Sabres log jammed at forward...

Posted by: Thumper


For all intensive purposes, the top 9 forwards are set (considering Stafford will eventually sign....Although that front is strangely silent)....It's got me thinking of this roster minus Stafford.

Regier brought in Cody McCormick, a player that I personally would like to be a lock for the 4th line. If he can dress for 55 games or so, I really like the toughness he adds. He's listed as a center, however, he only won 35.5% of his faceoffs last season. He probably needs to play on the wing for that reason. That means Mair or Ellis is your 4th line center. Most likely Adam Mair. Fully healthy, he should physically be able to have a better season than last year. If he can't, it's really time for the Sabres to move on, and early in the season.

Are Mair and Kaleta the only 4th line locks? Will Ruff alternate between McCormick and Ellis throughout the season? What about Kennedy and Gerbe then? Do either one of them really have of a chance to make this team? With Regier bringing back Ellis and signing McCormick, it really log jammed the 4th line, and perhaps, strangely stunts the growth of Gerbe and Kennedy.

I was toying around with the idea of Kaleta skating with Vanek and Connolly on the first line. It'd be great if Ruff could just try it in preseason for a game or two. This Stafford situation is curious to say the least. The Sabres could potentially be light on the right wing. So yes, I'm actually serious. Think about it. He's got the legs to skate with them. He's defensively very sound. He backchecks. He makes opponents forget what they're doing while he's on the ice because they need to focus on him. Instead of players on the opposition plotting to run Connolly, they'd be more worried about getting run by Kaleta. Think of the space he creates on the forecheck. He creates time, forcing players to look over their shoulder. Letting him play his crash and bang style, as if he's on the 4th line, with the offensive talent and vision of Connolly and Vanek, it could be a lethal combination. He also brings a bit of protection to our star players, actully being on the ice while they are. Kaleta wins battles behind the net. All he's got to do is crash and bang, and dig pucks out down low, and let Connolly and Vanek do the rest.

Pominville might have the offensive talent to play on the first line, but his style and size doesn't compliment Connolly and Vanek really at all. He's a perimeter shooter, and he's pretty weak on the puck. Paille and MacArthur don't consistantly bring it every night, and both play left wing.

With this Stafford cloud just hanging there, it's forcing me to think of other alternatives.

The other option would be to play Paille up there. Although the fire in his belly is what worries me. But if he were to go out and crash and bang like he used to in Juniors, he's got way more offensive talent than Kaleta. Perhaps that makes more sense. But he needs to grow up a bit, and he's not nearly physical enough game in, game out. That's why the Kaleta idea intrigues me. At least enough to give it a try before the season starts.

Have at it.


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