Buffalo Sabres Rumors: Who will the Sabres sell at the deadline?

When you’re in a tight spot like the Buffalo Sabres, you’re going to be selling at the trade deadline. 

With the NHL Trade Deadline fast approaching, expect the Buffalo Sabres to work the phones and part ways with some of their older players not named Jeff Skinner. While ideally, the Sabres would probably acquire more in return if a few of the players listed below were not currently on the injury report, expect them to try and sell anyway.

Why? Because come the playoffs, the players rumored to be dealt would make solid lower liners for top NHL contenders. Also, with each trade, the Sabres have an opportunity to bring in either more young talent for a trial run, upgrade young talent from the AHL, and even pile a few draft picks. Each of the players listed below are worth trading for a few prospects, and even a mid-round draft pick.

Who will the Buffalo Sabres trade by the deadline?

Colin Miller

Miller would need to go to a team comfortable with him returning from his upper body injury. He would be great for a contender looking to beef up their lower lines. A team that’s top-heavy, loaded with stars on the upper lines but with a noticeable talent gap that can doom them if a star misses extended time with an injury.

As for Buffalo, Miller is probably not in the team’s plans with so much youth taking on the first and second-pairing. Five of whom are 24 and under. This leaves Miller as one of a few odd men out.

Vinnie Hinostroza

Hinostroza returned to practice earlier this week. But like Miller, he’s an outlier on a Sabres team looking to get younger. Of course, he’s two years younger than the 29-year-old Skinner. However, Hinostroza carries nowhere near the same value as the Sabres first-liner. Now healthy, look for the Sabres to move Hinostroza to a contender in need of a serviceable forward on the lower lines.

Craig Anderson

Anderson has had his moments in the net during his short stint with the Sabres. However, at 40, he’s not in the team’s long-term plans. Given his performances, he makes for an outstanding backup goaltender on a contending team. Anderson is also capable of spot starting.

The three names mentioned above are just a few the Sabres can move around come the trade deadline. Expect them to move older names in favor of youth, either at the NHL level, or top-end prospects.