The Instigator Podcast

The Sabres missed out on Connor Hellebuyck but may be in on another American Olympian in Dylan Larkin. We break down the Hellebuyck trade and offer some final thoughts on the saga from Buffalo's perspective. We also run through the reports that the Sabres have interest in Larkin and debate whether a top center is more valuable to the Sabres than a number one goalie. All of this is done through the lens of determining if the Sabres are truly in win now mode, or if Jarmo Kekalainen has more of an eye to the future for his club. We close the episode with some thoughts on the leaked Sabres Hometown Remix jersey, which has both of us excited for the official launch.

Connor Hellebuyck's saga may be drawing to a close as a potential deadline approaches this week. We discuss the ongoing rumor mill that surrounds Hellebuyck and the persistent connections between the goaltender and the Sabres. We kick off the show with a discussion on the state of the Atlantic Division and how Buffalo's woeful special teams will make their climb in the East a more difficult task.

It's been an up-and-down run for the Sabres after seven games. While they haven't ripped off a run of wins, they've posted wins against some of the league's best, though their consistency has been a sticking point. Forward contributions have been especially hot and cold and we run down which players in the forward groups have been dragging down Buffalo's results. We also highlight the Olen Zellweger's encouraging play and the general strength of Buffalo's blueline.

Yet again, the Sabres power play is a sticking point. For the third-straight season the Sabres power play has started the season on an extended drought, putting the team in a precarious position of over reliance on their even strength play. This episode discusses the lackluster power play, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen's struggles and the several bright spots of the first four games of the season.

The Sabres start their defense of the Atlantic Division title on Thursday with their sights set on making it back-to-back years with a playoff appearance. They enter the season with a handful of troubling injuries and a host of young players who will be relyed upon for key contributions throuhgout the year. This abbreviated episode runs down some of the notable storylines ahead of the season opener.

Two of four preseason games are complete and the Sabres are already dealing with some injury troubles. With Jason Zucker already out, Olen Zellweger and Mattias Samuelsson both left Tuesday's preseason game early, leaving the Sabres with some notable absences from their NHL lineup. This episode also explores some of the latest in the NHL's expansion race, discussing whether or not the Texas bid will come together and what the logical next step will be for the league.

The Sabres open training camp this week with the door open for their exciting young core. We run down Noah Ostlund's new contract and how it fits into the other contracts the Sabres signed this offseason. As we look ahead to training camp, we also discuss the latest in the Connor Hellebuyck saga as Darren Dreger reported the goaltender isn't expected to report to training camp. The new development drastically shifts the leverage held by the Kevin Cheveldayoff as Hellebuyck angles for a better situation.

The first Queen City Hockey Expo takes place on Sunday, August 9 at Buffalo Riverworks. Event organizer and founder Chris Holmes joins the show to discuss the event and what attendees can expect. The event inclues a gear swap and several events and seminars that will take place during the day.

As July comes to an end, it seemed like a perfect time for a mailbag episode. This edition's listener questions include a querey on Connor McDavid, line combinations for next season, the ever concerning power play and more! Thanks to everyone who submitted questions.

The Sabres were active in the leadup to the NHL Draft, moving on from Bowen Byram and Alex Tuch. Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier have arrived to shore up the blueline, but it appears to be status quo up front. We discuss whether or not the Sabres are a stronger team after the moves made by Jarmo Kekäläinen this offseason. A packed, but young forward group is the focus of the conversation and the expectation of big contributions from Buffalo's youth to carry them forward. We also discuss the scuttled Connor Hellebuyck trade, the Pat Kane rumors and the shifting economy in the NHL under the rising salary cap.