GMTD

future lamentation
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Forum: Armchair-GMWed at 11:36 am
Thread: 3 Trades
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>mhockey91</b></div><div>Scandella is having a good season, but Historically, Jugs has been better over the last few seasons</div></div>

I really like RHC, and Jugs may be the right one for the Sabre.
I may be a dreamer, but with the sort of season Scandella is having, Betterall will want more.
I was a bit more optimistic than the hockey prognosticators when they predicted an 80 pt season for the Sabres, but I did not think they would be in second place in mid December.
I think Betterall will want future assets returned for Scandella at the TDL, or he may not trade him all and keep him for a playoff run. At the moment Buffalo is far from being desperate for forwards scoring. They have more goals than EDM and only 3 less than PIT or TML. The team played well during their 1-7-2 stretch and had terrible "puck -luck", but they seem to have turned the corner now 5-2-3 with wins over the Leafs, Blues, Oilers, and Panthers (all potential playoff teams) counted among those 5 wins.
IMO the Sabres need a good starting GK with Ullmark as back up instead of more 40 pt forwards as Chucky. They 4-6 in the extra time games this year. If they could have picked up 2 more wins they would be in a solid 2nd place Atlantic standing. I think Betterall likes have 8 NHL quality defensemen on the roster.
But just to be clear, let me close, I think the talent exchange of Miller for Galchenyuk is very fair, but not what the Sabres need now.
Finally, considering Chucky was the major piece in the Kessel deal, I sort of think the PEN's will be hesitant to move him for Miller.
Forum: Armchair-GMWed at 11:02 am
Thread: 3 Trades
<a href="/users/BigDog91" target="_blank">@BigDog91</a>
Actually that Galchenyuk is a fair trade considering Betterall only had to give up a 2nd for Miller. IMO we will see some more scoring going forward, so getting Chucky may not be the best move. The Sabres have 18 goals in their last 3 home games and 12 in their last 3 road games, or 30 goals in the last 6 games. I like getting another center; I do not like the higher salary and the 2 less years on the contract. But maybe it would work out really well for the remaining of the year.
<a href="/users/mhockey91" target="_blank">@mhockey91</a>
I agree with you except, you need to watch more of Bogosian. He is a new player since returning from his surgery.
Considering Scandella has the best +/- among all of the Sabres (and second only to the PEN's Dumoulin), I do not thing Betterall will be trading him the one goal this year Bjugstad.
Forum: Armchair-GMWed at 10:25 am
Thread: Rebuild a good chunk of the blue line
<a href="/users/AFOX10900" target="_blank">@AFOX10900</a>
I cannot speak for the other trades but Betterall certainly fleeced Murray. IMO it would take more to get Montour. Has any one watched how well Bogosian is playing, I think he will be traded at the TDL for less than a first, but more than a 4th.
<a href="/users/Amplifys" target="_blank">@Amplifys</a>
I am including you because you made a comment to this post
<a href="/users/Leafboy101" target="_blank">@Leafboy101</a>
I agree that Buffalo needs secondary scoring but since the Leafs have only 3 more goals than Buffalo so far this year, I do not think this offer is sufficient and TML need secondary scoring as well. Read below.
<a href="/users/palhal" target="_blank">@palhal</a>
I agree, with your comment about Montour. He may be the Sabres best defenseman (yes including Dahlin, BTW the Sabres are 4-1-3 since Dahlin suffered a concussion). I have no idea how the Sabres were able to get him for only Guhle and a first. I guess Murray was reading the Buffalo News writers reports on Ghule.
Forum: Armchair-GMDec 3 at 5:44
Thread: Galchenyuk Ritchie
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Shibbal18</b></div><div>Didnt know Richie was so hot, but Scandella is playing better than everyone thinks. And while yes i would agree its a no, its not a huge deal, its more like a Nah. This is why people stop listening to opinions that are always negative on certain teams</div></div>

