What does your ideal 2015-2016 Buffalo Sabres roster look like?

[buffalowing88]

With all this talk about prospects and the draft, I'm just curious to know what everyone's end game is for this. Do we have a big picture plan or is this just about hoarding picks and prospects? I feel like a lot of the talk has revolved around picking up centers in the drafts but that is a pipeline that is pretty much full at the moment and should only be addressed if a sure thing star is available. I think 2015-2016 is going to be the next season where we have any chance at competing to leave the basement and we will be able to start seeing the results from this rebuild. Here's how I'd like it to look, tell me how you would as well.

Nylander-McDavid-Moulson/Leino/FA pickup
Girgensons-Hodgson-Ennis
Larsson-Grigorenko-Armia
Foligno-Ott-Scott/Kaleta/Whoever

Myers-Risto
Pysyk-Ehrhoff
Zads-McNabb/Weber

Enroth
Vet FA

That team's going to be pretty hit or miss with misses coming more often that not but it'll be an exciting squad imo and give us a dynamic young duo on our top line, a solid 2nd line, a third line that I think could replicate what the Max-Connolly-Kotalik line did back right after the lockout which is take advantage of playing against 3rd pairing defensemen, and a fourth line with sandpaper.
So that's what I'd like to see but I'm not the most well versed poster on prospect development so I'm sure there's many an error that can be found in that lineup. I'd really be interested in what everyone else wants!

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[Sabre Dance]

Im hoping one or both of Ryan Callahan and Patrick Kane are on it.

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

I won't commit to any draftee other than McDavid, so I'll just put in names that I think can or should be part of a long-term competitor.

top scoring line - Girgensons-XXXX-XXXX (hopefully McDavid at C and/or 2014 1st at C or RW)
checking line - Foligno-Larsson-XXXX
2nd scoring line - Ennis-Hodgson-Armia
energy line - Catenacci-XXXX-XXXX (maybe Kea at C, or Larsson and a better option as the checking C)

top def pair - Ehrhoff-Pysyk (maybe Ekblad)
2nd def pair - Zadorov-Myers
3rd def pair - McNabb/McCabe-Ristolainen

goalies - Enroth and hopefully somebody better

 

[Myllz]

I won't commit to any draftee other than McDavid, so I'll just put in names that I think can or should be part of a long-term competitor.

top scoring line - Girgensons-XXXX-XXXX (hopefully McDavid at C and/or 2014 1st at C or RW)
checking line - Foligno-Larsson-XXXX
2nd scoring line - Ennis-Hodgson-Armia
energy line - Catenacci-XXXX-XXXX (maybe Kea at C, or Larsson and a better option as the checking C)

top def pair - Ehrhoff-Pysyk (maybe Ekblad)
2nd def pair - Zadorov-Myers
3rd def pair - McNabb/McCabe-Ristolainen

goalies - Enroth and hopefully somebody better

Are you attempting to have the Sabres produce less offense than this year by having a top scoring line with Girgensons?

 

[Sabresfansince1980]

No, I could have listed a top scoring line of - XXXX-XXXX-XXXX, and bumped Girgensons to "checking line" and Foligno to 4th line, and deleted Catenacci. Girgensons does have potential though, it's not out of the question for him to assume a top line role eventually.

 

[couture23]

One thing I really want is I don't want any 1st rounders being on the team unless they deserve it.

 

[Zip15]

xxxxxx-McDavid-xxxxxx (Top line)
Grigorenko-Reinhart-Armia (Protected, high o-zone start line)
Girgensons-Larsson-Compher (Shutdown line)
Foligno-Catenacci-Vet physical player who can fight and play a la Prust

Ehrhoff-Myers
Zadorov-Ristolainen
McCabe-Pysyk
x McNabb

Ullmark
Enroth

 

[gallagt01]

xxxxxx-McDavid-xxxxxx (Top line)
Grigorenko-Reinhart-Armia (Protected, high o-zone start line)
Girgensons-Larsson-Compher (Shutdown line)
Foligno-Catenacci-Vet physical player who can fight and play a la Prust

Ehrhoff-Myers
Zadorov-Ristolainen
McCabe-Pysyk
x McNabb

Ullmark
Enroth

Hodgson and Ennis shipped elsewhere?

 

[Zip15]

Hodgson and Ennis shipped elsewhere?

