Buffalo Sabres and NHL 2022-2023

[SDS]

New year!

 

Don't forget to join The Aud Club! Great bunch of guys there who really know their stuff.

 

https://www.sabrespace.com/community/forum/1-the-aud-club/

[BillsFan4]

#13 overall for Alex Romanov?  Wow!

[BillsFan4]

Buffalo picks Matt Savoie at #9.

 

I like it! 

Scott Wheeler’s draft profile:

 

Quote

4. Matthew Savoie — C, Winnipeg Ice, 5-foot-9

 

There isn’t a player in this draft class whose game thrills more than Savoie’s does when he’s firing. Inside the offensive zone, he’s lethal. He’s got extremely quick side-to-side hands that help him beat defenders one-on-one off of cuts. He’s got an NHL shot (which he can place with pinpoint accuracy from a bad angle and rip by a goalie clean from a distance, but he also loves to change up and slide five-hole). He does an excellent job creating plays to the slot out of traffic. He’s a burning skater with explosiveness that allows him to win races, separate in transition, and put defenders onto their heels, or dash through holes in coverage to the net (or draw a penalty). He’s a soft small-area passer who blends deception into his movements.

 

And then on top of those things, he’s got a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He’s always engaged, he keeps his feet moving, he plays with a ton of energy, and he finishes all of his checks and knocks his fair share of players over despite being on the smaller side). He’s also sturdier on his feet than his frame might suggest, which helps him play between checks. I see a dynamic, high-tempo, top-six, goal-creating package. He’s an exciting talent in a draft that’s short on them, with clear PP1 upside due to his shooting-skill package and clear five-on-five upside because of his skating and motor. Even in games where the points don’t fall, he’s almost always dangerous and threatening on the ice — and he’s seldom going to leave you wanting more. After suffering a shoulder injury in the playoffs, Savoie is also now out of his sling, which is positive news for the summer ahead.

 

 

Corey Pronman:

 

Quote

8. Matthew Savoie, C, Winnipeg (WHL)

Jan. 1, 2004 | 5′ 9.0″ | 175 pounds | Shoots right

Tier: Projected bubble top and middle of the lineup player

Skating: Above NHL average
Puck skills: NHL average
Hockey sense: Above NHL average
Compete: Above NHL average
Shot: Above NHL average

Player comparable: Jaden Schwartz

 

Background: Savoie was one of the top forwards in the WHL as a 17-year-old, helping lead Winnipeg to the top of the standings and ending the season 7th in league scoring. He was a point-per-game player in the USHL as a 16-year-old. Savoie was the top pick in his WHL Bantam Draft after applying for and being denied exceptional status to play at the age of 15. He played at the U17 Challenge for Canada as a 15-year-old and was a top player.

 

Analysis: Savoie is a very talented scorer. He stands out with the puck on his stick and can attack in a variety of ways. Savoie is an excellent passer, who can run a power play, hit seams at a high rate and make tough plays under duress. He has very good hands to maneuver in traffic. He has good speed to beat opponents wide and he has a shot that can score from range. Savoie lacks ideal NHL size, but he competes hard and wins a surprising amount of battles for his size. He doesn’t have incredible speed and skill for a 5-foot-9 player so he may be moved to the wing in the NHL, but regardless I see him as a very good top-six forward.

 

I really like this pick!

 

hockey writers draft profile:

https://thehockeywriters.com/matthew-savoie-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

Edited July 8, 2022 by BillsFan4

[BillsFan4]

Pick #16: Noah Ostlund

 

https://thehockeywriters.com/noah-ostlund-2022-nhl-draft-prospect-profile/

 

 

[eball]

Thx Savoie pick is really intriguing.  I don’t know a damn thing about hockey prospects but I like that the Sabres added three centers who appear to have speed and skill into the fold.  They’ll be no help for the upcoming season but at least we can see the sort of team Adams is trying to build.

 

[PromoTheRobot]

Oh, and #### you, Matt Murray!

[BillsFan4]

 

 

Okposo is going to be named captain. 

[Bray Wyatt]

Winner: Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres entered draft day with three first-round picks. General manager Kevyn Adams and his scouting crew clearly had one thing in mind: Skilled forward. 

