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Buffalo Sabres: 3 blockbuster trade proposals with Chicago

By Sion Fawkes |
CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 23: Jake McCabe #6 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 23, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
CALGARY, AB - NOVEMBER 23: Jake McCabe #6 of the Chicago Blackhawks in action against the Calgary Flames during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on November 23, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
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Thanks to head coach Don Granato’s time with the franchise, the Buffalo Sabres share a link with the Chicago Blackhawks of the Western Conference. 

In September 1998, bestselling author Richard Peck’s novel A Long Way from Chicago debuted. The book has since become a timeless coming-of-age tale in middle-grade fiction. Well, in 2022, a few Blackhawks may find themselves a long way from the Windy City, with the Buffalo Sabres serving as one possible destination thanks to the Granato Pipeline.

Don Granato’s tenure in Chicago lasted from 2017 to 2019 when he served as an assistant coach for the team. Since Granato is familiar with the Blackhawks core group, don’t be surprised if you see a few faces from that franchise grace the blue and gold both now and in the future.

Below, I am outlining trade proposals for three different Blackhawks. Of the three proposals, only one would realistically come into fruition since I have a few players, draft picks, and prospects listed multiple times. So keep that in mind while you are reading the article.

OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 12: Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre on March 12, 2022 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON – MARCH 12: Alex DeBrincat #12 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates against the Ottawa Senators during the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre on March 12, 2022 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Freestyle Photo/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Sabres: Three trade proposals with the Blackhawks: Trade #1: Alex DeBrincat

The Blackhawks set their price for DeBrincat on June 20th. And with the amount of draft capital and depth the Buffalo Sabres have, they could very well trade for the star winger. While the Sabres have not been linked to DeBrincat, he and Granato are familiar with one another, so that could make Buffalo a top landing spot. But, he will cost them a bit of a ransom.

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic was not specific in his reporting of what the Blackhawks want for DeBrincat, instead stating high draft picks, high-end prospects, and at least one young player. Well, the Sabres meet the criteria. Here is one potential trade scenario for DeBrincat:

Sabres acquire:

  • Alex DeBrincat

Blackhawks acquire:

  • 16th pick 2022
  • 2023 first round pick
  • Victor Olofsson
  • Jacob Bryson
  • Mid-round picks in 2023-24*

This scenario would basically trade DeBrincat for Olofsson. The Sabres still hold on to the 28th pick that they acquired from the Florida Panthers. And they can also move defenseman Jacob Bryson, who displayed a lot of potential this past season.

The mid-round picks in 2023-24 would be tacked on if the Blackhawks wanted even more than the two first round picks, Olofsson, and Bryson.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 10: Mike Reilly #6 of the Boston Bruins clears the puck in front of Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins during the first period at TD Garden on March 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 10: Mike Reilly #6 of the Boston Bruins clears the puck in front of Taylor Hall #71 of the Boston Bruins during the first period at TD Garden on March 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Jake McCabe

With the Blackhawks in an obvious rebuild, they will be asking a lot for DeBrincat. And as mentioned, DeBrincat has not been linked to the Buffalo Sabres. So as of right now, a trade is not likely, though it is also not out of the question. A potential trade for Jake McCabe, on the other hand, could be far more likely.

McCabe is a familiar face in Buffalo who, at 29, is probably not interested in becoming part of a rebuilding effort. So let’s assume for a second that he is on general manager Kevyn Adams’ short list as a potential pairing for Owen Power on the second line. The following trade proposal could bring the defenseman back to the Sabres:

Sabres acquire:

  • Jake McCabe

Blackhawks acquire

  • Jacob Bryson
  • Erik Portillo
  • Ryan Johnson
  • 2022 third round pick

While this seems like a lot, we need to remember that McCabe had arguably the best season of his career in 2021-22. He set a career-high in points (22), blocks (167), and hits (166). For the second time in his career, McCabe’s ice time hit the 20-minute mark. He also has nine seasons of NHL experience, and he will be just 29 when the season begins.

It allows the Sabres to get rid of two prospects who may not even sign with them, and it also sends a blossoming player in Jacob Bryson to Chicago. This would be hard for the Blackhawks to pass up while it gives the Sabres a familiar face to pair with Power. Plus, Buffalo News noted back in March that McCabe has liked what he had seen regarding the team’s rebuild.

SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 31: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on March 31, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL – MARCH 31: Patrick Kane #88 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck prior to the game against the Florida Panthers at the FLA Live Arena on March 31, 2022 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) /

Patrick Kane

Initial reports stated Kane wouldn’t be part of this fire sale. However, NHL Rumors reported the Blackhawks front office may be more interested in moving aging players like Kane and Jonathan Toews while holding onto younger talent like DeBrincat.

While I don’t see a trade for Kane occurring, it could indeed happen if Kevyn Adams and Don Granato believe the Buffalo Sabres can become serious contenders this season. Also note, that if this trade occurs, Kane would need to waive his no-movement clause.

This is a BIG IF, but it was also something I talked about earlier in the week, breaking down three trade scenarios Da Windy City outlined. Kane is a Buffalo native as well, which is another reason you can’t completely rule this out. The odds of this trade occurring are slim to none, but let’s outline a What If in this final trade proposal with Chicago.

Sabes acquire:

  • Patrick Kane

Blackhawks acquire:

  • Victor Olofsson
  • Jacob Bryson
  • 2023 first round pick
  • Ryan Johnson
  • Erik Portillo

This scenario allows the Sabres to keep all three of their first round picks this season, and it gets rid of two RFAs in Olofsson and Bryson. The Blackhawks will get a first round pick in 2023, plus two high-profile college prospects in Portillo and Johnson.

Related Story. Is a trade for Kane in the making?. light

While the Blackhawks may want a first round pick for this season, the sheer youth in all of the above prospects would be enough to acquire Kane. While I don’t realistically see the Kane trade occurring, the above scenario is, in my opinion one that provides good compensation for a winger who is still productive in the NHL.

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