Report: Buffalo Sabres desperately trying to make a trade
Anthony Scultore
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It looks like Sabres GM, Kevyn Adams is desperately trying to make a deal to shake up his team. Of course, what that means is anyone’s guess.
“Adams is trying. He’s working aggressively looking for a trade,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said Friday on WGR 550. “He’s looking to upgrade in every possible scenario, it’s just like every other (general) manager that’s struggled. Lots of conversations, but really no substance to the conversations for a myriad of reasons.”
Darren Dreger via TheScore
Sabres possible trade candidates
We know the biggest name of them all in Buffalo is Jack Eichel, but he has not gone public with a trade request. Furthermore, too many teams would be out of the running based on sheer cap alone at this point in order to get multiple bidders. I think it’s safe to say that this isn’t an Eichel trade.
So what about Jeff Skinner? Sure it is possible, but who would take that contract on? The 28 year-old forward has six years left at $9 million AAV. Unless there’s a worse contract out there, the Sabres are going to be stuck with him.
How about Taylor Hall? He recently just re-expressed his desire to stay in Buffalo. And if the Sabres believe they are about to lose Eichel this offseason, I suggest to extend Hall and keep him right where he is.
That leaves players like Brandon Montour who we have on our latest Trade Bait Board. He is definite to be moved as well as fellow UFA’s Eric Staal, Tobias Rieder, Reilly Sheehan, and Matt Irwin. Will trading anyone of these players or all of them improve their fortunes?
Can any move save the Sabres season?
The short answer is no.
Buffalo doesn’t have the pieces, aside from Jack Eichel to shake up the team enough to move the needle. From what I can gather, there’s only one team ready to trade for Jack Eichel now and that’s the Rangers.
Here’s the rub, I’ve learned the Rangers are willing to offer a nice package that would include a roster player like Ryan Strome, highly touted prospect Vitali Kravtsov, a defense prospect of either Matthew Robertson or Zac Jones, and a conditional first round pick.
It isn’t the haul Sabres fans are expecting, but it will probably be the best package when offered this summer too.
Still, if the Sabres want to make a move to possibly save the season they need to look behind the bench. Claude Julien is available. It would be one hell of a move and probably the type of shake up they really need.