Buffalo Sabres: 3 trade destinations for Colin Miller

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With 14 unrestricted free agents, the Buffalo Sabres will be working the phones for the looming NHL Trade Deadline

The Buffalos Sabres want to get younger, and to do so, odds are they will trade at least one if not a few seasoned veterans come the March 21st NHL Trade Deadline. While you can place a few players on the trading block, the Sabres will also want to trade someone who can bring value to the team.

Colin Miller seems to be the ideal candidate. Miller, who is out with an upper body injury, will be ready to go before the deadline rolls around, barring setbacks. A pending free agent, Miller makes for an outstanding half-year rental for a team ready to contend for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And since the Sabres are struggling – they found a way to lose another one at home to the Blue Jackets – they can afford to move someone like Miller.

Also, Miller is still just 29, which also allows him to either sign an extension with a potential trade partner or test the free agent market in hopes of signing a more lucrative deal following the season. Here are three likely trade destinations for Miller.

New York Rangers

With 64 points, the Rangers are in the thick of the playoff race. And while it doesn’t seem they will fall below the wildcard, they’re within striking distance to catch the Pittsburgh Penguins and Carolina Hurricanes to contend for the Metropolitan Division.

However, the Rangers have fallen into the talent gap trap, with high-end players on their first two lines, and not much depth below. That can cost them either in the playoffs or if the injury bug hits them. Or, what if their star-studded first line hits a cold streak?

Miller can come in and immediately help in the second or third pairing, adding another layer of depth. If anything else, he gives the Rangers outstanding insurance if one of their top skaters winds up on injured reserve. The Rangers also have young talent that has yet to reach their full potential. So perhaps a swap for a struggling former first-round pick like Kaapo Kakko could be part of the deal.

Nashville Predators

The Western Conference’s second-best team has become somewhat of a revelation. Down and out midway between the truncated 2020-21 season, the Nashville Predators are once again championship contenders.

Like the Rangers, their roster shows a massive talent gap between their top and bottom-liners. Not good for a team looking to contend come April/May. Look for the Predators to work the phones around the deadline, offering high-end prospects and draft picks as compensation for making a run this season.

Miller will better serve the Predators, just as draft picks and prospects better serve the Sabres at this point in the season. Plus, the Sabres have young talent on defense with Casey Fitzgerald and Mattias Samuelsson manning the second pairing. For a team looking to possibly provide more reps to their younger stars, it leaves Miller the odd-man-out.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers have their work cut out for them if they want any chance at even sneaking into the playoffs as a Wild Card. Currently six points behind the Anaheim Ducks, Edmonton will be desperate buyers at the deadline.

Like Nashville and New York, they’re also a top-heavy team. Unlike Nashville and New York, it has caught up to them. They already signed Evander Kane, but Kane’s just one player. The Oilers need help all through their bottom lines and Miller can pitch in once rehabbed.

Related Story. Players the Buffalo Sabres should consider trading. light

Of course, with the Sabres (most likely) selling at the NHL Trade Deadline, Colin Miller is just one of a few players who may find themselves on the trade block. Craig Anderson is another, especially if the Sabres want to give Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen more reps at goaltender. Kyle Okposo is another name thrown around, along with Mark Pysyk.

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