As 2022 comes to a close, the 2023 NHL trade deadline nears. And the Buffalo Sabres, as it stands, could wind up as either buyers or sellers.
The Buffalo Sabres are a middle-of-the-road NHL team at the moment, so right now, they could either be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline on March 3rd. There is also a chance they stand pat and do nothing, which has, for the most part, been Kevyn Adams’ style.
But let’s look past Adams’ style and break down three players we would like to either see the Blue and Gold trade away, or trade for. Starting with a player who is performing better than you think.
1 – Trade AWAY Victor Olofsson
Olofsson has had his struggles this season, and his 18 points pales when compared to the Buffalo Sabres highest scorers. However, Olofsson is producing well enough that he is pacing six teams in the league in goals scored at the moment: Detroit, Nashville, Columbus, Arizona, Anaheim, and Chicago.
Note, that the Yzerman-built Detroit Red Wings are on that list. Overall, you can give the perpetually stagnant Olofsson to a contender and either give Vinnie Hinostroza a full-time role or even a prospect like Linus Weissbach or Lukas Rousek a chance.
If the Sabres keep winning, I can see Olofsson staying. But if their play in January and February mimics what happened this past November, he may not be in a blue and gold uniform much longer.
2 – Trade FOR Jakob Chychrun
Of course, we all love speculating about Jakob Chychrun, and almost everyone within Buffalo Sabres circles is talking about him. This is a trade I can see Kevyn Adams exploring IF the Blue and Gold are clearly in contention.
There will come a time in this franchise’s development where they must enter win-now mode. And while Adams would prefer to keep building through the prospect pool, he may not have much of a choice if the Sabres play consistent hockey through January and February.
3 – Trade AWAY Casey Mittelstadt
Like Olofsson, I can only see the Buffalo Sabres trading away Casey Mittelstadt if they struggle over the next two months. He may not garner much more than a late-round draft pick these days, but trading him away would open up room for a prospect at the AHL level, giving them a chance to show that they can be a long-term fixture on this team.
Do I realistically see the Sabres trading away the former eighth overall pick? Not really, given the number of mulligans seemingly every regime gives him. But there also comes a time where you need to move on, considering the brewing talent in the organization.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
Article Source: Sabres Mailbag: When should GM Kevyn Adams trade for a player to win now? by Lance Lysowski
Want your voice heard? Join the Sabre Noise team!