Last season, the Boston Bruins finished dead last in the Atlantic Division, behind even the Buffalo Sabres for the first time since 2010. Was this just a fluke year for Boston, or is this a sign of an era of bad Bruins hockey? Sneaky Joe believes the latter is more likely. A look into a thin roster, a GM that has been unable to replace Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, and David Krejci, and a goalie coming off a horrible year makes it seem that the Bruins are just a flawed hockey team. Plus, the Br...
Aug 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 491
It's been over a month since Alex Tuch was eligible to sign a contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres, and so far... no deal. Should we be worried no deal has been struck? At what point should we be? Sneaky Joe goes through Tuch's past comments about a deal, what he's worth to the Sabres, and what could be motivating him going forward. Plus, a new comparison for Zach Benson. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime ap...
Aug 08, 2025•26 min•Ep. 490
What would the Buffalo Sabres have accomplished if Daniel Briere and Chris Drury never left the team? What happens if the team didn't have all it's defensemen get hurt in 2006? What about if the Sabres never tanked in 2015? Sneaky Joe asks AI some of the biggest 'what ifs' in Buffalo Sabres history, including a long ripple effect that would've started with a Stanley Cup in 2006. Plus, what AI thinks the Sabres will do in 2025-26, a much more positive prediction than what Joe thinks of this team....
Aug 05, 2025•25 min•Ep. 489
Can Tage Thompson rise to MVP status and claim the Hart Trophy in 2025-26? Once considered a long-term project, Thompson has evolved into one of the league’s most dynamic offensive forces. We explore his journey, assess his impact on the Buffalo Sabres, and ask whether individual brilliance is enough without deep team success. The conversation touches on his scoring consistency, power-play dominance, and how he stacks up against perennial MVP contenders like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and ...
Aug 04, 2025•29 min•Ep. 488
Terry Pegula and the Buffalo Sabres had a big press conference to announce extended naming writes with KeyBank for the arena. Why did the Sabres make such a big deal out of such a small story? And why can't the Sabres stay out of their own way with memeability? Sneaky Joe talks how negative and sarcastic Sabres' fans are towards their team, but also why fans have earned the right to be that way after 14 seasons of missing the playoffs. Plus, whether the Sabres should even think about brining in ...
Jul 30, 2025•31 min•Ep. 487
For the Buffalo Sabres to snap their playoff drought, they will likely need several players to have career seasons. At the forward group, Jiri Kulich and Zach Benson lead the list, but is Jack Quinn still capable of taking a huge step forward? How many points is acceptable for Kulich to realistically be the team's first line center? Plus, why Owen Power HAS TO be one of the breakout players for the Sabres this season. Going from a very good defenseman to a star defenseman, and what Michael Kesse...
Jul 28, 2025•29 min•Ep. 486
The Buffalo Sabres playoff drought enters it's 15th season, but there have been a lot of really good players to play for the team during those fifteen years. Who are the best of them? Sneaky Joe builds a lineup with the likes of Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, Jack Eichel, and many others. Did Jason Pominville and Thomas Vanek play enough games to make the team? Has anyone played enough to unseat Ryan Miller? And how have the Sabres not had six good defensemen play for the team in this amount of t...
Jul 23, 2025•28 min•Ep. 485
The Buffalo Sabres are riding the longest playoff drought in NHL history and the league is reportedly concerned about the state of the franchise. What could that concern rise to? What could Gary Bettman and the league really do about a team that doesn't have a stadium problem, or a financial problem, just a 'they're really bad all the time' problem? Sneaky Joe looks at attendance numbers, the state of the Buffalo hockey market, and Bettman's history with Buffalo. Plus, what we learned from the S...
Jul 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 484
The Buffalo Sabres and defenseman Bowen Byram have come to an agreement on a two-year, $6.25M extension, that walks him to unrestricted free agency. Is the two-year deal a risk for Kevyn Adams and the Sabres? Does the extension kill the possibility of a trade? Sneaky Joe goes through the possible scenarios for Byram this offseason and the next two seasons. Plus, the 2025-26 NHL schedule is out! A look at the Sabres schedule sees a lot of home games early in the season, a home-and-home with the M...
Jul 16, 2025•24 min•Ep. 483
Brendan Shanahan reportedly showed interest in being the Sabres President of Hockey Operations, but Terry Pegula said 'thanks, but no thanks', due to Pegula viewing himself as that person. Should we be surprised Shanahan was interested in the first place? And why this basically means the team will never have someone in that role again, as long as Terry is the team's owner. Plus, why Jack Roslovic is maybe the only remaining free agent that the Sabres should be interested in at all. And Zach Bens...
