Buffalo Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams has stuck to his original plan throughout, but will the team’s sudden contention change his mind?
Few believed the Buffalo Sabres would find themselves on the outside looking in with 33 games to go in the regular season. With one game left before the NHL All-Star break and the subsequent “third act” of the regular season takes place, front offices for all 32 teams will turn their attention to the trade deadline.
Some will sell and try to land a high lottery pick. The worst teams will do all they can to win the Connor Bedard sweepstakes. Others will buy and put their team in the best position possible to make a strong playoff run. And finally, teams like the Sabres are on the fence: Do you buy and try to make the playoffs, or sell to free up roster space for more younger talent to come in?
This is a decision general manager Kevyn Adams must make. And while logic says he might do neither and stand pat, the Sabres position in the standings and points-wise might prompt him to rethink things.
Buffalo Sabres general manager has a decision to make at the trade deadline
If Adams were to buy, don’t expect it to happen until the days leading up to the deadline. Players like Timo Meier have flown under the radar, but logic also states the San Jose Sharks will hold out until the deadline to snag the best possible deal.
Suppose Adams buys. Do I believe he’s going to go all-out and acquire a player like Meier? Let’s just say if it happens, I’d be beyond shocked. But that doesn’t mean Adams won’t swap a draft pick or a few prospects for a bottom six player or a defenseman the Sabres can insert on the third pairing.
We also need to consider what the trade market might look like. If Adams believes the market is better-suited for the buyers, he will buy a minor piece. But if the market deems itself more favorable to the sellers, expect Adams to stand pat.
Article Source: NHL Rumour Roundup: Could the Sabres be buyers at the trade deadline? by Sportsnet Staff
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