Buffalo drafted Matt Savoie at No. 9, Noah Ostlund at No. 16 and Jiri Kulich at No. 28, all three being extremely talented offensive forwards that posseses a ton of skill. It's not often you hit on three picks in one round, but the Sabres didn't reach or gamble on any of their picks. They took some of the best players available in their spot in the pecking order, and now a team that already possesses a deep prospect pool just got even stronger.  

 

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/nhl-draft-winners-losers-2022-round-1/gbybxcgmzptpbyro5wjkf2dd

[BillsFan4]

goalie market drying up quick.

 

I was hoping Buffalo would go after Husso. I heard Buffalo is out on Campbell too because he wants term.

 

 

 

Edited July 8, 2022 by BillsFan4

[Logic]

I don't follow hockey closely, but from what little I could gather on Twitter about the draft prospects selected, it seems that Kevyn Adams is following the Beane draft model: Select highly gifted prospects with high ceilings and entrust the coaching staff to help that player reach that ceiling. 

It would be awesome for the city and for "One Buffalo" if the Sabres could return to perennial playoff contention and national prominence the way the Bills have.

[BillsFan4]

Wild just signed Fleury to a 2yr deal. It appears Talbot wants out.

I believe Talbot has trade protection so I don’t know if he’d waive for Buffalo but it would be a big get if they could land him.

 

Sounds more like Adams plan is to go bargain shopping though. First Murray and now this ⬇️

 

Allen is another below league average goalie but at least he’s above a .900 sv%! 😂

 

I would much prefer Talbot though, depending on the cost to acquire. Buffalo can’t afford to be giving up any major assets for a 35yr old goalie. If the Wild want a 1st forget it.

 

[Jauronimo]

What are the expectations for our three first rounders in terms of where they play the next few years?  Ostlund said he expects to play another year or two in Sweden I believe.  How soon until we see some of these guys in Rochester?

 

EDIT: I am now familiar with the CHL-NHL agreement and see Savoie either has to dazzle at the prospects camp and make the jump to the NHL or hes back in the WHL until hes 20.

Edited July 8, 2022 by Jauronimo

[TBBills]

I hate how long if at all it takes for a NHL player to make it up to the level. These guys should be thrown out there earlier than later, just the only way to move forward anymore in the NHL. 

 

This team needs to be competitive this year, they still need 1-2 starting goalies before the season starts.

[Dr. Who]

5 minutes ago, TBBills said:

I hate how long if at all it takes for a NHL player to make it up to the level. These guys should be thrown out there earlier than later, just the only way to move forward anymore in the NHL. 

 

This team needs to be competitive this year, they still need 1-2 starting goalies before the season starts.

You're drafting 17 year olds, sometimes 18 and the odd over-ager. Development is more akin to baseball. You just can't rush that. Sabres have arguably the deepest pool of prospects in the league. Goalie is an issue, but they should be markedly improved in the coming seasons. Hard to be patient after 11 years of missing the playoffs, but there's no magic wand, unfortunately.

[Doc]

10 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

You're drafting 17 year olds, sometimes 18 and the odd over-ager. Development is more akin to baseball. You just can't rush that. Sabres have arguably the deepest pool of prospects in the league. Goalie is an issue, but they should be markedly improved in the coming seasons. Hard to be patient after 11 years of missing the playoffs, but there's no magic wand, unfortunately.

 

Yeah, you think they're like football players who are 21-22 years old, but they're not and are just not physically mature enough at that age. 

[4merper4mer]

10 hours ago, Doc said:

 

Yeah, you think they're like football players who are 21-22 years old, but they're not and are just not physically mature enough at that age. 

This is true but you also have to know when to move them up or let them go.  The Sabres drafted Ukka Pukka Sambuca in 1988.  Time for bye bye.  Levi and the unsigned one are the future.  The present has to be Anderson plus a free agent or trade.  The Sabres should not mortgage any future with a crazy trade of prospects for Kane or something, but shelling out $ for Talbot or Kuemper should at least be investigated.  It’s a fine line in goal but the team as currently constructed can probably compete with a competent goalie now and maybe two years from now be a contender with an emerging young goalie as our backup.  If we somehow managed to keep Ullmark we’d be there already.

