Sabresfansince1980 wrote:
X-Pens, I wouldn't get worried about being less physical. Richards isn't less physical than Connolly, and Nieds and Grier are pretty sound defensively but not very physical. That's great, but their extreme lack of offense cancels out their responsible zone play.
You listed Kassian, who probably isn't ready, but took away McCormick. McCormick has been great in about all categories, especially physical play and is a solid fighter. The Sabres will re-sign him, it's just a matter of how much although it should be under 1 mil.
Having that scoring depth on the 3rd line is a bigger advantage than being more physical. It's not often you can point to a Cup winning team that got that far because of physical play. Chicago overwhelmed Philly last year with their scoring depth. It was Philly that got gassed trying to match their talent by sitting the 4th line for large stretches.
After glancing over some of the RFA deals and the Montador situation, I don't think that what I originally suggested would work financially anyways. So they would have to move a Pomminville or a Hecht and play McCormick. And even if Kassian plays lights out they might have to send him to the AHL just to manage the cap.
Here's a scenario that would actually make sense. First of all, Pomminville's play this season has made me a believer, he struggled back from the injury but has been a pretty solid all around player for a few months now. But suppose they let Montador walk, traded Pomminville for a top 4 blue liner, and then signed Richards....
Vanek-Richards-Boyes
Ennis-Roy-Stafford
Hecht-McCormick-Gerbe
Kaleta-Gasuted-Adams
Obviously now the offensive depth isn't as great but the forward position has got a little bit of grit to it, and it makes sense financially.
Weber-Myers
Sekera-Ron Hainsey (Atlanta)
Leopold-Butler
Morrisonn
Obviously, signing a guy like Richards is going to effect every roster decision for like...forever. The first of which would be forcing the trade of a highly skilled winger for a decent top 4 defense man while losing the services of Montador.
And that's if he signs on the cheap.
I tell you what, if next season, Ennis and Stafford play like this or better, those top 2 lines would provide A TON of goals, and make for a very crowded power play. The D would be more experienced but about the same.
It's far more likely that they wont land Richards, and will roll with a 1-2 punch of Roy and Boyes at center. I think they could put up 130 points between them pretty easily. So, again I'm not sure if Richards is the best thing for the team but man he is REALLY good. Maybe worth the hassle...