Jul 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 482
The Buffalo Sabres opt to take defenseman Bowen Byram to arbitration, which eliminates the possibility of an offer-sheet. Was this the right call? With the decision, Byram gets the chance to choose a two-year deal, which would take him to unrestricted free agency. Sneaky Joe explains why he does not believe that there is much downside for the Sabres making this call. Plus, with Devon Levi being a restricted free agent and the Sabres signing Alex Lyon, is it an automatic that Levi and the Sabres ...
Jul 09, 2025•33 min•Ep. 481
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild are here to talk about the big moves of free agency so far, including the Mitch Marner saga finally coming to an end, what the heck the LA Kings are doing, and where Nikolaj Ehlers is going to end up! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app...
Jul 03, 2025•32 min•Ep. 480
The Buffalo Sabres have only made a couple of signings in free agency and still haven't traded defenseman Bowen Byram, but is their offseason over already? Whether Byram signs a contract or gets dealt could take a little bit, as Kevyn Adams says the team will match any offer sheet he might get. Sneaky Joe puts together an opening night lineup for the Sabres if Byram is still on the team. Also, where did the Sabres get the impression that their broadcast is "too critical"? Support Us By Supportin...
Jul 02, 2025•32 min•Ep. 479
The Buffalo Sabres made a big commitment to one of their own on free agency day, signing center Ryan McLeod to a four year extension, following his career year in Buffalo. Was McLeod worth $5 million per year? Plus, what the Sabres are getting in new goaltender Alex Lyon and depth forward Justin Danforth. With Lyon in the mix, is there room for Devon Levi in Buffalo? Also, what's interesting about Ryan Johnson's new contract with the Sabres. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today'...
Jul 01, 2025•32 min•Ep. 478
The Buffalo Sabres select defenseman Radim Mrtka with the ninth pick of the NHL Draft. A big 6'6" right shot defenseman is a perfectly defendable pick by Kevyn Adams and the Sabres front office, but was it a need for the team? Sneaky Joe argues that the Sabres actually were lacking on the blueline in their organizational pipeline, and Mrtka instantly becomes their best prospect defenseman. What are Mrtka's best attributes? What's his background? And how long until Mrtka will likely be in the NHL...
Jun 28, 2025•31 min•Ep. 477
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings, David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Armando Velez (Locked On Panthers) are here to talk about the upcoming NHL draft, any potential free agency surprises, and about Alexander Mogilny finally making it into the Hall of Fame! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Rugiet Head to Rugiet.com/LOCKEDONNHL and use code LOCKEDONNHL to get 15% off today. Gametime Today's episode is brought t...
Jun 26, 2025•32 min•Ep. 476
The Buffalo Sabres have dealt JJ Peterka to the Utah Mammoth after months of trade speculation in exchange for defenseman Michael Kesselring and forward Josh Doan. A package that has most Sabres fans feeling underwhelmed, if not angry, getting back two players that were just role players last season in Utah. The motivation for why Peterka wanted out is also in question now, as he was willing to sign a long-term extension in a smaller market, on a team that also misses the playoffs constantly. Di...
Jun 26, 2025•33 min•Ep. 475
There are more rumors involving the Buffalo Sabres and the JJ Peterka trade market, so it's time to figure out what we'd actually trade him for. Sneaky Joe gives five trades he'd be willing to move Peterka for, if he were Kevyn Adams, involving the likes of Elias Pettersson, Jeremy Swayman, Rasmus Andersson, Marco Rossi, and several others. Plus, why a Swayman trade from Boston makes sense as the only big thing the Sabres haven't tried during the playoff drought. Support Us By Supporting Our Spo...
Jun 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 474
Owen Power needs a partner, and there a bunch of defenseman in free agency that fit for what the Buffalo Sabres need, maybe no one better than Kings defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Sneaky Joe talks Gavrikov and also breaks down the likes of Ivan Provorov, Brent Burns, Brian Dumoulin, Dmitry Orlov, and others for how they'd fit on the Sabres second pair. Could Jarmo Kekalainen use his connection to Gavrikov from Columbus to help facilitate a contract? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametim...
Jun 20, 2025•28 min•Ep. 473
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild), David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) and Zach Martin (Locked On Hurricanes) are here to talk about why the playoffs are lasting so long, how to fix that, whether the NHL will finally close the LTIR loophole some teams have been using, and what to make of the early Olympics roster announcements! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch...
