Buffalo Sabres: Trade for an NHL-level defenseman in the making?
The rumor mill regarding a potential Buffalo Sabres trade is once again in the making and good news: This one IS NOT about Patrick Kane.
A few hours ago, news broke regarding Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju, and it’s not good in terms of the duo returning any time in the near future. But it could have been worse, according to this Tweet from Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News.
GMKA tells us Samuelsson out “several weeks” — but it’s better than the alternative — while Jokiharju is week to week with a facial fracture. They’re pondering NHL-level depth move on D. #Sabres
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) October 27, 2022
That said, expect a potential trade for a serviceable, low-key NHL defenseman. I wouldn’t expect anything more than someone capable of lining up on the second pairing, but ultimately would be better suited for the third pairing.
While I have seen names thrown around on social media, I could not locate anyone specific in a thorough search online, so I won’t be name-dropping anyone. However, this does indicate that general manager Kevyn Adams does not see Lawrence Pilut, Kale Clague, or Casey Fitzgerald as the possible answers. It also indicates that he may not be comfortable with moving Jacob Bryson to the second line.
Buffalo Sabres trade for an NHL defenseman is very possible
Nothing is set in stone, obviously, unless Samuelsson or Jokiharju suffer potential setbacks. Samuelsson’s injury looked far worse than it actually was, but he will be out for several weeks at the absolute least. Jokiharju suffered an unfortunate facial fracture, and will likely return sooner.
Related Story. Sabres: 4 reasons to watch the Halloween Homestand. light
Overall, keep an eye on a potential NHL-caliber defenseman coming to the Buffalo Sabres via trade. A player they can insert rather quickly to try and put together a patchwork defensive rotation. If the Sabres end up on the wrong end of the Halloween Homestand, it will only be a matter of time before that is the case.
Article Source: NHL Rumors: Sabres, Bruins, Hurricanes, Flyers, Maple Leafs by Jim Parsons