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Buffalo Sabres: 3 possible trades at the 2022-23 trade deadline

By Sion Fawkes

Nov 8, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Cody Eakin (20) celebrates with Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons (28) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Cody Eakin (20) celebrates with Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons (28) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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We are months away from the 2022-23 trade deadline, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make projections for what the Buffalo Sabres might do.

Yes, this is a way too early prediction regarding the Buffalo Sabres and the 2022-23 trade deadline. But after seeing the question posted and answered in Lance Lysowski’s mailbag (link at the end of the article), it piqued my interest of what the Sabres may have in  mind.

Last season, I predicted that the Sabres would be sellers at the deadline, but they ended up selling just one player, Robert Hagg, to the Florida Panthers for a sixth round pick. This season, I expect the Sabres to sell at least one of their older players, but I also wouldn’t be surprised if they bought if the price was right.

Let’s explore three possible trades that may occur at the deadline. Starting with a player who has been a Sabre forever.

Buffalo Sabres
Dec 2, 2021; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) checks Buffalo Sabres center Zemgus Girgensons (28) off the puck during the first period at FLA Live Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

3 possible trades the Buffalo Sabres might make at the 2022-23 trade deadline: Trade #1 – Zemgus Girgensons

Lysowski implied that Girgensons is the best candidate for the Buffalo Sabres to trade when the deadline approaches. That is, if Girgensons can stay healthy. If you have read my previous articles, you know how much I like him as a player, and preferably as a fourth-line center given his physicality and ability to win face-offs (49.8 FOW in 2021-22).

But with Girgensons starting to age and Lysowski citing the center/winger’s playing style as fit for playoff hockey, odds are great that the Sabres ship him to a contender. Girgensons would likely play on the fourth line elsewhere, or he may even find himself on the checking line and receive even more ice time.

I can also see the Sabres actively trying to shop Girgensons since his contract is up following the 2022-23 seasons. And since he does own a playing style fit for the playoffs, one of the league’s top 16 franchises will find value in him.

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