There will be trades somewhere. This is all speculative, of course, so there's a lot of guessing.

I would not be the least bit surprised to see Ennis elsewhere for the 2015-16 season.

 

[Djp]

Nylander-McDavid-Moulson/Leino/FA pickup
Girgensons-Hodgson-Ennis
Larsson-Grigorenko-Armia
Foligno-Ott-Scott/Kaleta/Whoever

Myers-Risto
Pysyk-Ehrhoff
Zads-McNabb/Weber

Enroth
Vet FA

As i say this --i see trades happening to acquire some veteran talent. After the 2015 draft they will be pretty stocked with below NHL talent:

Forward: Baptiste, Compher, Bailey, Hurley, Catenacci, Possler

Defense: McCabe

In 2014 & 2015 drafts they have 3 1sts, 6 2nds, and 2 3rds as of now with more picks likely coming in veteran trades.

Buffalo's 2 1sts are likely going to be on forwards.

Likely traded this deadline: Miller, Moulson, Ott. McBain, Talinder. I can see Moulson or Ott resigned before deadline.

offseason or 2015: Stafford(50% retained) and Leino (50% retained or compliance buy out), Kaleta leaves after 14/15 season.


xxx-Hodgson-xxx
Foligno-Grigorenko-Armia
Girgensons-Larsson-xxx


If they draft a center then I see them trading Hodgson or Grigorenko. I also see them trading Ennis. If they resign Ennis after this season as an RFA it likely is only to a 2-3 yr contract. I see Ennis getting moved this of season given he is an RFA and arbitration eligible.

As for Defense they seem to be pretty well set with:

Ehrhoff-Pysyk
Zadarov-Myers
McNabb-Ristolainen
McCabe, Ruhwedel

If they draft Ekblad ---I see them traing one of the RHDs for a top 6 forward on another team (at least).

i think McNabb and Ruhwedel are subject to waivers in 2015/2016 season. McCabe may not be (depending on if he turns pro for 14/15 and how many NHL games he plays).

in the 2014 and 2015 drafts I see them still drafting Dmen with 2014 and 2015 high picks. those players will not be rushed and likely not being part of the Sabres for 4 years at least
In the era of cap management at that time you will likely have Zadorov and Ristolainen on their bridge contracts where you can evaluate them as long term investments vs the younger prospects and deal from strength. Also McNabb and Pysyk would be on their bridge contracts and likely due for their 3rd contracts (and arbitration eligible)...instead of signing Pysyk to an extension they could trade him for younger pics and prospects knowing they have the players who can step up and take their place.

As for goalies,....

Enroth will be aUFA in 2015
Hackett will be on his bridge contract
Makarov could be ready for the NHL
By 2015/3026 Ulmark comes over for the SEL

I dont see enroth being signed to a long term high $$$ contract.

If the team cant extend Enroth for about 2 more years at a reasonable salary, the team could look at signing a UFA goalie this year for 3 years and then trade Enroth.

 

[Sabre Dance]

We will have like $40 million in cap room. Pegula WILL spend it.

 

[Djp]

There will be trades somewhere. This is all speculative, of course, so there's a lot of guessing.

I would not be the least bit surprised to see Ennis elsewhere for the 2015-16 season.

I can really see Ennis geting traded this offseason given he is arbitration eligible RFA after this season.

Ennis being traded --it would not be for picks and raw prospects but instead for a veteran.


I agree if Buffalo were to draft 2 centers high in 2014 and 2015 then Hodgson and/or Grigorenko will get traded. Grigorenko has a shot of being a winger.

The other big concern with 2015/2016 season will be the team making it to the cap floor.

Because of that I can see them going out in 2015 and either signing a UFA or making a significant trade for a veteran player.

 

[Djp]

You cant put all your bets on Buffalo drafting McDavid.

 

[Zip15]

You cant put all your bets on Buffalo drafting McDavid.

The question is what is the ideal lineup for 2015-16. I think any ideal lineup includes arguably the best prospect since Crosby and the accompanying seven years of team control.

 

[FamilyGuy716]

With no trades and top pick this year and 2nd pick next year

Girgensons - Hodgson - Armia
Foligno - Reinhart - Ennis
Larsson - Eichel - Grigorenko
Catenacci - Ott - Compher
Scott

Ehrhoff - Myers
Zads - Pysyk
McCabe - Ristolainen
McNabb - Weber

Enroth
Hackett

I put Hodgson on 1st line to protect our young centers.

