For this roster, we keep the kids in Rochester. Botterill has stressed how important it is to let them develop in the AHL, and I think he'll stick by this.
The biggest move we made over the offseason was the trade with the Rangers. I think it's pretty fair- Buffalo relieves the Rangers by taking on Nash's huge contract, but we also free ourselves of Ennis, a player who could benefit from a change of scenery. Buffalo also gets the chance to speak to Smith early, and can improve its defense without giving up Kane. But we lose Girgensons, who should be good on the Rangers' 4th line.
GMJB has been in talks with McPhee, and it's possible that we make a deal with Vegas to take Moulson, who has connections to McPhee.
He also said it's important that the Sabres have players who have playoff experience. We get a good center in Bonino, and an experienced player in Parenteau, to fill out the bottom 6, along with re-signing Gionta. If nothing else, these players are used as stopgaps for a year or 2 until the kids are ready. I don't love that we're overpaying Bonino & Parenteau, but I think we'll have to if we want them to come here.
My main concern with this roster is that the defense isn't that much better. We could sign someone, but I'm not crazy about the other options except Shattenkirk or maybe Alzner. What does everyone think?
McDavid, Connor
250 000 $)
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