Buffalo Sabres: 3 reasons someone will trade for Mittelstadt
The Buffalo Sabres will most likely keep Casey Mittelstadt this season, but don’t be surprised if someone inquires for his services come March.
Buffalo Sabres forward Casey Mittelstadt is, in many ways having the best season of his career with 19 points in 33 games. He has seven goals and 12 assists, meaning he found the back of the net more often in 33 contests than he did in 41 appearances last season.
No, it isn’t saying much, but if Mittelstadt keeps remotely playing this way, it could augment his trade value. And even if the Sabres remain in contention come March, it would be likely one of the league’s top contenders inquires about acquiring Mittelstadt’s services. Here are three reasons why.
1 – Mittelstadt is a good insurance policy
While the former eighth overall pick has been a bust at the NHL level, Mittelstadt has been good enough to stick around an NHL roster, even a talented one that is the 2022-23 Buffalo Sabres. Therefore, even if someone trades for Mittelstadt simply for the forward to sit in the press box to act as insurance in case of injury, he would be one of the better options here.
Or, if a top contender was searching for a player capable of producing (and Mittelstadt is capable), on the lower lines, he would also be a solid option. Plus, it’s not like he doesn’t hold value in other areas.
2 – Mittelstadt can score on the power play
Last night, Mittelstadt scored his first goal on what was basically still a power play while his second score of the evening was on the power play. Overall, 11 of his 19 points this season came on the power play, and 12 occurred on special teams, thanks to a shorthanded goal earlier this season.
If a top contender is struggling on the man advantage, or if they are looking to improve their unit before the playoffs, look for them to inquire about Mittelstadt. If the price is right, perhaps general manager Kevyn Adams will move him.
3 – General managers love former first round picks
For obvious reasons, NHL general managers hold former first round picks in higher regard. And really, Adams is no different, since he acquired Tyson Jost off of waivers. And while Jost isn’t all-world, his presence immediately began helping this hockey team on the forecheck, on defense, and even in scoring.
Hot. 3 unique opportunities the Sabres have vs. Boston. light
If Jost wasn’t a former first round pick, Adams probably would have been more hesitant to make the move. The same goes for Mittelstadt. NHL general managers would be more likely to trade for him as opposed to other bottom six players because of his draft status.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)
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