[News] Buffalo Sabres fire head coach Don Granato

[agulati]

After another year of no playoffs, the Sabres have fired their head coach.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1780224946071036170

http://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/...hits-13-years/

[Erick Estrada]

Not really a surprise. They had some goaltending struggles early on that weren't his fault but there's some solid talent on that roster that didn't take the next step. Last season they could score but couldn't keep pucks out of the net. He did get them playing better defensively this season but their goal scoring dried up. This next hire will be pretty important as they have a few prominent players in their prime or just nearing their prime that they need to capitalize on.

[memphusk]

Don Gone.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Erick Estrada

Not really a surprise. They had some goaltending struggles early on that weren't his fault but there's some solid talent on that roster that didn't take the next step. Last season they could score but couldn't keep pucks out of the net. He did get them playing better defensively this season but their goal scoring dried up. This next hire will be pretty important as they have a few prominent players in their prime or just nearing their prime that they need to capitalize on.

In the end they finished 16th OV in save percentage which actually isn't that bad.

Their underlying metrics were terrible though, and really that roster has enough talent that they shouldn't be that bad (48.4% xGF).

The next hire is critical though, they need to get a coach with some experience that can really lead that team and get them playing a system that prevents the quality of scoring chances against.

I still think Sabres 1st + for Andersson makes a lot of sense too...as they need a RH top 4 dman.

[Funkhouser]

Originally Posted by SuperMatt18

In the end they finished 16th OV in save percentage which actually isn't that bad.

Their underlying metrics were terrible though, and really that roster has enough talent that they shouldn't be that bad (48.4% xGF).

The next hire is critical though, they need to get a coach with some experience that can really lead that team and get them playing a system that prevents the quality of scoring chances against.

I still think Sabres 1st + for Andersson makes a lot of sense too...as they need a RH top 4 dman.

They shouldn't need another D as they already have 3 borderline stars on D. If anything they could use a Coleman to bring some grit and compete in the bottom 6.

[Winsor_Pilates]

Torts must be next

[Locke]

Don Goneato more like!

[traptor]

At some point you need to oush your chips in.

Sabres have oodles of young talent, but poor roster construction.

[OutOfTheCube]

Lindy Ruff available, maybe a reunion in order?

[mogg]

Originally Posted by Winsor_Pilates

Torts must be next

Management has already stated publicly that it wants Torts back.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by traptor

At some point you need to oush your chips in.

Sabres have oodles of young talent, but poor roster construction.

The Buffalo Sabres just need to relocate the Arizona.

"The circle is now complete. When last we met I was but a learner, now I am the master!"

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Funkhouser

They shouldn't need another D as they already have 3 borderline stars on D. If anything they could use a Coleman to bring some grit and compete in the bottom 6.

Dahlin is 24
Samuelsson is 24
Byram is 22
Power is 21

And all four are LH shots.

They could use a guy like Andersson who is about the same age as Thompson & Tuch and fits the ceiling of the age of the core, to be a bit more of a veteran top 4 dman who also brings a RH shot.

Feel something like Clifton + 1st + Prospect for Andersson makes a lot of sense for both sides.

They probably could use a Coleman type too...

[Blaster86]

Not sure you're getting a lottery pick and a player for Andersson.

[topfiverecords]

They should probably give us the 11th pick. Take anything you want.

Only Zary and Weegar are off the table.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by Blaster86

Not sure you're getting a lottery pick and a player for Andersson.

Well in that scenario Clifton feels a bit cap dumpy to me.

Paying $3.3M for a guy who is your 6th dman this year and who would likely be your 7th dman if you traded for Andersson would be less than ideal.

Dahlin - Andersson
Byram - Power
Samuelsson - Jokiharju

Plus it would be only +$1.2M in cap to go from Clifton to Andersson for Buffalo...which would be pretty ideal for them.

Andersson at 27 years old with 2 x $4.55M left on his deal should return a haul TBH. Alex Romanov returned the 13th OV pick for Montreal...so it's not crazy that the 11th OV pick could be moved.

[bluejays]

Buffalo spends a lot on management year after year only to fire them. I don’t get how they can’t hit a home run at least once. Actually not even a home run, but a serviceable coach. It’s crazy. At what point does that franchise get some stability?

[Reggie Dunlop]

Darryl Sutter.

[Sylvanfan]

They should hire Sutter. Take that 4 million dollar problem off our hands. Pretty good chance in year one they'll make the playoffs....and let's face it it seems like the coaching shelf life these days is 2 and a half seasons unless you are Bednar or Jon Cooper.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by bluejays

Buffalo spends a lot on management year after year only to fire them. I don’t get how they can’t hit a home run at least once. Actually not even a home run, but a serviceable coach. It’s crazy. At what point does that franchise get some stability?

They haven't really hired a proven coach...outside of maybe Bylsma...since they fired Ruff.

Ron Rolston
Ted Nolan
Dan Bylsma
Phil Housely
Ralph Krueger
Don Granato

Not exactly a marquee list. Granato has been coach since 2021 now too (274 games), so not like they didn't give him time. He got 3.5 seasons, and the problem is they regressed after the 91 point season last year.

[Major Major]

Originally Posted by Blaster86

Not sure you're getting a lottery pick and a player for Andersson.

Calling it a lottery pick is pretty disingenuous no? Obviously any trade involving that pick will be post lottery where the overwhelming odds are it will remain exactly what it is, a mid round pick.