Here's A Look at the Sabres Depth Chart After the Savoie Trade

I think the Sabres just had a lot of undersized young forwards which can be redundant in a league that often favors players with more size.
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[@squintythecat1306]

Pretty good analysis but a few things I liked to mention as a Sabres fan Kulich has grown and is now listed as 6'1" by Rochester. Just looking at him you can see he's bigger than he was when he was drafted. Benson is short but if you saw his Dad when the Sabres had their father/mentor trip you know he's going to fill out. His dad looks like a cross between a pitbull and a fire hydrant. Helenius just put very good numbers as an 18 year old while playing against men in the Finnish elite league, which I think is more impressive than 20 year old Savoie dominating boys in the WHL. Everyone wanted the Sabres to trade their 1st rd pick, and if they had traded that pick directly for McLeod and Malenstyn I think most Sabre fans would have been ok with that. That's basically what Adams did while swapping out Savoie for Helenius.

[@studini530z]

Solid points. Excited for Kulich whenever his time comes. Hoping that Ruff brings out some game in this roster that we haven't even seen yet.

[@danb5328]

Lmao a pit bull and a fire hydrant is an awesome description 😂

[@teejay33955]

Corey Pronman said "Based on my survey with NHL GM's, Matt Savoie doesn't have much trade value around the NHL"

[@KptKrunch9481]

Guess we'll see but considering he was at one point considered a 1st overall pick and was picked 9th only because of his size (Brayden Point anyone?) I highly doubt that he was regarded by other GM's as not having much trade value I don't even know that means but as an FYI - Mcleod was going nowhere with us and we needed the cap space so I guess he's right as we pretty much gave up nothing for him - hell we gained 2.2m in our cap space so it's a HUGE win

[@bradgavel9991]

Corey Pronman's (whoever that is) opinion will more than likely not age well.

[@liam_thegoat99]

Oilers didn’t give up much, McLeod is good but he’s a top 9 forward on a good team. Not huge risk involved

[@crushdavis7048]

@@KptKrunch9481 But Point is 5'11. Thats not even that small. Think thats a big difference than being 5'9

[@smokythebear9711]

​@@crushdavis7048 Theo Fleury is only 5'6" and played in a time when the league was way tougher. Obviously him and savoie have very different playing style but the point stands that I don't think height necessarily has to be as big or an issue. It all depends on if he can adapt his game to work for his size up in the show.

[@bdonaghu]

Adams has been drafting the BPA every season, even if it means picking the smaller forwards year over year. But kudos to Adams for moving one of those redundant assets in favor of a player that better fits the team's needs.

[@Azgoon69]

It's easy to understand the trade but most people feel they could've had a bit more for Savoie, especially considering Edmonton desperately needed to clear some cap space

[@rippedtopshelf6806]

On the flip side, the Sabres desperately needed to avoid the potential disaster of Peyton Krebs at 3C.

[@GizmoBeach]

Savoie is still unproven. People always want a bit more, like there’s nothing to it.

[@danielnam9026]

Realistically most Oiler fans would’ve been satisfied with a 2nd round pick as the return for McLeod. But the value in this trade is heavily lopsided for the Oilers.

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@rippedtopshelf6806 Have you ever watched Krebs play? Seriously. He is a good player with some good skill. He'll be a good NHL player yet. Don't just look at box scores.

[@Paul_Halicki]

@@jeffreym.8957 Yes, I watch every Sabres game. He's not that good. He may still have some growth but I think his absolute ceiling is still a bottom six forward.

[@violator9151]

McLeod struggled offensively as a 3rd line center, scoring a lot of his points on the wing, and struggled pretty badly defensively in the playoffs at times, finishing a -7 (admittedly a flawed stat, but it was also obvious by watching some of the games). I wish him the best and hope he reaches his potential in Buffalo. I'll be cheering for them now he's on their team, as I was a bigger fan of his than most.

[@m0j0rising]

Sound analysis as always, Shannon. Always enjoy your vids and the work/love put into them.

[@nersharific813]

I appreciate the team summary Shannon. Very nuanced and level-headed!

[@mercywilliams2698]

Malenstyne really put out effort with Caps last season. When you know a player’s number who is an unknown..that’s a good indicator. Remains to be seen whether his effort prompted by the excellent Caps coaching.. I am just really impressed with this roster…intriguing depth.

[@SuperRavensfan101]

I will say as a caps fan that Malenstyn does a lot of the great little things such as blocking shots, throwing hits, and I also think according to some twitter stats that hes one of the quicker 4th liners in the league in terms of skating his ceiling is probably just a top 9 forward but he will be missed here as a 4th liner he'll play all the minutes and do most of what you'd expect a Grinder to do, maybe has some more offense in him

[@Paul_Halicki]

I think Malenstyne is in Buffalo because Lindy Ruff wants 4th line speed (which he now has across the board). I don't expect him to drop off, and Lindy likes to juggle lines so he may see top nine deployment at times.