I would try to upgrade goaltending and 1st line left winger with trade/FA. If Armia doesn't pan out, maybe Grigorenko can play 1st line right wing. If both don't pan out, we need a 1st line right winger.

 

[Fly Boy]

I believe that the team will take the approach the Florida Panthers took a few years ago and sign a decent amount of serviceable middle type players to short deals with a larger cap hit, in order to hit the floor. If we assume those deals are 2-3 years then they would still be the so called "Dream 15-16 Team". I am assuming Leino gets bought out, Miller and Moulson are traded and Ott re-signs. The Sabres then trade Stafford for another player who needs a change in scenery and his cap savings is used to send a big offer to Callahan in the offseason. Also sign Brian Boyle and one of Ryan Reaves or Adam Cracknell. Ennis is traded and possibly Grigorenko at that time, or maybe he is still simmering in the AHL.

If this is my ideal situation the framework looks as such:

Girgensons - McDavid - xxxx (Spot eventually becomes Armia, but I don't want him rushed)
Ott - Hodgson - xxxx
Draisitl/Dal Colle - Larsson - Callahan
Foligno - Boyle - Reaves/Cracknell (Would've slotted Tropp here but......)
xFlynn, Scott (Yes I'm keeping him)

Zadorov - Myers
Ehrhoff - Pysyk
Weber - Ristolainen (Weber is in the last year of his new deal this year so I think he is still around.)
xRuhwedel

As for the goalies I don't have a clue.

Next year I believe only 2 rookies should make the team and they are Larsson and Ristolainen. I don't want them making the same mistakes again next year. In 15-16 three rookies are on the team; McDavid, Draisitl/Dal Colle, and Zadorov.

 

[Jim Bob]

The question is what is the ideal lineup for 2015-16. I think any ideal lineup includes arguably the best prospect since Crosby and the accompanying seven years of team control.

If this is a fantasy lineup, then you have Reinhart, McDavid, and Eichel (NYI's pick) in there.



Pure fantasy:

Bobby Ryan-Connor McDavid-Patrick Kane
Zemgus Girgensons-Sam Reinhart-Ryan Callahan
Marcus Foligno-Cody Hodgson-Joel Armia
Steve Ott-Dan Catenacci-Justin Bailey

Christian Ehrhoff-Tyler Myers
Nikita Zadorov-Rasmus Ristolainen
Jake McCabe-Mark Pysyk

Cory Schneider
Josh Harding

 

[buffalowing88]

Thanks for all the good responses! Gives me a bit better insight of what everyone is looking for long term here. Seems like we are banking on getting that franchise player next year with McDavid and just accumulating a supporting cast in the meantime. I'm on board with that. Only concern I have is if Grigorenko gets lost in the shuffle.

 

[Push Dr Tracksuit]

As I was making the roster I realized that half the players I want aren't here so the roster is the players we have and then I'll explain my reasoning

Draisaitl - McDavid - Girgensons
Puts 2 elite producers on the ice together and then gives them a rabid junk yard dog to get the puck. Girgensons doesn't need to put up goals he only needs to make room for Leon and Connor to do their thing. A combo that I think enhances Girgensons offense by giving him 2 gifted scorers and enhances the scorers by giving them an animal to keep their energy up.

xxx - Hodgson - xxx/trade/UFA
I think Hodgson is both the guy we are stuck with and the guy that can anchor a second scoring line. Given cap structures this is the line where the token kid plays. Armia/Compher/Grigorenko... whichever prospect looks to be the next promising player up plays 1 wing while a veteran, preferably with playoff experience plays the other wing.

UFA - Larsson - xxx/trade
The checking line with current golden boy Johan Larsson in the middle. Sign a veteran UFA with playoff experience to play one wing and use the other wing for a defensive prospect/defensive trade/defensive UFA. One of these three needs to be capable of playing top 6 and PP, another one must be a PK specialist.

Cat - Kea - Foligno/trade
Energy line. Foligno is a wild card player that has the ability, size, aggression, talent and versatility to play on any line. Where he actually ends up will depend on him. In my opinion Foligno is eventually packaged with a Defender to fill the Hodgson wing. Power winger + top 4 defender/prospect + pick for a Hossa/Vanek/Gaborik type trade. If Foligno is gone an Ott type player would complete the line well.