[BillsFan4]

11 hours ago, 4merper4mer said:

This is true but you also have to know when to move them up or let them go.  The Sabres drafted Ukka Pukka Sambuca in 1988.  Time for bye bye.  Levi and the unsigned one are the future.  The present has to be Anderson plus a free agent or trade.  The Sabres should not mortgage any future with a crazy trade of prospects for Kane or something, but shelling out $ for Talbot or Kuemper should at least be investigated.  It’s a fine line in goal but the team as currently constructed can probably compete with a competent goalie now and maybe two years from now be a contender with an emerging young goalie as our backup.  If we somehow managed to keep Ullmark we’d be there already.

Yeah but UPL was BY FAR our best goalie last year in the NHL, until he got injured obviously.

 

He had a .917 sv% which is far and away better than any other goalie that played for the Sabres last year. Anderson, who you’re seemingly ok with, had an .898%.

 

I don’t get why you want to move on? You think we should cut the best current chance we have at getting above league average goaltending next season, which makes zero sense to me.

 

Right now we have UPL, who has always played above league average during his (short) time in the NHL. And Anderson, who has been barely a .900% goalie the last 4 years.

 

The Sabres have been turned down by multiple goalies. Murray refused a trade here. Supposedly someone on NHL network said John Gibson also refused a trade here. I can’t see Kuemper (wants the Grubauer contract - 6yrs, $6M) or Talbot (35yrs old, wants to win) coming here. I’d be all for it if either wanted to though! You know I’ve been advocating for them to do something in net..

 

But There are very few goalies even left on the market, trade or free agent.

 

There’s no reason to cut UPL anyway. Even if he’s just rochester’s goalie (they also have no goalies under contract).

 

I honestly don’t get your crusade against UPL. You been slamming him ever since we drafted him, and always purposely mispronouncing his name.

 

Did he run over your dog or something? 😂

Edited July 11, 2022 by BillsFan4

[4merper4mer]

54 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Yeah but UPL was BY FAR our best goalie last year in the NHL, until he got injured obviously.

 

He had a .917 sv% which is far and away better than any other goalie that played for the Sabres last year. Anderson, who you’re seemingly ok with, had an .898%.

 

I don’t get why you want to move on? You think we should cut the best current chance we have at getting above league average goaltending next season, which makes zero sense to me.

 

Right now we have UPL, who has always played above league average during his (short) time in the NHL. And Anderson, who has been barely a .900% goalie the last 4 years.

 

The Sabres have been turned down by multiple goalies. Murray refused a trade here. Supposedly someone on NHL network said John Gibson also refused a trade here. I can’t see Kuemper (wants the Grubauer contract - 6yrs, $6M) or Talbot (35yrs old, wants to win) coming here. I’d be all for it if either wanted to though! You know I’ve been advocating for them to do something in net..

 

But There are very few goalies even left on the market, trade or free agent.

 

There’s no reason to cut UPL anyway. Even if he’s just rochester’s goalie (they also have no goalies under contract).

 

I honestly don’t get your crusade against UPL. You been slamming him ever since we drafted him, and always purposely mispronouncing his name.

 

Did he run over your dog or something? 😂

Nothing against him it is just obvious he isn’t going to cut it.  His presence could be a minor deterrent to Levi  and/or Portillo signing.  That would be bad.  I suppose Talbot or Kuemper could create the same issue but at least provide a shot at winning.  Ukka has had plenty of time to develop; the Sabres drafted him the same year the Bills took Todd Collins but the Bills knew when to pull the plug..  Anderson is not going to stop anyone from signing and he is a positive locker room presence.  Ukka is basically the Trent Edwards of goalies.  
 

If we’re stuck, we’re stuck, but that dude is never going to contribute to a winning team in Buffalo or anywhere else.  I have nothing personal against hi: he just stinks and hasn’t exactly stayed healthy either.  The only other Sabre I’ve been negative about in the last year or so is Skinner and it even looked like some of the positivity of the team rubbed off on him.