[@modeisin7]

I hope this is a series you do on all 32 teams I love these

[@brAnd7onX87]

He will have actual in depth team previews in about a month once free agency and trades are pretty much done and teams have their rosters.

[@cdfmmcc]

Usually around training camp in September. Too much fluctuation otherwise

[@robfischer9451]

3C was a huge need for the Sabres. McLeod makes them a much deeper team and better defensively. They could still use a top 6 winger but I think they are going to surprise people this season.

[@1314nenon]

Savoie could've played that 3rd line centre, given Cozens is a little inconsistent, I'd go even as far as saying that he was probably;y going to replace the 2c that mittelstadt left behind

[@MrGamman3yt]

Lol, Macleod passes to the other team. Good luck with that kid.

[@jeffreym.8957]

Krebs is good with just as much upside as McLeod.

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@1314nenon Cozens is going to be a great 2C. He just had a bad shooting season. Still great possession stats and hard worker.

[@robfischer9451]

@@1314nenon no he could not

[@Dano99118]

Spot on analysis Shannon. Another factor for concern is that almost half the forwards will be new this year, on top of a new system and coaches. They can’t afford a slow start.

[@Bulletisred]

Always like your videos now subscribed 👍. Savoie is a very good to great player, but the Sabre's having drafting Helenius made it possible to move Savioe. Mcloud has NHL experience and is needed now. Savoie had 2 seasons to make an impact. He did in the WHL but Savoie had some health issues trying to make the big club. He got injured and plus his age stopped him from getting a potential spot. Benson grabbed the spot and didn't look back. Size is needed for sure. Waiting to see if Owen Power can get a bit meaner that would be something if he turned into a Chara or Pronger (Dmen tipically take longer to develope) The Sabre's do have some prospects in the pipeline with size but they were not 1st rounders. Time will tell if they can make the jump. I do like what Adams is doing. It has to be a difficult situation because of the 13 year playoff drought and players having no move trade clauses. I do believe the NHL should do something to remove these clauses as well as top prospects stating they will not sign with the club that drafted them. Some big time issues the NHL better get figured out because it is hurting the game except for original six teams (for the most part) and some teams not having state taxes or very low taxes getting prefference. this is bad for a small market team in NY like Buffalo not to mention Canadian teams and how hard they get hit with taxes! Sorry to get off topic. Keep up the good work and videos.

[@Pearagon10]

Fantastic breakdown. I'd add Anton Wahlberg to the "Also" list for the forwards. He's 6'3, and joined Rochester in their playoff run last spring (coming from Europe) just like Ostlund. Expected to be full time AHL this year.

[@davidcologgi7397]

He looked comfortable. Arguably more so than Ostlund.

[@gordonmacdowell8117]

CapFriendly still being available to hockey fans today makes life feel just a bit better than life without CapFriendly.

[@wakanuki1307]

We needed a 3C, and have several prospects like Savoie. Trade makes sense for making a run this year. I like it

[@JD200_]

I agree. It could definitely come back to bite them if Savoie reaches his ceiling but the sabres seem to have a lot of the highly skilled undersized prospect type. Those types of prospects need top six minutes if they’re playing in the NHL. Don’t do well with limited fourth line roles

[@WinterWoolies]

Lmfao, just trade him like he is a 4th rounder.

[@michaelkeller5927]

Clouder is soft and a 4th liner. He doesn't move the Sabres closer to the playoffs

[@JD200_]

@@michaelkeller5927 tbf sabres need a lot more than one player. Not even Sid could drag that team to a playoff spot

[@crushdavis7048]

Yea I was thinking that they are probably a bit more down on Savoie than a lot of their other blue chip prospects. Which is why they were willing to move him

[@motsnrub]

Lindy's gonna have this team running and gunning off the forecheck and transitions. Not planning the parade yet, but, Go Sabres.

[@WinterWoolies]

McLeod will fly by every check . He will nvr drive the net , even if the cup is on the line. Enjoy

[@bajjanitor]

@@WinterWoolies Gasp! A center not checking or driving the net!? How could someone like that even be in the NHL???

[@MrGamman3yt]

He forgot about passing to the other team in the defemsive zone.

[@Boro0820]

As a Sabres fan, this was an exceptional breakdown of the trade. Savoie was not going to see the line up with the log jam of prospects. Injuries and underperforming when in the AHL had him buried. He could be a very good player in EDM developed him properly. Adams has been questioned for the redundancy in his picks and now finally sees that grit matters; probably Ruffs input.

[@thewolfdoctor761]

"underperforming when in the AHL" He had 5 points in 6 AHL games. What are you talking about ?

[@Boro0820]

@@thewolfdoctor761 Benched in playoffs

[@AmosDohms]

If you want grit, why trade for McLeod?

