Hard to define, but generally I look at
- eye test...who's carrying the puck, who us setting up plays
- Stats of CF% less Oz Starts...if negative it reflects poorly on the line...then I compare linemates using the same
- Counting Stats of G's vs A's
- Stats, if I have access to GF vs xGF, I like to look at it.

My impression of Skinner is he needs a set-up guy and generally feasts of that...he gets to the net in open areas and is able to finish at a pretty good clip.

I am interested in yours and others thoughts...always willing to learn more
- IonSabres

People seem to have varying opinions on what play driving is so I don’t think theirs necessarily a wrong answer here but I consider him a play driver

Whenever he’s on the ice his linemates produce more than when he’s off, as well as Skinner’s team has always won the shot/chance share with him on the ice

Hall slides into Skinner’s $9 mil and that frees up Hall’s $8 mil for Dahlin.
- dadeadhead

My thinking is that they will do everything to keep Hall regardless if they get Seattle to take Skinner. They obviously sign Dahlin too

I’m less convinced they’re interested in keeping Sam for big $ but Skinner would free that up

My thinking is that they will do everything to keep Hall regardless if they get Seattle to take Skinner. They obviously sign Dahlin too

I’m less convinced they’re interested in keeping Sam for big $ but Skinner would free that up
- sbroads24

well if they dont do enough on the ice i don't think it matters what happens off the ice in regards to him resigning

start here



- homiedclown

those are good...much better than the bubblegum stuff

i believe this is the song heard:




and then there's this from that same album

well if they dont do enough on the ice i don't think it matters what happens off the ice in regards to him resigning
- SabresFaninIndiana

i'm optimistic...however, i'd be more optimistic if they were in their own division instead of this one

So Skinner signed before last season after speaking with Ralph, and likely believed he would play next to Eichel having potted 40G's just the season before.
Hall signs with Sabres and reportidly did so to play next to Jack, to boost his value in FA.

Skinner does not drive play himself, but is an elite finisher, top 10 5v5
Hall can and does drive lines with MVP results when going so.

Tage has balked-up and can skate fast in a straight line. He doesn't defend particularly well, has generally played like Jane in the past, and is just horrible in change of direction on his skates (tall people usually aren't nimble so it is generally expected) and therefore not the best as a 200 foot player...IMO.

I still continue to believe the best lineup given all that is
Skinner - Eichel - Cozens
Hall - Staal - Sam
Olofsson - Eakin - Tage
Reider - Lazar - Okposo

I'll wait to see Ralph's lineup over the 1st 5 games or so and evaluate then.
- IonSabres

👍

Ion- solid post and I think you have the lines in exact order- to start Thursday night

i'm optimistic...however, i'd be more optimistic if they were in their own division instead of this one
- Michael Pachla

i wish they addressed the lack of D on the D

i wish they addressed the lack of D on the D
- SabresFaninIndiana

I'm not as down on the d, although they will have some issues to deal with

My thinking is that they will do everything to keep Hall regardless if they get Seattle to take Skinner. They obviously sign Dahlin too

I’m less convinced they’re interested in keeping Sam for big $ but Skinner would free that up
- sbroads24

I'm wondering if we turn into toronto lite if that happens..... hall skinner eichel: 28M. I dont think that's better than Matthews tavares marner. money is a bit lighter but overall I think it puts us in a hole. I'd pass.

I'm wondering if we turn into toronto lite if that happens..... hall skinner eichel: 28M. I dont think that's better than Matthews tavares marner. money is a bit lighter but overall I think it puts us in a hole. I'd pass.
- TheHank

you need to be able to draft and hit on more picks to have value contracts filling out your bottom 6 if you go that route.

Don't know anything about this Sbisa guy Nashville picked off waivers today... Heard the name for years but that's about it.
Anyone have any insight on this putz?

Don't know anything about this Sbisa guy Nashville picked off waivers today... Heard the name for years but that's about it.
Anyone have any insight on this putz?
- jochfr

No bueno

No bueno
- sbroads24

Broads - could I get some "expectations " for skinner this year. Based on the 56 game schedule.

Goals , assists, 5 x 5 points.

Assuming hes up and down the line up.
What does he bring.

Broads - could I get some "expectations " for skinner this year. Based on the 56 game schedule.

Goals , assists, 5 x 5 points.

Assuming hes up and down the line up.
What does he bring.
- Boss34

18 goals 14 assists 15 EV goals

Would equal 26 and 20 over 82 games.

