We think alike. I’m wondering if two of our seconds equal to a low first or would it take three? I hate to trade buffalo seconds as i think in present nhl cap hell offer sheets very valuable for right player

I simply think these types of moves will happen this offseason

Having that draft capital gives Adams and co options, could use to move back into the first round or higher in the second if there is a particular player they covet like they did with Peterka.

With patience and diligence Sabres future is bright.

If we were in the same position as last year I would agree with you about doing things in the off season
I just think if the right player is available and in the Sabres case since we are on the bubble for the wildcard spot why not do it sooner rather than later. Don't you think the kids would get a boost seeing that management is trying to help them achieve greater heights.
To me now is the time to start to sprinkle in some of the intangibles sure Mitts might be an overpay for Jeannot but that trade benefits both teams. We get the sandpaper we need and Nash gets a center considering their top line center (according to CF) isn't producing much. If Jeannot recaptures last years form it's even better

No, no, no. A 1st is the rental price for Gavrikov. The sign-and-trade price is "no deal" - if we can sign him (at that rate), we keep him.

And that's a lowball in any case, what with the pick being next year instead of this, and the add being Yet Another Winger who's explicitly years away.

I don't get the point in giving up a 1st+ to get Gavrikov for 5x$5M when you already have Power & Samuelsson under team control for those 5 years. If everyone develops the way you think they are going to, that means within a couple years you're going to be paying $5M to your LD3.

I can buy the reasoning behind wanting to have another veteran to pair with Power - but at that rate, why not just throw a 4th rounder at Philly for Justin Braun or send it to Chicago for Jack Johnson? Pending UFAs who can eat some big minutes if you want to avoid overworking your younger guys while not giving up premium assets. And then you can go out and sign a Trevor van Riemsdyk or Dmitry Kulikov this summer to a $2-2.5Mish AAV to be a reliable bottom pair guy. Seems like it checks all the boxes you're looking for, but keeps the 1st and saves some cap space.

Ive said in previous posts that if Dahlin likes right side Gavrikov amazing addition as 3rd pair shutdown player
He’s worthy of first but he’s probably available as free agent in july. Worth the wait and worth 5 x 5 million especially with our young goalies
If Dahlin likes his natural side better move Samuelson to third and find two improved right d to play with him and power
Gavrikov looking for good long term contract so undoubtedly will test market in july. Grab him then and KA has better options
Justin Braun only a rental. He was traded last year and resigned with Philly and probably does it again
Patience and next year a stronger playoff run

Bolding that part because I think it probably kills your thesis dead right here - Buffalo's a bubble team right now, sacrificing a first for 20 games of a guy you can just sign in July is a heavy price to pay.

And I don't love the fit with Gavrikov at $5M still - look at the books after next season. Samuelsson is signed to his $4.3M AAV; Dahlin's deal expires and you assume he gets at least $8M in an extension; Power's ELC is up and the low end cost for him is probably $3-4M on a bridge deal. Paying a guy who would be your 4th best Dman $5M is a big number, especially once you start having to extend all the young forwards winding up their ELCs.

The big wild card to me is going to be Ryan Johnson. It's totally a moot point if the Sabres sign him this spring - I'd rather give him the chance to succeed at LD3 than spend assets & cap on bringing in a guy from the outside.

I never wanted to sign Gavrikov for a first but still think he’s worth it to a playoff team in need Not for us but compared to other d like Lindholm last year yes.
Obviously signing Ryan Johnson preferred and he’s played on his offside in university and might fit in with Power when ready. We have Johikaru signed till then
Hope Johnson does sign but time will tell
Gavrikov exceptional shutdown guy so why not have that especially with UPL and Levi young goalies. If Johnson doesn’t sign, that is. Portillo bolting and rumours he doing same. I hope not
In my opinion keeping goals and shots against good way to succeed and let Dahlin and Power drive team more on pp and 5 on 5. Improves pk which isn’t good
We’re paying Jokiharju 2.5 and he’s mediocre playing with great players. Bryson 1.85? He’s dreadful. Lub 2.75 and he’s just ok. We need upgrades to compete with the best

Cap goes up a smidge, Okposo's 6 mil comes off the books and the only big signing will be Cozens...the following year Dahlin will get 10 mil. Sabres have the forward depth to replace higher priced vets with ELC's. When Dahlin is due, Olofsson's contract is up, that's 4.75mil that goes toward Dahlin and an ELC takes Olofssons place. So it costs the Sabres maybe 200K to have those 2 spots covered.
If 5 mil is the right number for Gabrikov I don't see it as a big problem. Everything is timing of expiring contracts and when new contracts are due. We have enough young forwards coming up to keep the cap in line.

I think if the Jackets can sign Gavrikov at 5 x 5 then they will keep him.

True but they haven’t

Those 2nds will be valuable in this upcoming draft, it's not the strongest draft for D. A lot ranked in the the late 1st into the 2nd rnd.

Simashev on left, Reinbacher,Sandin-Pellekka,Strbak,Bonk all look good and will all be in top 50
This group has huge potential

Agree, so that Philly 2nd and ours could be important this year. If we use them in a trade, it's gotta be one that helps us now and into the future a bit.

Do you read T McGee’s posts on die by the blade? Very inciteful articles

Did he come out with a new Article, haven't read anything since December

No but soon i hope