Quoting: Sabres_Insider
massive decline for Buffalo. Why would they consider this??
Quoting: datmonkey91
I was just editing to explain the trades if you wanna look at it. But to repeat, the Sabers aren't gonna look to further rebuild their team for much longer. Barrie helps out the RD as they fall thin there next year and will help develop the younger guys being a vetran. Giving what I'm sure is a lower end 2nd round pick shouldn't be much to ask for.
Quoting: Leafsin4
Do not think Buffalo is in a position to take on these two guys, does not make much sense for them
Getting Term with toffoli and chariot likely demanding a lot of attention going to need to give up more in that trade
IMO the NHL is transitioning from knock-em-down defensemen to what the NHL to the turn of the last century "rover" defenseman.
Back then team played with 6 skaters and a goalie, the sixth skater being a rover who would jump into the play while the other two defensemen would hold their position.
One might say this style of defenseman started with Bobby Orr.
Onto the trade. Jokiharju is the only RHD signed next year, while Laaksonen appears to be ready to jump to the NHL that still leaves an open spot.
That second is next year and could be around the 50th to 62nd pick.
In the past 20 years Buffalo has drafted poorly in the second round with Compher, McCabe, and Asplund being the best.
With a 15% chance of getting a decent NHL player versus snatching a RHD who scored more pts than any defenseman in the NHL last year who is signed for two years beyond this season, I take the sure thing.
IMO he would be a perfect fit in the Granato system of encouraging the defense to "rove" into the offensive zone.
Turris has already cleared waivers and does not have to ever don a Sabre uniform.
If it only cost a late second to get Barrie, I make the deal.
As to the other trades, I think you did a great job probably need a little more going to MTL.