This is one of your best posts of equal talent for equal talent.
I do not get to watch much of the Ducks but if Ritchie is coming into his own, that means Mittelstadt is the next Wayne Gretzky. Nick has one more point and one less goal than Casey, while getting more ice time. I think you have a fair trade there. Edit, I thought I was the only one who noticed Scandella playing very well. We may all be surprised at how much value he and Bogosian return if they are traded. I would not be surprised if they returned at least a second.
Miller for a second was a huge steal for the Sabres, IMO playing with PIT he would score as well as he did in Vegas. Alex on the other hand has not performed well. IMO it would be really hard to move Alex for Miller when Alex was the primary part of the Kessel trade. So while the trade IMO is certainly fair, probably would not go down.
The bottom line this is a good post.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 29 at 3:55
Thread: Ideal Trade Deadline without trading Risto
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Jdfitz77</b></div><div>I agree with making room for younger players,
But Bonino isn’t all that good (35pt player, meh)
And would conceivable take up Cozens spot at Center next year

But if we were trading for a guy like Ehlers, or even a Center of his quality, then I’d be all for it

It’s been 6 years since Bonino has scored 20goals
He’s not the 2C we are looking for

Johansson &gt; Bonino, Bujugstad, etc etc

If we are making a trade...
let’s get the best player possible regardless of forward position
Bc we are still building a team for the future, not this year

Example:
Skinner-Johansson-Ehlers, looks a lot better to me than...
Skinner-Bonino-Johansson

And then NEXT season...
Skinner-Cozens-Johansson
And then we slot Ehlers with Mittelstadt on line3

That’s how u build a championship contender imo</div></div>

I think I said we disagreed with Bonino, so you are correct. I guess adding an extra year of Bonino over Sheary makes that a bad deal.
BTW, I really like Sheary and only looking to add a center in place of him, but you are correct adding Bonino could easily stifle the growth of Cozens and Thompson.
Johansson is an incredibly smart hockey player, I was and even more now shocked that he signed only a 2 year contract with Buffalo. He is worth his entire salary and maybe a bit more.
BTW, what do you think the Sabres would need to offer to land Ehlers.
Lastly, I agree, a championship is built slowly not rushed trying to achieve a playoff team in one year.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 28 at 4:39
Thread: Ideal Trade Deadline without trading Risto
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Jdfitz77</b></div><div>The problem imo with a lot of the teams ppl put together on here is that they lose sight of the overall goal...

And that is to build a team that can be a legit Championship Contender for years

Sure, in one regard trading Sheary for Bonino may make sense for us now (and i stress “maybe” bc I’m not a big Bonino fan at all)... but EXACTLY HOW does that type of trade move us towards our REAL GOAL?

Ppl on here are just impatient, looking for a quick fix
But this team is still a work in progress

Acquiring players with term left on their deals doesn’t make room guys like Cozens, etc
And it takes up slots where we could bring in a potential difference maker with all the Cap Space we will have in the
off-season

And again...
idk how much adding guys that are “decent” really helps us anyways?

Making trades for the sake of trades isn’t moving us in the direction of a Championship contender

And that should be the goal

Don’t need to rush things...
“trust the process”


And to answer your question about what I’d do...
NOTHING right now
We are 8-2-1
If a trade presents itself where we can add a “Core Player” that can help now, AND GOING FORWARD...
that’s when you pull the trigger

For example:
Getting someone like Ehlers from the Jets

But not Bonino, etc etc
Those guys don’t move the needle
Let’s not pretend they’d be difference makers for us
And let’s not spend assets on “rentals” on guys like Toffoli either (who i also don’t think is very good anymore)</div></div>