[@bted]

Looks like an interesting, possibly under-the-radar team. They're still awfully young. But Thompson is just a monster player. They have lots talent. As a Devils fan, I'm pulling for Ruff. He gave us a great season in 22-23. Will be curious to see how they do.

[@dirtbagliberalsnake5729]

I think Tage can only go about 80 percent, otherwise he will re injure his back, and this is a forever thing

[@jeffreym.8957]

@@dirtbagliberalsnake5729 It was his wrist last season.

[@dirtbagliberalsnake5729]

@@jeffreym.8957 I know that

[@jimbo1468]

@@jeffreym.8957 Thompson's hurt wrist kept him scoring/shooting throughout the year. They should have sat him out until he healed! 😌

[@presorts]

i had no idea fans around the league were so high on savoie. people are acting like hes a guaranteed top 6 guy

[@Buffalosabskis]

Exactly. You would think we just traded Power for a 7th defenseman that is 41. People didn't want Adams to keep all these prospects. Now he moves 1 and people are flabbergasted. I think people in Buffalo had this soft spot for Savoie thinking he was like Briere. It's not 2007 folks. Move on. A 5 foot 9 guy is not this teams future

[@Bulletisred]

@@presorts Well, if he had 4 to 5 more inches he would have gone Top 3 that year. He went 9th over all

[@danielnam9026]

He’ll most likely be able to reach his potential with Edmonton. They’ll put him in a position to succeed.

[@Buffalosabskis]

@@danielnam9026 He has way more competition though

[@Buffalosabskis]

@@Bulletisred LOL 5 more inches would make a difference for every player immensely. Imagine if Chara was 5 inches taller or Savoie was 5 inches shorter

[@bjp1920]

It's clear what they are going for. Speed, speed, and more speed. It was lacking last year which is why the offense plummeted. This is a lineup that Ruff wants and could work. I would prefer another top 6 guy, but everyone being healthy and more growth could happen.

[@Brainspoil]

With the cap they the have, another top 6 guy is not out of the question. Maybe they wait for the 2025 window to add someone if they feel they got a shot at the playoffs.

[@jeffreym.8957]

That's nice - but you don't trade Draisaitl for Barzal just because Barzal is faster.

[@soloman5644]

It was time we moved one of our prospects with how many we have; and I think a lot of fan bases don’t realize how brutal our bottom 6 was last year so happy with how KA has revamped it!

[@WinterWoolies]

Here take a bag of pucks for a hell of a prospect lmao

[@khdcraven]

@@WinterWoolies as a 20 year old he's playing against guys that 16-20, we have multiple forward prospects who are younger, better and have been playing against grown men the last few years, Savoie has a lot of skill but is completely unproven and playing against a bunch of kids. Buffalo has included him in trade talks all summer but teams were more interested in our other forward prospects

[@Buffalosabskis]

​@@WinterWoolies We have 5 guys exactly like him under 6 foot in the pipeline. They needed an NHL player

[@brettveldboom2296]

@@WinterWoolieshe’s like our 5th best prospect

[@tomprobst6328]

Great video! Thanks for the depth of knowledge and the care in creating content.

[@dsc4178]

If they let the D play O and the forwards backcheck, they have the best chance in years. With Byram, Power, Dahlin they have the ability to play so much better.

[@jeffreym.8957]

Yes! And put Byram back with Dahlin - they were great together.

[@edwardriot2372]

Nhl network needs to offer this guy a full time gig, he’s unbiased and super knowledgeable.

[@retflo2583]

That was areal good one, thanks

[@nersharific813]

Sabres fan vomiting my thoughts out real quick: Do I wish we could have gotten a greater return for Savoie? Yes. Do I want to Adams to trade for a top 6 winger or a RD? Yes. Am I still under the delusion that we could have signed either of the players in free agency? Kinda. In a way, it’s a good thing we didn’t massively overpay a top-6 or RD to come here, because Benson is going to need his big boy contract in due time, and I’d rather the team not get stuck with another Skinner contract. Overall, I feel much better about the state of the team now than I did a few weeks ago. I think with these new additions and with Lindy Ruff behind the bench, the team can absolutely get over the hump, though I would not be surprised if we miss the playoffs with like 93 points because the Atlantic division is OP. In-short, I’m optimistic about the future of the team, perhaps to my own peril, but I refuse to be as negative as so many of the Buffalo fan base. The Sabres is not the middling franchise that they were before Adams took over.

[@louscannon7493]

All the talking heads act as if the Sabre's have traded away some kind of "can't miss" phenom in Savoie. He hasn't been able to crack the line-up on what many would say is one of the worst teams in the league. Small and injury prone is not what Buffalo needs.

[@cdfmmcc]

And they have a guy who played on the same WHL junior team, is also a small forward and was taken the year later. That guy is already an NHL regular and looks like a future star.

[@JT-yl9yt]

He got hurt before the season...at 19 but ok guess Kulich and Rosen are garbage too since they haven't even played an NHL game yet...am I doing it right? Rosen is also a year older and even smaller.

