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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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Buffalo Sabres
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.

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