Very complete answer.
I think we agree. I definitely did not like the Toffoli and I only liked the trades moving UFA's for picks but a center would be more valuable than a LW.
You and I disagree with Bonino, but we appear to agree with making room for young players. Or did I mis read your comment.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 25 at 12:13
Thread: Ideal Trade Deadline without trading Risto
<a href="/users/BigDog91" target="_blank">@BigDog91</a> I like your thought process of moving UFA’s for future assets.
Bonino for Sheary is a great idea of moving a LW (a position that Buffalo has depth Skinner, Olofsson, Vesey and even Johansson) for a player who fills a position that needs help Center.
Vesey and Sobotka could return 3rds if Vesey could find some goals by the TDL even more, Sobotka probably only a 4th, but I like your idea.
OK, let me go out on a limb here, if Scandella continues to play as he has, he could bring back a 2nd (he is on pace for 15 goals) and if a team is close to the playoffs and there are not many scoring LHD on the market, who knows what he will bring back. Same with Bogosian if he can demonstrate that he has recovered from his surgery a RHD seems to be valued very high at the TDL.
I commented on Toffoli below and finally, I really hope Ristolainen is only traded for a huge return, he is still playing 24 a game for his 4 coach.

<a href="/users/Shibbal18" target="_blank">@Shibbal18</a> I would like to add Toffoli, but I agree that Asplund would fit better in the Sabres future than Toffoli (a replacement for Girgensons or Larsson at half the price). As mentioned he is a UFA and I think Betterall will not be trading picks for short term incremental improvements.

<a href="/users/Skyraider112" target="_blank">@Skyraider112</a> You are correct that the team has certainly jelled, but moving UFA’s for future assets (when there may be young replacements in the Juniors or AHL) is a good plan.

<a href="/users/Swagmaster" target="_blank">@Swagmaster</a> I agree, IMO Thompson or Cozens (or both) may be ready at the TDL. Let’s not trade for Toffoli.

<a href="/users/Sabresforlife" target="_blank">@Sabresforlife</a> I think I would rather have Montour. He was the Sabres best defensemen the 20 games he played with the team last year.

<a href="/users/Jdfitz77" target="_blank">@Jdfitz77</a> Well some are not great, but the over all the idea of moving UFA’s for future assets is a good plan. IMO the plan above just needs some tweaking. Do you have any thoughts on ways moving out the UFA's and making room for Bogosian, Montour, Thompson and Cozens?
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 18 at 12:31
Thread: Can someone who watched the game fill me in
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>CrossFireX33</b></div><div>In terms of possession we got outplayed, but honestly the defense that was played while being attacked was great, just couldn't get the puck out. Yes there were a lot of shots but not a lot of them were good chances. The kings are a very experienced team and that showed with lots of possession, just looked like their talent wasn't there anymore. Basically: great game by Hutton, good game by the defense (just had trouble clearing), and an outstanding game by the third line. Hopefully this gets Mittelstadt going.</div></div>
Areas to build upon and continue:
While he made great saves, I thought Hutton was always in position. Can we credit Mike Bales for this? BTW, Carter set a Sabre record for most saves made to get a shut out.
Buffalo did not allow a shot over the last 8 minutes.
Mittelstadt is finally rewarded for his improved performance.
The PK finally played well. The PP was better than against the Ducks.
Areas to improve:
I also thought that too many times instead of clearing the pressure, the Sabre forwards too often were trying to make a play. Now I was not at the game, but maybe they were trying to make a stretch pass which I could not see, but IMO the coach has to be more concerned with protecting the lead at that point (get the puck out of the zone) v trying to pad the lead (making a perfect play).
They forgot how to win face offs, which allowed the Kings to control the play.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 18 at 11:03
Thread: Risto Trade
<a href="/users/SammyT_51" target="_blank">@SammyT_51</a>
<a href="/users/CrossFireX33" target="_blank">@CrossFireX33</a>
<a href="/users/CD282" target="_blank">@CD282</a>
<a href="/users/Ledge_And_Dairy" target="_blank">@Ledge_And_Dairy</a>
<a href="/users/Claesson4Norris" target="_blank">@Claesson4Norris</a>
<a href="/users/Masterjuddi" target="_blank">@Masterjuddi</a>