[@liam_thegoat99]

I like their lineup. Hopefully they can figure things out. As an oiler fan loved McLeod but he slots in nice on that third line. Hopefully savoie does well for us!

[@Bowman1999]

I'm really interested to see what Savoie can do with the Oilers.

[@SabresSpotlight]

The Sabres have so many prospects that could be equal to Savoie in terms of impact if not more. The trade was for help NOW. They could honestly do with trading a couple more prospects and still be fine as far as the pipeline is concerned. Trade was fine

[@neilflood6508]

I think Jiri Kulich makes the roster out of camp. I also think Zucker is no longer a top 6 forward, your comment about Benson jumping above him is about right. Cap Friendlies defensive pairs are a bit wierd. I think they will try Power with either Dahlin or Byram hoping they can one of these pairs to work. It will be interesting to see who Lindy has backing up UPL. I still think Savoie is an overpayment for McLeod unless there is something notable that is not in the public domain.

[@Bur6212]

Swapped out Savoie for Helenius and added McLeod, who was much needed now. I like the trade for the sabres

[@philipgibson9091]

I really enjoyed your video. It made things clearer as to what they have and some players that are at the crossroads.

[@HankJr.]

As a Sabres fan it’s been a rough not very fun offseason. The negativity has never been higher and at points Ive had thoughts of do I want to keep following this team like I have all my life. That said I understand this move. We have an abundance of prospects and someone had to go to fill a need. It was at a bit of a cost but I’m glad a trade was finally made, just hope they can do one more to fill out the top 6. Im just tired of our team essentially being a farm team for the NHL. I just really would like some good playoff contending hockey that’s it.

[@bjarczyk]

We were a farm team because of Murray and Botterill. Adams has had to clean up that mess and those days will be behind us. If Murray and Botterill did things like Adams all these former Sabres would still be on our team and we would be great.

[@maxwellmawji240]

Not enough is being recognition is being given to McLeod’s defensive game, he was on the best PK is recent history. Having a piece of that experience is worth a lot!

[@mercywilliams2698]

The guy can skate! Wow some shifts having to remind myself the speedy player I’m watching is young MacLeod..not McDavid. A play facilitator more than a goal scorer. I think Edmonton traded him only because they are Cap squeezed signing multiple veterans for next postseason considerations.

[@crushdavis7048]

@@mercywilliams2698 100% it is because of the capsqueeze. I think now if they move or LTIR kane, they shud be able to get both broberg and Hollaway signed. Although, i do wonder now if signing Skinner was worth it if it means losing Mcleod

[@devackroyd]

Are you guys forgetting that horrible turnover McLeod made in Game 7 against Vancouver that let the Canucks back into that game? Not to mention the Brown/Janmark pairing was the real star of that PK. McLeod has talent, but his has not grown much at all in 3 consecutive playoff runs, was scratched and pointless well into the conference finals.

[@mercywilliams2698]

@@crushdavis7048 Right! I agree. Skinner is a player I watched flourish in Carolina when they didn’t have a lot of success..but those years in Buffalo a challenge..mainly so much turnover in coaching. I would say the cohesion that’s evolved in Edmonton gives me some optimism he will mesh. I do think he thrives on ice with good energy around. ✅

[@mercywilliams2698]

@@devackroyd I liked his game. That’s one talented group now in Edmonton and likely a good opportunity for MacLeod to be with a greater mix of young skilled players in Buffalo.

[@charlieb308]

Oilers fans say McLeod isn’t tough and doesn’t hit, but he had 27 hits in 24 playoff games, Buffalo forwards like skinner had 26 hits in full season, Casey Mittestadt had 10 hits, nobody on Buffalo was a big hitter. Savioe gets hurt every week and has the body of a small school girl

[@meatazzsandwich]

Surprising to me, Tuch doesn't hit as much as I think he should. That's the only knock I have with Tuch. Love Tuch.

[@axe2grind244]

Good I really don’t care if he doesn’t hit, hitting doesn’t win you games, scoring does. A team that finishes last in hits can win the Cup, a team that finishes last in goals is getting the 1st pick usually.

[@Lammalal]

@@charlieb308 he shied away from tough play, which probably makes sense why us oiler fans thinks he "never hits." He also won't take a hit to make a play. It was frustrating to watch. He has many pluses though. Hoping he can break out now that he won't be pushed so far back on the depth charts and given a new solidified role. (He was never really a "3c" more of a top 9 winger).

[@charlieb308]

@@Lammalal he had 65 hits over the season, most Buffalo forwards were lucky to have 20. If he doesn’t work out oh well, no loss, Buffalo has 4 high end centers/forwards ready to take over soon. Buffalo has the best prospects in the league or at least rated top 2 by many metrics. Even Benson age 18 made Sabres last year and beat out Savioe.

