First try at 2022

Not to beat a dead horse, but I highly doubt Palmieri considers that offer, theyd have to add like another 1-1.5 mill for him to read the contract let alone sign it. Same with Raanta, i would assume Raanta would see decently more expensive offers from teams that are high on analytics. That 4th line gets eaten alive as well as this team too

With $8 million in Cap space adding $3 million to the payroll to add those two players would still be worth it. The Sabres desperately need a capable back up Goalie Who could play 30 to 40 games if Ullmark got hurt again. I also targeted Palmieri because he’s probably the only top six caliber right hand shot hitting the market this summer. I have to disagree about that fourth line. It’s at the very least no worse than what we already have. Dumping Eakin and Okposo is addition by subtraction.

no question they need them, they players have to want to sign here though. Ruotsalainen and Bjork are not 4th liners, doesnt give them anytime to play (like Skinner) and they are not players that play a defensive role, they wont punish anyone either, so they'll just be existing - hurts their career more than anything

The only reason Ruotsalainen was on the fourth line is I thought he should still be on the team, but Apslund has played so well with that particular line and I wouldn’t want to take him off it. Ruotsalainen Would otherwise be better off getting top line minutes in Rochester. Unlike right wings there are plenty of left-wing capable players to fill in through free agency.

Bjork is not a top 6 forward, and if he’s going to make an impact on this team it’s going to be because he learned how to play physical, dig in the corners, and go to the net. His future is is an energy guy who hits, deflects pucks, screens the goaltender, and goes after rebounds.

Bjork is a guy they picked up for his pace and Adams said he wants to put him in a situation to play his game or what ever, so I dont see him using Bjork on the 4th line. I think Asplund just sits, but I agree Asplund has played well. The 3 of them will just have to compete against each other for one spot