I included all of you because you all commented. A couple of points.
First, IMO CrossFireX33 returns are what he would want. Those are his asking price. The difference between asking price and selling price are often very different.
Second, It is really hard to imagine a coach (whose job depends on who is on the ice) would play any one for nearly half of the game unless the coach had faith in him. Four different coaches have played Ristolainen 24 minutes a night, that sounds like they all had faith in him.
Third, there is no rush to trade him. The team is under the cap, the team has 3 NHL quality defensemen on the mend, yet have the NHL 4th best GAA. The team is off to a great start, why trade him unless the return is remarkable.
Fourth, a fair trade would be a young consistent 60 pt forward (one for one), or a first and a good prospect, or a 2nd and great prospect. This year Ristolainen has really impressed me, but he is not Hedman, Burns, Karlsson or Eriksson, so I could not expect more than any of them would return in a trade.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 18 at 10:41
Thread: Trade with ARI
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>masterjuddi</b></div><div>Risto has to be the most traded guy on this site, but why? are Sabres fans posting these? Your team is doing well and he's a big part of that. Plus who's gonna fill those minutes? Bogo? Scandella? Dcore gets thin after that for a contending team
Also, the trade is garbage haha</div></div>

He is traded by Sabre fans for 2 reasons:
1) They think acquiring Jokiharju, Miller, and Montour was an indication that Betterall was unhappy with Ristolainen, instead of looking at the trades as being great pick ups.
2) The press totally misinterpreted his interview. (I am paraphrasing) He said he was unhappy that he could not bring a winner to Buffalo, which was heard that he was unhappy with Buffalo.

If he is traded it would only be for a great return (a consistent 60 pt center or forward) and I do not see that in the future.
Finally, considering that Buffalo has a 2.25 GAA (4th best in the NHL) yet Buffalo has 3 NHL defensemen on ir I would think it is a good indication that the defense is actually very deep.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 17 at 1:08
Thread: Reversal equals Stanley Cup Contendor
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Ragsandbluesfan</b></div><div>Ok so the bruins were exhausted, but the blues werent??? They played 26 of a possible 28</div></div>

I was waiting for your comment.
Who did the Bruins and Blues play in each round,
Leafs v Jets Who do think would win that match-up? Maybe I am wrong but it was harder to get to 100 pts in the east then 99 in the west. I think most odds makers would give the nod to the Leafs.
Jackets v Stars after the Jackets loaded up and added McQuaid, Dzingel and Duchene they sure looked like possible cup champs and the way they dispatched the Bolts in 4 games. Again IMO most odds makers would give the nod to the Jackets. BTW check out the 7th game stats and try to convince me that O'Reilly is the reason the Blues won that game and got to the western conference finals.
Canes v Sharks hmmm how many Sharks were injured? Pavelski, Karlsson and Hertl. without (85 goals that year) them I wonder if the Sharks are a playoff team. Safe to say the Canes would take down the Sharks.
So, you are correct the Blues played a lot of games against much easier competition.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 16 at 3:51
Thread: Reversal equals Stanley Cup Contendor
<a href="/users/Ragsandbluesfan" target="_blank">@Ragsandbluesfan</a>
81-78-62 the Sabre's point total the 3 years O'Reilly was in Buffalo. But somehow, he will suddenly turn Buffalo into a Stanley Cup team
O'Reilly goes to a team that missed the playoffs by one point in 2018 then the Blues add Perron, Bozak, Binnington as well as O'Reilly and beat an exhausted Bruins team.

