The Buffalo Sabres have already seen fantastic returns on one trade this season that can grow into something more if they nail the 2022 NHL Draft.
The Buffalo Sabres will be sellers at the NHL trade deadline. And in doing so, they can still pull off a blockbuster deal that could bring in a ransom. No, it won’t match the Jack Eichel deal. But there are enough quality pieces on the roster that the Sabres can package and ship for perhaps another solid draft pick or two.
The Sabres, who have grown younger, can use all the draft picks they can realistically get their hands on in hopes they will develop into NHL stars within the next five seasons. Sure, we will see more growing pains through at least 2023, but the uphill climb will be well worth it if general manager Kevyn Adams keeps this budding nucleus together.
The Buffalo Sabres dream trade
This dream trade would involve Kyle Okposo, who, despite a 15-team no-movement clause, will yield the Sabres the greatest return of any other player on the roster. Only a top contender would be willing to trade for Okposo, and again, that top contender must not be part of the no-movement clause.
This contender would also need to be comfortable taking on Okposo’s contract, which will result in a $6 million cap hit according to Spotrac next season. But if taking on Okposo’s monstrous contract puts a contender in better position to win a Stanley Cup, odds are they will take the Sabres up on their offer. Especially since Okposo is not just a half-year rental.
In return, the Sabres would get a player or two not quite at Okposo’s caliber, just as Alex Tuch and Peyton Krebs did not reach Jack Eichel’s caliber. But they were both, at worst, serviceable. Expect the same thing in Okposo’s case.
Besides receiving a serviceable player or two in return that the Sabres could at least place onto the fourth line, expect at least one second or third-round draft pick. No, they won’t get a first rounder out of Okposo like they did with Sam Reinhart and Eichel.
So the Sabres already had their “dream trades.” But as far as the trade deadline is concerned, trading Okposo would land the Sabres even more building blocks.
Keep in mind this is not an endorsement to move Okposo, as he holds a lot of value as a leader in the locker room if he stays. This is more of a case where the Sabres will receive decent compensation if they moved Okposo. But if they don’t, they will still benefit.