Team: 2023-24 Buffalo Sabres

Initial Creation Date: Jun. 24, 2023

Published: Jun. 24, 2023

Salary Cap Mode: Basic

I think the Coyotes are the most logical trade option for Olofsson in an isolated trade. They need more goal scoring and they like cheap players. So with a retention from us, they won't have to pay him as much, and they can trade him again during the season with another retention. That will help maximize a return for him for the Coyotes and they have a ton of draft picks. But the Sabres aren't just going to give him away. A high 3rd and a 4th next year is a significant enough of a return. It's probably low with retention, but it gives Buffalo more picks to maneuver in the draft this season if they want to trade up, like they did with Peterka. And the league knows we didn't trust him in crunch time so I think the market for him even, with retained salary, is not going to be as robust as we think.

For the lines, deployment is a big thing. I think Granato wants to play all 4 lines at even strength and make sure our energy level up front stays high. Part of signing Okposo and Girgensons again is to make sure we can withstand injuries up front. I have a feeling they want to keep Savoie up as long as they can given Jost is a very good 13th forward that can play multiple positions. If there is an injury, Rousek, Biro, Weissbach, Rosen, Murray (if we can keep him), and even Jobst can fill in. The re-signings also make it clear they see Greenway as a top 9 player. Greenway was most effective with Thompson and putting them with Quinn should help that line give up less goals given Greenway and Quinn's defensive abilities. Peterka and Cozens are elite rush players and Cozens two-way game will allow Kulich to acclimate to the league. If he's not ready, he can go back down. When we're chasing late in games, Cozens can regroup with Peterka and Quinn, Thompson can slide back up with Skinner and Tuch, with Mittelstadt to fill in where needed. Maybe a Mittelstadt-Krebs-Kulich line could provide a spark as well.

The good news is there are options. And I know this team still needs to add another defenseman but there are about 700 teams on this site where we make that move so you can imagine whatever defenseman you want here.