<a href="/users/EthanK24" target="_blank">@EthanK24</a>
Actually, the defense is awesome. Dahlin will be a Norris winner soon, Miller is a perfect mate and has the defense's best +/-. Ristolainen is maligned but he manages to play 24 min/gm for his 4th coach, paired with McCabe they hit all players in the wrong uniform. Only Ristolainen had more ice than Scandella in 2017-18 and he is now the 3rd LHD and Jokiharju looks really solid. The defensive depth is probably NHL best with Montour, Bogosian and Pilut on IR.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 15 at 11:57
Thread: ari trade
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>wojme</b></div><div>Not worth it for either team</div></div>
While Buffalo has very good RHD, this is a great trade for a team that could a better RW than Sobotka.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Salami4McDonalds</b></div><div>It does not make sense for any of the teams. We need to trade Risto only for help in the top 6 and not for another defender.</div></div>
Yup.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Swagmaster</b></div><div>No he is not . I love the player too. Was hoping we would chose him . Hated the Nylander choice. Beyond all that the trade makes no sense for either team.</div></div>
Yup, I will believe until I can proven wrong, but I think final straw the broke the camel which finally convinced Pegula to fire Murray was not drafting friend of the Pegula family Chychrun. I wonder if Murray could have made a trade with Boston for their 2 first round draft picks and Boston picks McAvoy with the 8th pick and Buffalo gets Chychrun with the 14th pick.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>jonnymc26</b></div><div>so LD is not deep on sabers it will show up eventually and opposite is true for ARI as RD is a bit weak. the plan should be mitts as 2nd center and cozens should slide into the 2nd RW spot eventual. so top 6 is ok for future should focus on solidifying other positions.</div></div>
Before the season started LHD looked weak, but right now it is looking pretty good. Dahlin will become a Norris winner in a couple of year. McCabe is rock solid and Scandella is erasing many of Jokiharju's mistakes. But I do not see Betterall making an essentially lateral deal as this when the team needs a top 6 RW.
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>jonnymc26</b></div><div>speed risto&gt;chychrun, size R&gt;C, offense R&gt;C, defense R&lt;=C, physicality R&gt;C
potential is 2nd pair for both but risto has higher ceiling, its a step down in skill for the saber to help fill weakness from a strength</div></div>
I agree with your assessment. I do not want to see Ristolainen traded for a often injured LHD.
BTW you could add sturdiness to ranking. Jakob has played 68, 50 and 53 games the last 3 years while Rasmus has played 79, 72 and 78 games. Ristolainen has played 59 more games over the past 3 seasons.
Forum: Armchair-GMOct 12 at 12:44
Thread: Winnipeg
<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Cheddamonkey37</b></div><div>Not a chance</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>AndrewLadd</b></div><div>OOF</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Shibbal18</b></div><div>Lol mmk</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>masterjuddi</b></div><div>Ummm no</div></div>

<div class="quote"><div class="quote_t">Quoting: <b>Swagmaster</b></div><div>Both fan bases greatly over value their players . Scandella has benefitted from the new coaching staff . And is an acceptable 4 -5 d on most teams. Nelson is a good 7th d for any team . Buffalo just has a wealth of D at this point . Nelson for a 6th or 7th would be a fair deal that could give Winnipeg some depth on D. I see Scandella being worth a 4th or 5th round pick with his better play.</div></div>

<a href="/users/F50marco" target="_blank">@F50marco</a>

Actually Marco has been the whipping boy of many Buffalo CFAG's many who value him so little that he should be bought out, or just moved off of the team with a pick. Just watch him play and he passes the eye test.
He has a good shot and last year ranked among all NHL top pairing defensemen with his 6 goals.
His first year in Buffalo, only Ristolainen played more minutes than he but his playing time has dropped not because his performance has waned but rather Buffalo's defense is greatly improved.
Now that I have that out of my system, I have seen trades of Roslovic and a 2nd for Ristolainen, so really doubt that this trade would ever happen.
He is playing much better than his D-man partner Jokiharju, and I have been a fan of him for some time but this is too much to expect. Let me add, I like Nelson, but he passed through waivers and could have been had for nothing.
Depending on the GM and the supply and demand at the TDL, Scandella will return a 3rd, 4th or 5th but not Roslovic.