2013-14 Official Buffalo Sabres Thread

[scottkoz20]

Lets get this started now.

If the Sabres don't move up (which is probable), could Nichushkin fall to them at #8?

It appears that it's going to be MacKinnon, Jones, Drouin, Barkov are probably going to go in the Top 4. After this it's up in the air, the only team I can see taking Nichushkin before the Sabres would be is Carolina at 5, which I would think they might look to Lindholm first (maybe its wishful thinking).

Now, to the lines.

I'm going to assume the following

• Miller, Vanek and Stafford are dealt prior to training camp
• Those deals do not bring back players to put on the roster (which is unrealistic, because Vanek should)
• Ville Leino is not bought out (which I don't think he can be because of the injury at the end of the season)
• there are no UFA acquistions for 2013-14 (Which I think there might be 1 or 2, I'm hopeful one of them is Viktor Stalberg, but not included)
• they draft Nichushkin - because it's NHL or KHL for him

This is what I think the team would look like come opening night:

Forwards
----
1: Hodgson/Leino/Ennis
2: Grigorenko/Nichushkin/Foligno
3: Girgensons/Ott/Gerbe
4: Porter/Tropp(or Flynn)/Kaleta
ex: Scott

Defense
--
1: Ehrhoff/McNabb
2: Myers/Pysyk
3: Sekera/Weber
ex: Sulzer, Pardy??

Goalies
---
Enroth
Hackett




I'm probably nuts, but this is going to be long, but fun season

[Craig2]

I'm looking forward to seeing Enroth (hopefully) get a possible shot at the starter's spot.

It might be a long, tough year with that roster, but every team has growing pains. The big question for me will be, is this the year that I crack the waiting list for season tickets? I keep waiting for the email telling me I've moved up the list...lol.

[scottkoz20]

I have thought about finally getting back on the list because I think a lot of people are going to jump off the bandwagon.


and in my mock draft (Here) I have traded Andrej Sekera for Jamie McBain and swapped picks with Carolina... securing Nichushkin at #5


Forwards
----
1: Hodgson/Leino/Ennis
2: Grigorenko/Nichushkin/Foligno
3: Girgensons/Ott/Gerbe
4: Porter/Tropp(or Flynn)/Kaleta
ex: Scott

Defense
--
1: Ehrhoff/McNabb
2: Myers/Pysyk
3: McBain/Weber
ex: Sulzer

Goalies
---
Enroth
Hackett

[jagrnyr68]

Not a Sabres fan (actually dislike them very much, sorry lol) but I live 45 minutes away from Buffalo and everyone here loves them....I'd be shocked if they dealt both Vanek and Miller, I think one goes but both going would be somethin. Even though Miller hasn't been Olympic form the past couple seasons, a lot of people i know still don't want to see him get dealt. Vanek, on the other hand, seems more expendable as he usually starts the season off hot to the extent where he's considered one of the best in the game, then cools down. They could get a good chunk for him too considering what they got for Pominville

I personally think they should deal Miller so they can get something for him while they still can, he's still good but will be 33 by next season, time's not on his side. I think he just needs a change of scenery as well.

Personally, I doubt Nurse would drop to 8, but if he does that would be a smart pick as they need the D. Would take a couple years before he makes an impact, but they already have a couple young forwards in Grigorenko and Girgensons, not to mention Hodgson. But yea, all depends on what happens a few picks before that, if Nichushkin is still there don't hesitate

[scottkoz20]

I think they are going to have to move up to #5 in order to get Nichushkin. I doubt Nurse will get by Edmonton if they stay @ #7

[jagrnyr68]

Very true, Vanek would most likely be the guy to trade to be able to get Nichushkin, Carolina won't be looking to get Miller. And there will be some quality dmen you can get with the 2nd 1st rounder, Pulock would be a great pick if you got him at 16

[scottkoz20]

Updating the Line combos after the draft and the Sekera trade (which I accounted for earlier)

Also, adding Miller, Vanek, Stafford for the time being

Forwards
----
1: Hodgson/Leino/Vanek
2: Grigorenko/Ennis/Foligno
3: Girgensons/Ott/Stafford
4: Porter/Gerbe/Kaleta
ex: Scott, Tropp

Defense
--
1: Ehrhoff/McNabb
2: Myers/Pysyk
3: Ristolainen??/Weber
ex: McBain/Sulzer

Goalies
---
Miller
Enroth
Hackett

[scottkoz20]

Well, I'm a bit shock that Gerbe is going to be sent away. I actually think this is a good move by the team.

Pencil in Corey Tropp on the 4th line to start the season at this point.


BTW - Does anyone think Briere would come back?


Forwards
----
1: Hodgson/Leino/Vanek
2: Grigorenko/Ennis/Foligno
3: Girgensons/Ott/Stafford
4: Porter/Tropp/Kaleta
ex: Scott/Flynn

Defense
--
1: Ehrhoff/McNabb
2: Myers/Pysyk
3: Ristolainen/Weber
ex: McBain/Rhuwedel

Goalies
---
Miller
Enroth
Hackett