If season starts, what does this team look like?

[flashsabre]

It will be very interesting to see what this team will look like.

Where does Ott fit in the lineup? Is Grigorenko given a look in the top six for a nine game tryout? Will Scott play many games? Has Brennan forced a long look and potential trade to open a spot? Is Leino here or is he bought out.

A shortened season causes chaos for every organization and it will be interesting to see how things shake out for the Sabres.

What do you expect to see from this team if a 48-50 game season comes to fruition?

Click to read more...

 

[Jacob582]

Here are some of my thoughts:

Grigorenko will get a look in training camp and preseason games (if they exist). He will not get a 9 game tryout, unless there are unforseen injuries or he just tears it up in training camp. In a 48 game season every game is worth even more and you have to hit the ground running.

John Scott will play very few games. See above note as to importance of every game in a shortened season.

Adam Pardy will be waived and play in Rochester.

Weber will not be waived as some posters have written.

Leino will be here and have a bounce back season. He will be on a shut down line with Ott.

Brennan will not clear waivers. He will be kept on the team (a la M.AG) or be traded at some point.

Other questions:
Big trade?
Will Ennis, Myers and Gerbe be ready to go?

 

[Sean McG]

Where does Ott fit in the lineup? Is Grigorenko given a look in the top six for a nine game tryout? Will Scott play many games? Has Brennan forced a long look and potential trade to open a spot? Is Leino here or is he bought out.

Ott - we know that he's good on draws but doesn't play center, so I think putting him with Leino seems to make sense. Maybe Leino-Ott-Pominville. Also a line like Vanek-Hodgson-Ott could work, Corey Tropp played well on that line near the end of the year and he's a similar player to Ott.

Grigs - I have no idea what the Sabres would actually do with him, but if it were up to me I'd just leave him in Quebec. He's the best prospect Buffalo has had in a while, so just let him develop. Rather have him playing top-line minutes and dominating his competition while getting physically stronger and more prepared for the NHL.

Scott - he probably plays less than 30 games in a 82 game schedule. He'll probably play six against the Bruins (or however many they'd play against Boston in a shortened year), and some random matchups throughout the year where they feel like they need a tough guy.

Brennan - really don't know. Myers, Ehrhoff, Sekera, Regehr, Leopold are all locks. Sulzer's job is probably pretty safe. Then there's McNabb, Weber, and maybe even a guy like Pysyk. Feels like five years after his draft year and with the way he's playing in the AHL right now, he should at least be given a shot to be a PP specialist.

Leino - a buyout isn't really an option under the current rules because his cap hit would continue to be there for a long time, forget how the rule works. But obviously that can change, if there's an amnesty clause type thing like the NBA got after their lockout, you've got to imagine that the Sabres would give Leino the shortened season to prove he can stick. If not, use that on him.

 

[Moskau]

Here are some of my thoughts:

Grigorenko will get a look in training camp and preseason games (if they exist). He will not get a 9 game tryout, unless there are unforseen injuries or he just tears it up in training camp. In a 48 game season every game is worth even more and you have to hit the ground running.

John Scott will play very few games. See above note as to importance of every game in a shortened season.

Adam Pardy will be waived and play in Rochester.

Weber will not be waived as some posters have written.

Leino will be here and have a bounce back season. He will be on a shut down line with Ott.

Brennan will not clear waivers. He will be kept on the team (a la M.AG) or be traded at some point.

Other questions:
Big trade?
Will Ennis, Myers and Gerbe be ready to go?

God help us if Leino is in a shut down role. For some reason a lot of posters seem to think that because he's from Finland he must know how to play two way Hockey.

 

[Jacob582]

God help us if Leino is in a shut down role. For some reason a lot of posters seem to think that because he's from Finland he must know how to play two way Hockey.

He was good at it the games he did it last year. I remember reading Ruff stated to Leino that he was better at a shut down role. He is above average at puck possesion, which helps.

 

[Moskau]

He was good at it the games he did it last year. I remember reading Ruff stated to Leino that he was better at a shut down role. He is above average at puck possesion, which helps.

I agree with the bolded and there are obviously worse options than Leino but the lack of real defensive specialists that were suited for that role last year really hurt the team. If there is no where else to stick him then that's a problem.

 

[joshjull]

Ott - we know that he's good on draws but doesn't play center, so I think putting him with Leino seems to make sense. Maybe Leino-Ott-Pominville. Also a line like Vanek-Hodgson-Ott could work, Corey Tropp played well on that line near the end of the year and he's a similar player to Ott.

Grigs - I have no idea what the Sabres would actually do with him, but if it were up to me I'd just leave him in Quebec. He's the best prospect Buffalo has had in a while, so just let him develop. Rather have him playing top-line minutes and dominating his competition while getting physically stronger and more prepared for the NHL.

