hooooo boy

I understand this is the longest of shots, but you have my attention lol.

is this a fair trade?

Im sure it will be met with disagreement by both fan bases, but I know Id do it as a Sabres fan. It's a tough pill to swallow, but I think Sorokin is stupid good and his goaltending + this offense would make some serious noise.

Like the Stars...but better lol

I feel for the Goalies but I completely understand why big contracts are very restrictive for them I mean 6-7M and 5 or more years is huge deal for a goalie so I think your number is a little high but the premise of what you're saying is completely correct in my opinion.

The Sabres don't need a goalie. Sorokin is good but that cost is preventative.

3 first for a goalie never works out

They absolutely do what do you mean lol. Starting goalies advanced stats are fringe starter level at best. Sorokin is a vezina contender

I think I'd do it

Sorokin is an insane goalie....any team knocking on the door to a Cup contention window would be crazy not to consider him (if he is available)- unless a top notch goalie is already on the roster

1- you’re asking for too much (essentially three 1sts)
2- I’d think that one piece going back to NYI in a trade with Buffalo would be one of their young goalie prospects
*I’ve previously said that Levi is basically “untouchable” from the Sabres side- BUT- in a deal like this, Sorokin would become our goalie “of the future” and thus, become available

So what would a more realistic package (imo) look like?
Like i said. It starts with a goalie prospect
Previously mentioned Levi is the most talented prospect,
but UPL has been breaking into the league this year for us playing quite well

So I’d guess a package would look more like:

Levi, Krebs, ‘23 2nd (since we have 3 of them)
or
UPL, Krebs, and then maybe u could get the ‘24 1st
*if the pick stayed a 2nd, then i could see the Sabres add another forward prospect (not Savoie)- we have a bunch of guys that are “middle6” quality prospects that could be available in a deal like this

All of this is imo of course
1- no Savoie
2- a goalie prospect would be a key part
3- possibly a 2nd (maybe +) instead of the 1st


I do think multiple teams would be interested,
so it is *possible* a bidding war breaks out to increase the price
But in general, i do think you’re asking too much for a goalie
And Sorokin is 27 (be 28 next year), isn’t exactly all that young,
more like “young-ish”

The Sabres aren't cup contenders yet and they have UPL and Levi with time to develop them as well. The cost is too much. I didn't say Sorokin isn't good

Sorokin doesn't win them a cup this year and they have their own legit goalies in the system. The assets could be used to improve other weaknesses

Fair enough…you know your team and prospects better than me. All I’m saying is that for almost any team Sorokin checks a major box now and well into the future. But of course the cost- of obtaining AND extending has to be considered.

He’s also 28 to start next season (bday in August)
And even with him, we’re still a couple moves away from being a “Cup contender”

I’m trying to think of an example of what a top goalie gets traded for…. the only guy i can really think of was Roy
MTL got 3 good young pieces for him:
-a goalie (Thibault, 21year old top young goalie prospect just breaking into the league)
-Kovalenko (24yrs old who had a good rookie season & then 2 “down” seasons)
-Rucinsky (coming off a 75point season), also 24yrs old

Roy was 29, but already had won 2 Cups & gotten to 1 other


Tough to say Roy is a good comparable, as he’d accomplished so much more than Sorokin when traded, but I’m blanking on anyone else who fits better

100% would make that trade. Yes that's a lot to give up, but Sorokin is 100% worth it.

I know where you're coming from but Levi is just a prospect, we hope he is the future but who knows for sure. You are correct we aren't winning the cup this year but it doesn't hurt to get pieces in place if a stud goalie like Sorokin were to become available. I also agree lots of assets going out but the puck has to be saved and it starts and ends in the crease. The age factor is a concern but if it all leads to a cup in his time here I guess it's worth it.

@Lenny54
Sorokin is unquestionably very good one of the best in the NHL.
I cannot remember who was the last GK that was traded for more than a first and a decent player much less a first and two promising young players.
Maybe Dominick Hasek spoiled me, but I remember him taking teams much less talented than the Islanders to the Cup Finals and he only returned the last first round pick and Kozlov, much less than this package.
Sorokin has a great save % but is only 15-15-4 which means he lost 19 of his 34 decisions. update 20 of his 35 decisions
Does any one think he will do as well with the Sabres with Bryson, Lyubushkin and Jokiharju playing in front of him?

Everyone seems to wants to jump start the team to the playoffs, patience seems to be working quite well and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is 12-5-1 so far this year (let's wait for Levi maybe) seems to play well enough to win.

Do your best to convince me, but I quickly pass on this if that is the price.

EDIT:
Buffalo needs more consistency.
They lost 5 of their last 8 and suffered an 8 game losing streak in November.

Not with only 2 years left on his deal
There’s no way we could extend him for a full year either
It’s too risky

BUT
Take out Savoie for Levi or UPL
And if it’s Levi, make that 1st a 2nd

Then I’d do it

Problem is that “his time here” could be relatively short
There’s only 2 years left on his deal

And no way we could extend him for a full year either
It’s too risky

BUT
Take out Savoie for Levi or UPL
And if it’s Levi, make that 1st a 2nd

Then I’d do it

All I will say is that if we are going to use premium pieces to acquire anyone, I would only do it for an elite goaltender, which Sorokin is. He would propel us from being a fringe wild card team to being a playoff team. Having Sorokin and UPL split starts wouldn't hurt and Levi should be 3 or 4 years away from the NHL if we are wise with him.

As great as Sorokin is he’s going to be a 8-10 million dollar guy. A possible Bob. If goalie desired and want to scare Levi off go for Vejmelka, Karel or Demko.
Arizona and Vancouver both open to trades but hope KA stands pat. Goes for d upgrade,maybe Meier but stands pat on goalies