Five Early Trade Targets to Help Buffalo Sabres Playoff Push

EDMONTON, AB - JANUARY 14: Jason Pominville #29, Evan Rodrigues #71, Vladimir Sobotka #17, Jake McCabe #19 and Rasmus Ristolainen #55 of the Buffalo Sabres skate to the bench after a goal during the game against the Edmonton Oilers on January 14, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
EDMONTON, AB - JANUARY 14: Jason Pominville #29, Evan Rodrigues #71, Vladimir Sobotka #17, Jake McCabe #19 and Rasmus Ristolainen #55 of the Buffalo Sabres skate to the bench after a goal during the game against the Edmonton Oilers on January 14, 2019 at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Andy Devlin/NHLI via Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 16: Vincent Trochek #21 of the Florida Panthers skates the puck against the Phiadelphia Flyers on October 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 16: Vincent Trochek #21 of the Florida Panthers skates the puck against the Phiadelphia Flyers on October 16, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Len Redkoles/NHLI via Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres have been feeling the loss of former center Ryan O’Reilly on the second line. It wasn’t just his face off ability that brought value to the table, but it was his secondary scoring ability. For these reasons, I have pinpointed Florida Panthers center, Vincent Trochek.

Trochek broke out last season with a 31 goal 75 point campaign, so his $4.75M cap hit is a steal for the Panthers. He is only 25 years old and is just entering his prime.

Trochek brings everything that the Buffalo Sabres would need; goal scoring, playmaking ability, defensive responsibility, speed, and youth. It would cost the Buffalo Sabres a bit more to land a player of his caliber, but it would be worth it. He is under contract until the 2022 season so the Sabres would even have time left with his bargain contract.

He would jump directly into the second line center position, but he has the ability to play first line minutes if the Sabres ever went without Jack Eichel for a period of time again.

What could the Sabres pay for him though? Considering his skill level, his contract, and his potential, it would be a little expensive. If Buffalo would make an offer for him, it would have to fill the Florida needs. They could use another depth defender, and a young offensive forward or prospect to counter Trochek’s departure. The Sabres could offer up forward Alex Nylander, defenseman Marco Scandella, and a 1st or 2nd round pick.