Our roster this year does not inspire much confidence. If Bergeron comes back, maybe they pull something together and capitalize on their budget signings. Regardless, after this season, the Bs will have to transition to the future.
Merkulov, Beecher, McLaughlin, Lorhei, and Mitchell should all see time this season, and maybe Lysell makes the jump too. There should be ample cap space on top of that to make a determination about a 1C in free agency, as a lot of the trade targets they have for this year are gonna be hitting the market. Signing one of them as a bridge 1C and getting Zacha back on the wing might be ideal, unless he really proves to be a 2C for the team this year.
Of our C prospects, the only ones who could project as top 6 guys are Poitras and Harrison (as a 1 and 2 respectively) but they both probably need at least a whole year in Providence. But giving them a shot next season isn't out of the question. So we go forward with a top 6 of Zacha, Pasta, March, DeBrusk, a rookie, and a Vet until people can be moved around.
Swayman, DeBrusk, and Frederic (if he's still here) will all be due lock down raises as core guys with Pasta for the next 5 years. If DeBrusk puts up 30 goals, I don't see him getting less than 6.5, and given the goalie market set between Sorokin and Koorpisalo this offseason, Swayman could command 7+.
All in all, if this is the last dance with Bergy, Marchand, and now Lucic, it'll at least be a fun ride, but the future is still fun to think about!
TDL 2023- after continuing to improve in a more open Atlantic division and underperforming Metro, BUF drives for the playoffs as a WC1, taking the Metropolitan leading Canes to 7 games with Ullmark as their starter.
At the deadline for a chance at breaking a 12 year playoff drought riding a rookie goaltender to that point? I bet they give up more than you think. Also, the least important part of this ACGM.
At the deadline for a chance at breaking a 12 year playoff drought riding a rookie goaltender to that point? I bet they give up more than you think. Also, the least important part of this ACGM.
It isn't the least important part, you need the cap space or else you can't do anything else
Ullmark won’t get that return and I don’t see why Swayman would ask for 7Mil while he isn’t that far behind he’s certainly not at Sorokins level and he does not come with Sorokins playoff pedigree anything over 5.5 for swayman and Don should walk
If this is a TDL move, that would assume the Sabres rookie goalie is holding his own if they are in the playoff contention, they wouldn't be giving up a 1st round pick for a goaltender at that point they would just let the rookie keep rolling.
gretzkyghosts a aimé ceci.
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