussion away from calling it a career with 4 years left on his deal over a guy with 2 years left on his deal that is a great locker room presence and could show the kids how its done (backes is also likely 1 away btw). IF okposo gave you the exact same production next year as he gave you this year 14 goals 15 assists in 78 games and backes gave you the exact same production 7 goals 13 assists in 70 games. You are telling me you would rather have an extra 2 years 12m cap hit longer for a 9 point difference? AND THEN trade away assets to an expansion team to GET RID OF his contract in 2 years when the backes deal would be off your books?

i watched enough hockey to know backes is pretty much done.

only difference is okposo can actually score, heinen can barely hit an open target.

buffalo won't be retaining salary lmao

Honestly, it looks like Okposo is too. At least Backes has a physical element to his game.

Backes was never good player. Average at best, the only thing he can do is bodycheck and deliver cheap shots. No puck skills, skating or agility.

backes was pretty good as a 2 way center with the blues. He played on the line and played tough. he didnt have deking skills but he has an active stick and is still one of the best back checkers in the game.

Yes.