The regular season is nearly here. With the Sabres wrapping up their preseason schedule, we try and determine what Don Granato and Kevyn Adams’ final decisions will be in forming Buffalo’s roster. We dicsuss the backup goaltending decision, how many defensemen the team will choose to keep and which forwards will earn the precious few spots which are available. We wrap up the show discussing where we see the Sabres finishing the season in a wide open Eastern Conference playoff picture.
The Instigator Podcast
The Instigator Podcast 12.5 – Benson’s Early Statement
Zach Benson has been advertised and then some in the early stages of training camp and the preseason. He’s had two impressive games and has looked the part of a player who could threaten for a spot in the lineup. Of course, the Sabres tight pipeline makes that a much tougher feat and we talk about just how well Benson has played, and the opportunity he has to carve out a role on this roster. Our conversation leads us to discuss Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, Matt Savoie and several others. We wrap up this week’s show with a quick update on the Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power contract negotiations and remind you there’s no need for panic despite the lack of a deal.
The Instigator Podcast 12.4 – Gone Campin’
Somehow, Sabres training camp is upon us. While this year’s camp isn’t loaded with roster battles and opportunities for young players to grab spots, there is still the question of how the Sabres will fill the void left by Jack Quinn’s injury. We talk about who could be in contention for the spot, how the defense corps may shake out and sprinkle in a bit about the goaltenders.
We lead into our training camp discussion with a brief chat about this past weekend’s Prospect Challenge and the latest developments related to Mike Babcock and his departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Instigator Podcast 12.3 – Prospect Challenge Prep
The Prospect Challenge kicks off this week, which means there is (semi) meaningful Sabres hockey to discuss. We talk about some of the most notable players coming to face Buffalo’s prospects and run through the Sabres’ Prospects Challenge roster. We talk about which players we’re most interested in watching, who we expect to shine, who has a chance to improve their stock and which players might be most likely to surprise. We also touch on the situation unfolding between Paul Bissonnette and Mike Babcock after Bissonnette’s comments on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast.
The Instigator Podcast 12.2 – NCAA Hockey Realignment Sandbox
Given the game of musical chairs unfolding in college football, we felt it necessary to play our own version of the game with college hockey programs. This week’s show focuses on the different avenues that could be explored to realign and expand college hockey’s footprint. We discuss opportunities to further expand the Big Ten, to bring in new programs in the west and taking a deep dive into the machinations necessary for UB to add a D1 program.
The Instigator Podcast 12.1 – PSE Dissolved and what Comes Next
Monday was a big news day as it was announced that Pegula Sports and Entertainment has been dissolved and, most notably, the Bills and Sabres will be operating as separate entities moving forward. Pegula will also now serve as president of the Sabres, a title he also holds for the Bills and at PSE prior to its dissolution. We talk about the news, what it means for the Bills and Sabres and how it has helped to fuel rumors surrounding the future ownership of the Sabres.
RJ Night Episode: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/49323198
The Instigator Podcast 11.44 – Listener Questions for the Dog Days of Summer
As we are in the dullest point of the hockey offseason, it felt like a good time to reset and take listener questions once again. This week’s episode includes questions on the Bills and red helmets, prospect trade options, goal tending targets and analytics projections. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions for this week’s show.
The Instigator Podcast 11.42 – Tackling the Sabres Next Steps Beyond Free Agency
We are back breaking down Buffalo’s moves on the opening day of free agency and looking back at the Sabres’ haul from the 2023 Draft. We talk about how Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson will fit on the depth chart and how the selection of Zach Benson and the rest of the 2023 draft class affects the organizational pipeline.
We also dig in to the excess bodies the Sabres have on the roster in the wake of signing Clifton and Johnson. With nine defensemen under contract and questions lingering over Victor Olofsson’s future, we explore what Kevyn Adams faces as the offseason continues.
The Instigator Podcast 11.41 – Sabres Draft Preview
Draft week is here and we dig in on some of the players we think could be targeted by the Sabres with their first round pick and their pair of second round selections. We talk through a number of topcis, including the kick off of the trade activity and whether or not we see the Sabres making a notable move ahead of Wednesday’s draft. Our focus on potential draft picks was mostly on picks 13, 39 and 45, though we explore a few names for mid- and late-round selections as well.
The Instigator Podcast 11.40 – New Deals for Girgensons and Rousek
The Sabres handed out contract extension to Zemgus Girgensons and Lukas Rousek on June 20. We talk about the decision to re-sign both players and dig into where each of them will fit in to the Sabres roster this coming season. Our conversation follows the extensions for both players in addition to how the contracts could affect how Kevyn Adams goes about bringing in new players this summer.
Two in the Box 