Adding talent through the draft and free agency is the normal path for NFL and NHL teams to improve their rosters.
What if there was another channel to add significant difference makers to the Buffalo Bills or the Buffalo Sabres? What if both teams could bring back one former star from their organization's history? Who would they choose?
Fans took to Twitter for Wednesday's "Late Night Discussion" to give their two-cents:
Selecting the G.O.A.T.s:
When you think of the greatest players in Sabres history, the likes of Dominik Hasek, Gilbert Perreault, and Pat LaFontaine come up instantly. Same goes for Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, and Thurman Thomas for the Bills.
Along with Ryan Miller and Andre Reed, they were the popular choices from the start.
Jim Kelly & Dominik Hasek
— nateosu29 (@nateosu29)
July 18, 2019 Andre Reed & pat lafontaine
— Kim Lepkowski (@KimLepkowski)
July 18, 2019 Hasek and Reed
— Ashley (@AshAnn8)
July 18, 2019 These legends would fit with the modern rosters regardless of positions of need, but they all fit exactly what the 2019 rosters could use.
Bruce Smith would be the elite edge help to put the Bills defense over the edge as an elite unit. Andre Reed would provide Josh Allen the true No. 1 wide receiver Buffalo tried to get him when they had a deal done for Antonio Brown. Thurman Thomas becomes the do-it-all running back people are speculating McCoy isn't anymore.
Perreault or LaFontaine gives Buffalo another top-tier center to go along with Jack Eichel. Hasek is the Hall of Fame goalie that could single-handedly win the Sabres games and mask an up and down defense.
Changing the game:
What if the top players in franchise history weren't available?
Lets take away Perreault, LaFontaine, Hasek, and Miller from the pool of former players for the Sabres.
For the Bills, Kelly, Thomas, Reed, and Smith are no longer available.
From what is left who could make the biggest impact?
Many still stuck with adding a centerman to the Sabres while adding receiver help for Allen.
Briere and Moulds
— Matt Kinecki (@fuzzydabear)
July 18, 2019 Danny Briere and Stevie Johnson
— Ryan Cretacci (@rmc_1492)
July 18, 2019 Daniel Briere was a popular choice to pair up with Eichel. It is hard to find a better playoff performer than Briere. The inexperienced Sabres could use that if they find themselves in the postseason.
*****
Ryan O'Reilly, Eric Moulds
— Terry Randolph (@TerryRandolph)
July 18, 2019 Ryan OReilly and Stephon Gilmore
— Vinnie Girardi (@vjgirardi3)
July 18, 2019 Too soon.
If the Bills couldn't bring Reed back, Eric Moulds would likely be the best overall receiver to put on the outside. Lee Evans and Stevie Johnson were also popular choices. Evans made play after play down the field with J.P. Losman who Allen has the same impressive arm strength as.
Underrated choices: Maxim Afinogenov and Stevie Johnson
— Joshua I. Keleher (@EskimoKeleher)
July 18, 2019 Joshua coming in with the Max Afinogenov reference. Sabres fans who grew up in the 2000s will appreciate that one.
*****
Vanek and Nate Clements
— Bobby Flay Cyrus (@goinsideAllen)
July 18, 2019 This is an interesting one. Thomas Vanek is the pure goal scorer on the wing that the Sabres need. Nate Clements and Tre'Davious White would make for an excellent duo at cornerback. With 23 interceptions in six seasons with the Bills, Clements would provide the secondary a true ball-hawk.
*****
Tim Connolly. Too many easy ones here so going to choose Jason Peters.
— 716 Sports Podcast (@716SportPodcast)
July 18, 2019 Tim Connolly was on another level during the 2006 playoff run. Highlight reel play after highlight reel play.
*****
Briere and Jason Peters https://t.co/dvpfSVyqDl
— Ronald James (@Rondole12)
July 18, 2019 Jason Peters wasn't selected enough. Since getting traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009, the left tackle has had a Hall of Fame career. The Bills could use that kind of ability protecting Allen's blindside.
Funny guys:
*****
Vile Leno/Nate Peterman
— DOOL (@ddool002)
July 18, 2019 Get this man to Helium Comedy Club.
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