[Dr. Who]

8 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

Nothing against him it is just obvious he isn’t going to cut it.  His presence could be a minor deterrent to Levi  and/or Portillo signing.  That would be bad.  I suppose Talbot or Kuemper could create the same issue but at least provide a shot at winning.  Ukka has had plenty of time to develop; the Sabres drafted him the same year the Bills took Todd Collins but the Bills knew when to pull the plug..  Anderson is not going to stop anyone from signing and he is a positive locker room presence.  Ukka is basically the Trent Edwards of goalies.  
 

If we’re stuck, we’re stuck, but that dude is never going to contribute to a winning team in Buffalo or anywhere else.  I have nothing personal against hi: he just stinks and hasn’t exactly stayed healthy either.  The only other Sabre I’ve been negative about in the last year or so is Skinner and it even looked like some of the positivity of the team rubbed off on him.

I don't think its entirely obvious. It's a long shot, but he has played better at the NHL level in limited time. He can't stay healthy, which is an issue. At minimum, he's the best goalie on the roster with a very low bar. I would make a play for Kuemper, even with longer term. He's not great, but average goalie is a leap for us. You'd have to overpay some. Still think having good goal tending encourages the whole team and makes everyone better. 

[Doc]

I wouldn’t get Kuemper  if it means giving him a 6-year deal. The focus should be getting Levi to sign next year (I think Portillo is gone) and removing anything they might make him think twice about doing that. 

[BillsFan4]

I’ve been advocating for Buffalo to acquire a starting goaltender all offseason but There really isn’t much left on the goalie market that I’m seeing. As things sit now, UPL looks like our best chance at getting league average goaltending (or better) next season.

 

Matt Murray - refused trade to Buffalo.

 

Husso - signed by Detroit

 

Kuemper - rumored to be going to Washington. Plus he reportedly wants 6yrs

 

Campbell - everyone is reporting that he’s signing in Edmonton.

 

Gibson - rumor that he also turned down a trade to Buffalo. Has 5yrs left on his contract.

 

Talbot - Bill Guerin doesn’t seem interested in trading him. The wild want him and fleury splitting games 50/50. Fleury also wants this. He said at his age it’s what is best.

 

Vanacek - traded to NJ

 

DeSmith - re-signed by PIT

 

Georgiev - traded to colorado + signed to a 3yr deal

 

Mrazek - traded to CHI (plus he sucks!)

 

Fleury - re-signed by Minn.

 

Brayden Holtby - reported that his career is over due to the injury he sustained that kept him out last season.
 

Jake Allen - Buffalo has rumored interest but montreal reportedly doesn’t want to trade him due to the uncertainty surrounding Carey Price.

 

Who’s even left? Maybe Thomas Greiss? Eric Comrie? Neither seem like very inspiring options.

 

Trade for Jonathan Quick? I’d be good with that.

 

maybe trade for Reiner or Hill? Again, not great options.

 

 

 

I just see zero reason to move on from UPL this season. As of now he’s the best goalie on the Sabres roster. They only have Anderson and UPL under contract and that includes in Rochester too.

 

And UPL has looked pretty darn good every time he’s played NHL games so far. He’s also looked very good for stretched in Rochester. Probably his biggest issue has been staying healthy.

 

And again, it’s normal for goalies to take 5-6yrs to develop. Plenty of NHL goalies didn’t break out in the NHL until they were 25+. Will UPL? Who knows. But he’s actually still somewhat young by NHL goalie standards (23) and he was still a highly touted prospect as recently as a season or two ago. It’s not like he’s been terrible or hasn’t shown development.

 

 

Levi and Portillo aren’t even signed yet and UPL isn’t blocking them even if they were. The chances of either Portillo or Levi stepping into the AHL next season and instantly being a full time starter are pretty slim. Chances are they’ll need to be eased into pro hockey (like pretty much every goalie we’ve ever drafted) and will start out as backups in the AHL. Or if both Levi + Portillo sign next year maybe they split the net in Rochester. Or one starts for their ECHL team in Cincinnati.

Im guessing UPL is at least a full time backup in Buffalo by the end of this season though. If he’s not starting or splitting the net with someone Buffalo signs.