Scott - he probably plays less than 30 games in a 82 game schedule. He'll probably play six against the Bruins (or however many they'd play against Boston in a shortened year), and some random matchups throughout the year where they feel like they need a tough guy.

Brennan - really don't know. Myers, Ehrhoff, Sekera, Regehr, Leopold are all locks. Sulzer's job is probably pretty safe. Then there's McNabb, Weber, and maybe even a guy like Pysyk. Feels like five years after his draft year and with the way he's playing in the AHL right now, he should at least be given a shot to be a PP specialist.

Leino - a buyout isn't really an option under the current rules because his cap hit would continue to be there for a long time, forget how the rule works. But obviously that can change, if there's an amnesty clause type thing like the NBA got after their lockout, you've got to imagine that the Sabres would give Leino the shortened season to prove he can stick. If not, use that on him.

I think I read somewhere that the Sabres told Patrick Roy they would leave him in juniors even if the lockout ended.

Can anyone confirm this?

 

[joshjull]

God help us if Leino is in a shut down role. For some reason a lot of posters seem to think that because he's from Finland he must know how to play two way Hockey.

He would only have to play one way hockey if he was in a shutdown role.

He would be ok as a short term stop gap (as in this season) in that role.

 

[Moskau]

He would only have to play one way hockey if he was in a shutdown role.

He would be ok as a short term stop gap (as in this season) in that role.

Honestly looking at the line up now (I haven't in months) you and Jacob are right. He really doesn't have anywhere else to go unless he catches fire and gets top minutes or is bought out.

...god that signing sucks.

 

[joshjull]

Honestly looking at the line up now (I haven't in months) you and Jacob are right. He really doesn't have anywhere else to go unless he catches fire and gets top minutes or is bought out.

...god that signing sucks.

It will be very interesting to see how the top 9 shakes out now that Tropp is out for the season.


Vanek/Hodgson/Pommer
Foligno/Ennis/Stafford

Maybe Ott/Leino/Kaleta for the 3rd line. Or Gerbe in place of Kaleta.

Or maybe a more balanced top 9

Foligno/Ennis/Stafford
Gerbe/Hodgson/Vanek
Ott/Leino/Pommer

I think I like the 2nd set of lines better.

 

[joshjull]

Here are some of my thoughts:

Grigorenko will get a look in training camp and preseason games (if they exist). He will not get a 9 game tryout, unless there are unforseen injuries or he just tears it up in training camp. In a 48 game season every game is worth even more and you have to hit the ground running.

John Scott will play very few games. See above note as to importance of every game in a shortened season.

Adam Pardy will be waived and play in Rochester.

Weber will not be waived as some posters have written.

Leino will be here and have a bounce back season. He will be on a shut down line with Ott.

Brennan will not clear waivers. He will be kept on the team (a la M.AG) or be traded at some point.

Other questions:
Big trade?
Will Ennis, Myers and Gerbe be ready to go?

IIRC jfb reported in another thread that Brennan avoided waivers at the start of the season by signing an AHL contract. If thats the case can't the Sabres just not invite him to camp and keep him in the AHL? Thus avoiding the waiver issue all together?

Or am I not properly understanding the situation?

 

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

If we look at the "pairs" that finished up last season: Vanek-Hodgson, Foligno-Ennis-Stafford, Leino-Pomms, my expectations are:

Vanek - Hodgson - Ott
Foligno - Ennis - Stafford
Leino - Grigs - Pomms

I really think Grigs is coming. The kid is a superstar no matter who is playing. Put him with Pomms, knowing he'll be somewhat protected. If Grigs is a 40-50 point center (82 games average) the top 9 will be very balanced.

 

[start winnin]

If we look at the "pairs" that finished up last season: Vanek-Hodgson, Foligno-Ennis-Stafford, Leino-Pomms, my expectations are:

Vanek - Hodgson - Ott
Foligno - Ennis - Stafford
Leino - Grigs - Pomms

I really think Grigs is coming. The kid is a superstar no matter who is playing. Put him with Pomms, knowing he'll be somewhat protected. If Grigs is a 40-50 point center (82 games average) the top 9 will be very balanced.

Like these lines. A lot.

Too bad there won't be a season.

 

[ZZamboni]

If we look at the "pairs" that finished up last season: Vanek-Hodgson, Foligno-Ennis-Stafford, Leino-Pomms, my expectations are:

Vanek - Hodgson - Ott
Foligno - Ennis - Stafford
Leino - Grigs - Pomms

I really think Grigs is coming. The kid is a superstar no matter who is playing. Put him with Pomms, knowing he'll be somewhat protected. If Grigs is a 40-50 point center (82 games average) the top 9 will be very balanced.

Wow, there's a lot of little to no experience in that line up ... Yikes!

 

[Duddy]

I think I read somewhere that the Sabres told Patrick Roy they would leave him in juniors even if the lockout ended.

Can anyone confirm this?

