Top 3 Buffalo Sabres trade deadline candidates, ranked
The Buffalo Sabres already traded their top two trade candidates in July and November 2021 when they shipped Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart
As potential sellers at the NHL trade deadline, the Buffalo Sabres may not be finished. There are still plenty of names being thrown around the rumor mill, including four defensemen. The Sabres also have a few aging players that may generate solid returns if they can strike a deal with a contender.
A young team looking to get younger so they can make a strong playoff run in the future, the Sabres can shed some cap space and age, which will let them recall some prospects from the AHL and set the stage for the offseason. They can also, if general manager Kevyn Adams plays his cards right, land some young, NHL-ready talent via a trade (or three).
So which players is Adams most likely to deal? Here are three players ranked by projected returns, starting with a physical defenseman.
Robert Hagg
The Sabres acquired Robert Hagg in the Rasmus Ristolainen trade with the Philadelphia Flyers. Unfortunately, Hagg has not lived up to expectations consistently. He has had moments where he provided a physical presence for the Sabres.
But with just 86 hits in 45 games among other underwhelming statistics, he has underperformed. His lack of a physical presence is even more alarming considering he has logged more ice time this season since 2017-18.
Hagg is also, even at just 26, one of the team’s older defensemen. Along with Will Butcher, Mark Pysyk, and Colin Miller, teams have inquired Kevyn Adams about Hagg’s availability.
And since he’s young and still has a lot of hockey left ahead of him, it’s possible the Sabres can get some fair compensation in return. Either a mid-round pick or a few prospects to plug into the AHL. Hagg isn’t a bad player. He just hasn’t gotten it done in Buffalo.
Projected Return: Mid-round pick, prospects.
Craig Anderson
“Twilight is upon me and soon, night will fall.” Those were the words of former Jedi Grand Master Yoda in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.
And at 40, twilight has fallen upon goaltender Craig Anderson‘s storied career. And let’s assume Anderson would love to spend his 41st birthday contending for a Stanley Cup, even as a backup goaltender, instead of watching the NHL playoffs on his big-screen television.
So expect the Sabres to try and move Anderson, perhaps to a team like the Vegas Golden Knights. It’s rumored the Knights are hunting for a goalie, and Anderson can unite with Jack Eichel out in the desert.
At this point in his career, Anderson is nothing more than a quarter-season rental. But he’s proven this season, even through struggles, he can still hold his own in spot duty. No longer an every game starter, the Sabres can at least give Anderson a chance to end his career by hoisting the Stanley Cup.
Projected Return: Defenseman Nicolas Hague. In this trade, the Sabres may also ship a defensemen to the desert with Anderson.
Kyle Okposo
Trading Okposo would be a dream come true for the Sabres. Sure, the obstacle is the forward’s 15-team no-trade clause. But with a monster contract next season, the Sabres can dump millions onto another team figuring to contend both this year and in 2023.
Okposo would make a terrific addition to the lower lines of a contending team suffering from a talent gap. He will also turn 34 in April, so his age and experience also makes him a vocal leader. Especially if the Sabres trade him to a younger contender.
Of course, losing Okposo will hurt the Sabres even if they get a small ransom in exchange for his services. Especially if they continue getting younger, Okposo would make a great voice for their own locker room. And he will provide unconditional guidance for the team when things get tough.
But, the Sabres are also aware of Okposo’s trade value. Especially following a recent string of strong performances.
Projected Return: 2023 2nd and 3rd round draft pick, forward for the lower lines.