I don't think he's getting top PP time or time with Eichel so this is optimistic

Isles waived Komarov. Interessante

Skinner seems to work best with a Center or Winger that works the boards well, gets in on the forcheck well, maybe Lazar can be that guy and Cozens be the set up man. Maybe a little synergy.
- Buff36

Which one of Eichel or Reinhart played that role when Skinner scored 40?

I would argue Reider Eakin and Okposo is line 4

I wish Skinner was with someone better than Lazar, but at least Cozens is on the Line.

I sort of wish the sabres would take a stab at PLD.

He fits our timeline, and would have no problem parting with Cozens for him.

No idea if it is enough, but Montour, Cozens, 2021 2nd, and 2022 1st for PLD.

Hall Eichel Thompson
Olofsson Dubois Reinhart
Skinner Staal Lazar
Sheahan Eakins Okposo
- Mentalorgasm5

Rieder - Eakin - Okposo is the 4th line, but I doubt Ralph will be able to resist playing them 3rd line minutes.

PLD would be great, but the Blue Jackets aren't trading him unless a ton comes back.

If you're the Sabres GM and you call about PLD, and the Jackets say the deal starts with Cozens, Olofsson, and a 2021 1st round pick, what do you say then?

Rieder - Eakin - Okposo is the 4th line, but I doubt Ralph will be able to resist playing them 3rd line minutes.

PLD would be great, but the Blue Jackets aren't trading him unless a ton comes back.

If you're the Sabres GM and you call about PLD, and the Jackets say the deal starts with Cozens, Olofsson, and a 2021 1st round pick, what do you say then?
- kingcong39

Mitts, Olofsson, 2021 and 2022 firsts.

If that ain’t good enough then so be it

Aaron Portzline
@Aportzline
#CBJ lines:
Foligno - Domi - Atkinson
Grigorenko - Dubois - Bjorkstrand
Jenner - Texier - Bemstrom
Foudy - Nash - Robinson

Girgorenko is playing a top 6 role in Columbus...with a notorious hard nosed coach in Torts but ours can't figure out how to use Skinner????

Mitts, Olofsson, 2021 and 2022 firsts.

If that ain’t good enough then so be it
- Pegullaville

People who would trade Cozens are just jaded after what happened with Mittelstadt

No way am I trading Cozens + firsts or other pieces for someone like PLD

Cozens is a on a very similar trajectory to PLD

Which one of Eichel or Reinhart played that role when Skinner scored 40?
- kingcong39

No one.
No need to. Puck was on Jack's stick up the ice, around the net for either shot on goal or pass to Skinner for a shot. Sam might be the closest picking of errand shots back to Jack or Skins.
Goal, or up the ice the other way was the result.

People who would trade Cozens are just jaded after what happened with Mittelstadt

No way am I trading Cozens + firsts or other pieces for someone like PLD

Cozens is a on a very similar trajectory to PLD
- sbroads24

Cozens and a 1st for Grigorenko!

People who would trade Cozens are just jaded after what happened with Mittelstadt

No way am I trading Cozens + firsts or other pieces for someone like PLD

Cozens is a on a very similar trajectory to PLD
- sbroads24

I agree. Im more than willing to roll the dice with Cozens. He seemingly has skill and drive. Even if he ends up as a winger - which would be a tough pill to swallow - I think he's the type of player you want around

18 goals 14 assists 15 EV goals

Would equal 26 and 20 over 82 games.

I don't think he's getting top PP time or time with Eichel so this is optimistic
- sbroads24

I appreciate your opinion.

What would a 46 point player get on the open market?
Maybe 5 or 5.5?

Personally skinner needs to be a 30 goal scorer. 20 at the very minimum this year. Even if he's on a line playing with you and me.

24 goals 37 assists and 61 points making in 81 games
Great defensive/ faceoff guy / recently named captain had these #'s and you relentlessly criticized him.

That's why I'm a bit surprised

* I really wanted to sign skinner no matter the cost. So I'm not trying to be condescending. A bit surprised, hope he bounces back.

I agree. Im more than willing to roll the dice with Cozens. He seemingly has skill and drive. Even if he ends up as a winger - which would be a tough pill to swallow - I think he's the type of player you want around
- jcragcrumple

Cozens will be our best forward outside of Jack, unless Hall resigns, within the next 2 years