Jun 19, 2025•34 min•Ep. 472
There have been rumors about the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets forward Nikolaj Ehlers going back years and years, but no deal has ever materialized. Now that Ehlers is about to become a free agent, will the Sabres finally land Ehlers? Sneaky Joe makes the case for why the Sabres should make an aggressive offer for a player that is super consistent, a great even-strength goal scorer, and a great skater. Plus, why Ehlers fills a need in the Sabres lineup, and is a potential JJ Peterka replaceme...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Ep. 471
JJ Peterka is the latest Buffalo Sabre that reportedly wants out of Buffalo. With four years of rights, but no contract at the moment, should the Sabres be willing to trade Peterka or should they only look to get him to sign a short-term contract? Sneaky Joe believes the Sabres need to have a strong backbone in this situation and this is the first test of Jarmo Kekalainen's influence on Kevyn Adams. What about if Peterka signs an offer-sheet with another team? Joe looks at what their options wou...
Jun 16, 2025•30 min•Ep. 470
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad will likely become a free agent in a couple weeks, headlining the available defensemen in the NHL. A veteran of 11 years, and a Stanley Cup Champion, should the Sabres go all-in on Ekblad to make him the Owen Power-partner they've been looking for? Sneaky Joe looks at Ekblad's play over recent years, his injury history, and what a contract would look like to evaluate how good of an idea he is for the Sabres. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime...
Jun 13, 2025•27 min•Ep. 469
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Seth Toupal (Locked On Wild) and Tom Callahan (Locked On Mammoth) are here to talk about how the Panthers are outclassing the Oilers, as well as the coaching drama happening in Dallas! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get snackin' and get crackin' with the s...
Jun 12, 2025•31 min•Ep. 468
Sam Bennett presently leads the NHL playoffs in goals and is the favorite to win the Conn Smythe. He's also going to be free agent in less than a month. Why shouldn't the Buffalo Sabres go all-in for a player like that? A look at Bennett's overall game and what it will cost to get him, presents a dangerous free agent to show desperation for. Is Bennett as good defensively as his reputation says? Will it cost $10M to get him to even consider Buffalo? And why the Maple Leafs will likely be the tea...
Jun 11, 2025•29 min•Ep. 467
Zach Benson has been super impressive through two seasons as a teenager who isn't big enough or fast enough for the NHL, yet has found a way to make the Sabres the better team when he's out there on the ice. What makes Benson so valuable as a defender and how his hockey IQ creates so much potential offensively, combined with a lack of ability to score goals makes Benson a very tough player to evaluate. When will Benson start to put the points up? Where should he play in the Sabres lineup this se...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min•Ep. 466
Welcome to the NHL Squad Show! Today our hosts Gil Martin (Locked On Islanders), Eddie Garcia (Locked On Kings) and David Morassutti (Locked On Leafs) are here to talk about the Stanley Cup Final beginning and where Mitch Marner is going to go in free agency, as well as some other key free agents! Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year. Wonderful Pistachios Get sna...
Jun 05, 2025•31 min•Ep. 464
Alex Tuch is going into the final year of his contract with the Buffalo Sabres, but is eligible to sign an extension on July 1st. Will he? How big a contract should the Sabres offer Tuch? What do you do if Tuch doesn't want to sign a long-term deal right now? Trade or ride it out? Plus, Sneaky Joe gets into the weeds on how good a player Tuch really is, and why so many teams in the NHL are interested in his services. And finally, why Joe believes the Oilers are going to win the Stanley Cup. Supp...
Jun 05, 2025•35 min•Ep. 465
Dallas Stars stud Jason Robertson's name is reportedly out there in trade discussions. A player that has averaged 37 goals per year over the last four seasons, is great defensively, and is only 25 years old sounds like the ideal trade idea for any team, especially the Buffalo Sabres. Is Robertson an elite forward in the NHL? Why would the Stars look to trade him? What would the Sabres have to offer to outbid all the other teams? Sneaky Joe explores whether the likes of JJ Peterka, Zach Benson, a...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Ep. 463
Buffalo Sabres forward Jack Quinn was one of the most disappointing players for the Buffalo Sabres in 2024-25, but does he have an ability to turn it around next season? Sneaky Joe goes through what the numbers say on Quinn, what type of goals he scored last season, and if his injuries can be blamed for the poor play. Plus, what Quinn's contract will look like as he is a restricted free agent next month. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Mona...
Jun 02, 2025•29 min•Ep. 462
