It’s another edition of the mailbag and this time we’re tackling what the Sabres would need to change to adapt to the physical nature of the playoffs, how many new faces might be on the roster and Kyle Okposo’s recent comments on this year’s Sabres.
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Buffalo Sabres coverage. Related to the Sabres, their prospects and the minors.
The Instigator Podcast 12.38 – Seth Appert Promoted and Listener Questions
Seth Appert was named to Lindy Ruff’s coaching staff this week, rounding out who will join Ruff behind the bench this year. We talk about Appert’s promotion and what it means for the team as a whole and Appert himself. We also touch on Matt Ellis’ move upstairs and the debate that has stirred throughout the fanbase.
The second half of the show focuses on a few listener questions, where we hit on Kyle Okposo’s comments to the media about this season’s struggles, our belief on what sort of roster turnover there will be and what would qualify as a true shake up when it comes to offseason moves for the Sabres.
Trade Market Indicates the Sabres Will Need to Offer More Than the 11th Pick
Kevyn Adams hasn’t been shy about characterizing where he and the Sabres are in their build. He just recently appeared on Frank Seravalli’s show on Daily Faceoff and stressed urgency, saying they are “in the next phase,” a quote that strikes a different tone than the sort of comments he had made in past offseasons.
Adams enters the summer with some expectation that he will be aggressive in making acquisitions that will finally put the Sabres back into the playoffs. One key piece in his arsenal is his 2024 first round pick, which falls at pick 11 after the NHL Draft Lottery. The 11th pick is a valuable trade chip for Adams, who could be shopping for wingers to round out the top six, a center who can take matchups in the middle of the lineup or even one more piece to bolster his blueline. Regardless of how Adams could spend that pick, there is a strong consensus among the fan base that it should be for sale to the highest bidder.
What may get overlooked is the value a first round pick carries in today’s NHL. A pick in the top half of the first round carries substantial weight but if Adams has visions of bringing in a player who will contribute, he’ll almost certainly need to add to any offer involving the Sabres first round pick. There are plenty examples from around the league to look at and even two of Adams’ most notable deals – the Sam Reinhart and Rasmus Ristolainen trades – included more than just a first round pick coming back.
Continue readingThe Instigator Podcast 12.37 – Trade Targets from First Round Eliminations
The first round of the playoffs is behind us and that means it’s time to identify which teams may be feeling desperate after an early playoff exit. We touch on some of our favorite targets from the eight eliminated clubs, highlighting players who could help put the Sabres over the top. We also dissect the Maple Leafs latest first round exit and the drama surrounding them after the loss. We kick off the show with a brief conversation about the NHL Draft Lottery and why we think the Sabres ought to move their pick.
The Instigator Podcast 12.35 – Lindy Ruff Returns as Sabres Coach
Kevyn Adams landed on his head coaching hire and it’s a familiar face. Lindy Ruff will be back behind the Buffalo Sabres bench for the 2024-25 season and we dig into the decision to bring Ruff into the fold after moving on from Don Granato. We touch on his tenure in Dallas and New Jersey and attempt to translate which traits and aspects of those seasons may serve the Sabres in trying to snap their playoff drought.
The Instigator Podcast 12.34 – Don Granato Out as Sabres Head Coach
Don Granato was relieved of his duties by the Buffalo Sabres. We break down the firing and begin to discuss who might come in to replace him as Buffalo’s bench boss. We spend some time on the likes of Lindy Ruff, David Carle, Bruce Boudreau and many others.
The Instigator Podcast 12.33 – What Sank the Sabres Season?
The Sabres were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs and, like last season, there isn’t one single reason they will miss out on the postseason. But that didn’t keep us from trying to pin it down. We spend this week’s episode running through the myriad reasons the Sabres couldn’t keep pace in the Eastern Conference and will be watching the playoffs for the 13th straight season.
The Instigator Podcast 12.32 – First Rounder on the Table
Should the Sabres first round pick be offered up in a trade this offseason? We run down just why we feel so strongly that the Sabres shouldn’t just be shopping their first rounder, but several other pieces this summer in an attempt to get the right mix with their group and to break their playoff drought.
The Instigator Podcast 12.31 – Ready for Prime(time)
The NHL will be highlighted in a new reality series that will air on Amazon. We spend some time talking about the outlook for the show and some of the players we’d like to see highlighted by the production. We kick off this week’s episode discussing the Sabres west coast trip and offer up some thoughts on how things should unfold in the offseason before jumping into a conversation about rule changes and the upcoming Amazon series.
Two in the Mailbox: Now What?
Thursday’s action dealt a devastating blow to Buffalo’s late surge for a playoff spot. Between a horrific third period and Detroit’s win over the Islanders, the Sabres likely need to run the table over their final 11 games to even have a shot at breaking their drought.
That sets us up for another summer of retooling and roster prognostication. That was front and center with the collection of questions for this latest edition of Two in the Mailbox.
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Two in the Box 