So like I said, an upgrade. Im giving them props and you guys still dont like it. I still dont see how they are not contenders though in a much tougher division.
So lets assume Skinner gets Staal/Reinhart over Johansen/Sobotka. An obvious upgrade there, but he now loses his pp1 time right? He was on pace for 32 points, albeit a low shooting % to go along there, which hopefully turns around, but no guarantees there. So better ES linemates and no PP1 time and all of a sudden hes on pace for 50-60 again? I expect him to improve from 19-20, but probably to a 20-20 pace. If he gets Eichel, then maybe he can bounce back to 35+g.
I like Eakin fine, but are we pretending like he turns the 2nd worst PK into league average? Really? Losing Larsson will be more apparent here and across overall D in general. Insane to see, but Larsson, Johansen, Sobotka, Okposo, and Vesey were the only Sabres that had a positive corsi against "elite" competition. So what is the plan now to shut down opposing teams big guns? Just outscore them? Ok, well see how that goes.
PuckIQ | Woodmoney
Cozens is the wild card that could make a huge difference if he pans out. But do we even know if he's going to make the team? I would have liked to see the Sabres keep him off the WJC roster like Lafrenniere and Hughes. He isnt a lock to make the team yet and given the screwups with Nylander and Mittlestadt, it may be wise to leave him down for another year.
I like Ruotsa if he comes over and stays up with the Sabres, but why are we assuming anything out of Thompson. Sure, the signing was literally no risk, but all of a sudden were assuming hell figure it out?