We'd have to be really out of it to trade Hall at TDL. Value wise I think that's about as fair as it can get

Not necessarily here (although I’d bet this is a spot it happens) but I could see salary rarely being retained to get back better value due to the covid financial situation and owners not wanting to spend extra money than they have to

It was just more for discussion. But I do think they will be in the race at the TDL, a short seasons is really going to to be beneficial.

he can get more

I think anyone trying to say they have a good idea of what hall would fetch at the deadline is nuts. I could see the Sabres getting an absolute ransom because so many teams will be in the hunt. I could also see teams being super scared of using assets in a pandemic year, and he winds up going for a 2nd and a B prospect.

Agreed

If the divisions are the same as the leaked ones, Buffalo likely won't be fighting for playoffs.

Say it’s a 48 game season, Buffalos record in 18-19 after 48 games, 24-18-6 4 points Out.
In 19-20, 22-19-7 5 points out. They made huge improvements to the top 6 too.

Yeah but if it's the leaked divisions then Buffalo heads into a more difficult division than the Atlantic.

Right it’s a tough division my point is they always get to respectable starts to the season. The new additions could pull them over. They are better than the Rangers and the Devils in my opinion, I’m hoping for an expanded playoff.

I think Rangers are for sure better, even with the additions to Buffalo. I don't think Buffalo is an option to make a 16 team, 4 per division playoffs. If there's 24 again, there's a chance but still think odds are against them.

Disagree Rangers have one of the worst defensive groups in the NHL. They got outclassed by a Carolina team in the play ins. If it’s an extended format Buffalo easily gets in.

Their left side is suspect but their right side is one of the best in the NHL. Also, I have high hopes for K'Andre Miller that he will make the team and stabilize their biggest weakness. Plus, Laf improves the Rangers depth scoring and their goaltending will be more consistent in the regular season. But we can agree to disagree.

I think a retained hall to a contender gets a first in 21 to start. But thats partially because the 21 draft is supposed to be very weak, i can see gms picking in the 20s in a crappy draft easily throwing the pick in for a guy that won the hart a couple years ago. I think the 22 and 23 draft are supposed to be much stronger, so gms will bid accordingly.

I refer you to my previous statement.