[@seanstoica6301]

​@axe2grind244 you need guys to hit or you get bullied. Like the sabres did with granato. That's why they didn't make the playoffs in 22-23 because florida man handled them. They then regressed because nobody on the team was willing to defend themselves and granato sucked the physical aspects of its players out of the team. Did you not see who won the most recent cup? A more physical and dominant team. Not a team full of goal scorers that got their teeth shoved down their throats when it mattered. Hockey is still hockey. It's not all about scoring goals.

[@ve6975]

as a buffalo fan i love the additions except for zucker. its a one year deal but i think we couldve gotten something way better

[@mercywilliams2698]

I have always liked Zucker.. he is so competitive shift to shift. I think injuries are an issue..but as aging veteran there is value as Sabres need to mix in experienced players. Last few seasons it’s been self evident team has had hard time staying focused and building momentum.

[@jeremyschep3589]

I like him but 5m seems high

[@bajjanitor]

Needed a middle 6 winger on a 1 year deal. Not many options around.

[@cdfmmcc]

He's still a solid 2nd line LW and if Benson or one of the prospects takes a step up he can fill in down the line up. Good vale for a 1 year deal

[@trentthurow5696]

Detroit got Tarasenko for cheaper. When it comes to the playoff race I like Detroits forwards better but Buffalo’s d-core has more potential and UPL is the best goalie.

[@diggergeensen860]

Great deal for Edmonton

[@EdwinMaturski-cc9is]

Excellent indepth evaluation, Skanes... Your positivity is exuded with intelligence... By the way, that is a very nice Captain Blood Sabres jersey... Better known as Captain Peca

[@pasqualeocchiuto1317]

Excellent analysis!

[@nfa80]

Great analysis Shannon! The Savoie trade looks bad for the Sabres at face value, but sometimes it's more about what a team most needs, and I expect Lindy Ruff has provided plenty of input, and Kevyn Adams comes off as a GM that prefers consensus from his staff over a more autocratic approach. But ultimately the buck still stops with him. It's questionable whether or not Savoie will even be NHL ready this season. Injuries are a thing too, as how his last season began, but he also has the potential to be an eventual superstar. Time will tell like always.

[@derickgarcia4894]

Babe, wake up! The Hockey Guy just dropped another video!

[@usernotfound7160]

Sabres have been getting steals in the draft with guys like benson because other teams are scared by a height below 6 foot. Not saying height isn’t a factor, but the amount of times it was mentioned in this video was frustrating

[@jasoncrandall73]

K Henelius is almost 190lbs as a 18yo. Rosen was around 150lbs when drafted.

[@JonDoe-ln6nl]

Helenius is built like a fire hydrant (and he’s still a boy!)

[@austinwitkowski1570]

@@jasoncrandall73 that's insane. 150 is so small!

[@jasoncrandall73]

@@austinwitkowski1570 Rosen has filled in since he was drafted. I was 150lbs as a 18yo.

[@jeremyschep3589]

Always gotta wait on the Shannon analysis before letting my emotions go over a trade. Great video, thank you…I’ll wait and see how we look on ice. Go Sabres

[@LateCloser]

Great video Shannon. It wasn't that long ago during the McJesus tank that the Sabres had the worst NHL roster I've ever seen. One of those years, it was Zemgus Girgensons and that was pretty much it. One NHL level player and I think he was forced to be the #1 center, when he really is a #3/#4. They stripped it down so badly, there was nothing. And worse, there were NO prospects in Rochester(AHL). Fast forward to today and the cupboards are starting to fill. The team is full of NHL level players, that they drafted. And Rochester is filling up with NHL ready prospects. As you stated, the Sabres have plenty of small shifty offensive "scorer types". What they didn't have was any grit or real defensive players. No shutdown defenders at forward. No hitters. Not much size either. No one who could win a faceoff in a key situation. Adams goes out and completely changes the third and fourth lines via free agency and this trade. That was needed and I think he did a good job of it. The big remaining question is Skinner's replacement in the top 6. It's still possible that could be addressed with another trade. Necas is still a Hurricane, btw. Now is the time. Trade prospects for proven NHL players. Finish the building of this team. I'll predict they make the playoffs with their current roster. Barring catastrophic injuries.

[@drbjr8223]

fans just dont know what we are building here in buffalo. we had scoring the season before, we couldnt outscore our problems... we didnt have consistent goaltending or defense. we were building from within with smaller guys esp at forward. we also traded before this other teams scraps cause nobody wants to come to buffalo, on top of that we were so soft we got pushed around and bullied constantly for years. we had to address these things at some point, UPL took the next step last jan and levi looks like a stud, goaltending sorted imo, we picked up clifton that seals the defense with jokr getting 1 year, our defense is now solid. now the physicality... that is what we addressed this offseason with mal/laff and clouder, with size and speed. we are built from the bottom up now. we will hopefully be hard af to play against esp our bottom 6, our pk should improved as well with those pickups. now our guys gotta be and stay healthy for a stretch, get the goal scoring back, we will be solid.

