Buffalo Sabres: Here's the Herd 2.0

Ryan McLeod: 6'2 - 207 lbs.

Many people seem to think that Edmonton robbed Buffalo in the trade of Savoie for McLeod. While it does seem like a bit of an overpay, I think I would rather have seen Savoie traded away opposed to someone like Kulich, Ostlund, or Rosen. Don't get me wrong, Savoie is an extremely talented player, but his size and play style don't seem to match what Ruff is going for in the team.

McLeod is only 24 years old, and has one year left on a deal that gives him $2,100,000. After this season he becomes a Restricted Free Agent. He is the type of player that will be dynamite on the third line, but I can even see him get some time on the second line as a Left Wing.

Through 81 games, McLeod had 12 goals, 18 assists, 30 points, with 65 hits, and 34 blocks. For a bottom six player I'd say that's really good. He still has the potential to grow and reach the next level.

What stands out to me, is that in the regular season, he had a faceoff percentage of 50.8%. While in Playoffs, he had a 52 faceoff %. This is the type of player we want and need this season in the bottom six, especially when the Sabres make the playoffs this season.

Dennis Gilbert: 6'2 - 216 lbs.

Welcome home, Gilbert! To conclude this list I've added a Buffalo native. While he will likely play with Rochester this season, we all know anything can happen at training camp. Signed as a depth defenseman for one season at an AAV of $825,000 Gilbert brings physicality and size to the blue line. In 34 games this past season he had one goal, six assists, seven points, 59 hits, and 49 blocks. Not too shabby for a depth defenseman.

I'm hoping he beats Jacob Bryson for that seventh defensive spot. What I like that Adams has done, he's created more competition through the lineups for every position. In this example we already know our defensemen will be Dahlin, Power, Samuelsson, Byram, Jokiharju, and Clifton.

That leaves one depth spot open on the NHL roster at defense. Competing for that spot will be Gilbert, Bryson, Johnson, and Clague. One in the NHL, three in the AHL.

Honorable mentions

To top things off I wanted to finish with some Honorable Mentions, guys in the AHL that are 6'3+ that might some day make the NHL roster, hopefully with the Sabres!

Vsevolod Komarov: 6'3 | 181 lbs. | D; Ty Cheveldayoff: 6'3 | 225 lbs. | LW; Nikita Novikov: 6'4 | 198 lbs. | D; Josh Dunne: 6'4 | 209 lbs. | C; Brett Murray: 6'5 | 227 lbs. | LW

The Rochester Americans will be packing some size, too! Hopefully we see some of these guys make the lineup some day, even if it is as a depth player.

Closing Remarks

Let's all hope the intimidation factor takes play after this season starts up. I have a feeling with Ruff leading this group of big bodies, fast skaters, and hitters this group is going to be scary to play against but super fun to watch. Which player listed are you most excited to see this season? How do you feel about the hypothetical 'Intimidation Factor'? Thanks for reading!