Buffalo Sabres: 3 blockbuster trade packages for Jason Robertson

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The rumor mill is afloat regarding the Buffalo Sabres making a potential deal for one of the hottest upcoming stars in the NHL.

Just because it’s the preseason, it does not mean the rumor mill is finished going through its rounds. As you may already know, it has been rumored the Buffalo Sabres inquired about potentially acquiring Jason Robertson’s services.

And while I’m on the conservative side when it comes to team building, through the draft and a solid prospects pool, landing Robertson would not be a half-bad idea. Why? He’s still just starting to break into his prime, having played in just 128 games.

Unlike Alex DeBrincat, who will need to acclimate to his new teammates in Ottawa after playing in 368 games with the Blackhawks. Ditto for Matthew Tkachuk in Florida, as he saw 431 games of action in Calgary.

Experience-wise Robertson matches that of many on the young Buffalo Sabres. So while I’m never completely hot on a trade, I am more open to this one should it occur. But what will the Sabres need to give up? Here are three scenarios, with varying levels of logic, but after what we have seen regarding NHL trades, none of the below (or another scenario) would surprise me.

NEWARK, NJ – JANUARY 25: Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars during the game against the New Jersey Devils on January 25, 2022 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Sabres trade scenarios for Jason Robertson: Scenario #1

This is the likeliest trade scenario in my eyes. While I wouldn’t be a fan of seeing Quinn go, the Stars won’t give up Robertson for nothing, and Quinn is one of the NHL’s better up-and-coming players who can step in and contribute immediately. This scenario also sees Casey Mittelstadt getting a fresh start and a change of scenery.

The Buffalo Sabres would keep their 2023 first round pick since they are swapping two former first rounders to Dallas, but will need to give up a second rounder to complete the deal. Since the Stars figure to compete for a playoff spot, they will want to acquire a player who could be an immediate replacement for Robertson, and Quinn can be that player.

DALLAS, TEXAS – APRIL 29: Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars celebrates with Alexander Radulov #47 of the Dallas Stars after scoring against the Anaheim Ducks in the third period at American Airlines Center on April 29, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Sabres right a perceived wrong

For this trade to occur, Skinner would need to remove his no-movement clause. While moving Skinner would shock the NHL universe, there are sound logistics behind it. The Stars get a winger who enjoyed a season of redemption in 2021-22, and one that will join a hockey team figuring to contend for the playoffs.

However, there is always the chance that Skinner lapses into the ineffective player we saw in 2019-20 and 2020-21, which warrants the Stars to ask for another forward they can groom in their system, which is where Biro comes in. Side Note: Trading Biro would devastate me, but the NHL is a business, and Biro is evolving into a remarkable prospect.

The Stars also get a 2023 first round pick in the event neither Skinner nor Biro play to expectations, allowing them to snag a potential replacement with a first round pick. Ideally, this would be a protected pick.

DALLAS, TX – MAY 13: Jason Robertson #21 of the Dallas Stars looks on against the Calgary Flames during the second period in Game Six of the First Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center on May 13, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

The WOW Scenario

Once again, parting ways with a talent like Peterka would not be easy, especially after how well he has played in training camp and in the preseason. But there is a chance general manager Kevyn Adams sees him as expendable in a trade for a talent like Robertson.

The Buffalo Sabres also showed how deep they are all over their prospect pool so far in preseason. While Peterka is one of the most talented in the pool, players like Jiri Kulich, Linus Weissbach, Lukas Rousek, and Brandon Biro have potential to become sound NHL players on the middle to lower lines.

This, in turn, could justify the Sabres in moving Peterka, plus three draft picks to acquire Robertson. Skinner, as in the previous scenario, would need to waive his no-movement clause for this trade to occur. While Peterka could be enough to see this trade through, adding Skinner again gives the Stars a player who could help them immediately just in case Peterka needs to acclimate himself.

Must Read. Did the Sabres reveal their defensive pairings?. light

Overall, I don’t see this trade happening, as I feel the Sabres would be giving up way too much. But it’s also wise to expect the unexpected in the NHL, so I needed to place at least one out of this world scenario in this article.

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