[@westsidewil]

Excellent analysis

[@stephengorney5613]

Love the rumored flipping of Krebs and Jokiharu to Philly for Farrabe. Gives the team more size and opens up a D spot for Johnson.

[@albangel1689]

Thx for this. With one more move I think playoffs are in reach. Top 6 forward is needed. Go buffalo

[@KevinButler55]

I've always loved this logo/uni for the Sabres.

[@cope847]

To be fair Thompson was injured all of last year. That really hurt his production.

[@cdfmmcc]

Adams drafted too many players of a similar type but the Savoie trade is why you draft the best player available. If 2-3 years down the line there isn't a great/good fit, you've got some trade value.

[@vipeholmskolan6052]

It's not that it was necessarily wrong to make the trade, but the Oilers should have had to give up more.

[@HaydenCharette-mr5ul]

I like Ryan McLeod, but it just seems like a lot to give up for a guy who can't finish if his life depended on it. McLeod is a moderate upgrade on Girgensens, but if there expecting him to be a Mittelstadt replacement, prepare to be disappointed.

[@Paul_Halicki]

Just looking for someone better than Krebs.

[@paulcaruana4090]

Mittlestadt??? Lol. Watch him. He plays from corner up the wall to face off circle like he has a metal plate on his butt and there is a magnet in the boards. Can he do a pull-up yet?

[@tamatb]

If it's possible, I would like to see your analysis on Oilers depth chart! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@krt88nc]

Thank you for using real logic here I personally liked the trade, didn’t love it but I understood it from the moment the details came out.

[@vietarmisgaming8045]

I think it would be a cool idea to make a series ranking the best overall top, bottom 6 by team, defensive pairings, etc.

[@acatinatux9601]

thanks for this

[@sugarbear8574]

Always love our demon goathead jersey and cap. Thanks Shannon for donning them well and for the breakdown.

[@mNag]

I'm pretty sure Oilers got a really good player. But I could see McLeod being the thing that Buffalo needs to get over the hump. He's got playoff experience. He knows how to grind. He's big and fast and he can easily score more with more icetime. I think a big part of the reason Oilers needed to trade McLeod, is they also knew he would be demanding more money next contract and they wouldn't be able to afford it. Great trade by Jeff, but it's def a hockey trade - nice break down THG

I rather doubt that I am the only hockey fan, who is pleased that CapFriendly is still up, today, 07/10/2012.

[@jf13579]

As a Sabres fan I’m super unsatisfied with running it back with the same top 6. These young guys walked into last season like they had arrived already. The results speak for themselves. As a cost of a 13th lost season in a row, I wish more heads had rolled. It’s not my call to make but the same group of top players and a Lindy Ruff who is 15 years older than the last time we saw him is not getting me excited.

[@danieldosso2455]

I didn't realize just how young Buffalo is. YIKES

[@aegis7843]

It's been a daycare. BUF fans, who should have been drafted instead of Savoie that year?

[@danieldosso2455]

@@aegis7843 There should be a Buff - Pit trade somewhere, as Kyle Dumbass needs to get his team younger quickly and the plethora of experience Pittsburg's lineup has could be quite valuable to Buffalo's young stars.

[@keithn8852]

@@aegis7843 Pavel Mintyukov.

[@Pak-pq6me]

Tage was hurt all year as well. Great stuff Hockey guy!

[@harroldshnifer2667]

Lmao at “fudging their age”

[@davebegley3022]

Is there that big a difference between 5'11" and 6'? Seems like making a big deal over nothing.

[@theharvesterproject6779]

Yes because it's coupled with weight potential. Someone 5-11 can be 190 before slowing down.. 6'can be 200... and 10 lbs is a big difference

[@AgAg-yn3cv]

@@theharvesterproject6779 it’s more about the range

[@davidcologgi7397]

How about Anton Wahlburg? He's a more "desirable" height by the trends and looked comfortable in his limited time with Rochester. Definitely a prospect to keep an eye on.

[@BoxxMasterr]

McLeod is 6'3" somehow. You don't really notice it because he doesn't use his size at all but its pretty impressive how fast he is for his size.

[@AgAg-yn3cv]

He’s actually 6’2 but still good range and size

[@joseyzadoria7815]

Kevin Adams is in desperation mode at this point, and his move to hire Lindy Ruff is proof of that. If the Sabres fail to make the playoffs in 2024-2025 season then he will be shown the door promptly. Adams had plenty of opportunities to draft bigger players in past two drafts, particularly on the wings and elected not to. I hope I am wrong when its all said and done, but Adams will be on the hot seat in the next upcoming season to get it done.

[@GelliElli]

As a Panthers fan when I look at the Sabres lineup, it actually looks very good. Especially in the defense department, much better on paper than ours. Maybe it's still lack of experience since it's a very young team? Goaltending not realiable enough?

