grades should never be given off of expectations. Only based off of objective performance
Eichel is an NHL A- level player
I think grades should be given based on expectations. Parable of the faithful servant, and all that.
That said, here's mine (relative to expectation first, then objective performance second).
As usual, I don't like +/- added to the letter.
C:
Larsson A / A >I hope he's extended for 3-4 years, </=$8M total, can be moved after a couple years if needed, or if Asplund is ready, or pair him with Asplund.
Mittelstadt C / C >Should have been shielded by ROR and playing 3rd line.
Eichel C / A >Some games he dominated. Some he tried and failed. Some he didn't try. Expected stronger leadership.
Sobotka F / F >I had low expectations, and he failed to achieve them. Had to be near the tops in the league in defensive zone time because once he got there, he couldn't leave.
LW:
Thompson F / F >I expected an NHL-ready player and didn't get one; that's on Botts. I expected a non-NHL-ready player to at least have some jump in his game and not be so passive, especially with his size, but I didn't get that either, and that's on Thompson. I seriously wonder if it isn't best to simply move him out of the organization lest he continually remind fans of the Blues trade.
Girgensons C / B >Met expectations for his role.
Rodrigues A / C >Best value contract on the Sabres. Would love to upgrade Sobotka, Thompson, Wilson, Sheary, Okposo, Pominville with players of ERod's consistency, versatility, dependability and attitude.
Sheary D / D >I expected a little more. Not just in the stats, but in ability, effort, impact to linemates, etc.
Skinner A / A >Greatly exceeded my expectations. I was negative toward him fitting in, given his playing style in Carolina.
RW:
Reinhart C / B >I expected a 20-40-60 season from him.
Okposo C / D >Didn't know what to expect this year. But I fully expect continued decline through 2023. I think they used to call Adam Creighton the "Condor" because of his height and arm span. They should call Okposo the "Albatross" because of his contract.
Pominville C / D >I expected a slow-skating, passive, largely ineffective player who would be opportunistic when propped up by Eichel, and a liability when not. And that's what we got.
D:
Dahlin A / A >Expected a ROY candidacy despite a crappy team, and got that. So calm and smooth. the defensive zone improvement will come. The Sabres system simply sucks.
Risto C / C >Expected him to eat minutes, but make a disproportionate share of dumb plays in those minutes.
Bogo A/ C >Did anyone bottle the first half of the season and try to re-formulate that?
Pilut B / C >Pushed for him to start the season in BUF. Wanted him to stay and play, once up.
Montour C/ C or B >Hadn't seen him play much for the Ducks. Can't decide if his actual performance grade should be a C or a B because I've forgotten what NHL-caliber defensemen look like wearing the Blue and Gold.
Scandella F / F >Dude, what happened?
Hunwick C / F >He met my low expectations of being below replacement-level in what few games he played.
Nelson C / D >I see no reason to pencil him in as anything more than an injury fill-in for next season, even if Risto is moved.
McCabe C / D >Too inconsistent to rely on as a top-4 going forward. Pencil in as bottom pair, move up with injury, after he's re-signed.
G
Hutton C / C
Ullmark C / C
Incompletes:
Borgen, Nylander, Olofsson. All were promising.
Who cares:
O'Regan, Tennyson, CJ Smith. Wilson. Not vital for the Sabres future.
Unsung hero:
Beaulieu. For enduring his benching, playing roughly every other game, watching worse players playing over him, and still finishing a +1 for the Buffalo segment of his season.
Fan favorite:
Berglund. For taking his ball, and his cap hit, and going home.
Most improved:
I got nothing for this category. The only things I can come up with is the waiting list for season tickets.