While some of the Buffalo Sabres‘ goaltending moves this off-season have been questionable, they have set themselves up for a strong defensive core over the coming years, especially with #1 overall pick Owen Power. But there is an outlier in the bunch that might have gone a little unnoticed in the Rasmus Ristolainen deal.
The Sabres traded Ristolainen to the Flyers a few weeks back for the 14th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft (Isak Rosen), 2nd rd pick in 2022, and Robert Hagg. While the shining star in the trade appears to be the draft selection of Isak Rosen, Hagg could be a key d-man going forward for the Sabres.
Hagg, a 6’2” 204 lb left-shot defenseman, is just 26 years of age and played consistently for the Flyers the last few seasons. He is not a puck-moving, attack-style d-man, but more of a steady defender who limits mistakes.
Before the pandemic struck, Hagg was positioned to be a part of the Flyers future (as a former second-round pick), but an awful defensive year by the entire Flyers d-core, led them to make major changes this off-season, including the additions of Ristalonen, Ryan Ellis, and Keith Yandle. Therefore, Hagg became expendable.
Hagg is in the final year of a two-year contract at an AAV of $1.6 million, which is very reasonable and gives him a lot to play for in a Sabres uniform. While still young, Hagg has 14 games of playoff experience from the 2019-2020 season with the Flyers to provide some presence in the locker room.
He will by no means wow Sabres fans with lightning speed and jaw-dropping goals, but he could fit into a top 4 role with the team. If he ends up performing, they could then re-sign him or let him go knowing they acquired two draft picks within the same trade.