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Top 3 defensemen the Buffalo Sabres could trade for by the deadline

By Sion Fawkes

VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 27: Luke Schenn #2 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during the first period of their NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena on January 27, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, CANADA - JANUARY 27: Luke Schenn #2 of the Vancouver Canucks skates up ice during the first period of their NHL game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Rogers Arena on January 27, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Sabres
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 14: Jake McCabe #6 of the Chicago Blackhawks looks on against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at United Center on January 14, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2 – Jake McCabe, Blackhawks

While McCabe being present on this list is polarizing, you can’t deny that he’d bring a remarkable physical presence back to the Buffalo Sabres. As of the All-Star break, McCabe has 98 blocks and 98 hits, so he would make a significant presence on the third pairing.

One downside regarding McCabe is that he could cost more in compensation than Adams would like, and that could steer him away from pulling this off. McCabe also carries an AAV of $4 million through 2024-25, so that could also be a deterrent. Finally, there is the fact he will be due $5 million that season. Another issue? Some sources have implied the Blackhawks may want a first round pick for McCabe, which would immediately deter Adams.

However, McCabe would undoubtedly bring a stability to the Buffalo Sabres defensive rotation on the third pairing. If they plan on going anywhere this year, they will need it. But with Adams’ insistence to stick with his plan, rightfully, by the way, landing McCabe is rather farfetched.

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