Which Buffalo Sabres Have Played Their Final Home Game?
Which Sabres are on their way out?
As the Buffalo Sabres skated off the ice of First Niagara Center on Sunday after the team’s 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the question arose in some minds: who just played their last home game as a member of the Buffalo Sabres?
Certainly a legitimate question, with the team’s upcoming three-game road trip and then, just two days later, the NHL trade deadline.
The Buffalo Sabres are heading out on a western road swing that will see them face the Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings over the course of this week.
Of course, a trade could come at any time, so, Sabres fans, keep your eyes and ears open for any deals that GM Tim Murray may pull off.
First up: could Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mike Weber be nearing the end of his days with the club?
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Weber’s been with the Sabres for a long time; aside from Patrick Kaleta, Weber is the longest-tenured member of the organization.
But for years, he’s often struggled to keep a spot on the blueline and has found himself in the press box.
With his contract nearing an end, many have come to believe that Murray could deal Weber to a team that craves a veteran defenseman.
Or how about forward Jamie McGinn, who’s been solid for the Buffalo Sabres this season but will be a UFA come July?
To many, McGinn’s asking price for a new contract may be too high next season, so it’d be better for Murray to move him for a piece (or pieces) rather than risk losing him in the offseason.
(Consider this a subtle push to check out our piece tomorrow on why the Buffalo Sabres *should* re-sign McGinn.)
Of course, there’s also the potential that McGinn leaves via trade and then comes back via free agency, acting as a quick little rental player for a team in between.
How about Buffalo Sabres forward Johan Larsson?
He’s certainly not going to be the best player on any NHL team, and has struggled this season, but some teams could definitely see worth in him.
Larsson is one of those players to me that I can describe with one word: “meh.” He’s not great, he’s not awful, he’s just kind of…. there. And if Murray can get a piece for him, I say, go for it.
Who else could we have seen play their last games at home on First Niagara Center?
What about Tyler Ennis, Marcus Foligno, even Matt Moulson?
(Okay, I’m not sure even Murray is good enough to find someone who would take Moulson right now with his struggling season, but hey, you never know.)
Next: Kane: Lesson Learned or Nonsense?
The next week certainly has the potential to be an interesting one for the Buffalo Sabres, so be sure to stay tuned to SabreNoise for all your trade deadline news!