Earlier this month, the New York Times put out an NHL players survey where you could see what players think of your favorite team. Now it's your turn Sabres fans, the New York Times has put out a survey where you can give your opinion on the Buffalo Sabres and where they are headed as a franchise.
The Sabres have quite a few free agents coming up this summer and are on their way to a 14th straight season of no playoffs. They still sit in last in the Eastern Conference, and Lindy Ruff’s first season back as head coach has not gone the way the Sabres have hoped.
The first questions that appear ask about your confidence in Kevyn Adams, Terry Pegula, and Lindy Ruff. Lindy Ruff can steer this team back to the playoffs at some point, but it is a question mark as to how well Adams and Pegula will build this team.
Pegula has heard multiple “sell the team” chants over the last few years, and Kevyn Adams has made some questionable signings as GM. Adams has made some good trades, but arguably a team fighting the salary cap should not be a bottom-five team in the NHL. Those teams fighting the cap are your top teams or playoff contenders every year. I think Pegula should start with his GM and give him one more year and if things don’t change, he should start to consider a replacement for Adams.
They then ask whose contract you are most happy with long term, and the most disappointing player this season. If I could choose two I would, because Rasmus Dahlin will be a Norris Trophy winner at some point in his career, I think as the future of this franchise he deserves 11 million.
Tage Thompson at seven million a year is also a great contract as he wants to stick around and help build the future of the Sabres. Dylan Cozens has been the disappointing player of the year in my opinion, his numbers haven’t been where he was two years ago, and he has been demoted to third-line center while making seven million per year.
Which players would you like to see re-signed starts with Jason Zucker, then works its way to Jordan Greenway, Henri Jokiharju, Alex Tuch, and pending free agents. Zucker is a must when it comes to re-signing key guys, I would extend Tuch, and maybe throw a contract at Jokiharju. Ultimately Greenway would be left out, as I don’t Adams paying him the three million he makes now.
The last category is the most exciting player under 23, and I think Jiri Kulich is in a great position for that. The first-line center has been on an exciting line with Thompson and JJ Peterka this year, and he is only getting better. Another guy I'm high on is Isak Rosen, Rosen has been dominating the minors and it is only a matter of time before he gets a real chance with the Sabres.
There are other small categories mixed in such as in-arena experience, season tickets, and what makes fans come to games. I think this was a great idea as it gives Sabres fans the chance to voice their opinion on the current state of the team. This feedback will go back to Buffalo and will help to change things on and off the ice.