 

[4merper4mer]

15 minutes ago, Doc said:

I wouldn’t get Kuemper  if it means giving him a 6-year deal. The focus should be getting Levi to sign next year (I think Portillo is gone) and removing anything they might make him think twice about doing that. 

That right there is the part that makes it tricky.  I agree with what you’re saying about Kuemper and the same would go for other possible options like Talbot, but……the 21-22 played so well as a team for the last third of a season that they deserve an opportunity to continue that into 22-23.  If that isn’t given to them I fear the momentum could get lost like it has so many times before.  Ukka Pukka Sambuca as the answer isn’t really fair to the rest of the room.

[Jauronimo]

15 minutes ago, Doc said:

I wouldn’t get Kuemper  if it means giving him a 6-year deal. The focus should be getting Levi to sign next year (I think Portillo is gone) and removing anything they might make him think twice about doing that. 

If Levi is put out by a mid range goalie who will be in his mid 30s by the time Levi is ready to play then we may as well just roll with 6 skaters until hes ready to grace us with his presence.

[BillsFan4]

18 minutes ago, Doc said:

I wouldn’t get Kuemper  if it means giving him a 6-year deal. The focus should be getting Levi to sign next year (I think Portillo is gone) and removing anything they might make him think twice about doing that. 

If he’s scared off by someone like UPL being on the roster, he doesn’t have the confidence to be an NHL goalie. I highly doubt he would be deterred by whoever Buffalo has in net. He seems like a very confident kid.

 

 

Reality is, he’s likely at least 3+ years away from playing games in Buffalo.

 

Another year in college. Then most likely a year in Rochester as a backup. Then a year in roch as a starter. Then maybe Buffalo.

 

Maybe Adams tried to rush him to the NHL (going against everything he’s continually said about refusing to rush prospects) and has him start in Rochester full time right away but I’d be surprised if he was ready to make the jump to the NHL after only 1 season in Rochester.
 

Our best bet for the next few years is either UPL or a trade/free agent (though I’m not sure which FA at this point).

[BillsFan4]

12 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

That right there is the part that makes it tricky.  I agree with what you’re saying about Kuemper and the same would go for other possible options like Talbot, but……the 21-22 played so well as a team for the last third of a season that they deserve an opportunity to continue that into 22-23.  If that isn’t given to them I fear the momentum could get lost like it has so many times before.  Ukka Pukka Sambuca as the answer isn’t really fair to the rest of the room.

I would absolutely love it if they signed Kuemper or traded for Talbot.

 

I agree this roster deserves better goaltending. I think with at least league average goaltending they could even potentially push for a wildcard spot (assuming they continue playing like they did in their late season surge).

 

I just don’t see either happening if I’m being realistic. Kuemper wants to win and has not been linked to Buffalo even casually by anyone. It seems like it’s either Washington, Toronto or the NYR.

 

Talbot would be awesome. But he’s 35. We can’t give up major assets for him, and it sounds like Minnesota isn’t too keen on moving him at all.

 

 

plus MAF said he doesn’t want to start full time or even back to back games. He wants to split the net with Talbot so both are fresh.

 

Rumor is that Talbot just wants an extension in Minnesota since fleury now makes slightly more than him.

[4merper4mer]

24 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

I would absolutely love it if they signed Kuemper or traded for Talbot.

 

I agree this roster deserves better goaltending. I think with at least league average goaltending they could even potentially push for a wildcard spot (assuming they continue playing like they did in their late season surge).

 

I just don’t see either happening if I’m being realistic. Kuemper wants to win and has not been linked to Buffalo even casually by anyone. It seems like it’s either Washington, Toronto or the NYR.

 

Talbot would be awesome. But he’s 35. We can’t give up major assets for him, and it sounds like Minnesota isn’t too keen on moving him at all.

 

 

plus MAF said he doesn’t want to start full time or even back to back games. He wants to split the net with Talbot so both are fresh.

 

Rumor is that Talbot just wants an extension in Minnesota since fleury now makes slightly more than him.

The Rangers?  Will he play like 7 games a year there?

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

48 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

Who’s even left?