Ehrhoff - Ristolainen
Myers - Zadorov
No true top pairing on the roster. Ristolainen and Myers handle the bulk of the workload with Ehrhoff taking on a more stay at home role. Zadorov is here over Pysyk because I think Pysyk gets dealt in the Foligno move for a top 6 scorer. Its a toss up between Pysyk and Myers but I think Myers contract and upside means his value is always higher for the Sabres than anywhere else.

xxx - UFA, xxx
PK defender and a younger player, McCabe/McNabb/Weber all qualify but given cap limitations I don't see a player distinguishing himself and staying beyond his RFA years. Part of the reason Pysyk moves is that the Sabres will ship him before his RFA years run out to get max value. Bring in an older Tallinder style vet and 2 hungry kids.

xxx
xxx
No idea how goalie will play out, but if I had to throw a dart at the wall it would be Enroth with Lieuwen backing him up. Ideally Miller with Lieuwen backing him up.

Pysyk, Foligno, pick, prospect for a 25 goal scorer to play on line 2
pick combo for a 2 way top 9 style player for line 3

UFAs are preferably veterans with playoff experience

 

[SabresFanNorthPortFL]

1 Offensive. New - New - New
2 Offensive. Ennis (ideally traded) - Hodgson - Armia
3 Defensive. Girgs - New - Foligno
4 Energy. Who cares but...Flynn - Larrson - New

Risto - Zardov
McCabe (winner) - Ernhoff
Pysyk - New

New
New

Yes, I would use Moulson, Stafford, Ott, Leino, Myers, Weber, etc., and Grigs as chips.

 

[Ness]

Im hoping one or both of Ryan Callahan and Patrick Kane are on it.

I see Kane coming to Buffalo as a very realistic scenario, that is if Chicago doesn't re-sign him. Pegula bucks + him coming to play in his hometown = Kane as a Sabre.

 

[Djp]

Ehrhoff - Ristolainen
Myers - Zadorov

xxx - UFA, xxx
PK defender and a younger player, McCabe/McNabb/Weber all qualify but given cap limitations I don't see a player distinguishing himself and staying beyond his RFA years. Part of the reason Pysyk moves is that the Sabres will ship him before his RFA years run out to get max value. Bring in an older Tallinder style vet and 2 hungry kids.

xxx
xxx
No idea how goalie will play out, but if I had to throw a dart at the wall it would be Enroth with Lieuwen backing him up. Ideally Miller with Lieuwen backing him up.



Pysyk, Foligno, pick, prospect for a 25 goal scorer to play on line 2
pick combo for a 2 way top 9 style player for line 3

UFAs are preferably veterans with playoff experience

With the defense----McNabb and ruhwedel will need to clear waivers to be sent down. McCabe as well potentially if he turns pro after the season. they really have no space to sign a UFA unless they traded some of the Dmen.

Pysyk+Foligno+ pick better bring a 1st line winger otherwise Bufalo has been taken in such a deal.

 

[Paxon]

I see Kane coming to Buffalo as a very realistic scenario, that is if Chicago doesn't re-sign him. Pegula bucks + him coming to play in his hometown = Kane as a Sabre.

He's one of the least-likely star players to come to Buffalo because he's in a perfect situation. Why wouldn't Chicago re-sign him and why wouldn't he re-sign there? His team is locked in as a powerhouse and he loves Chicago.

 

[Sabre Dance]

He's one of the least-likely star players to come to Buffalo because he's in a perfect situation. Why wouldn't Chicago re-sign him and why wouldn't he re-sign there? His team is locked in as a powerhouse and he loves Chicago.

For the love of money. Highest paid in the NHL vs taking a discount to stay with a powerhouse. And if Buffalo is in position to grab McDavid it makes it very intriguing I would think.

We will see. If Kane and Toews arent signed together sometime in the offseason it becomes a possibility.

 

[SabresFan26]

Hodgson/xxx-McDavid-Armia - veteran LW scorer sniper type
Dal Colle-Reinhart-Compher -
Girgensons-Larsson-Ott
Foligno-Vet F/O guy who can tussle-Catenacci

Ehrhoff-Myers
Zadorov-Ristolainen
McNabb/McCabe-Pysyk
Weber

FA stop gate to see if Hackett can rise or stop gate for Ullmark
Hackett