Sabres depth chart

by David Oleksy on Jul 10, 2007 12:16 AM EDT

As I was on my mini vacation this weekend I decide to figure out some possible line combinations and the team doesn't look so bad. I wasn't the only one ready to put this past week behind me as John Vogl of the Buffalo news decided to look ahead and Kevin at Bflo Blog did the same. I noticed one glaring concern with the team and that is they are weak up the middle. The centers are a huge concern especially the lack of a really good faceoff guy.

The tentative line combinations that I came up with look like this.
Vanek-Roy-Stafford
Kotalik-Connolly-Afinogenov
Hecht-Gaustad-Pominville
Paille-Mair-Ryan

extra forwards: Peters and MacArthur

Tallinder-Lydman
Spacek-Numminen
Campbell-Kalinin

extra defenseman: Paetsch and Sekera

It's only July so this is not set in stone but outside of the lack of a faceoff guy I like the way the team looks. I expect even bigger things out of Roy and Stafford this season which would fit well with Vanek on the top line. I would not be surprised if the Sabres moved someone for a top center. I don't expect a blockbuster trade but I think the Sabres realize they need another center. A center could still come via free agency but it's more likely they would move someone to free up some salary. If someone is going to get moved I think that Kalinin and Kotalik are the most likely canidates. I'll continue to update the depth chart throughout the summer as the roster changes.

If you have any ideas for possible line combinations feel free to leave a comment. If you haven't registered yet feel free to do so.

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Comments

Hmm...

Good call on the centers being kind of weak. That's a bit disconcerting, although I like Roy and Goose.

Favorite line out of that group: the Goose/Hecht/Pominville line. Love all three of those players.

SB Nation's Bills blogger at www.buffalorumblings.com

by Brian Galliford on Jul 10, 2007 9:42 AM EDT reply actions

lines

wasn't it roy, vanek, and afinogenov who played together and ended up 3 out of the 6 30 goal scorers, cuz if so why break them up?

by blosbres6 on Jul 11, 2007 1:46 AM EDT reply actions

Yes they did...

play together for a good portion of the season but when Afinogenov was hurt Stafford played on that line and was outstanding. I think that having Afinogenov with Connolly would be great. I wouldn't be surprised if the team is just as good offensively with these line combinations. The best part is the line of Hecht-Gaustad-Pominville... they are good both offensively and defensively. If they are used as a checking line against other top lines they can take advantage of the top lines being a defensive liability.

D.O. www.diebytheblade.com

by David Oleksy on Jul 11, 2007 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions