Should the Buffalo Sabres make a trade offer with Chicago?
The Buffalo Sabres looked like sellers at one point last season, but after proving themselves in the season’s last two months, they can become buyers.
NBC Sports reported that one team the Buffalo Sabres defeated in two thrillers this past season are hosting a potential fire sale. And given the Sabres draft capital, they may end up at least making a trade offer with the Chicago Blackhawks if there is anyone on the roster they find particularly interesting.
The only players exempt from the fire sale are Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Two franchise cornerstones over the last decade that the Sabres hope to emulate over in Buffalo with the likes of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, or another pair of players.
While a trade with Chicago is not likely, it never hurts to at least explore a few options just in case there happens to be a good fit. The question is: Who?
Will the Buffalo Sabres pull off a trade with the Blackhawks?
Alex DeBrincat could be a hot name on the team’s list. Though small, DeBrincat is worth moving one of those first-round picks and perhaps another forward (Casey Mittelstadt?) for. Still just 24, the forward has five seasons of NHL experience, posting a career-high in points and scoring 41 goals, which tied a career-high.
General manager Kevyn Adams also implied he wants to sign a veteran defenseman to help mentor Owen Power. And there might be one name on the Blackhawks that jumps out for Sabres fans: A potential reunion with Jake McCabe could be in the works if Adams takes the bait here.
He will be 29 when the season rolls around. But there is no denying his overall improvement. McCabe would make an incredible second-liner after posting a remarkable 167 blocks, 166 hits, and 22 points.
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In short, there are at least two Blackhawks that Adams might want to at least explore. DeBrincat would make a good offensive puzzle piece. And at 24 and still improving, he’s worth trying for. McCabe could be that veteran defenseman Adams wants.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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