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Buffalo Sabres Links: Rick Nash, Matt Hackett

By Melissa Kania

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Good morning, Buffalo Sabres fans.

The 2014-2015 NHL season has officially come to a close. Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks, who captured the Stanley Cup in last night’s game six victory, and to Duncan Keith for receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy.

With that, the NHL season is over — but there’s still plenty to talk about.

Between now and October, there’s so much that will happen in the hockey world. Trades, free agency, the draft, schedules being released, etc. Buckle in for what should be an exciting summer in the world of the Buffalo Sabres.

The latest name in rumored talks circling the Buffalo Sabres: Rick Nash.

This isn’t so much of a rumor, but more of a suggestion by Elliotte Friedman that he could see the Sabres potentially going after Nash. [Today’s Slapshot] Could you see GM Tim Murray going after Nash? Would you want him in Buffalo?

Yesterday, I broached the possibility of Phil Kessel coming to the Buffalo Sabres. But Kessel’s not the only player who could be on the move this offseason; here’s 10 NHL players who could be on the trade block this summer, from USA Today.

A couple of those names have been linked to the Sabres, including Robin Lehner. Who would you like to see join the Sabres next season? What are you willing to give up?

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In more palpable Buffalo Sabres news — where will Matt Hackett end up playing when October rolls around?

Right now, we have absolutely no idea. Hackett is set to become an unrestricted free agent when July 1 rolls around, and it’s unclear at this point whether or not the team will re-sign him. [WGR550]

One point to consider here: Hackett was never Tim Murray’s player; he was picked up via trade while Darcy Regier was still in Buffalo. Murray’s under no obligation to bring Hackett back – or any player, of course – and since he didn’t play enough last season, Hackett becomes a UFA rather than an RFA.

Could that spell the end of his time in Buffalo and Rochester?

For those who missed it, the ECHL also recently wrapped up its season, as the Allen Americans won their first-ever Kelly Cup championship. The Americans, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and AHL’s San Jose Barracuda, defeated the South Carolina Stingrays in seven games to win the league title. [ECHL.com]

This was Allen’s first season in the ECHL; that marks the first team since the Idaho Steelheads’ 2004 title that a team won the Kelly Cup in its first season in the league. Bravo, Allen Americans. Here’s to hoping the Elmira Jackals will have a lengthy run next season.

Next: Fansided Mock Draft: Sabres Pick Timo Meier

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