 

 

[BillsFan4]

24 minutes ago, 4merper4mer said:

The Rangers?  Will he play like 7 games a year there?

Yeah my bad they are in the market for a backup, not a starter.

 

I think it’s really only the Leafs, Capitals, Oilers and Sabres looking for starting goaltenders at this point.

Edited July 11, 2022 by BillsFan4

[Johnny Hammersticks]

3 hours ago, \GoBillsInDallas/ said:

 

 

I wouldn’t mind getting into her crease.

 

[Doc]

5 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

If he’s scared off by someone like UPL being on the roster, he doesn’t have the confidence to be an NHL goalie. I highly doubt he would be deterred by whoever Buffalo has in net. He seems like a very confident kid.

 

 

Reality is, he’s likely at least 3+ years away from playing games in Buffalo.

 

Another year in college. Then most likely a year in Rochester as a backup. Then a year in roch as a starter. Then maybe Buffalo.

 

Maybe Adams tried to rush him to the NHL (going against everything he’s continually said about refusing to rush prospects) and has him start in Rochester full time right away but I’d be surprised if he was ready to make the jump to the NHL after only 1 season in Rochester.
 

Our best bet for the next few years is either UPL or a trade/free agent (though I’m not sure which FA at this point).

 

Not UPL (who should be in Buffalo next season and left to sink or swim), someone on a long-term deal.

[BillsFan4]

45 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Not UPL (who should be in Buffalo next season and left to sink or swim), someone on a long-term deal.

Yeah I’m just saying that we have no other goalie in the system that’s anywhere near starting games in Buffalo besides UPL so, as far as our current prospects go (unless they trade for an NHL ready goaltender prospect).

 

I think our best bet for this season is a free agent or trade. I think UPL has a chance to be a competent starter but I just don’t have confidence in him staying healthy, and he’s not proven enough to rely on him to be the starter this season.

I want them to get a starting caliber goaltender but I’m worried Adams doesn’t want to acquire anyone who would lock down the starting role.

 

Ideally I’d like to see Buffalo sign or trade for someone who can hold down the net for at least the next few years. If UPL happens to outplay them, great! Then they can either be the backup or we can trade them. It’s not like there’s an abundance of starting goalies in the NHL. Let UPL split games as a backup with Anderson this season and if he does well he can be the full time backup next season. And if he outplays the starter we can always trade them. Or if he (UPL) ends up as just a backup level goalie we can trade/cut him if/when Levi or Portillo are ready. I don’t see where it would block any prospects. It’s not like there’s anyone available that is some elite Shesterkin level young goalie that would lock the net down in Buffalo for a decade.

 

Really, IMO the main thing potentially blocking our goaltender prospects is that we will have 2 goaltender prospects they’ll be looking to sign from college in the same offseason. I could see that scaring Portillo off if he thinks Levi will get preferential treatment for the starting role in Rochester. But there’s not much they can do about it now, besides trade Portillo. Ideally he would’ve signed this year and Levi next year to stagger their development by at least a year.

 

 

I’d love to see them sign Kuemper but I don’t know how realistic it is.

Though, If Toronto trades for Murray and Edmonton signs Campbell his only real option for a starting role is Washington or Buffalo and we have significantly more cap space than the Caps do.

[BillsFan4]

this seems like a downgrade from what they had last year. I figured when they traded Mrazek that they’d go hard after Kuemper. Unless they still might? They do need a backup + starter.

 

edit - and it’s now official 😂

 

Ottawa retained 25% of his $6.25M cap hit. 
 

I don’t see any way they can sign Kuemper.

Edited July 12, 2022 by BillsFan4

[\GoBillsInDallas/]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1400229898

 

[BillsFan4]

https://novacapsfans.com/2022/07/11/capitals-do-not-tender-qualifying-offer-to-ilya-samsonov/
 

one more goalie to hit the UFA market now. Washington doesn’t qualify RFA Samsonov so now he will become a UFA.

 

between trading vanacek and not qualifying Samsonov I think it’s safe to say Washington feels pretty good about signing a starting goaltender in free agency. My guess is Kuemper.

