Emotionally in 2018
Rejoint: nov. 2016
Messages: 9,290
Mentions "j'aime": 3,387
This deal is a homerun for the Sabres. Players like Skinner typically cost this or more at the deadline, but now he'll be afforded the opportunity to learn the system in training camp and start to develop chemistry with Eichel, who he'd presumably play with. Skinner is also the biggest threat Buffalo has on the wings now. He's a great add to their lineup and gives their lineup some more firepower that they didn't have on the outside. And as much as I like Pu, he didn't fit long term with Buffalo. Eichel, Mittelstadt, Asplund is their long-term 1-2-3 down the middle, and they have other prospects like Davidsson that are capable of playing center. Also, with three first round picks this year, they can afford to lose those picks. A Skinner extension also could happen for them, since he'll have a #1 center in Eichel to play with and he'll be the go-to guy on the wings.
This offseason, Buffalo added:
Skinner
Dahlin
Thompson
Sheary
Sobotka
Berglund
Hunwick
Hutton
And they lost ROR and Lehner. They added a lot of organizational depth this summer and are going to be a legit team this upcoming season, especially when you mix in full seasons from Guhle and Mittelstadt, and maybe even a breakout for Reinhart. Great move by Botterill, as it really rounds out the offseason for them.