Interesting, some good points. I totally agree about needing a different skill set on defense. They also need grit practically everywhere, I'm not a fan of just throwing one or two guys on the 4th line or bottom pair to do it, I would invest real assets on finding grit with talent to play all over the roster. One sore spot with the op roster is center, neither Thompson or cozens are good defensively (still hopeful cozens gets there), and kulich is not the guy to pick up the slack as the 3c. If the Sabres are determined to roll Thompson and cozens out at center, they need a vet 3c that can cover d zone starts, pk, and win draws. The Skinner problem is complicated by his ntc, and his desire to play close to his toronto home, but I agree that it's time to move on.

My initial aim was to sign Henrique for 2 years but he was a bit too expensive while Skinner is still on the roster. If they can find a taker for Skinner @ 4.5mil, then I think that's the way to go. Provides a very competent pair of vets on the 3rd line for rookies to step into the NHL alongside.

JJP Thompson Tuch
Benson Cozens Quinn
Kulich* Henrique Amadio

Maybe Rosen, Ostlund or Savoie takes that spot instead but the point is that it's for one of them.

Interesting.

I will be interested to see what they do with Joki. If all you're getting for him is a 2nd round pick 2 years from now, I'd just rather keep him. BUF played 10 D-men last year. He could take Rousek's- waiver exempt- spot on the 23-man roster. BUF invested a 1st round pick into Joki and he's just starting to hit his prime. Getting a 2nd round pick is buying high and selling low.

Skinner is the other interesting piece. I think there are teams that would take a guy with 40-goal potential at $4.5. I would hope we wouldn't need to retain that much. Playing alongside Crosby makes a ton of sense...but BUF is also competing with PIT for a playoff spot. Not even sure what a return on that would look like. BUF needs Fs and they need goals. Moving on from him creates yet another hole.

I do agree though that moving on from Joker & Skinner would dramatically change the team formation. It's probably a necessary step to make, just not sure it happens this offseason. We shall see.

Besides the Amadio on the 3rd line idea,
pretty good job

Skinner isn’t going anywhere though
1-Sabres mgmt likes him
2-he isn’t gonna waive
3-no one will take that contract anyways