 

I wonder if Buffalo will have interest in Samsonov?

 

https://www.nhl.com/player/ilya-samsonov-8478492

 

a quick glance at his stats from last season don’t look pretty. .896% is worse than Anderson was. Maybe he wasn’t as bad as his stats look? I don’t know. 
 

He would not be my first choice, that’s for sure. 

[4merper4mer]

23 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

https://novacapsfans.com/2022/07/11/capitals-do-not-tender-qualifying-offer-to-ilya-samsonov/
 

one more goalie to hit the UFA market now. Washington doesn’t qualify RFA Samsonov so now he will become a UFA.

 

between trading vanacek and not qualifying Samsonov I think it’s safe to say Washington feels pretty good about signing a starting goaltender in free agency. My guess is Kuemper.

 

I wonder if Buffalo will have interest in Samsonov?

 

https://www.nhl.com/player/ilya-samsonov-8478492

 

a quick glance at his stats from last season don’t look pretty. .896% is worse than Anderson was. Maybe he wasn’t as bad as his stats look? I don’t know. 
 

He would not be my first choice, that’s for sure. 

I only watched him against the Sabres and IIRC he looked good over that limited sample.  I could definitely be wrong and at best have only partial info.

[BillsFan4]

I’m fine with this if they plan on him playing in Rochester. I’m hoping the 2 way contract signals that is their intent. He seems like a great guy but he’s not really an NHL level goaltender. At least not one who should be a full time backup. A handful games if needed? Sure.

 

 

 

[BillsFan4]

damn it.

[BillsFan4]

as expected, sounds like Kuemper to Washington and Campbell to Edmonton.

goalie market looking pretty barren already.

and another target I was hoping Buffalo would go after - Andrew Copp - is signing in Detroit.

 

I have a feeling today is going to be an aggravating day. I would love to be wrong though!

 

It’s a bit depressing seeing teams that Buffalo was better than (ottawa and Detroit) doing everything they can to improve while we sit on our hands so far. We’ll see what happens at noon though.

[Dr. Who]

4 minutes ago, BillsFan4 said:

as expected, sounds like Kuemper to Washington and Campbell to Edmonton.

goalie market looking pretty barren already.

and another target I was hoping Buffalo would go after - Andrew Copp - is signing in Detroit.

 

I have a feeling today is going to be an aggravating day. I would love to be wrong though!

 

It’s a bit depressing seeing teams that Buffalo was better than (ottawa and Detroit) doing everything they can to improve while we sit on our hands so far. We’ll see what happens at noon though.

I could be wrong, but my impression is that KA has tried for some of these names and they just don't want to come here. I don't know if it is the decades long ineptitude or a matter of how much term and price is being asked for. The match between goalie and team in most of these cases has been speculated for some time. I have read a few folks on other boards suggesting Lindgren who is at least an unknown vs. the rest who are left who are known bad goalies. It is frustrating, for sure. Right now, we are a young team starting to come together. If there was one position that needed an upgrade this off-season, goalie is it and everyone knows it.

[BillsFan4]

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/stars/2022/07/11/stars-notebook-ben-bishop-returns-to-dallas-in-an-informal-capacity-as-a-coach/
 

Ben Bishop returns to Dallas as a coach, while he’s still listed on Buffalo’s roster 

 

🤷‍♂️😂

7 minutes ago, Dr. Who said:

I could be wrong, but my impression is that KA has tried for some of these names and they just don't want to come here. I don't know if it is the decades long ineptitude or a matter of how much term and price is being asked for. The match between goalie and team in most of these cases has been speculated for some time. I have read a few folks on other boards suggesting Lindgren who is at least an unknown vs. the rest who are left who are known bad goalies. It is frustrating, for sure. Right now, we are a young team starting to come together. If there was one position that needed an upgrade this off-season, goalie is it and everyone knows it.

Yeah I agree selling UFA’s like Kuemper and Campbell on Buffalo was probably always going to be a losing battle, especially with the other teams that were interested. I never really had much hope either would sign here.

 

But there’s no reason Buffalo couldn’t have been in on the goalie trade market for guys like Talbot, Husso, Vanacek, Georgiev