Table ronde des Sabres, partie 1 : Quel ajout hors saison aura le plus d’impact ?

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1. Spiritual_Bourbon 3 semaines ago

   https://archive.ph/bKkgw

   To respect the BN paywall I have not copied over the answers from Harrington. You can subscribe to the BN to read or click the link above.

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   # Aside from Ryan McLeod, which of the Sabres’ offseason additions will make the most significant impact and why?

   Lysowski: Jason Zucker. This may be the obvious pick. After all, the Sabres handed a one-year, $5 million contract to Zucker, who became their third highest-paid forward behind Tage Thompson and Dylan Cozens. Zucker’s impact will extend beyond the scoresheet, though. He is a respected veteran who can set a work rate in practice that others must follow or risk being left behind. Zucker, 32, is also beloved by former teammates for his personality and leadership. He can provide the wisdom and insight that this group lost with the departures of Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons.

   Zucker also has the potential to be the top-six goal-scorer that Buffalo needs after it bought out Jeff Skinner. Injuries were an issue for Zucker during his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins, but he capped his time there with 27 goals in 2022-23. The left wing has totaled at least 20 goals in six of his 10 full NHL seasons. He is willing to get to the front of the net and should fit well with the way Ruff wants this team to play. The question, however, is whether Zucker can bounce back from a season in which he was stuck in the Arizona Coyotes’ bottom-six until a March trade that sent him to Nashville, where he impressed during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

   Another oft-overlooked element of Zucker’s game is his ability to agitate opponents. He understands how to get under their skin by finishing a check or, like Skinner, trash-talking between the whistles. The Sabres’ revamped bottom-six will win over fans with speed and physical play, but it is also important to have a forward who can bring that to the first or second line. Zucker can also show younger players on the roster how to impact the game when they are not scoring.

   # Is there a player who may endure some struggles as the Sabres adjust to a new system and different coach?

   Lysowski: JJ Peterka. The winger, 22, saw firsthand last season that responsible habits away from the puck will lead to more offense. He was exceptional in March and April, when his line with Thompson and Alex Tuch followed a simple game plan. Rather than trying to rely on rush chances, the trio chipped the puck into the offensive zone and created by forechecking. The approach helped Peterka finish his second NHL season with a career-high 28 goals and 50 points in 82 games.

   There were still too many instances of Peterka not being detailed enough, particularly when skating back to his defensive zone to try to thwart a scoring chance. He needs to show more effort and detail when backchecking, and part of that challenge will be managing his shifts in a more mature way. Sometimes it is better to make the safer play than overextend yourself when you don’t have much left in the tank. Ruff won’t have the patience that Granato showed. Adams has referred to the Sabres’ new standard as « non-negotiables, » which he wants to see his coach begin to enforce during training camp.

   Peterka has the exceptional skating and skill to be a top-six fixture and help the Sabres replace Skinner, but the 2020 second-round draft pick will need to play more of a complete game to earn Ruff’s trust. While it may take Peterka longer than others to adjust, this coach should work wonders for a player who has the potential to become a franchise pillar. Don’t underestimate Seth Appert’s impact with Peterka, though. The former Amerks coach understands how Peterka absorbs information in individual meetings and processes challenging messages. Appert and the Sabres’ other assistant coaches will be an invaluable resource for Ruff as he builds relationships with these players and evaluates how to teach each of them.

   # Who among the returning players will benefit the most from Lindy Ruff’s return?

   Lysowski: Cozens. The 23-year-old has the ability to be an outstanding No. 2 center. He showed that potential in 2022-23, when he produced 31 goals and 68 points during a season in which he received a seven-year contract extension. His shooting percentage dropped from 14.7 to 9 last season, though, and he endured a crisis of confidence that slowed his development. Ruff will love Cozens’ competitiveness, willingness to get to the net and tenacity. Cozens sticks up for teammates, finishes checks and never backs down from a challenge, even when he should skate away from a confrontation.

   The fight with Philadelphia’s Garnett Hathaway impacted Cozens, but the 2019 first-round draft pick’s dedication to playing better defense slowed him down more than his short bout that happened in early November. Cozens was so concerned about his defense that it took away from his offense, which can’t happen again this season. Different usage should help. Ruff doesn’t need to have Cozens on the ice for as many defensive-zone faceoffs now that McLeod is around to shoulder that responsibility. Ruff should be able to guide Cozens through the process of reestablishing the identity that we saw from him two years ago.

   # Which area of the roster is a potential concern and how should it be addressed?

   Lysowski: Another winger who can skate in the top-six and score goals. This isn’t a move that must be made before the season begins, though. Wait to see how Jiri Kulich looks in training camp. Perhaps the top prospect is ready to push for a spot and provide Buffalo with some of the offense that it lost by parting ways with Skinner. And, if Kulich isn’t ready, the Sabres still have salary cap space and capital to acquire a player who fits. Adams can’t wait too long, though, if the need becomes obvious in October and November. It is time to make bold, aggressive moves that can push this group over the top.