if we continue to be in a playoff position ,are we buyers?

[DJN21]

Eventually this streak will end and we will falter a bit. Then people will be calling for changes to reignite the winning. I'm open to a deal for a solid top 6 guy or a top 4dman for sure. A 3C specialist whatever.

 

[Sabre the Win]

I cant find the article or remember who it was written by and it was posted in a thread somewhere here recently but it had quotes from Kim Pegula where she said she's happy they are bonding in a building season or something to that extent as I paraphrase.

If that's the case then I think management still views this season as a building season like many sensible fans. I really hope we stay course and I am holding onto hope by those words.

 

[CatsforReinhart]

If the islanders faulty I still like the idea of Brock Nelson. 27 year old center who scores 20 goals and is an UFA.

Can get him for a 2nd and B prospect and see how he does with the team. If he gels sign him and if not then its not a big loss.

 

[5 Minute Major]

Buyers? Yes, let's shortcut the process yet again. We are not buyers -- maybe tidbits like a 3rd. No seconds. At all. Firsts are just laughable. Skinner is moved unless he's signed -- only scenario to keep him unsigned is very low return.

No, you don’t trade Skinner if the Sabres are in a playoff spot at the deadline. I don’t care if he isn’t signed.

At some point the Eichel’s, Reinhart’s, Dahlin’s and Risto’s of this team benefit from playing experience (playoffs) more than a continuous rebuild.

 

[Jim Bob]

If the islanders faulty I still like the idea of Brock Nelson. 27 year old center who scores 20 goals and is an UFA.

Can get him for a 2nd and B prospect and see how he does with the team. If he gels sign him and if not then its not a big loss.

The Sabres don't own a 2nd rounder in the 2019 Draft.

And if the 2nd is in 2020, the prospect will have to be really good for the deal to happen.

 

[paulmm3]

In general I'm not a fan of acquiring rental players. But especially so for Buffalo early on in a rebuild.

The outcome of a 7 game series in the playoffs involves a ton of puck luck. And if you acquire a rental player at the deadline, you're only changing 1/23 of your team for half of the season plus playoffs. I'm not willing to give up much in the way of draft picks and prospects who we control for so many years because I don't think changing one roster player improves your chances of winning in that season enough to be worth it. Of course I'm not saying there's no scenario where a rental could be a good idea - offer me Erik Karlsson at the deadline for a 5th and I'll take it all day - I'm just saying most of the time I don't think it's worth it.

 

[1point21Gigawatts]

My gut is to say no. If we make the playoffs, let the guys we have make the strong push and see who is a playoff performer and who disappears. Our focus right now should be signing the guys we want to keep around .... AKA Skinner.

 

[beerme1]

Sorry to bring this thread back up but better than starting a new one. or so people are always told!

So in an article today I think Botts has answered the op thread title question. We're not buying rentals at this point I do believe.

"The question becomes how teams retain their young stars while keeping enough money aside to fill the remainder of their roster.
”The philosophy is simple, and you’re seeing it around the league. The only way you can keep a lot of your top-end players is if you have other players coming up through the system,” Sabres GM Jason Botterill said, placing an emphasis on scouting and player development."

Maybe silly season will start to dull over time. But then I guess there will always be bottom end teams with lots of cap space that can overpay guys.
The story is geared to the Loafs but applies to all and yet, the Loafs are the ones that went big in FA and have to pay their own.


Maple Leafs among NHL teams facing cap crunches next year

 

[SnuggaRUDE]

Unfortunately the leafs will be fine cap wise. They'll lose Gardiner and that's about it.