I can confirm that I read that post too. I think it was from the guy who gives us constant updates about Grigs.

Also every team has a Brennan or a Weber, don't care if they're waived and get picked up, neither will be anything special in the NHL.

 

[OkimLom]

It will be very interesting to see how the top 9 shakes out now that Tropp is out for the season.


Vanek/Hodgson/Pommer
Foligno/Ennis/Stafford

Maybe Ott/Leino/Kaleta for the 3rd line. Or Gerbe in place of Kaleta.

Or maybe a more balanced top 9

Foligno/Ennis/Stafford
Gerbe/Hodgson/Vanek
Ott/Leino/Pommer

I think I like the 2nd set of lines better.

Bolded: Hopefully his(Gerbe's)back will be 100% if the season starts soon, otherwise, I say shut him down, let him be fully healed before you rush him back, especially for a shortened season where everything will be compacted.

 

[jfb392]

I think I read somewhere that the Sabres told Patrick Roy they would leave him in juniors even if the lockout ended.

Can anyone confirm this?

Yes, that's what was reported.
I forget if it was in a news article or just on the radio during a game though, so I don't have a source.

IIRC jfb reported in another thread that Brennan avoided waivers at the start of the season by signing an AHL contract. If thats the case can't the Sabres just not invite him to camp and keep him in the AHL? Thus avoiding the waiver issue all together?

Or am I not properly understanding the situation?

Well, if the lockout ended I'd guess that his AHL contract would be nullified, as he has an NHL contract.
Rather than the Sabres waiving him prior to the lockout, they just signed him to an AHL SPC instead (same with a few others, like Mancari IIRC).

Without knowing how they'd handle things in a new CBA, I'd assume that he'd likely have to clear waivers then if they were going to assign him to Rochester since he wasn't waived prior to the lockout (not sure if players that have already cleared would have to be waived again) and he's waiver eligible.

 

[joshjull]

Yes, that's what was reported.
I forget if it was in a news article or just on the radio during a game though, so I don't have a source.

Well, if the lockout ended I'd guess that his AHL contract would be nullified, as he has an NHL contract.
Rather than the Sabres waiving him prior to the lockout, they just signed him to an AHL SPC instead (same with a few others, like Mancari IIRC).

Without knowing how they'd handle things in a new CBA, I'd assume that he'd likely have to clear waivers then if they were going to assign him to Rochester since he wasn't waived prior to the lockout (not sure if players that have already cleared would have to be waived again) and he's waiver eligible.

Thanks for the clarifications

 

[Revelate]

The source for the Grigs report was the Remparts play by play man. Things change though...

 

[Chainshot]

I look at the list of guys dented while playing during the lockout and the answer "...like a dumpster fire" keeps swirling in my head.

 

[drew5580]

how do u think a trade deadline would work in a shortened season?

 

[joshjull]

I look at the list of guys dented while playing during the lockout and the answer "...like a dumpster fire" keeps swirling in my head.

With that in mind, does anyone know if Ennis (shoulder injury) or Gerbe (spine surgery) are 100% recovered?

 

[Zip15]

I look at the list of guys dented while playing during the lockout and the answer "...like a dumpster fire" keeps swirling in my head.

If there's a season, I don't think it's going to be pretty for the Sabres. I'm concerned by our lack of anything resembling a defensive, shutdown center. I don't think our defense is all that good as currently constructed. I think we'd be a forward injury away from disaster, as I don't like our depth up there. A part of me hopes that if there's a season, we move Leo and Regehr for some draft assets and get a good pick.

 

[joshjull]

If there's a season, I don't think it's going to be pretty for the Sabres. I'm concerned by our lack of anything resembling a defensive, shutdown center. I don't think our defense is all that good as currently constructed. I think we'd be a forward injury away from disaster, as I don't like our depth up there. A part of me hopes that if there's a season, we move Leo and Regehr for some draft assets and get a good pick.

Sad but true breakdown Zip.


To pile on we don't have a defensive pairing we could put together that would be a good shutdown pairing either. No shutdown center + no shutdown pairing =

Miller will need to be at the top of his game. Knowing Ruff, he may play close to all 48gms.

 

[Chainshot]

If there's a season, I don't think it's going to be pretty for the Sabres. I'm concerned by our lack of anything resembling a defensive, shutdown center. I don't think our defense is all that good as currently constructed. I think we'd be a forward injury away from disaster, as I don't like our depth up there. A part of me hopes that if there's a season, we move Leo and Regehr for some draft assets and get a good pick.

Yeah, that's a big hole, especially with the lack of defensively reliable wingers/forwards overall. They're not going to lock anyone down. If the scratch-and-dent list leaves them bleeding man-games with key personnel down or not at 100% (Myers, Ennis), we're back to a lot of "what ifs" that I don't know they can raise their game collectively to overcome.

Much like last year, the third line appears to be a mismatched set of parts right now.