Rumors abound for Buffalo Sabres’ trade options.
As with any offseason, one thing that always comes out at this time of year? Trade rumors – and the Buffalo Sabres are no exception to this.
From the rumors that might actually have some truth to them, to the ones that are just so clearly not going to happen — the ones that make you envision someone in their bedroom, making up the craziest rumors they can imagine — we’ve seen them all.
The latest rumor circles around a potential deal between the Buffalo Sabres and Edmonton Oilers.
Depending on who you talk to, this deal has the Buffalo Sabres acquiring Taylor Hall (which Rich talked about previously) and fourth-overall selection, swapping out the eighth-overall selection as part of the deal (see: here).
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The rest of the package in this rumor: Sam Reinhart and Mark Pysyk.
So, in the end, that’s Reinhart, Pysyk and the 8th pick to Edmonton for Hall and the 4th pick.
I also saw someone suggest Ristolainen in place of Pysyk in that deal.
I literally laughed when I heard that one.
To all those rumormongers, I say…… you’re joking, right?
If the Buffalo Sabres GM has half a brain, there’s no way he’s trading either Reinhart or Ristolainen. Those are two of your best young players and I can’t, ever, in my mind imagine a deal lucrative enough to get me to say yes to letting either of those two go.
Reinhart had a spectacular season and showed impressive chemistry alongside fellow Buffalo Sabres rookie Jack Eichel. If there’s one thing the fans can look forward to for years to come, it’s these two playing together. They’re both still young and already tearing things up.
The same can be said for Ristolainen. He was a HUGE piece of the Buffalo Sabres’ defense this past season, ate up big minutes and even contributed offensively. He’s a top-pairing guy and there’s no chance the Buffalo Sabres give that up. Not to mention – Reinhart *and* Risto AND a draft pick for Hall and a pick? That’s way too much to give up.
I’ve seen some people suggest that Pysyk could be on his way out as part of this deal – at least, that’s what the rumors want to say. But I like Pysyk and I think that while maybe he’s not one of your top pairing defenders, he’s still a solid young blueliner with plenty of room to grow.
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At some point, the rumors all become just….. noise.
Anyone can sit behind their computer screen and type up a rumor and claim it’s viable, just like anyone can call themselves an “insider” or an “expert.”
As soon as I heard this “rumor,” I had to shoot it down. Let’s be realistic – the Buffalo Sabres aren’t trading Reinhart or Ristolainen anytime soon.