[@juuhan4892]

@ScottStenlund-x9m Why? Basically everyone important resingned and they are not old

[@safejewel2072]

Buffalo still could’ve gotten more for that trade, I’m shocked they didn’t press for more

[@jeffreym.8957]

With all our cap space we should have asked for Nurse and four FRP's. Edmonton would have said sure.

[@Alexirongatewelding]

Learn from the Blackhawks where we embrace the “smaller forwards “ and they THIRVE

[@FloridaHockeyFan]

Columbus might want to dump patrick laine. I could see laine doing well with the young sabres

[@brandonsmith5488]

Good luck with the Blues chart

[@claytonhakes1662]

I really appreciate the video, but the height argument has a few things off that seem to tip the scales. One is that Kulich is now listed at 6’-1”, Peterka since he was drafted has grown to 6’-0” and 189 lbs. you mention McLeod is being “okay” size, but he’s the same height as Matthews at 6’-3”. Considering Thompson, Power, and Greenway at 6’-6”, Tuch and Samuelsson at 6’-4”, and Cozens, McLeod, and Dahlin at 6’-3”, having 2 players that are an inch or two under 6’ who are known for being feisty doesn’t really feel like much of a narrative, even though most of the video is based around “is Buffalo too small”

[@dansovocool4850]

Buffalo has - as noted - a stacked pipeline of first round prospects. What was not noted is that their non-first round selections would make most teams envious, and some of them are big boys. I really like your style; objective without a hint of patronizing. I just wonder if commenting on the other prospects that are legitimate NHL prospects might answer some of your concerns.

[@gilles11dupuis]

You are so right

[@stevenseibel9216]

so excited for first time in years

[@dirtbagliberalsnake5729]

I kind of like it. Getting tougher now we need the top 2 lines to return to form, I fear that tage has a permanenttype of injury that's holding him to about 75 to 80 percent of his production, he is unable to go 100 percent and it is what it is

[@catinashoe]

Most non sabres fans dont realize how far Savoie fell down the prospect pool. Benson leaped him. Kulich leaped him. Ostlund was catching up. A few russian prospects catching up. Helenius could get there soon as well.

[@jasonbornne7767]

Buffalo got fast af after getting rid of Skinner+Okposo and adding guys in the 96th to 100th percentile for speed.

[@daved1535]

I don't know if the Savoie trade made the Sabres better or worse, but after the trade was made, i read the comments from Sabres fans, and most of them were livid about Adams making that trade. Now I'm seeing all these Sabres fans looking happy about the trade. I'm very confused

[@KrispysRC]

It was a now trade IMO. Did we overpay 100% but thats the price to pay when you miss the playoffs for so long. The more I look into it the more I like it.

[@GoodMenstruationAttitude]

Crazy that Peterka was the only guy to play all 82 last season.

[@drbjr8223]

yessir we got fucking crushed with injuries, bad enough some guys were out or coming back in nursing injuries...then we get hit...then hit again and again. sucked felt like we never had anything solidified , line blender every other game, couldnt get that chemistry back til late in the season a little.

[@diggsfather]

i understand why the sabres made this move, even if it is a steep price to pay for McCleod. they have lots of top 6 forward prospects other than savoie (rosen, konsta, kulich, ostlund, benson, etc). and young, defensively responsible, fast, penalty killing centers like McCleod don't come cheap

[@jeffreym.8957]

Yes they do come cheap. Every day they come cheap. Pontus Holmberg - Leafs third liner - traded for a sixth round pick. Ryan Hartman on the Wild. Traded for aging Wayne Simmonds. Than traded again for Tyler Pitlick. It's not rocket science.

[@EugeneGodunov]

As a Detroit fan, i am more concerned about Buffalo then the Senators. But... The sens have way too many good young players pushing for the spot than a franchise can support and at the same time not enough veterans to guide the youth to improve. Which makes for an unstable team. They sure could have used a superstar on their roster in exchange for 2-3 possibly excellent future players they can't fit into the lineup

[@Regalas788]

In the world of advanced analytics is 1 inch difference between 5'11" and 6'00 really matter if their analytics match out

[@pjsebadoh5412]

THAT!! is a nice sweater 🫡

[@DanRaidersWarriorsSharksGiants]

Is it true the 13 years in a row no playoffs is the all time NHL record?

[@drakelorenzen]

@@chrisbelos2834 definitely not the case. They made the playoffs in the late 90s, then again in 2012. No where does that fit 24 years in a row.. I’m a Sabres fan and I’m almost positive 13 years in a row is the NHL record. I think Carolina had it before with 11.

[@RytheCodplayer]

It is but before the NHL expanded so much, 4 out of 6 teams then 16 out of around 22-24 teams would make the playoffs every year. Teams with losing records would consistently be the 8th seed back then.

