This is a FanPost written by Matt in Cleveland
So, with the Draft and Free Agency right around the corner, and with moves to be made, some people may be getting antsy with the Sabres and wanting them to make a big move. But historically speaking, there’s one thing that has made this regime successful, and that is the old Buffalo terminology of Trusting the Process. Kevyn Adams and Don Granato have a process, and so far, it’s worked. And let me just reiterate here, by success, I don’t mean it in a way where missing the playoffs yet again is a success, but in the manner of for the for the first time in a decade, the Sabres feel like they are headed in the right direction, and I’m excited for it. Having said that, how is this team going to continue to take steps in the right direction?
The Adams Version of “Trust the Process”
There’s a lot of people who want the big move for Brett Pesce or Noah Hanifin, and it could happen. But one thing about Adams and Granato is how calculated they’ve been. They’re a coach-GM tandem, clearly on the same page. The Jordan Greenway trade couldn’t have been clearer evidence of this. Adams consulted with Granato, and believes he can get the most out of him. Last season, they’ve were pretty adamant about not wanting to block young players, particularly their goaltenders, because when you’re rebuilding, you need to see what we have. We saw what we have from last season, and now we have to determine if we need to push forward with certain guys, or go in a different direction.
For example, most people are wanting to upgrade over Henri Jokiharju, meaning he gets knocked down to third pair, or traded off the team. If we upgrade at any position, the main question will be, how does that person fit into the Sabres and their future? Kevyn Adams has always been calculated in considering this. They’ve identified and gambled early and often on big contract extensions to guys like Tage Thompson and Mattias Samuelsson, because they clearly fit in long term.
He insists on Alex Tuch being included in a Jack Eichel trade for the same reason. He also goes out and brings in Craig Anderson, because he sees how a guy like him fits into the organization as a mentor, and stabilizing veteran. Then of course there is Kyle Okposo and Zemgus Girgensons. I know there are some fans who don’t like bringing these guys back, and I get it. But to Adams, and Granato, and the entire locker room, these guys matter, and fit into the organizational plan for the short term, and long term.
Should the Sabres Make that Big Move?
Some fans are getting impatient, because teams are making moves, and making splashes. Historically, when you look at the Sabres under Adams and Granato, they have gotten back on the right track by one thing: development. They trust their development, and so far it’s worked. Quick fixes have not worked for this team, as previous regimes have demonstrated. Having the right fit for a coach also matters. Don Granato was the right fit for this team, Ralph Kreuger was not. Kreuger was great on the international stages when you can pick the players for your system, but not great at the NHL level when you have to adapt your system to what you have. So many players under Don Granato have developed, and others have revived their careers. They value their young assets and draft capital, and for one good reason: building sustainable success.
The Adams Version of “Trust the Process”
One great thing this team has also been able to do is rebuild the farm system. We now have one of the strongest farms in the league, and the Rochester Americans benefited from the investment with contributions from players like Lukas Rousek, Jiri Kulich, and Isak Rosen, to supplement the AHL veterans that they already had. It will only get better in the years to come. The Sabres under Adams don’t just want to be a flash in the pan and disappear, they want to be a team that has depth, and that has the ability to constantly replenish what they have. Some wonder where Matt Savoie fits in long term, and that we should move him because he has no spot on the roster. But, I see him as a long term replacement for a guy like Jeff Skinner, a guy who has 4 years left on his deal. Maybe he plummets in two years and needs to be bought out? But I believe eventually, Savoie will be in that spot. Jiri Kulich has frequently been mentioned as a Victor Olafsson replacement. That’s the circle of life in the NHL.
Conclusion
There may be a big trade by the time this is posted. But my gut tells me that Adams would wait and see what he can get on the free agent market before pulling the trigger on a move, whether it be a big move or not. Not to mention as teams continue to make moves up to the draft and after July 1st, there might be many more opportunities that open up, that weren’t there before.
Paul Hamilton always says, free agency is “stupid season.” I used to always think that was spot on, but then I looked at it from a different angle. Trades can be “stupid season” just as easily, especially if it’s a sign and trade. As I mentioned before, asking the question of how players fit in to the long term picture when you acquire them, such as Hanifin or Pesce, is a valid one.
We’ve always perceived that trades are better, but are these sign and trades worth it, if you have to give up a ton of assets and capital to do it? Not to mention, you need to sign those guys to max term in a lot of cases, and a lot of money. That may not always be as good as it seems, especially if you’re giving up premium assets to do it. You also need to consider the willingness of those players to sign here as well. Maybe a reason a trade hasn’t happened at the time of this writing is that both Pesce and Hanifin are unwilling to sign long term, or the Sabres are uncomfortable with handing out max-term? Maybe that’s not the case, and one of those guys lands here in the next couple days?
It does make practical sense to keep pick 13, and my top prospects, and see what’s on the UFA market first. Maybe you land a Matt Dumba, or Ryan Graves, or maybe you gamble on Connor Clifton? Maybe there is another guy you really like? Or maybe, you find a trade option that doesn’t cost you can arm and leg.
I think Adams will do something for sure, and I think when it does happen, it will make sense, even if it means paying the big price. If they believe there is a fit, they will do it. If they feel Colton Parayko is fit, they will do as, as well as Brett Pesce, or Noah Hanifin. Trust the process my friends, and happy draft week, happy Fourth of July, and Canada Day.