They aren't better than Montreal. I think this year we see a switch up outside of Tampa.
- Tampa
- Toronto
- Montreal
- Boston
- Buffalo
- Florida
- Ottawa
- Detroit
I try not to make definitive statements like "They aren't better than Montreal" because I don't pretend to know more than the next person. Maybe they aren't. Maybe you DO know more than the next person. I don't know your record with such statements.
The Canadiens finished only 3 points ahead of the Sabres when the season ended and played 2 more games than the Sabres. So, I'm struggling to see how Montreal has improved so much and the Sabres haven't for you to say there is no possibility the Sabres are better.
Price played in 58 of 71 games. The Sabres' best goalie only played in 34 games. 24 more games by Ullmark should make a greater impact for the Sabres than the Canadiens' addition of Allen as a backup. Hopefully Hutton will be better or is replaced before the season starts as well.
The Canadiens traded Max Domi for Josh Anderson. I like Anderson, but is he a vast upgrade over Domi? Domi who had 72 points 2 years ago when Anderson had his breakout with 47. Better than the Domi that had 44 last season to injured Anderson's projected 11 points over the same 71 game season? Even if the production is the same, you're putting a lot of emphasis on intangibles if you think this is the difference maker.
The Sabres traded Marcus Johansson for Eric Staal. Adding a true Center, more offensive production (+17 points) and much needed leadership. If you are giving points to intangibles, I think his experience and career accomplishments deserve some recognition.
The Canadiens signed Toffoli. The Sabres signed Hall. Is this where you think the Canadiens got so much better than the Sabres?
The Canadiens are adding Caufield? The Sabres are adding Cozens.
The Canadiens' young players are going to get better. The Sabres' young players are going to get better. (Maybe not for either, but who is to say at this point?)
I'd love to know what moves I am missing that have had such an impact that "They AREN'T BETTER than Montreal".