[@Tony525_]

17 since we won a playoff series

[@maniacmike1027]

@@drakelorenzen yeah after their first Finals appearance in 96, Panthers were in the quarterfinals in both 97 and 2000. Than they missed the playoffs the next 11 seasons before making the playoffs in 2012. Buffalo has the record.

[@chrisbelos2834]

@@drakelorenzen ah yes it was series win drought not playoff appearance drought

[@gheebuttersnaps13]

The Michael peca goathead is so crispy, great jersey

[@northeastoutrider2124]

As a diehard Sabres fan for over thirty-five year, I'm more disgusted now then I was when it was clear they would miss the playoffs for a thirteenth year. That being said, I'm beginning to be intrigued by the potential of this new direction. The key need last year for me was more grit. Bigger, faster, stronger with an entirely new direction in coaching... This could be very interesting next season.

[@mannyoliveira776]

I really hope Lukkonen loses his arb case, & gets like a 3.75 to 4.5m dollar deal. How many times do we see a goalie get signed a big $ contract at arbitration to underperform the next seasons - then teams have to add sweeteners or put him on waivers (when he's awarded 5+ m on a long term deal.

[@Papaduke]

Thompson came back too quickly from his wrist injury, as the season progressed he looked much better. I think he would have finished in the upper 30's to lower 40's with a healthy season, a step back but smaller than with a broken wrist.

[@DanielC__]

Overall that’s a VERY young roster. Size notwithstanding if they reach their potential they could be very good but it’s still some years away. They have minimal experience

[@Optimization_Coach]

Samuelsson is brittle as glass sadly! If he could stay healthy.... Uhhhh...No! But Lindy's influence is clearly showing! Cautiously optimistic. Krebs... Just don't know where he fits anymore

[@Cataracta]

Seeing how big last draft was.. im surprised how small the sabres are.. i really hope they get some trades with teams done that add more physicality to the team

[@realdealprimer]

When you havent had the playoffs in the last 13 years and you trade a prospect for the fastest guy in the game, provin PK specialist, 3rd behind mcdavid and leon (any C in The league would be 3rd to that) have NHL and Stanley Cup Final Experience, while beong over 51 % in fave offs (sabres were last in rhe NHL in faceoffs, sabres added laugherty aswell) sabres are now tougher, faster, better faceoff%, and harder to play against, whilr keeping the Core that was amoung the TOP of the league 2 seasons ago. Lindy will have the offensive saide back as it was a coaching issue not a player issue that held them back last season. And Goaltending...UPL 😊...not only eaill yhr Sabres make the playoffs, But Stanley will make his way to Buffalo, Just a matter of time Baby, Wooooo! 🔥

[@realdealprimer]

Inainght fixing shit ! Wooo!

[@tygod2410]

The last 2 first overall picks of Celebrini and bedard aren’t really tall, but the heights listed usually aren’t true like you said online I seen on the nhl app nylanders height went from 5’11 last year to 6’0 this year and same goes for panarin it was 5’11 and now all of the sudden it’s 6’0

[@michaellong5202]

I could see Helenius ending up as the replacement for Lafferty, and Kulich for McLeod in a few years, but these moves gives the team actual proven players that they feel like helps make them more likely to make a run for the playoffs. Less unknowns I guess. Also, for Clifton, on the size point, we have a player that's 6'2 and a right shot coming up named Vsevolod Komarov, who should be ready to fill that role when Clifton's contract is up in a couple years. Overall I think Adams is doing a good job trying to position the team short term to be competitive, but also not bet big on role players who we have young players in the system who can fill those spots in a few years, so hopefully it pays off and they make the playoffs with Lindy captaining the ship with this group haha

[@AgAg-yn3cv]

It’s good to have some small guys that can get really low to the ground. Not for defenseman though

[@doubledouble4g379]

This COULD be a team to break-out this coming season - hope they keep things interesting next spring.

[@severed111]

Future does look bright when you have Dahlin, Byram and Power on defense alone. Also, in all honesty, not much difference between 6'0 and 5'11...and some of those giants they have on both offense and defense might just be a good counterbalance. I think it will be real difficult for many similar teams in the Atlantic division, where all of the weaker teams are getting better at similar paces (Buffalo, Ottawa, Detroit, Montreal), it's going to get as tight as the Metropolitan once was (I say was because of the recent upsets of failing to get into playoffs by one point for Pittsburgh, because of Florida's 13 or 14 wins in a row to get the last wildcard spot in 22-23, a lot of people don't trust Pittsburgh to get back up, not me, and then New Jersey who had an awful season and it's not guaranteed they will have one as good as in 22-23 when Vanacek was being miraculous,that said, it could get real jammed up in the Metropolitan division once again, too). Detroit and Tampa complicated things when joining that division, sometimes I miss having 3 divisions per conference, but hey. Good luck, not particularly a Buffalo fan but for the sake of it, I want them to end that playoff draught, worse lineups have made it before.