Buff's slump/season?

**duducks** · February 10, 2011, 5:03 PM

Buff is available now in my league. I wont get into what it'll cost, it's a cap league, which makes player values really different.

Have other teams completely solved Buff? I never believed in 80 points (or that Atl was goin to make the playoffs), but 65 looked real. Now he's 'down' to a 61 point pace.

will he continue at a 60+ pace or continue to fall lower?

**ericdaoust** · February 10, 2011, 5:30 PM

A lot of people were all-in with Buff (and other guys with sudden pops in production). Considering how much it was a huge surprise to see him start like that I caution against expecting elite numbers. He just never was a factor offensively except for short spurts in the playoffs. But you gotta think that Enstrom's imminent return will help things.

I'd label him a 50-60 point (goal heavy) dman. I think if he maintains his pace for the rest of the season it would be a big accomplishment.

**andrewklassen** · February 10, 2011, 5:52 PM

Originally Posted by ericdaoust

I'd label him a 50-60 point (goal heavy) dman.

I'm inclined to agree with this although Byf has some upside perhaps in the 65-70 range if the stars aligned just right. Frankly, the entire ATL was playing over their heads and the season is catching up to them as the competition stiffens.

I still like him as a 55ish point D with 20-25 goals.

**fungchen3** · February 10, 2011, 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by andrewklassen

I still like him as a 55ish point D with 20-25 goals.

Certainly feasible. Buff is in a situation that is suits his game perfectly. Even before Enstrom went down, Byfuglien was starting to slip a bit. His early PPG pace was a bit much, but 55-60 points are doable. He and Enstrom remind me a lot of the lethal Markov/Souray duo from a few years ago.

**Wfactor** · February 11, 2011, 1:14 AM

I've never been sold on Buff as even a 60 point D
I think 50-55 is his limit, I think his start was just due to the entire team, bursting out of the gates, also Enstrom really is his production so Buff produces when he does, so i believe that limits his upside as well

**ridinryan44** · February 11, 2011, 2:06 AM

I'm on the polar opposite here. I say get what you can for Buff now before ppl realize he's really a 40 point dman... just as he was as a forward. his situation i sgreat. tons of ice time and resposibility. no one pays attention to the fact that all his success came when alanta was facing zero challenges. once oppositions started shutting buff down and realizing atlanta's system, everything was easy. that has changed. Buff is not the 60, or even 50 point dman people are pegging him as. if you have him, trade him... if you don't like him, don't chase him.... his value is only going back down. buff is the worst player in the league to buy right now... number 1 guy to sell.... stay away

**Wfactor** · February 11, 2011, 2:08 AM

Originally Posted by ridinryan44

I'm on the polar opposite here. I say get what you can for Buff now before ppl realize he's really a 40 point dman... just as he was as a forward. his situation i sgreat. tons of ice time and resposibility. no one pays attention to the fact that all his success came when alanta was facing zero challenges. once oppositions started shutting buff down and realizing atlanta's system, everything was easy. that has changed. Buff is not the 60, or even 50 point dman people are pegging him as. if you have him, trade him... if you don't like him, don't chase him.... his value is only going back down. buff is the worst player in the league to buy right now... number 1 guy to sell.... stay away

I agree with this, cept with Enstrom on his opposite on the PP he still might be able to push 50 at least once

**duducks** · February 16, 2011, 11:59 PM

Im not trying to disagree with anything here, the guy has 2 points in his last 16 games, but he's only 24. We always say big bodied players take longer to develop. Is he hockey-mature beyond his years, and he's near the top of his offensive development?

and yes i agree most his points came from a perfect situation, not from being a perfect player.

**duducks** · February 17, 2011, 12:02 AM

also, in a league with G/A/P/PPP/+-/SOG, is he still a top 5 Dman because of his outrageous number of shots?

**mister_mcgoo** · February 17, 2011, 12:36 AM

Buff was the #1 guy I tried to acquire in the offseason for the purpose of 'flipping' him for profit...I was unable to get him in any of my leagues, but had I been able to I would have sold him at the all star break for a fat return and walked away happy

**AtlantaSportsFan** · February 17, 2011, 7:20 AM

In the final 24 games, I could see Buff getting 20 points.

**Nas** · February 17, 2011, 9:12 AM

Buffs numbers are corrolated to Enstrom. As long as Enstrom is healthy Buff will be 52+ d-man.

**CallMeJerry** · February 19, 2011, 6:44 PM

Last 5 games - 2 G, 2 A, 1 PPG, still getting a 25 minutes/game, almost all the PP time and 4 to 6 shots per game. The team is committed to him with a massive new contract. He's just entering his prime at 25 years old. He's one of the top 5 D to own. If your league gives more points for D goals (like mine), I'd be hard pressed to think of another D I'd rather have.

**Riverboat Danglers** · February 19, 2011, 11:27 PM

i really like this kid but to me atlanta took a huge gamble signing this guy to that much money for half a season of good hockey.

**vandalay** · February 20, 2011, 2:07 AM

I wouldn't be surprised if he never hits 50 again after this season. Not a believer.

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