Here we are, about one month from the start of training camp and pre-season. Moves were made, losses happened, new gains occurred, and changes became set in stone. The Buffalo Sabres brought back some familiar faces and some new ones, each ready to take on a new role on a new team.
General Manager Kevyn Adams receives a lot of criticism for moves he makes and moves he does not make. I suppose that’s part of the job, no matter what you do, fans will criticize you. Sometimes it may be deserved, while other times not so much.
Fans at times don’t seem to understand just how a GM may have his hands tied when it comes to bringing in new players. Before criticism can be given to Adams, we need to reflect and review the circumstances and put ourselves in the position of a player who just entered free agency, or one who has a NMC/NTC on their contract.
Imagine this, you enter Free Agency and receive an offer from the Buffalo Sabres, I don’t even need to explain our track record, and another offer from from the Nashville Predators who made the playoffs this past season (despite being eliminated in the 1st round.) While the Sabres could have offered more, you’re choosing between chances at playoffs, location (weather), and even state taxes. Remember this is just an example, but look at Johnny Marchessault.
I think you get the idea where if the scenario were a trade as well. The simple fact is, players just don’t want to come here unless there’s a huge payday or they see good opportunity for personal growth.
Now that we’ve looked at it from a player’s point of view, think of it like this. If Adams sat on his hands and made no moves at all, fans would be going crazy and criticizing Adams for doing nothing, just like they are now that he’s made some moves. Sure, they weren’t the best moves, but they sure as heck can be a difference maker.
Comparative Criticism
Let’s take a look at our players in the bottom six from last season, shall we?
Casey Mittelstadt (traded to COL), Zach Benson (at times), Jordan Greenway, Kyle Okposo (traded to FLA), Zemgus Girgensons, Peyton Krebs, Victor Olofsson, and Eric Robinson.
Not too impressive looking if I do say so myself. Many of these players lacked the speed, grit, skill, or even all three. Mitts was definitely a solid 3C but sadly was traded, rightfully so as he is a solid 2C. Benson was all over the lineup through the season, I’m sure we’ll see him in the middle six during this season. About the same with Greenway, but more grit. Okposo was great for leadership, but not much else on the ice. Girgensons had the grit too but that’s about it. These guys were all over the place throughout the season. Sure, Mitts will be missed by many, as will Okposo. The rest... not so much.
Now let’s look at the additions (with some quick notes): Jason Zucker (veteran to add leadership and experience), Ryan McLeod (8th in the league on Max Speed | 23.82 mph), Sam Lafferty, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, and Beck Malenstyn (12th in the league with hits | 241).
These may not be the best additions to ever come from a GM, but they certainly aren't the worst. With these new additions being infused to our roster, we now have a more reliable Bottom Six. This season we won't have to rely so heavily on the Top Six to make the magic happen.
There is also much more flexibility for players to play anywhere in the lineup. I personally think this whole group is going to be a lot more fun to watch this upcoming season. I didn't really reflect on the defense much in this article, but I think that core is set in stone, for now. Same with goaltending, UPL and Levi taking the reins is the likely scenario for the start of the season.
Now where does this all add up?
Combination Criticism
Let's say I were the coach, which thankfully I'm not. In Ruff we trust. Hypothetically though, if I were Lindy Ruff, my opening night roster would look like:
Peterka - Thompson - Tuch
Benson - Cozens - Quinn
Zucker - McLeod - Greenway
Malenstyn - Lafferty - Aube-Kubel
Peterka killed it last season and I think deserves a spot on the top line to start the season. Quinn is healthy and takes a spot on the second line at right wing. He and Peterka can swap spots if either struggle or anything needs moved around. Benson gets a shot to start on the second line, but if he struggles at the start of the season, I'd like to see him swap with Zucker or Greenway.
My take, it would be wise to wait until the trade deadline before trading for a top-six winger. Patience. I know, we all hate being asked for patience. Us as fans deserve better for sure, but with Ruff being back as coach and the bottom-six now being rounded out it looks like a step up from last season.
If Benson does not do well playing in the top-six or there is an injury to one of the others, we now have plenty of depth to take a step up if needed. McLeod, Zucker, or Greenway can slot into the top-six. We also have plenty of guys in the AHL that are hungry for a chance to be called up. Think Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, or Lukas Rousek.
Now that we've come to the end, what do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments on what Adams and Co. have done to make you happy, sad, angry, hopeful, anything. Feel free to criticize me, the team, the players, anyone. I will take it all to heart and reflect on it.